Kapitel 26: The Past II

Elena looked at David with an affectionate smile as he continued expressively talking about his favorite character from a cultivation novel. She was never a fan of cultivation novels; in fact, she wasn't even a fan of novels at all. But she liked spending time with David and loved the way he could narrate a world of fantasy.

She still remembered when she had just arrived in New York a few years back and had no friends in school. She used to stay mostly by herself because others were intimidated by her for some reason. But not David. Perhaps he saw that she was alone as well and decided to strike up a conversation with her.

And ever since that day, they had become the best of friends. Suddenly, Elena's eyes moistened a little as she recalled that she would have to return to her family in France for a year. The thought of staying away from David pained her heart, but she had to go.

She waited for David to finish his narration, not wanting to interrupt him. A few minutes later, she said with a forced smile, "Let's go to Coney Island. There's something I wanna tell you."

"Hmm?" David was puzzled. "What's it about?"

Elena got to her feet and grabbed David's hand, then pulled him away. "No, I won't tell you here. Let's go to the park first."

Seeing her dear friend's antics, David couldn't help but smile. When he lowered his head and looked at her hand on his, his cheeks reddened a little. "A-Alright, let's go."

The two left the school and hopped into Elena's car. She hailed from a very wealthy family in France, but whenever she was with David, she would never act aloof or show any ego. That was one of the things he liked about her.

Elena knew that he came from a poor background. But despite that, she didn't let it affect their friendship. If anything, she had always offered to help him with his finances but he'd always refused.

In front of her, David would show his truest self. He wasn't afraid of showing his true emotions to her—she was the only person he could open up to, after all. At home, he tried his best to not draw attention to himself so as to avoid his drunk father's wrath. She was his sanctuary and he cherished every moment with her.

In the car, Elena continued talking about the time that they had first met with a look of reminiscence on her face. Seeing his friend talk about the past like that, David couldn't help but joke, "Elena, is everything okay? You're talking as if you're going to die tomorrow."

"Hmph!" Elena glared at him and smacked him on the shoulder. "I'll outlive your puny ass." The two burst into laughter. A little less than fifteen minutes later, the car reached Coney Island, and the pair alighted.

Luna Park on Coney Island was a great attraction spot in Brooklyn. They enjoyed the rest of the day going on various rides and playing all sorts of games. The pair then finally got on the large Ferris wheel.

David was panting after the last roller coaster ride. At that point in time, he had forgotten about all his problems in life. He was living in the present, having fun with his best friend.

He looked at her and smiled brightly. "It's been a while since I've had this much fun. I really needed that."

Elena looked at him and gently smiled back. She had thought of a lot of things to say, but nothing came out of her lips. In the end, she simply stared at David, who was curiously looking around as their cabin slowly went up.

Inwardly, she was struggling to tell him that she would be going away for a year. She knew that he had no one to rely on besides her. If she told him the news, she didn't know how he would react. At the same time, she also didn't want to leave without saying anything.

She was truly conflicted.

As their cabin reached the top, the Ferris wheel slowly came to a halt. Elena took a deep breath and flashed a bright smile. "David, do you have a dream?"

David looked at her and tilted his head. "Dream? What do you mean? Like a goal?"

Elena nodded. "Yep! What's your dream? Like, what do you wanna do in life?"

David didn't even have to think for a moment before he replied. He stretched his hands wide in the air and screamed, "I wanna travel the whole world and see everything there is to see…. I wanna be a wanderer!"

Elena was slightly taken aback seeing David speak so passionately and couldn't help but giggle.

David looked at her and chuckled, "Funny right? But it's the truth." He turned his head and looked out at the sea. "I've never left this city…. I wonder if I can ever witness the beauty and grandeur of this world."

Seeing that her friend was indeed serious about this silly dream of his, Elena couldn't help but look at him deeply. "If you wanna see everything this world has to offer, then you have to become strong. Otherwise, you'll never be able to make your dream come true."

At that point, her eyes flickered and she seemed to have come to a decision. David, on the other hand, looked at her and joked, "Ah, yes, yes, fairy! I shall comprehend the dao and stand at the top of the world."

Their cabin soon reached the ground and they came out. Then they toured the concession stands, eating snacks and sweets until, finally, it was time for the park to close. As they left, David looked at her and asked, "By the way, what'd you wanna talk about?"

Elena was momentarily dazed. In the end, she decided to not tell David about leaving. She thought of making it up to him when they reunited in the future, then looked at him and stuck out her tongue. "You never step out of the house except to go to school or unless it's the end of the world. And you talk about traveling the world, you're funny!"

David harrumphed in a playful manner. He raised his chin and stroked his non-existent beard. "You foolish disciple, this senior will one day comprehend the dao and rule the world. Just you wait!"

The two friends bickered for a bit longer, then before parting, Elena said with a blush, "David... close your eyes."

"Hmm?" David was puzzled. "Why?"

"Just do it!" Elena yelled, her face turning red.

David rolled his eyes at her and did as she said. The next moment, he felt a warm yet slightly wet sensation on his cheek. Shocked, he opened his eyes and saw Elena planting a kiss on his face.

Without waiting for a moment longer, Elena blushed, turned around, and ran away. Meanwhile, David stood rooted on the spot as he caressed his cheek. His face reddened and his lips curled up into a foolish smile. In a daze, he turned around and walked away.

Elena stood by the pier alone as she stared at David's departing back. Her eyes began tearing up. "'Til we meet again, mon amour."