One Day in California

The room buzzed with excited chatter and children ran between the tables as their parents are catching them up before they bumped into the wedding decoration. The bride and groom entered, applause spread across the room. There was the scraping of chairs as folks got up for a standing ovation and the happy couple made their way to the head table, smiling and holding hands. They sat in front of a bouquet of baby pink roses and the groom leaned in for a kiss. There were cheers and screams. After a few moments the toastmaster rose from his chair and everyone else sat down. The sound of his teaspoon rapping on the side of his wineglass signalled everyone to silence, except the children who were shushed by their parents.

I am one of the bridemaids together with Stan's sisters. I walk by the beach, lifting my head looking at the sky, the sky is bright in blue, the clouds are moving slowly and the birds are chirping, waves ahead roar and roll down, crashing onto the shore with a soft hiss. I inhaled the fresh smell of the salty air. I can't believe the time just flies away. Am I moving on? No, that feelings are kept inside my chest, I don't know how long it would stay. Don't get me wrong, I am okay. I love what I feel, so everything is just fine.

"Steffi !" I tilted my head, Lily waved her hands and mouthed "COME HERE!"

Lily held the bouquet ready. She is excited. Incredibly so. Her eyebrows frowned in impatience. Lily and Stan's friends lining themselves up. The bridesmaids rushed forward, began struggling for the high –heels they wore so do I, to the damage and disarray of their gowns, and when they were half way up, Lily heaved the bouquet and threw it away to the air and the girls below snatched at the flowers, shrieking deliriously.

A woman with a tight navy dress got the bouquet, she hold it up showing it to her friends. Then her friends chase and throw her to the salty water. The wedding party is great.

I stayed in Sans Fransisco for 2 months before I continue my journey and I've changed I plan. It's pretty hard for me to leave my sisters since we are getting along together, my mom is still missing or maybe she is just staying away from us.

***

"I will miss you Steffi" Lily wrapped her arms around me.

"Me too Lily"

"But Steffi, are you sure you are going to Orlando instead or Los Angeles? I mean.. you probably need to see Noah for a while"

I sniffed a smile. I've made my choice. I don't think Noah feels the same after all. I might looking dumb if I come back there only for Noah's answer.

"don't worry Lily" I give her the best smile I had, showing her I'm okay. Lily wants me to be happy too, I know but I am not that miserable anymore.. I still need to continue my journey, that's all.

My first stop is Orlando, I work at the supermarket for morning shift, night shift as a waitress in Italian Restaurant, they serve pizza everyday.

Orlando, Florida is well –known as the world's top theme parks. However, this city offers a great selection of unique outdoor recreation adventures and active vacation experiences that will get blood pumping and spirit booster.

Orlando Balloon Rides take me to a unique adventure high above the grounds. An hour –long flight thousands of feet above the treetops will provide a spectacular opportunity to enjoy sites around Orlando from orange groves to theme parks. I went on a sunrise flight. The early morning wake up call was worth watching the sun rise from the balloon.

The ICON Orlando Observation Wheel is an iconic 400 –foot tall observation wheel that provides spectacular views of Central Florida in all directions within 30 fully enclosed, air –conditioned glass capsules.

SEA LIFE Orlando offers sensational underwater adventures with species from the oceans of the world. They have than 5,000 sea creatures such as colorful fish, jellyfish, sharks, and turtles while walking through 360 –degree ocean tunnel. The 360 –degree ocean tunnel was my favourite part. I got to touch a star fish there.

Orlando Star Flyer, the world's tallest swing ride attraction standing 450 feet high above the ground. I was so scared at first cause it was too tall but well, I've got to try it. YOLO !

I've got another unique experience of exploring the crystal clear waters of Rock Springs, a clear kayak from Get Up and Go is the best way to do it. The clear boats act as a huge magnifying glass, I caught a glimpse of fish and otters as they swim by.

Boggy Creek Airboat Ride offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the scenic views of the wildlife and cypress trees while gliding through Florida wetlands at speeds up to 50 mph (80 kilometers per hour). An opportunity to take a glimpse of alligators, turtles, snakes, osprey, and eagles while gliding through wetlands.

One Sunday in Lake Eola Park, I enjoy the view of the clean lake reflecting the color of the sky as I can see the clouds are moving slowly on the lake. I remember that time, when I and Rony were still together, I was so in love with him and I thought I can't live without him, especially when we broke up, I felt like broken ribs and it takes a long time to heal. But when I'm in love with Noah, everything is not as I expected. I thought I am going to be so sad but so far I am okay. I start realizing that as long as I see him smiling on the screen, I am happy. Love doesn't mean I have to have him.

I sit on the bench by the lake watching the beauty under blue and sunlit skies, the view is wondrous to behold, for the lake teemed with my life. To the chorus of birdsong from the surrounding green bushes, the sound of carp sucking amongst the flowering lily-pads, mother duck quacking, watchful for the predatory pike, scooped the surface for food with her young trailing behind like a row of bobbing corks. Dab chicks and coots fed in the safe haven of the reed-beds, whilst flashing green and blue dragonflies hovered above. I closed my eyes inhaling the smell of the organic plants blown by the summer wind.

My second trip is Miami, after 11 months in Orlando.

I've been staying here for 2 months. I work as a waitress in Italian Restaurant which serves pizza everyday..again.. ughhh..I am getting bored of pizza... really...

My life is wonderful, like always. I finished my shift and on my way home, walking by the crowds as I can hear the busy chatters, hectic traffics, kids running on the sidewalk, a newspaper seller as I walked by and gave him a smile. The sky is getting dark, the sun is setting and I can see the orange –reddish sky with the shades of navy colored brushed on the sky.

I paused as I saw the new Gucci poster with Noah as the model hung above the branded store. Yes, it's Noah. The Noah I know not Noah Hoskins other people know. I sniffed a smile, watching his poster for a while, I wonder what is he doing right now? how is he? Is he busy? Does he has a girlfriend? Of course, I've watched all of his movies, talk –shows and behind the scene stuffs. He is always good in acting. My favorite is his behind the scene shoots, since he is always being himself there, his snorted laugh, silly and always playful. I love him and of course I miss him. I can't even describe how much I miss him for these past 3 years, when I saw him laughing on the screen, that's all the happiness I had. As long as he is okay, then I am okay too.

They said, Move on.

I mean ..what for? I am happy with these feelings inside my chest. There's a lot of reason for me to stay. I take a deep breath and walk away, leaving his big poster behind. Then, another pause as I saw an ice cream shop beside me. Never say NO to ice cream. I've been craving for it since morning. I pushed the door as the bell jingles and they greeted me with warm smile asking me what to order. The shop is painted in light blue, quotes written in calligraphy around the wall, and mini lightbulbs are hanging on the ceiling. The man with light blue apron smiles, waiting for me to order.

I lift my head looking at the menu hung above the ice cream machine, as I saw the word MANGO it reminds me of Noah..

"Mango ice cream" I ordered, pulling out my wallet and pay. I still remember when you told me you like mango because it is so refreshing and I started to love mango since then, I don't know why.. I just become love Mango, my new favorite fruit.

I'm heading home with mango ice cream I just bought, I was about to check the time, I forgot to put my watch on so I pulled my phone out and bumped to a guy suddenly.

"Sorry" I apology and froze at the place. Oh god how clumsy I am how could I make another same mistake again.

The tall man paused, he is now turning his body.. that familiar body, height, and hair. My heart's beating so hard I feel like I have an earthquake inside me.

"It's okay" the man smiles, he isn't Noah. Then he turned and walk away.

STEFFI, YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER. STAY. AWAY. FROM. PROBLEM.

But..... at that moment I really think he was Noah. I sighed.

It's 10 o'clock as I reached my phone and checked the time. I saw the skeleton necklace hung above the bedside table, a cute gift from Noah Hoskins. I sigh, somehow that big poster creates dilemma for me.

The room is dark. The curtains are drawn in a vain attempt to filter the orange glow of the streetlights illuminating the street outside. I glance at the digital clock at the side of my bed, the numbers 11.30 glowing in bright pink. I can't sleep. I watch the ceiling of my apartment. Then I close my eyes tight for few minutes, but I still can't sleep. I sigh wearily. Unable to sleep, I sit upright on my bed, my legs outstretched and covered with my warm duvet. I don't know what is happening to me since I bumped into that man, Noah's face just bubbling inside my head, plus the poster near my apartment. "I think I need some fresh air"

I slid my legs down wearing my new brown bear slippers to change my outfit, then I reached my coat and rushed outside.

There are only some chatters around the street, mostly adult in groups. I walk past the Gucci poster with Noah's picture in contrast light shone above the poster. I will meet that poster everyday.

My phone beeped, I pulled my phone and saw Lily's text popped up saying she is pregnant. I smile, about to reply her but then.. I bumped into a guy again. I gasped and froze. Oh my god Steffi how could you be so clumsy. I slapped my forehead, "I..I am sorry" I stuttered, another problem again Steffi.

I lifted my head and realized I was bumping on his flat chest, he is tall and familiar. The streetlights create a yellow outline of his shadow, he took off his hood.

"Are you spying on me Miss?"

That....familiar....voice.... creates ironic situation. I can only feel my heart beats, every single pound in my chest through my ears. It beats so loudly that it seemed to want to escape my chest, to flee the oncoming bullet.

His curly dark brown hair brushed by the thin wind, his beautiful hazel eyes are glancing at me. Noah stretched his arm, brushing my hair off from my face, his long pointy finger slides softly onto my skin. I never expected to meet Noah here but yes, he is all I need.

"Noah? How ....could..." I stuttered, my tears streaming down....and they are happy tears. The cold breezy night is sunshine to me, the sunshine that brighten up my day, his presence is the real happiness of mine...

He giggles, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and pulled me close. Despite the heaviness in my stomach, it fluttered at the feeling of my body pressed against his. I sunk into the warmth of his side. His strong arms tell everything, the gentle hug that gives me a space to breath.

"Steffi ! I miss you !" he added.

"me too Noah" I tighter my arms.

The questions that puzzled inside my head, the feeling I kept inside the chest, the fluttering heart every time I see him from the screen, yes I miss Noah so much. I'm glad he is here, I'm happy cause he feels the same.

One day in California, I meet an actor and in love with him.

"Steffi.... I Love..You.."

And I think.... this is the happy ending.....

THE END