AFTER TWO DAYS

ERZA'S POV

"Okay boys, this is your last one minute. Let's see which team wins. Blue or Red?"

I shouted while the girls were cheering for their classmates.

As the timer stopped, I blew the whistle indicating to stop the game.

"Good job boys. It's a draw. Each team has scored 1 point. Next time try to outshine your opponents." I advised them and soon the school bell rang.

"Okay students. Disperse. Next class, girls be ready for your volleyball match."

"Yes Madam"

Once the students left the court, I went to the locker room to change back into formal wear after taking shower.

It was my third class since morning. Luckily, I'm free for the rest of the day.

"Hey Erza, luckily I found you. Gramps has called you for a meeting."

Cana Alberona, my fellow colleague and schoolmate informed me. She worked as a chemistry teacher.

"Hi! Oh I see. Are you free this hour, Cana?"

"Even I'm coming with you for the meeting. Wait Erza, let me just inform Dianna that Mira was searching for her."

Cana left me and ran towards the corridor where she was talking another teacher while I stood outside the sports faculty room.

Dianna is the one who is going to get married to Gray in another one month.

Ever since, I heard about this arrangement. Things which I had hoped for him began to crumble down.

Even though, parents decision played a major role in this. But how could he throw away his long time thoughts and get married to another girl.

I tried convincing him as I knew his heart still beats her name. But that stupid was adamant in his decision which lead to temporary break in our friendship.

And because of this I have also stopped talking to Dianna even though she is my colleague.

When I decided, it's enough beating around the bush and directly let out all the things which he has been hiding for the past ten years to uncle Silver and Juvia.

My advancement went in vain as at that time uncle was out of town and became seriously ill if I could speak to him.

Even things on Juvia's side was not good as Meredy didn't allow neither me or Jellal to meet up with her three months ago.

It was just three weeks back we came to know Meredy was going to get married to Gray's cousin, Lyon.

Of course, over the years she had mentioned about Lyon being her boyfriend but we never guessed he could be Gray's cousin as neither did Gray were mentioned about his cousins.

It was our plan to get Meredy close to Juvia so that the latter could become friends with her and watch over her on behalf of us.

Gajeel would frequently go to Hargeon to make sure Juvia was safe. Even though she has ignored us after breaking up with Gray. We couldn't let go of her.

Juvia didn't ever attend our calls nor texted any of us after she left Magnolia. We knew her reasons and decided to respect that.

Even though Meredy did tell us about Juvia from time to time, she never gave a clear cut opinion on Juvia's feelings for Gray.

We had a hunch that she would still harbor those feelings for him even after him being cruel towards her.

But things regarding this came to total stand still when Juvia and Meredy changed their shared apartment after my wedding.

From then till Meredy's wedding, we didn't know about Juvia until we met her for real at the ceremony.

Her cries during the speech were evident enough to show the pain she carried in her heart for that idiot.

At that time; I, Lucy and Levy decided even if we had just a month's time. We should get them together as they deserve this happiness in this life.

Once Cana came back, we went to meet Master Makarov in his office.

"Hello children" He greeted us.

Even though we are in our late twenties, our principal still called us children which brings smile on our face.

Me and my friends did our high school in this prestigious institution.

Ever since then, master Makarov has always addressed us as his children while some us would call him master or gramps.

"Good afternoon Gramps" Cana responded.

"Good afternoon Master". I greeted him back.

We sat on the chair and waited for information which he was going to give us.

"Well, as everyone in this school knows Ms.Aquarius has left her swim instructor job to get settled down into family business. We are now trying to appoint someone for the same post.
So I thought, if you know anyone whose quite talented in swimming and moreover is willing to teach our students, you can suggest me.
For now, even an uncertified trainer is welcomed as in two months we are going to have sports fest.
Anyways, I was going to give an advertisement in the newspaper tomorrow.
But thought if you have anyone in your mind, then, can you call that person?"

Principal disclosed the reason he called us and as soon as I heard this news, I felt like a cool breeze enveloped me.

This news provides a perfect opportunity to call her back to Magnolia.

If something was meant to happen, certain miracles will pave way for the destined thing to occur at any cost.

Seeing my dumbfounded expression, Cana poked my shoulders and smirked at me as if she grasped the things running in my mind.

Of course, ever since, I and the girls disclosed everything to Cana, Mira and Lisanna about Juvia and Gray. Even they were determined to get those two back together.

"So children, do you know anyone? If yes, tell them to come for an interview on Monday."

"Sure master. We have the perfect person for this job. Even she's an alumnus of this very institution."

I said with a smile and thought the first thing to do after reaching home was to talk to her.

MEANWHILE

JUVIA'S POV

"WHAT? WHAT ARE YOU SAYING SHERYLN-SAN?"

I stopped whisking the cream when I heard my boss disclosing important news.

"Yes, you all heard it right. We are going to close this cafe from tomorrow once and for all.
As you all know my husband got retired last month. He wants us to get settled down in a peaceful environment which happens to be his hometown.
Even the buyer has been finalized, now this cafe is going to be an instrument shop.
I'm sorry everyone. This is it, today's your and this cafe's last day.
Hope everyone will understand my situation."

My boss lady said with guilt laced in her voice. My other coworkers began to whisper.

"Don't worry guys, later in the evening, we have a small farewell party along with a little surprise."

She said in a happy tone while trying to hide her sadness as it was evident she has already begun to miss us and this place.

This is one of the places which brought peace within me whenever I was down.

Sheryln-San looked after me as if I was her little sister and always made sure she helped me whenever I was in trouble regarding financial issues.

Surely I'm going to miss this job and my boss lady.

But one thing became clear, today was an unlucky day for me.

As from tomorrow, I'm going to be jobless as well as homeless.

Just before leaving to work this morning, my house owner gave me the other blow.

He wants me to vacate the apartment by tomorrow evening as the rent contract ends today.

I tried to negotiate with him by renewing the contract for another one year.

But it looks like he has already booked this apartment for one of his colleagues.

What an unlucky day!!!

Later in the evening, after closing the cafe for customers at 8 pm, we had a small party.

Sheryln-San and her husband David gave us a bonus which consisted of two months' salary.

"Okay guys, I had a wonderful time being with you all. I sure, I'm going to miss this life and such sweet workers whom I see as my family.
Thank you for all the nice works you all have done for me and this cafe.
Juvia, Karen and Riya make sure you girls are safe and happy. And keep in touch with me.
Hope you girls get settled down in your life according to your wishes.
And Jay, Brock, I thank you guys for always helping us out during the odd hours.
Thank you everyone. I'm going to miss you all."

Sheryln-San began to tear and hugged us in a group hug which made me tear up as well.

After finally parting my ways with Momo's cafe once and for all. Now I was left with unsettling thoughts and worries in my heart.

Firstly, I need to find a place for me to live by tomorrow evening.

I didn't inform about my fixed situation to Meredy-chan and Lyon-San as I didn't want to disturb their honeymoon trip.

Once I reached home, it was 9:30 PM, after taking a quick shower to freshen up myself.

I began to pack my luggage which consisted of my clothes, belongings, decorative items, some utensils along with cooking appliances in cardboard boxes.

Then I moved on to pack my medals and trophies which I won I'm swimming competition during my school days and college days.

It was with help of Lyon-San and Meredy-chan that I took part in some national level competition and won the trophies and scholarships to continue my studies as they kept on encouraging me and never to give up on my passion which helped me in earning recognition.

Some medals and trophies brought back certain fond memories as I cherished these wonderful moments with Gray-sama.

Even though, these fond memories brought a smile to my face but it never failed to sting my heart at the same time which would lead to tears in my eyes.

Suddenly my thoughts were interrupted by my mobile's ring tone as someone was calling me.

It looks like an unknown number but anyways chose to attend to know the caller at the other end.

"Hello!! Is it Juvia?"

"Yeah!! May Juvia know who's talking?"

"Juvia, it's me, Erza. How are you? I got your number from Lyon. Hope you are not taking this in the wrong sense." Erza-San laughed sheepishly.

"Oh Erza-San, sorry Juvia didn't recognize your voice. Juvia is fine. How are you, Jellal-San and your daughter?
Juvia couldn't talk to you and others after that time and things happened. Juvia is happy to talk to you." I said sincerely.

"I understood your pain Juvia. It's okay, we are not faulting you. So how's your life going on?" She asked me.

I don't know why I chose to disclose my current predicament to Erza-San. But nevertheless, I told her everything which made my heart feel light.

Erza-San remained silent for a few times before asking an unexpected question.

"Juvia, what do you think of moving back to Magnolia?"

Erza-San then told me currently our school needs a swim instructor and explained how it's a perfect job for me to take on.

"But Juvia doesn't want to be there where Gray-sama...no where Gray is there. It will hurt Juvia even more than she can already take it nor she wants cause any trouble for Gray." I began to stutter and told her I can't take up this job nor come back to Magnolia.

"Listen Juvia, you are going to live and work for yourself. Don't go thinking about him. If he can move on, then, why can't you?
See he's going to get married soon. If you really still love him, then, we will help you in getting him back at any cost. The answer lies with you, Juvia. "

Erza-San told me something which surprised me as he's still not married but going to.

"No Erza-San, Juvia doesn't want to ruin his happiness. If he has decided to get married, then, he must be happy with this decision. Juvia doesn't want to cause him any more trouble.
But can you give Juvia sometime to think about this offer?"

Erza-San's voice perked up, "Yes, take your time. But it's a perfect opportunity for you to come back here. We all can go back and rekindle our friendship. Tell me your answer by tomorrow night, Juvia. Waiting to hear a good news."

"Okay Erza-San, can you send Juvia Gajeel-kun's number?"

"Sure, bye Juvia."

"Bye Erza-San"

Once Erza-San kept the call, my thoughts began to revolve around what Erza-San had just offered.

I thought about all the pros and cons and decided to do the same after consulting with Meredy-chan and Lyon-San.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

SHOULD JUVIA GO BACK TO MAGNOLIA? GIVE ME YOUR OPINION READERS.