911: BEEN LONG


    ARIEL’S POV


    I stepped out of my car, and the imposing structure of Andre’spany loomed overhead, its sleek


    ss fa?ade reflecting the morning sunlight. I took a moment to admire the modern architecture before


    making my way towards the entrance.


    After all, it had been kind of long since I got here. The Vitality Group still looked good, and I was d


    everything was going well. It was nice to know about this and see how things were going great. I


    couldn’t be happier.


    The automatic doors swooshed open, and I stepped into the spacious lobby, taking in the polished


    floors and minimalist décor. My eyes scanned the area, searching for any familiar faces amidst the


    bustling activity of employees going about their day.


    Suddenly, a voice called out my name, and I turned to see Hannah rushing towards me with open


    arms. “Ariel!” she eximed, enveloping me in a warm hug. “It’s been so long; I’ve missed you!”


    Returning her embrace, I couldn’t help but smile at the genuine affection in her voice. “I’ve missed you


    too, Hannah,” I replied, feeling quite great to be in her presence. Nostalgia or whatever, let’s just say it


    was washing over me. Yeah, pretty much.


    “I’m so d you’re back, Ariel. Honestly, without you, things felt a little bit different.”


    “Oh great. Thanks; I feel so special, I guess.”


    “Of course, Ariel. You are special.”


    We pulled away from each other, and I took the opportunity to nce around the lobby once more.


    “How’s everything going with the business?” I asked, genuinely


    curious about Hannah’s sess.


    She beamed with pride. “It’s going great, Ariel. Been doing great with all kinds of projects, making


    things work out with the business deals. And yes, with all these, I


    have been elevated to higher heights in the business.”


    I smiled, genuinely happy for her. “That’s wonderful to hear. You’ve always had such


    a knack for entrepreneurship. And you totally deserve everything. I feel so happy for


    911. BEEN LONG


    you.”


    Hannah’s smile widened at thepliment. “Thank you, Ariel. But enough about me,


    she said, linking her arm with mine. “Let’s go somewhere quieter where we can catch up properly.”


    I chuckled softly, appreciating her thoughtfulness. “As much as I’d love to, Hannah,


    I’m actually here to see Andre,” I confessed, my gaze drifting towards the elevators.


    Her expression softened understandingly. “Of course, Ariel. He’s been looking forward to seeing you


    since he left the hospital,” she said, reassuringly squeezing my


    arm. “I’ll let him know you’re here.”


    With a grateful nod, I watched as Hannah made her way toward the elevator bank, leaving me to wait


    anxiously for Andre’s arrival.


    Whileas still standing, waiting for him, someone approached me. Someone I knew was really crazy


    about the things she did–jus–justway of beingbeing Gwen popped up out of nowhere, her enthusiasm


    practically bouncing off the walls.


    “Ariel!” She vocalized, and my mouth widely opened. “Oh my gosh, girl, where have


    you been? It’s been ages since Ist saw your face!”


    I was just staring at her because I knew what I was signing up for. “Hey, Gwen! Yeah,


    it’s been a while. I’ve been-”


    “However, allow me to borate on this irrational dream I experiencedst night! Consequently, I was


    traversing a glittering field atop a unicorn when all of a sudden, I was alightening aboard a rocket ship


    bound for Mars! Can you believe it?”


    I made a face that was sort of a puzzle, I’d say. “Um, that sounds… wild. But, Gwen, I-”


    “And then, I found myself at a disco party with aliens!” She cut me off. “Can you. imagine dancing with


    little green men? Oh, it was hrious!”


    “Gwen, that sounds like quite the adventure, but…”


    She snapped her fingers/continuing with her nonsense. “Oh, sorry, I’m rambling again, aren’t I? I just


    get so excited to see you! Hey, let’s take a selfie to


    Before I could protest, Gwen had already whipped out her phone and pulled me into


    a selfie.


    She opened her mouth really wide. “Say cheese!”


    I had no other option but to force a smile. “Cheese.”


    “Perfect!” She put her phone down, letting go of me. “Okay, so tell me, what have you


    been up totely? Is there any juicy gossip?”


    I crossed my arms, trying to make her understand that I was not in the middle of this.


    “Actually, Gwen, I really need to catch up with Andre. It’s kind of urgent.”


    “Oh, of course, of course! I won’t keep you any longer. But hey, let’s grab lunch sometime and catch up


    properly, okay?”


    I nodded with a smile. “Sure, that sounds good.” Fake smile, but I needed to pull that


    off at the moment.


    “Yeah, but…”


    “Okay, okay, bye–bye. You have work to do, and I have someone to see.” I gently


    ced my hands on Gwen’s shoulders and began to slowly steer her away.


    “I know, but I still have other things to talk about. Those scenes just came back to


    my head, and trust me, they are really captivating.”


    “Sure, they are,” I said sarcastically, still pushing her away. “Well, I should get going


    now. It was great seeing you, Gwen.”


    “Aw, don’t be a stranger, Ariel! Catch youter, alligator!”


    I chuckled. “In a while, crocodile.”


    Finally breaking free, I made a swift exit towards the elevators, relieved to escape.


    Gwen’s whirlwind of energy. But as I stood there, Hannah advanced toward me.


    “There you are,” she blurted, walking closer to me. “I thought you had left. I was like,


    Oh my god, gone too soon?”


    I widened my eyes at her, and she shook her hands, saying, “That’s not what I meant.


    Don’t get me wrong here.”


    I couldn’t help butugh.


    “Alright, Ariel, let’s go see André. He’s been eager to catch up with you.” She smiled at me, crossing


    her arms.


    Thanks, Hannah. I really appreciate it.” I smiled back


    We walked up to Andre, who was seated at his desk, engrossed in some paperwork.


    As we approached, he looked up with a warm smile.


    “Ariel, it’s good to see you. How have you been?” He asked.


    “I’ve been alright, André. And how about you? How’s the recovery going?”


    “Oh, the wound still stings a bit, but I’m getting by. Thanks for asking.”


    I nced around the office, smiling at the building. “It’s been a while since I’ve been here. Things


    haven’t changed much, though.”


    Andre sighed. “Yeah, we’ve been keeping things pretty steady. But we’ve missed having you around.”


    Hannah interjected, sensing the moment was right for her to make her exit. “Wel, n leave you two to


    catch up. Ariel, it was great seeing you again.”


    “Thanks, Hannah. Take care.”


    As Hannah walked away, Andre turned his attention back to me, his expression


    curious.


    “So, what brings you back here, Ariel?‘ Andre was questioned, resting his elbows on


    his desk. “Not that I’mining, of course.”


    I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before speaking. “Well, Andre, I did some thinking, and… I


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