That other girl went to 

Westcity

Community College the first year out of high school. The plan was to apply again during that first year and transfer to a university. The plan then quickly changed to transferring after two years. She could save more money that way.

Her 

GPA

was over 3.7. She was accepted by the main university that she wanted to get into. The one that had rejected her in high school. But she didn't end up going. Instead he stayed in town. Worked at Imogen's cafe. Lived at home.

Alan listened to Imogen telling him this. They went to Larry's Diner for dinner. They served breakfast even in the evenings. The coffee tasted burnt. But Alan still enjoyed it. Decaf after the sun had long gone down. He took a sip of the decaf. Looked at their reflection against the window. 

Imogen Howe

took a sip of her tea. Decaf black. The drinks weren't as good as her cafe. But they didn't come to the diner for quality. They came here for a mood. Some thing from the past.

Alan wanted to know more about Imogen's coworker. The one who got rejected from all her schools. Ended up getting in after two years. And decided to stay. Why is what he thought. But he couldn't ask it that way. If he were to ask, it would imply that it was strange for someone to want to stay here. Would imply that it was strange that Imogen was here.

"It's nice to be here isn't it?"

Alan was unsure whether Imogen meant back here for winter break. Or here in this diner now. Or if she was talking about herself... and how it was nice to be here instead of someplace else.