Much to her dismay, Amy wasn't happy about the groceries in her fridge. Yes, she was famished and even had a glass of juice in her hand- but she wasn't happy.
All her life, she had wished to be independent. She worked so hard for so little, only to see herself reduced to handouts?
It wasn't long before her phone got a message from Winnie. She had already arrived at the establishment.
Amy couldn't hide her excitement and ran to her. She even forgot that the building had a perfectly working elevator and ran all five flights down.
Winnie was so happy when she saw Amy again- smiling. Her eyes didn't reflect sadness. Her steps weren't measured. To Winnie, Amy was doing amazing in those three months away- better than she ever had since they met five years ago.
"Wow, bitch," said Winnie, turning Amy in a twirl. "You just look so radiant! What's your secret?"
Amy blushed and signed, I told you that this place is heaven!
Winnie stopped and looked around. The place was very busy, people scattered everywhere, noisy and hectic, but not overwhelmingly so like the set.
Here, everybody seemed to have a place to get to, something to do, someone to meet. And mostly- they seemed to enjoy being there.
"So this is our new project?" asked Winnie, taking it all in. "Exposing this heaven to the world."
Amy felt like crying when she heard that. It's never a good thing to show off a heaven because with growth comes sin. And with a sin? There's a hell.
Did you bring anything? Amy signed, so they could get inside.
Winnie shook her head. "I didn't have the time to pack. I really just missed my favourite person!"
Amy laughed at her antics and showed her around the building before stepping inside her room.
Winnie was stunned. "This is where you've been staying for the past three months?"
Amy felt giddy as she nodded. My friend, April, designed it.
Winnie's eyes widened. "You even have a friend here? And she's a designer? What else are you hiding from me?"
Amy laughed, shrugging. Nothing major- but I'm a parent now.
Winnie felt like her ASL had gone rusty. "You were pregnant?"
I'm raising a cat now! What were you thinking? Amy signed, confused.
Winnie couldn't help the relief that washed over her. "I honestly thought you carried Jonathan's baby!"
She then continued, "I would have sold the baby for free."
Amy shook her head before she tsked for Golden to come. The cat was very- very- arrogant. It took twenty minutes to walk to her.
"What's her name?" asked Winnie, laughing at its weird behaviour.
Amy laughed in reply. It's a boy. I named him Golden.
She could have left it there, but she needed an unbiased opinion, so she went on. My landlord is allergic to Golden, and I really like him. Should I sell him?
Winnie was in shock. Amy was asking for her opinion- and it wasn't on official matters!
Winnie cleared her throat. "Well, babe, there are things I'm an expert in, and this ain't one of them." She paused. "But if he's worth it, you can always leave the cat with me. That way it won't feel like abandonment."
Amy was so touched that she hugged her really tight. Sorry, I'm too emotional these days.
Winnie smiled, taking her hands in hers. "I can see that, honey- and I'm glad that you ain't a robot."
Amy was puzzled by it but, let it pass. She stood and walked to the kitchen. 'Need anything from the kitchen?'
Winnie shook her head, playing with the cat. "But, I could definitely use some shower and sleep. I'm beat"
'I'll be cooking dinner for everyone tonight so they can officially meet you', Amy signed. What's your craving?
Winnie waved her hands. "I can eat about anything. I'm easy." She hesitated. "I did read that as 'friends', right? Like more than one real person?"
Amy smirked. What can I say? I'm Miss Popular here.