Chance Meeting
"It's fine, Zach." I sighed into my phone, "No really, just do your job I'll see you just before Christmas." I walked down the street. Downtown Roseville was calm, a few cars passed slowly as I headed towards the diner. "I love you too," I assured him, trying to end the conversation, "Yes, Liz is coming a few days later and I don't know if she's bringing anyone!"
Zach continued to speak into my ear, we hadn't seen each other for a few weeks, because I'd been doing some work for the government (it's classified). I had been looking forward to seeing Zach the following day. Zach on the other hand had gotten a job in Austria and wouldn't be back for another week, just days before Christmas.
"Really Zach, it's fine. I love you, and I really have to go!" I blew an imaginary kiss and hung up before he could once again argue.
Christmas was just upon Rosewood and the streets were filled with a light layer of snow. Gallagher Academy shone in the distance as if placed upon a pedestal. Her new walls betraying nothing of the ancient secrets hidden inside. I crossed the street by Abrams and Son Pharmacy, the lights inside were on, and as I gazed at the gazebo across the street I thought of all the moments I'd spent in Roseville. All the forbidden dates, cove-ops quizzes and oddly enough, life-threatening situations.
The diner was lit up as I approached, it's look authentic and it's atmosphere homey. I could see Bex and Macey laughing through the window, catching up on, well, life.
"Cammie?" I nearly jumped, the voice behind me was familiar, but I hadn't heard it in years. In fact, I should have heard someone approach. Preoccupied in primitive thoughts, I hadn't kept up with preliminary spy tactics.
I turned around and smiled. "Josh, long time no see."
"It sure has been. What are you doing in Roseville?" he huffed his hair out of his face and shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket.
"I'm not sure I ever told you that my mother was the headmistress of my school?" I shrugged and he laughed, "Yeah, I'd forgotten about that."
"What about you, Josh? I'm assuming that you aren't still in high school…"
"I finally got out of Rosewood, I'm studying at NYU actually. Mom made me come home. It's my last year and all, but I can't miss Christmas." he laughed, and his lips quirked upwards as if thinking back on memories.
"That's great. Really." I smiled, "Um, do you want to join us?" I gestured towards the diner. "We could catch up if you'd like?"
"No, that's alright." he turned to leave, but turned around "I'm really glad I saw you Cammie. I'm glad you're doing fine."
"Me too. Maybe I'll see you around sometime."
"Maybe. Enjoy your Holidays!" he yelled and waved, before turning around and walking on, continuing with life without looking back. He'd truly moved on, and I realised as I walked into the diner, so had I.
Something wet, hit me in the back of the head. "Spit balls. Rebecca Baxter, you've hit an alltime low.
"Was that a certain boy I saw? One that literally led you into years of being attacked and hunted by a terrorist group."
"Oh, don't be so melodramatic!" and we laughed, true genuine laughs. For a long time I thought I couldn't get over the past. No matter what kind it was. I hadn't forgot it, who could, but I definitely had moved on from it.