Tuesday, 14/10/2008

 It only took two days for the two reunited friends to meet up again. They’d exchanged a few text messages during the day in between, and Lily mentioned she had something to do around the city centre and thus would be there the next day. The university and thus Amelia’s lodging were near there – she was living in a dorm, something she’d mentioned in one of her messages. Amelia suspected her friend’s mention of being there was a hint that she’d like to meet up, so she suggested they visit a nearby café that she often frequented.

 Her lectures were already over by midday, so she set out for their designated meeting spot. As Lily had arrived by car, they’d arranged to meet at a nearby parking area. It was still ten minutes too early when Amelia got within visual range of the place, and she noticed that her ‘date’ was already there leaning against her car, hands in pockets, headphones on and with her gaze cast downward as if lost in thought – and she probably was, Amelia figured. She doubted that side of her would’ve changed much. The car was a dark blue station wagon and looked to be an older model – cars weren’t exactly her expertise – but at least externally, in very good condition. She recalled that Lily used to be quite particular with her belongings, as few of them as she’d had back at Saint Cecilia’s, and what little she’d had the presence of mind to take note of at her house suggested that it was still the case.

 As Amelia observed her friend, who hadn't spotted her back across the road yet, she suddenly found herself wondering if she would've ever even recognised Lily on her own. Of course, her memory of how her friend had looked back then wasn't exactly fresh, but she’d instantly recognised her in the picture, and would’ve done so even had she herself not been in the picture as well. But the adult form of her friend, while not completely different, certainly had enough differences that she concluded she probably wouldn't have recognised her any time soon, at least from her looks alone.

 The braided hair was well-kept and at waist length, obviously very long compared to what she'd had in her youth, and it wasn't anywhere near as red as back then, even here in broad daylight. At a glance, she could pass for a normal brunette. Though too distant to see right now, she’d also noticed the other day that there were far fewer freckles, and they were now quite faint rather than pronounced like they used to be. Despite standing still and being hidden away under yet more loose-fitting clothing – a knitted combo of a long grey cardigan and a white scarf, paired with black sweatpants for a greyscale look – Lily also projected a certain effortless physicality. Quite unlike her younger and much more frail self, indeed. The only thing that looked immediately similar to her old self was her eyes. Not that Amelia could see them from this far, but she’d had the thought the other day after first seeing the photo and then looking at Lily’s current self in the eyes right after.

 As though finally sensing she was being observed, Lily lifted her head and turned to look right back at her. She’d been holding something in her hand, but whatever it was – perhaps a ball of some sort? – vanished into her pocket. Amelia gave her a quick wave and looked both ways before crossing the street, while her friend stashed the headphones and music player back inside the car and walked up to meet her. Following her earlier thoughts, Amelia wanted to sate her curiosity.

 “You know, I was just wondering about how you even recognised me the other day,” she inquired after they'd exchanged their hellos and started making their way to their destination. “To be honest, I don't think I would've realised it was you any time soon without that photo. After all it's not like I look quite the same as back then, just like you don't.” For a long moment, Lily appeared to be thinking it over.

 “I am not entirely certain how,” she finally admitted. “But you did look familiar, and despite the different last name, I was sure once you said your name.” She paused, and to Amelia, she appeared to be slightly embarrassed. “Even so, I... could not bring myself to just say it directly. I think I was afraid that if I said something, somehow it would turn out to be just another dream.” In response, Amelia bumped into her friend lightly as they walked, not finding suitable words of her own in turn and letting the contact instead convey that she was indeed still real. After all, she’d also had many dreams over the years about meeting Lily again, only to end up sorely disappointed every time.