The New me

The driver dropped me off a nearby bus station as I requested. He was of course having a big question mark on his face as he continuously looks at me through the rear view mirror. He just can't speak his mind as he doesn't want to be a busybody.

The station got one man waiting in line. I stood a little farther away from him while I check the bus route. It would be my first time riding bus since coming here so I was looking forward to it.

The bus came and I planned to ride on it until we reached the last station.

I sat down and looked outside as we travel. This was something I missed that's why I chose to do this today so that I may find clue in getting back. Whether it was an item, a place, an event in life, I won't care much as long as I return to the old me.

It's d*** tiring being the Iris Lin of this place.

It's lamentable that until I reached destination, nothing came to mind and nothing was found.

I sighed and sighed again as I walk by the road side. Irritated, I reached on to my hearing aid with full intention of removing and crushing them when my phone rang.

It was an unsaved number so I ignored it. The call stopped and I continued my walk.

My phone rang the second time and it was the same number. I completely disregarded the call but that same caller tried again so this time I answered.

"Hello?" I said through gritted teeth as the other side kept quiet. I quickly ended it when two seconds passed and I haven't heard a sound. It must be some kind of prank.

That prankster tried again the fourth time so I tap the red button and blocked the number.

"That felt good." I said to myself.

"You won't even want to pick up my call?" I heard a voice from behind.

Déjà vu?

I turned around and saw Liam holding his phone flashing me a smile. How come every time I met this guy I wasn't in the best mood? Are you the prolouge to my misfortunes?

"What's with the word 'even'?" I asked with one brow up. Dude, I don't have your number saved.

"Like that attitude." He said as he gestured at me with both hands. "Or like before last summer, on the island." He explained.

I furrowed my brows to think about what he meant.

"Forget it." He said walking towards me.

"On the island, I think were okay?" I said not really understanding what he wanted to express.

I heard him sigh as he spoke. "I meant your attitude. Back then you weren't interested in speaking with me and now you won't answer my call hence the word 'even'."

With his explanation I finally understood where is he coming from. Back on the island, I was expecting to surf or snorkel but my happiness wane when I met him at the place. I had to drop the activity and act like the Iris Lin that wasn't allowed to swim.

I did say that whenever I meet this guy I wasn't feeling the best.

"That? It's not that I wasn't interested. It's only because I want some girl time when we were there so…." I gave my reasons. "But who knew it'd turn out like this?" I said in a depressed voice with matching sad face and all.

"I'm sorry." He also knew the story that night so he comforted me by saying, "Even Luke….Ai, forget it. They say that bad experiences make you stronger and better as lessons have been learned." He tapped my shoulders, "You'll fair well in society."

I looked at him as I seriously said, "Thank you very much ancestor for the wise words." And bowed three times.

He was a little loss for words given how I acted. "I'm only a year older than Luke." He finally said.

"Oh~" I eyed him up and down. "Forgive my carelessness then, brother." I playfully told him.

He gently rubbed his arm as he said, "Don't give me that. I'm getting goose bumps. You just call me by my first name. Let's return to normal shall we?"

His response made me broke out a big smile. This guy is similar to Luke, he may look serious but you can be playful with him.

"So, why are you here?" We both asked at the same time.

"You go first." He said to me as I accepted. I'm not going to be one of those who'd say 'no, you go first' then the other guy would be 'no, you first' and then repeat the cycle.

I had already carefully considered what the best reply I can give is. "To draw my attention away. After those things, I want to clear my head." I said solemnly and just so he can't ask again I added, "You?"

"Just came back from sending Gerbera to her company. See that building over there? That's the place." He said after pointing to a three-storey building not far from us.

Hearing his girlfriend's name, the scene on the island flashed on my mind. I subtly looked at his face and settled that I can't butt in right now. If another chance arises then I'll tell him for sure.

'So this is the place where majority of the celebrity companies were located'. I thought to myself after looking up.

As my priority of the moment was to search for things related to my past and how to get back, I haven't able to entirely observe my surroundings. Though they don't have those glittering skyscrapers like those in the financial district, it was still a lively place.

"You look like it was your first time in here, should I show you around?" Liam offered to be my guide.

I don't know if it was this body's first time to come in here but since he offered… "Is it okay?"

"Sure. Come this way." He said enthusiastically. He first toured me within the area near Gerbera's company going straight to the other side where some bigger companies were located. There were small dining places and convenient stores along the way.

After a few more blocks, there were now much taller buildings and bigger entertainment companies with wall paintings and billboards of their artists.