Chapter 3 Festive revelation

I resolved to shake off my introspection and prepare myself for my impending social engagement with my friends, Tanya and Amba, I was determined to temporarily set aside my rumination and indulge in a pleasant afternoon in their company since my best friend Elizabeth has been out of town, Tanya and amba have both been kind enough to keep me engaged and preoccupied, ensuring that my spirit remains high. And given the auspicious occasion of Christmas, we decided it's an opportunity to take in festive activities and revel in the spirit of the season. Following my preparations, I proceeded to Mac-cherry restaurant, a recently established and refined culinary establishment in our vicinity, renowned for its exceptional cuisine. This elegant eatery presented the ideal setting in which to commemorate the Christmas holiday in the company of intimate acquaintances. Upon my arrival at the mac-cherry restaurant, my gaze scanned the room in search of my friends, and I soon spotted Tanya beckoning to me from afar, her waving hand catching my attention amidst the sea of revelers. I joined them at their table, taking a seat alongside them and promptly becoming immersed in their lively conversation. "Heo, ladies!" I greeted, my salutation accompanied by a warm smile, "hello Nina," they exclaimed in unison, their synthesized salutation speaking a warmth and cordiality that was most endearing. Tanya's gaze narrowed, her eyes piercing mine as she remarked, "You are thirty minutes late," her tone tinged with a hint of playful reproach. "Yes " I replied, "I was engaged in a protracted telephone conversation with my mom earlier today, it's been eight years since I last spoke to her. "Gracious me!" Tanya uttered, her eyes bulging with incredulity. "Has it truly been that long?" Amba exclaimed. "Yes" I replied, "my parents divorced when I was twelve years old and that was ten years ago, my dad passed of cardiac arrest two years later, although my mom tried to reclaim me at my dad's funeral, I declined her offer, I wanted to remain close to the memories and legacy of my father, so I opted to remain in the guardians of Jason... "However, let us dispense with the discussion of my personal life for the time being," I said, while gently signaling the waiter. "let's direct our attention to ordering some food, 'cause I am presently feeling quite peckish". The waiter fortuitously appeared at our table, presenting us with the menus, from which we could peruse and select our preferred culinary delights. My culinary preference was for the gallinaceous dish smothered in curry sauce, served alongside a portion of rice. Meanwhile, my companions, Tanya and Amba, both chose the signified variant of fried rice, accompanied by sliced turkey and beef steak. The waiter's countenance radiating a warm and welcoming smile, informed us that our culinary selections would be prepared and ready for our consumption within a quarter of an hour. As we awaited the arrival of our cuisine, our conversations seamlessly transitioned to other topics, effortlessly flowing from one subject to the next. In a remarkably brief interval, the waiter reappeared, bearing our repast on a tray, which he expertly balanced with grace and finesse, the olfactory sensation wafting from our dishes was nothing short of sublime, a true culinary delight for the sense. With eager anticipation, we commenced consumption of our meals, savoring the flavors and textures of each dish with great relish, our utensils moving in harmony as we indulged in the culinary delight before us. Whilst we were still eating, a message from Jason unexpectedly appeared on my phone, interrupting my culinary activity, and diverting my attention from the enjoyment of my repast, as I temporarily set aside my meal to check the content of his sudden communication.