Friends, the time has come. The last few chapters have begun. If all works out, this story will be finished by the end of the year. If not, then... Well... Not. But fear not, I have another story planned. If anyone were weird enough to like my writing. But I digress. I hope I don't fuck this chapter up. Well then, chapter 16. Enjoy!
Two weeks later. Date: July 1st, Maho's birthday.
Filled with an extreme feeling of satisfaction, Maho turned the key in the lock, and the engine noises stopped. Finally, she was able to take off her helmet. With her helmet in one hand, she got off of the black motorcycle she had ridden until just now, shaking her head in the hope to somewhat fix her messy hair. Having an extremely proud grin on her face nonetheless, she opened the leather bag that was attached to the rear of the black chopper and took out her regular bag. After doing so, Maho turned around and saw Helen and Yannik standing behind her. Yannik looked very impressed.
„Say, that's a nice bike."
„Yes, it is indeed. Found it locally."
„Wow. 2001 Honda Shadow, isn't it?"
„Correct. Had to do some work, but here it is."
Suddenly, Helen chimed in. „Now. First of all, good morning. Second of all, happy birthday."
Maho's expression changed from a proud smirk to a warm smile. „You seriously remembered that?"
„Of course. I always try to remember those things. From what I know, even a small 'Happy birthday' can make a person's day a little bit better."
„And you're completely right. Thank you."
„No worries."
Right after Maho said that, Yannik made funny noise which sounded a bit like a mix between coughing and a death rattle. When Maho and Helen looked at thim, they saw that he was looking at the ground, apparently a bit embarassed.
„Uhm...", he started. „Well... I kind of forgot, but... Happy birthday? I guess?"
Upon realizing what he had said, Maho chuckled. „Come on man, relax. I won't throw a tantrum because you forgot something I told you two weeks ago while we were all drunk."
„In that case I'm relieved."
„By the way, about my birthday, do you want to come over this afternoon? We could... I don't know what, but we could do something."
„Sure, I have no problem with that."
„Me neither.", Helen confirmed.
„Guess it's set then,", Maho concluded. „What about 3 pm? I have some stuff to do, but by then I should be done with everything."
„Sure.", the two said simultaneously.
„Now, let me check the time... Oh. We have only ten minutes left, and I still need to put this thing here...", she slightly raised her helmet, „to my locker. I'll do that now, see you in the lecture hall."
With that, Maho wandered off into the huge building.
4 hours later
„Hey, what's for lunch today?", Yannik asked.
Maho answered him. „Uhm... Meatballs with mashed potatoes and peas, if I remember correctly."
„Nice, sounds awesome."
As the two entered the canteen, a delicious smell confirmed Maho's suspicion about the meatballs. The two friendly old cooks were busy handing out plates full of food to the dozens of hungry students who were all lined up to get some lunch. German food was actually one of the things that Maho really liked about Germany. While traditional Japanese food was usually rather light, good examples being Sushi and Sōmen, most traditional German food was very substantial and nutritious, examples for that being the aforementioned meatballs or even pig shank. To Maho, it was unusual, of course, but she didn't see any reason to complain.
After the two had gotten some food, they sat down on the nearest free table.
„By the way...", Maho started. „Where's Helen? I think I last saw her when she went to the toilet about twenty minutes ago...?"
„Yesh.", Yannik responded, quickly swallowing a mouthful of peas. „She sent me a message a few minutes ago. She is on her way home, said she doesn't feel very well."
„Oh my... I hope she'll be alright for our little party this afternoon..."
„Don't worry, she has an iron stomach. I don't think there has ever been something that has left her sick for more than two or three hours."
„Let's hope for the best, that's all we can do."
„You're probably right..."
Out of ideas on what to talk about, Maho silently started eating.
About fifteen minutes later, both Maho and Yannik had finished their food and got up to put their plates and cutlery onto the little cart that was standing in the middle of the room. On their way there, Maho saw Marie Braun, the woman she had gotten into a fight with on her first day, sitting next to a window, looking very angry. When she noticed Maho, she simply mouthed „Fuck you" at her.
„She's been a little angry for the last few days.", Yannik started explaining. „Her father has been arrested for selling cocaine to minors."
„Holy fuck, he did what?"
„Yup. They got him locked up now, he will probably be in there for a good ten years. Deserved it though. That bastard is exactly the same turd as his daughter. God I hate that man. He came here once, insulted everyone, spouted some racist bullshit and left."
„Really? Without a reason?"
„Without a good reason. Marie here had been seen carving swastikas into the bathroom mirrors. So he came here, told them the usual story about that being a buddhist symbol and Marie being an extremely smart girl for knowing that. He then got angry and things escalated."
„Sounds like the prison is the best place for him anyways, doesn't it?"
„Exactly."
„Hm. Listen, I'll have to go now, I still have to do some preparations for the party later."
„Sure. Bye then."
„See you..."
After jokingly saluting Yannik, Maho walked away to get her helmet, proudly hearing a resigned „Yeah fuck you too!" behind her.
Holy shit. Getting all of the stuff that has yet to happen into two chapters will be interesting, I'll just assume the next two chapters will be longer than usual. But that is actually something I'll worry about tomorrow. Goodnight!