“Thank you, Todd, as always for your input…” I said sardonically as I watched the highway markers whiz by,

“And Riley? You weren’t even in the room! How would you know?” I said in a matter of fact voice, vexed by the incessant antagonism. That night had been a long time ago.

“You, Ms. Sierra Topé, were totally flirting with the guy, just as you “accidentally” ran into him,”

“Riley! I didn’t mean t----“ I tired to protest yet she continued on,

“Plus, you wouldn’t shut up about how he asked to meet you, and you’ve should’ve heard those girls outside the backstage thing, they were all talking about how Taylor was quote “Falling all over himself” over you.” That was all that was needed to cause the car to erupt in more mocking laughter, but Ri continued near tears,

“Then she finally comes out, after the last girl to leave, and finds me and we go to the concert. So then….” Riley continued to tell the story but was rudely interrupted from Ian who sat with his head in Ri’s lap,

“So did you guys go back afterward or not?” He mumbled yawning, obviously not too interested in the whole story.

“No…” I mumbled from the front seat.

“Why not?” Todd questioned.

“Because….because I-I…I didn’t want…I don’t know okay? I just didn’t want to.” I said, not really understanding why I hadn’t gone back either.

Because my parents were both executives for a large cooperate office, they were yet again away on business trip, in San Fran, leaving me and my 8 year old brother home alone.

The house was dark and quiet as I opened the refrigerator in a fit of hunger, deciding to desert the idea of cooking and left for a dish of my favorite fried rice.

Quincy market is not too bad on Tuesdays, yet nearing the Christmas season made it more hectic than usual . After ordering my beloved dish, I settled on a deserted bench as the street lights flickered on and I was alone for the most part. As they time grew closer to six thirty the streets filled up with commuters on their way home from work.

I giggled at the past moments in the car ride, thinking back upon that faithful day. The clock hand struck six thirty with a loud ring as the resounding bells rang in a nearby chapel as I remembered that I had to be at the bus pick up six blocks down to pick up my little brother.

A worried feeling washed over my body as I jumped up nearly taking out an old man with a cane. If I wasn’t there to pick him up, he’d be hysterical.

I heaved the Chinese box in a trash can and debated whether to cut through the crowded food court as a short cut or to depend on my usual way. Guilt and contrition took over as I jogged recklessly to the building and hastily pushed through the crowds and lines awaiting their food.

Not noticing the cautioning yellow wet floor sign, I lost my balance and slid clumsily into the nearest body next to the wall, pinning them against the concrete with a crunch as I regained my balance.

“I am so sorry!” I gasped but nearly choked on my own gasp as I pulled the astray hair out of my eye, and may jaw dropped when I saw who I had bowled over for the second time.

His eyes burned into mine, yet weren’t angry, they were almost joyful. “Oh-Ohmygod.” I laughed at this awkward and coincidental happening,

“Taylor right?” I bent to pick up the change that had spewed from his hands after the crash, as he remained silent in disbelief.

I placed the change in his hands as his mouth still hung open, “Uh… yeah… You’re Sierra, right? Sierra Topé….”

“Yes I am… you remembered Taylor Hanson.” I smiled flirtatiously,

“Look I am sorry about all of this again…. But my brother, he’s waiting for me….I have to go.” I turned swiftly to leave, giving him one last departing grin.

“Wait!” he called after me, as dejavou set in. I felt his arm on mine in an awkward embrace as I turned slowly.

“I really have to go…”I whispered as people flooded around us.

“I—I wanted to know……I just wanted to know if, you, well if you…” he stuttered as he tried to ask me something but I did not know what.

“If I? If I what?” whispered edging in the direction I need to go in.

“If you had a last name… Sierra.” He said finally and I laughed at the simplicity.

What did I think he was going to propose?