"Is he going to be there?"

Katherine looked around the alley, bringing her phone up to her face then letting it drop to her side. "Carmen, I-" The phone vibrated in her hands, and she brought it to her ear. "Benji. Yeah we are. Yes, she's with me. Uh huh. No, that's fine. Do you need anything? No? Alright, we'll be there in five. Bye."

"Katherine you didn't answer my question."

"Jesus Christ Carmen, it's been two months. Just let it go." She groaned, reaching inside her bag and fishing out her mirror. She opened it, studying herself before suddenly snapping it shut and letting it drop back to her bag. "Alright, let's go. They're waiting for us."

I didn't have any choice but to follow her down the narrowing alley. The sun set behind us and our shadows stretched out before us.

The small bar came into view a couple of minutes later. It was dim and old, just like the guys always liked.

We stepped inside,and I realized that looks could be deceiving. While it looked like no one would dare step foot in there from the outside, stepping inside proved the opposite. People were crammed into booths, laughter ringing out from various places. TVs were mounted on every corner, playing some basketball or soccer game.

"There they are." Katherine grabbed me and pulled me deeper inside the bar. I reluctantly let myself be pulled, trying to look ahead for them. And see him just to prepare myself. "Hey guys." Katherine patted Benji on the shoulder.

He turned around, the usual mop of curls hanging around is face. "Hey, you made it. Hey Carmen." I smiled tightly, greeting him and the others. He wasn't here.

"Miss anything?" I heard him behind me and I froze. So much for being prepared.

"Carmen. Hi." He crossed his arms, trying to smile. He always sucked at fake smiles, they were always genuine. He was wearing his usual uniform of black skinny jeans and a sweater, although the sweater he was wearing now was especially significant. It was the one I fell asleep on a few nights after we'd met.

"Hi Van."