Her Childhood Best Friend

“Malcolm! Hey! Wait up!” Alice cried as she came face to face with the tall, muscular, dark-skinned boy. His brown lips quirked in delight at the sight of Alice, picking the brunette up off the cement and twirling her around like a rag doll.

“Alice! It’s been so long!” Malcolm exclaimed, his hold on her slightly loosening as he placed her back on the ground.

“It sure has! How was studying abroad?” The two friends were a year apart, meeting as a result of their parents rather than in school. After his senior year and Alice’s junior, he had decided to study at Le Cordon Bleu in France to follow his chef dreams. Alice had missed him so much, and vice versa.

Little did she know how much.

“It’s good. I think I know how to do a French accent now.” He cleared his throat. “I need de baguette - ”

Alice broke into laughter, hugging him once again.

“So.. I have a present for you, Alice.”

“You do?” Alice squealed.

Malcolm nodded, smiling widely. “C’mon. It’s in my suitcase. I’ll show it to you.”