Chapter 2: The Reunion

Karin Papadopoulos' POV

I was stirring in my sleep as I was rolling on my bed. I was smiling when I saw that I was dancing in my dream with my prince. And that prince was Pascal Vouivre…

I opened my eyes too suddenly that the sunlight was burning my eyes right now. I groaned before I was shielding my eyes from the sunlight. I was groaning before I was breathing hard. I sat up from the bed as I was looking at the window then at my clock.

It was 8 AM as I was stretching on the bed. I don't think I would be sleeping long since my shift for the hostess at one of the most exclusive restaurants will be starting at 3 PM. I was groaning before I was smiling. It has been 3 years since I made my decision to come out to the capital city of Cyprus, Nicosia.

I was having the grandest time when I know that at 21, my father will no longer have authority on me. I was looking forward to when I was 18 years old and to leave the only place that I know, it was scary.

I was looking at the sky as they were bright and sunny. I think I might call my friend, Dana, to meet up before my shift started. I grabbed my phone and texted her so that we can meet at one of the cafes that she's been dying to try out.

She replied quickly as she was okay to meet up. I smiled before I was getting out the bed. My studio was not much, it has a spacious place with a kitchen and a bathroom. I did not have any bedroom as my bed was sitting in the far corner of the studio.

I had a kitchen that was furnished for me to cook but I usually eat at my workplace since it was free for the employees. I don't have much of the clothing but I do own some sundresses and wedges that I would wear to my work. Then I have jeans and a blouse for my casual outing.

Nothing fancy.

I went to the bathroom before I was turning on the radio. I was listening to the Hits as I was a fan of music. I caught up with the newest release of Pop songs and I was dancing my worries away as I was dancing in the room.

I was washing my face with a cleanser and brushed my teeth as I was swaying to the music. Then I went to take my shower as the cold water was hitting me. Summer was here and I think I was happy to be in this mood right now. Even though Cyprus was sunny all year round, it was just nice to know that I was looking forward to my trip to Paris later on.

I have been dreaming to get out of the island for the longest time but I think it will come later, not sooner. I sighed before I was turning off the faucet and I was having so much fun before I dried myself off and went to put on jeans and blouse with sneakers.

I was looking at myself in the mirror before I was brushing my hair and let it air-dried. Then I was putting on moisturizer and sunscreen on my face. I don't usually wear makeup except for working so that's all I have on my face by then.

I was taking my handbag before I was spraying some perfume on my neck and wrist, it was Be Delicious by DKNY. It has a sweet apple scent and I loved it. It has been my precious perfume as long as I can remember.

I walked to the door before I was locking my studio. I went down the stairs as I took public transportation to get to the restaurant. I was happy as I know today will be a brand new day. And I cannot wait to meet with my best friend.

The ride was short as I was stepping out of the bus when I was in the area. I saw that Dana was walking up to me before I was smiling at her. She was waving as we were hugging when we're close to each other.

"I have been waiting for you," Dana said before we were walking, linking our arms together. If people think that we're lesbian, so be it. It's not like we're really were.

"Sorry, I was getting caught up with the music when I was in the bathroom. I think I might have to go slow with my radio now," I said as I was looking at Dana. She smirked at me.

"As if! You live for the music," she said as we were entering the cafe for our coffee. It has the iced coffee that I loved so much. I don't know why but me and my sister, Karisa, loved iced coffee. It's our thing.

We ordered up as I got my usual, iced coffee, and Dana got her almond milk latte. We took some croissants and cake as well to go with our drinks. I was taking a seat before Dana was waiting for our orders. It was not crowded so we got it as soon as possible.

"So, how's work?" Dana asked me as I was sipping on my iced coffee. I shrugged before I was looking at her.

"What about you? Got anyone to loan some money yet?" I asked her as she sighed. She sipped on her latte before Dana was looking at me.

"I don't know. I have been to several banks that I think I would have gotten the loan but turned out, they all got rejected," Dana said as I was patting her hands.

"Do you have any backup plan?" I asked her as Dana was thinking to answer my question. She was in deep thoughts that I don't want to push it on her.

"Well, aside from that, I think I need a break from my job," I said as I was taking a bite of the cake. Dana arched her eyebrow at me as I was laughing.

"You know, I have been saving up to go to Paris but I think you need it more than I do," I said as I was looking at Dana. She smiled but she shook her head.

"No, I can't. It's your money and I think I don't feel comfortable to ask from you. You're not even family," Dana said as I was gesturing that I was hurt by her words.

"Dana Alepoù, how could you?!" I said as I was swatting her arm playfully. Dana laughed.

"After what we've been through together, you just have to spit it on my face that I am not your family," I said as I was wiping my fake tears. Dana laughed before she shook her head.

"Really, Karin. It's fine. I have something else in mind that I think I can get help from," she said as I was nodding at her. I winked.

"But if that doesn't work…"

"Okay, I will take your offer but not until I use the other method that I got up my sleeves," Dana said before we were catching up about our week and other plans that we might have something in common to do in the future. Then Dana asked me.

"Do you think you ever get married?" She asked me as the image of Pascal looked at me with intense eyes were in my head. I shook my mind as I was smiling at her.

"I don't know. I never really thought about it. I mean we're only 22 and I think it was too early for that," I said as I was sipping on the iced coffee. We have finished the cake and croissant. It was delicious.

"Hmm, but it's never to early to get start right?" She said as I was laughing at her statement. Yeah, if Pascal was around and asked me, maybe I will be willing to get married but only with him.

"I don't know. I kind of wish that I met some guy that has an interest in me and he can't keep his hands to himself. He always wanted to devour me, ravish me, claim me as his," I said as I was sighing dreamily. Dana chuckled.

"Well, kind of. If he even knew I existed," I said as I was sipping on the last of my iced coffee. Dana laughed before we stood up and clear the table. I think I need to get ready for my shift tonight. Maybe catch some zzz before that.

"If you snatch him, let me know immediately," she said as we were hugging outside the cafe. I patted her back.

"I will. And you have to be my maid of honor," I said as I was looking at her. She nodded.

"Of course, how else you might find the perfect dress for your gorgeous body," she said before I rolled my eyes and we parted ways.