THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME

When the clock hand pointed to 11:00 AM that morning, Zachary immediately switched off the TV, put on his sneakers, and exited his apartment. Even though it was his day off, he didn't want to spend all his free time cooped up indoors, within his living room. There was nothing much else to do to pass the time at home since watching TV had already started to bore him. So, he'd decided to utilize his free hours to hasten his post-match recovery by going for a massage in town and heading to the Lerkendal gym for a simple workout afterward.

But just as he began descending the steps—on his way out of the apartment building, his phone vibrated. When he fished it out of the side pocket of his tracksuit and noticed that it was Emily calling, he immediately accepted the call.

"Hello Emily," he said, placing the phone close to his ear while continuing to descend the stairs. "What's up? Have you finished meeting the Red Bull representatives already?"

"Hello Zach," he heard Emily's voice from the other side of the line. "I've just concluded the meeting with them right now. So, can we meet so that I can brief you about my discussion with them? Where are you right now? I can come to you right away if you're not too busy at the moment."

"I'm quite free and was just leaving my apartment to look for something to do—to pass my free time," Zachary replied. "So, why don't I come to you instead? Remember, it's easier for me to move around Trondheim." He added, deciding to change his plans within the heat of the moment. He was very excited to hear about whether the Red Bull representatives had come through and offered him another good endorsement contract.

"That's even better," Emily said. "You can find me at our usual meeting place—at the other cafe near Trondheim Square."

"You mean Café le Frère?" Zachary asked for confirmation. He slowed down his steps as he approached the exit of his apartment building.

"Yes," Emily said. "That's the name, I think. I'm just heading there right now. I will get there in about ten minutes."

"Okay, let's link up there," Zachary said, halting beside the exit. "I should be able to make it there in about fifteen to twenty minutes, depending on traffic. But that means that you'll have to wait a bit for me."

"That isn't a problem," Emily was quick to reply from the other end of the line. "If you don't mind, I'll go ahead and order a cappuccino and a cake for you as I wait."

"That's okay," Zachary said. "Can you also order some fried bacon and fries? I had a really light breakfast this morning. I'm already feeling famished."

"Okay, then," Emily responded before ending the call.

Zachary immediately shoved the phone back into the side pocket of his tracksuit trousers. He then pushed the doors, intending to quickly get into his car and head towards Trondheim Square to meet Emily.

But just as he was about to take a step out of his apartment building, he came close to bumping into someone. He almost collided head-on with a young lady, dressed in a formal black skirt suit, who was rushing back inside.

Zachary immediately reacted with the swiftness of a pro athlete. He jumped to the side and gave her a hand to stop her from tumbling to the ground.

But a moment later, he noticed that it was Kristin, his neighbor from the fourth floor, who'd almost crashed into him. He hadn't recognized her immediately since she'd changed her entire look. She seemed almost like a different person. She looked prettier and much more mature—after having changed her hairstyle and wearing a bit of makeup that matched well with her formal attire.

"Sorry about that," Kristin said, clearly still recovering from the incident. She even didn't seem to have recognized Zachary yet.  "I was just in a rush, and my mind was wandering..." She stopped midsentence as her eyes finally settled on Zachary's face.

"So, it's you, Zachary," she exclaimed, her brown eyes crinkling at the corners. "Good morning!"

As soon as Zachary locked eyes with her, his mind immediately jolted awake. He then recalled that he'd promised to go with her to see her grandpa in Bergen on the day after Rosenborg's match with Molde. But the subject had totally escaped his mind that morning. So, he was feeling guilty at that moment.

"Yes, it's me," Zachary said, returning her smile and hoping that she'd forgotten about the promise. "And good morning to you too."

"By your expression, I'm guessing that you've just recalled that we had to travel together Bergen today morning," Kristin said with a smile.

"I'm really sorry," Zachary replied, smiling ruefully and shaking his head. "But that is exactly the case. The week leading up to the Molde game was quite a busy one for me. So, I completely forgot about the trip."

"I'm really feeling down right now," Kristin said, pouting a bit and holding his gaze. "You can't even remember a small promise to me."

"But the fault doesn't entirely rest with me," Zachary countered with a smile. "You didn't even remind me about the trip yesterday. And you don't look ready to head to Bergen right now. Maybe, you also forgot about the trip."

"But that doesn't exempt you from breaking your promise," Kristin countered back, still smiling. "If I recall correctly, your exact words were along the lines: you have my word, and I won't forget. But you clearly forgot!"

Zachary could only smile ruefully at that.

Kristin chuckled on seeing his reaction. "I got you this time around," she said. "So, how are you going to make it up to me?"

"I can make time next Sunday so that we can go and visit your grandpa then," Zachary said. "That'll be the day right after our game with Vålerenga. So, I'll be free and won't forget this time around."

"Aren't you supposed to be heading back home to Congo after the match?" Kristin queried. "As I recall, the Vålerenga game is the last match before the break. Isn't it?"

"Yes, it is," Zachary replied, nodding. "But I can first take a trip with you to Bergen before returning home. I can even take my flight back to Congo from Bergen Airport."

"Then, it's a deal," Kristin said, beaming. "This time around, I'll remind you two days before time so that you don't forget."

"That will be best," Zachary said. "But tell me the truth. Were you actually ready to head to Bergen with me today? Basing on your attire, you look like you're heading to an office."

Kristin smiled. "I've got to go now," she said, pushing past Zachary and starting to head towards the stairs. "If you wish, we can talk more later in the evening. But for now, I really have to go. And congs on your incredible performance against Molde yesterday."

"Thank you," Zachary replied, turning around to watch her start to ascend the stairs. She looked even more stunning from his new vantage point. "And please be careful along the way. Don't go knocking over people while opening doors." He added with a bit of humor.

Kristin chuckled on hearing that. She then halted at around the fourth stair before turning around to face him. "Where did you put my very always-earnest Zachary," she questioned, still beaming. "Are you sure that you're not some alien imposter that has taken over his mind? The Zachary I know would never tease a girl who'd just been so close to getting involved in an accident."

"Maybe, you don't know that Zachary well," he replied, scratching at his chin. "I'll be happy to introduce him to you. That is if you wish."

"You've said it yourself," Kristin said, beaming. "I'll be happy to hear all about this new Zachary over dinner at my place today evening. Are you up for it?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Zachary said, matching her smile.

"Then, see you later," Kristin said. "Don't go making any excuses now. I'll start preparing dinner very early today. So, you have got to attend by hook or crook. Are there any specific foods that you don't eat?"

"Yes, there's one," Zachary said, his voice solemn. "I don't eat chicken feet. That's a big no for me."

Kristin chuckled. "Don't worry," she said, casting a glance on her wristwatch. "I won't be cooking any chicken feet today evening. Okay, then. I really have got to go now. See you later then." She waved before quickly jogging up the stairs.

Zachary sighed, shaking his head on seeing her figure disappear. Since his mind had calmed down a bit, he couldn't help but wonder why he'd said so much to Kristin and even agreed to eat dinner at her place. [Is the boredom from this morning taking a toll on me?] He mused, casting a fleeting glance at his watch. On noticing that it was already seven minutes past eleven, a light bulb went on in his mind. At that moment, he remembered that he'd promised to meet Emily in about eight minutes. So, without any dilly-dallying, he rushed out of the building and quickly got into his car. A minute later, he'd already pulled out of the parking space beside the apartment building and begun cruising like the wind towards Trondheim Square to meet with Emily.