Alice

CHAPTER SIX

AFTER SIX YEARS.

15 AUGUST, MONDAY, AFTERNOON.

She walked out of the well-lit, peaceful, cool air-conditioned comfort of the book shop. Immediately she was hit by a blast of hot air from the street. Wow, the difference was so great. Out on the five-foot way she broke into a sweat.

She walked down the five-foot way.

Next to the book shop were two sundry shops. The smell emanating from these shops tingled her nose. The mixture of onion, garlic, dried fish, pepper and spices made a potent combination. She held her breath for a moment as she walked quickly past the sundry shops. She always wondered how the people working inside the shops can stand the smell. Perhaps they were used to it.

There are many people walking along the five-foot ways on both sides of the street. It is about one o'clock in the afternoon and many office-workers were out for their lunch break. So she could see those smartly dressed men and women hurrying towards the eating places further down the street.

The street had been made one-way some time ago to cater for the ever increasing traffic volume. Lunch hour finds the street uncross able. She wanted to cross to the other side. She looked at the traffic. One look told her that it was too dangerous to do so. The cars and motorcycles were moving at considerable speeds and they did not seem to be in the mood to make way for any pedestrian. She decided to cross the street via the lights-controlled crossing down the street.

On her way towards the crossing she passed many other shops. They were mainly shops selling clothes, shoes and watches. Near the crossing was a supermarket. Throngs of people could be seen at the entrance. A beggar was sitting on the steps, arms outstretched, eyes leading for alms. She dropped 20 cents into his unwashed palm.

She reached the crossing. The lights were red, so she waited with a group of people. Cars speeded by sending their obnoxious fumes into the waiting people. However no one flinched. A bit of smoke was not going to prevent anyone from crossing the street.

Presently the cars were screeched to a halt behind the white lines across the road except for one that made a dash past even though the lights had changed to red for him. Some pedestrians shake their fists, but no one was hit. The pedestrians were too seasoned to trust the traffic lights completely.

She crossed briskly with her group to the other side. The group from the other side crossed over to our previous side.

Once across she made a bee-line for the bus-stand. There were too many people trying to crowd under the shade of the stand. There was no place for her. She stood under the sun.

The smell of food wafted over to the bus stand from the food stalls nearby. Her stomach growled in response. Her bus came. She boarded it with several other people. There were no more seats available. So she stood on the aisle. Soon the bus picked up speed and leaves the busy street towards home where her lunch awaited.

3:30pm,

She was really hungry now. She needed something to eat before she fainted.

Alice was changed now. She was brave and hostile now.

She entered her house. Although it was small but it was very beautiful. She loved the smell of her house. It was just so pleasing and it always reminded her that it was hers.

She checked her inbox. Beth, Beth and Beth.

"I wonder why she misses me so much. I was such a loser that time." She degraded.

She sat on her comfy sofa and started reading her messages. Beth everywhere

"Hey Allie. Where are you these days? I miss you so much. Please come back here. Your mom also misses you a lot. You were like our thing. Rebecca also cares for me but I can't share much with her. She passes my information to Laura and I don't like it. The point is Allie you were my only close friend that I trust a lot. Becca ain't my type. She just ain't. When are you coming back? Please come back soon. No one knows that you are in LA. Your mom is really sad for you. She works with Mrs. Lucy now. There is news for you. I know you will freak out but trust me this news would make you jump. Allie, Matt proposed me for marriage two days ago. Amazing right? I was about to faint when he proposed me. We will get married Next year and I want you to be my bridesmaid. No excuses. I am getting married for the first time and I want it to be perfect. You are invited. Please we all need you and miss you. Waiting for your reply.