(At the State University of Pomona’s Food Atrium)

Cashier: “Welcome to the Dragon! What would you like?”

Steve: A set 2 and set 3 please.

Cashier: Great. That would be $15.90. These 2 cups are for your drinks. Please get it over at the drinks dispenser. Have a great day.

Steve: Yeah. You too.

Elliot came rushing in, took a look at the counter. (Looking out for the sauce) “Steve, wait! Did you get me the sweet chili sauce? It’s essential. The fried fish just had to go with it. If not, it’d be awful.

Steve: You should have said it earlier. I am out of the queue. Here, take the cups, fill it up. I will get THAT sauce. Both of them went on their tasks and back to their seats. 

Elliot: I didn’t know you like Chinese food. Since when?

Steve: I eat Chinese food kind of frequent whenever my Dad takes us out for meals. That got me into thinking...hmmm, I can’t recall eating Chinese food with you anywhere else outside your home. Anyway, this isn’t authentic. Looks more like Chinese fast food with white influence. Hahaha…

Elliot: It sure isn’t real Chinese food and the name is outright corny. The Dragon’s Express… What is that? Cringe worthy. So why are we here?

Steve: It’s cheap and new. We are students. Don’t forget that. Not until the day we are in the registrar. 

Elliot: Ahhh…. (Slight furrow of the eyebrows)

Steve: What are your plans tonight? 

Elliot: Nothing.

Steve: Today is Saturday! Downtown?

Elliot: Nah…. We have the finals next Monday. I think I need some revision and probably finish the book “A Brief History of Time”

Steve: The book by Stephen Hawking?

Elliot: Yes.

Steve: That is heavy for a weekend, especially after some serious studying.

Elliot: Do you have guests in your dormitory tonight?

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Steve: No. What are you thinking? You wanna borrow my place for private time with Leanne? (Smiles)

Elliot: No. (Deadpan look) Can I stay over tonight for revision? I have some questions.

Steve: Hmmm…. Alright. You have the essentials?

Elliot: What?

Steve: Clothes and toiletries. 

Elliot: Oh...yeah.

Took his mobile out of his pocket and dial.

Elliot: Hi Mum

E’s Mum: Yes Son?

Elliot: I am staying over at Steve. Gonna do some revision for the finals. I’ll be back tomorrow afternoon. Yeah?

E’s Mum: Don’t you know  is bringing 2 of her friends home tonight. They are intelligent and attractive. 

Elliot: Mum, that sounds good. Cya tomorrow. Bye

Elliot: I am going to my car and grab some stuff. What’s your address?

Steve: Tesla House. Block 3, Unit 5. Bring your books too.

Elliot: Thanks. Cya

Elliot went to the carpark and took his bag and sandals. 

Knocked on Steve’s door.

Steve: That’s pretty quick.

Elliot took off his shoes and went in. Took a glance at the room and looked at his bag.

“Oh my… Books. I have to make another trip”

Off he went. 

5 minutes later….

Elliot’s back. Took 1 of his books and sat on the floor and started flipping. In less than a minute…

Elliot: Steve, did you see my IPad?

Steve: No.

Elliot: Darn, it’s in my car. Gotta go.

Steve: Something is up there in your head. Not functioning today. What’s up?

Elliot: I don’t know. Bye. I need the IPad. Notes in there. Bye

Steve: Alright.

Back in the dormitory, Steve and Elliot began their revision. 

9am: Someone knocked on the door. 

Steve: Who’s that?

Leanne.

Steve: Coming

Elliot: What are you doing here at this hour?

Leanne: To pass you something from your mum.

Elliot: What’s that?

Leanne: Beef pies from Triumph Bakery

Elliot: Wait...How do you know I am here?

Leanne: I bumped into your mum at Lagoon Mall this evening. We chatted and she said you aren’t going home. I told her I am going to meet Sarah at SUP so she gave me these to pass to you.

Elliot: And you know Steve’s place?

Leanne: From Sarah.

Elliot: Ok. Thanks. Let me walk you to your car.

Both of them walked to the carpark.

Leanne: Elliot?

Elliot: Yeah?

Leanne: The Pomona Orchestra is playing Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring next Friday? You keen?

Elliot: Love that but I can’t make it. Sorry.

Leanne: Do we have to wait till you are a doctor before we catch a concert?

Elliot: I don’t know. Take care. Drive safely. Cya soon.

Elliot returned to the dormitory. Steve and he hit the books again.

They were knocked out around 1 am.

Next Morning (9am+)

Elliot had woken up before Steve. He took a shower, changed and went out of the room. 

10am - Elliot was at the food atrium of the University Town.  He walked towards The Dragon’s Express. It was closed. Disappointed. Then, he saw the operating hours noted on the glass door. 11am - 10pm. He started loitering around the area. Walked in and out of some outlets, occasionally staring at his phone. 

11am - He went straight into the Dragon’s express. Eyeballing every corner of the restaurant. (In his head, he gasped. Where is that cashier? Do I wait? I have to be home for our regular Sunday lunch.

5minutes later, his phone rang.

Elliot: Yes mum, why do you call now? Told you I’ll be home in the afternoon. 

Mum: I know...but your Nai Nai (Grandma) paid us a surprise visit at the Church this morning. We are going home now. I thought she would only be here in the evening. You get home now.

Elliot: Ok Ok...Walking to my car now.

He turned away from the restaurant to head to Steve’s place and get all his stuff. As he was pushing the door on the way out… he heard….

“Alex, get in quick. 1 more time, Donald will fire you!”

Elliot turned his head and saw the cashier. In his head…”Alex…???” I will be back again.

He hurriedly left and headed to the Tesla House.