I Deserve A Second Chance

"Feifei."

Shao Yan clasped both of her hands to cover her best friend's trembling hands.

"I admit, at that time I hated everyone," Shao Yan started to say. "I was alone, my focus had always been to work and earn more, and that was why I had no other friends in the same city," Shao Yan started to recall her lonely times.

"After I left him, I had to fly to San Francisco to meet my other friend to beg for shelter," she paused as she felt that she almost choked with emotions.

"This friend was someone I had known before from language school and she was much older than me, so I felt more secure in asking for her help," Shao Yan started to speak much slower, and her demeanor turned solemn as she looked down and stared at their clasped hands.

"Besides, I knew that I would need a company. Otherwise, my thoughts would keep going to the negative side."

Her memory wanted to bring her back to those gloomy days, but Shao Yan held them in. She did not want to ruin her good mood for today.

She paused, before slowly continuing.

.....

"At that time, I had lost trust and hope with everyone and everything else that I thought I had known. That was the reason why I did not contact you or the others to ask for help," Shao Yan raised her face to look at Feifei in the eye.

"All of you just reminded me too much of Liwei and our memories; and the Shao Yan at that time was hating everyone from her university days," Shao Yan gulped as she started to choke with emotions, "she was blinded by anger and disappointment," she heaved a soft sigh; trying to control her own feelings from engulfing her to keep talking.

"But Feifei, what has done, is done. I am in so much better place now, and have become a so much better person. So, you can ease your heart and mind. I'm really happy right now."

Feifei started at Shao Yan and started to analyze her expression.

She only spoke a little about her past and what had happened after she left Liwei, but her strained voice, her trembling hands, and her dull eyes that were staring in a far distance; were enough to show Feifei what kind of lives that she had to go through on her own.

Since Shao Yan had repeatedly told her that she was very happy, Feifei let out a helpless smile.

With a soft sigh, she also said, "Xiao Yan, that's good then. Let's stop talking about the past. Let's close that chapter, and focus on the happy days in future," and when she finished, she raised one hand to wipe her tears that had started to come out from the corner of her eyes.

Her best friend's happiness was all that matters. Her heart was hurting for Shao Yan, but seeing Xiao Yan today, had convinced her that she had moved on.

Feifei felt a huge relief was taken away from her shoulder. She promised herself that from now on she would always walk with her best friend through thick and thin.

୧( ˵° ~ °˵ )୨

.....

Shao Yan coughed to clear her throat, "So, what are you doing here?" and then she leaned back to her seat and tried to change the topic.

"Your team requested some vendors to come today. They said they want to decide on the position of where we will put the stuff," Feifei replied to her; despite knowing her intention. She glanced at her watch, "I guess I'm early for once."

And then she nodded at herself; satisfied at her own accomplishment.

"Oh! That's right!" Feifei suddenly exclaimed, "It's actually good that I meet you here, Xiao Yan," Feifei reached out to her purse, and then from inside, she took out a light blue card. The font was in gold colors; elegantly engraved all over the card.

Feifei handed over the card to Shao Yan, "It's an invitation card for the Grand Opening for my cake shop," her eyes were shining in excitement.

Shao Yan received the card, and she was swept in her happiness, "Wow! Feifei! That's awesome, your dream finally came true," Shao Yan quickly opened the card and looked at the content.

"Hmm.. This is a very chic, very royal looking design, "Shao Yan looked up from the card and smiled at her, "very nice taste!"

Feifei grinned, "Of course!" And then she sulked at Shao Yan, "Who told you to never visit my shop? I have asked you multiple times to come over and take a peek," she said as she pouted her lips, "I designed the whole space and also the menu myself! You'll be able to see more of my creation on that day."

Feifei childishly puffed up her chest in pride, and feigned a smug look; triggering tiny giggles to escape Shao Yan's lips.

୧(＾〰＾)୨

.....

"Invite all of your friends, families, coworkers, neighbors, uncles, aunties on the street, whoever you know, alright? I want to make sure my shop is full-house that day," Feifei said animatedly as her hands moved around her excitedly.

And then with one finger, she pointed to the area at the bottom of the card.

"I purposely leave the space for 'Number of Invitees' here to be blank, so you can bring as many people as you want. I have set aside a table of ten for you. Let me know if you need more."

Shao Yan burst into laughter, "I think that is already more than enough," and then she looked at the card again. In her mind, Shao Yan was thinking while counting the number of people she could invite.

"Hmm.. Maybe I can bring nine people with me, Feifei, but if they all are available on that day," and then she quickly said, "but anyway, I will definitely let you know a few days before, don't worry."

Feifei threw herself onto Shao Yan and gave her a tight hug, "Yay! Xiao Yan, you have to come, okay? Have to!"

She slowly let her go, while continued to say, "I remember you love a not so sweet dessert. Well, guess what? I created a series just for that," and then Feifei giggled happily.