Part 19
1386 Words
Louis and I are spending our afternoon together sitting on the couch. Watching nothing in particular on TV. Well, we don't actually pay too much attention to the TV since it's only a lame quiz that is airing. So, we end up having more talk than watch.
"So, you've never been bullied until you started high school?" This fact amazes me. I thought he has been bullied even far before he starts walking. Don't get me wrong, I mean he has this soft and weak feature. Even his face is screaming 'punch me and I won't fight back'.
"I had a nice childhood life. Although I look more of a loner, I had good friends back then. They could always stand up for me if anyone dared to tease me." He put on a dreamy smile while talking. "But then some of us go to different schools. And now in high school, I've only got Tim. Not that he won't stand up for me anymore, but I'm afraid I can only share him my bad luck. I don't want him to get hurt by trying to protect me. I mean, you can see it in a glance, he is not a fighting kind."
I quirk my eyebrows. "Does that mean I am one?"
He seems caught off guard. "Uh, no. I mean, that's not what I mean. I just... Uh..."
"It's okay, Lou. Don't answer that." I offer him a calming smile and tap on his knee.
"I'm sorry."
"I said it's okay."
He nods. "Thank you, William."
"Now tell me about your parents." I ask with this particular tone again. I know he notices it. A distinct compelling tone. But now, it looks like he is already getting used to it.
"My mom is a housewife and my dad works in a hospital. But only in the administrative area, not as a medical staff."
"That's good. My family has part in the hospital business as well."
"Really? Are there many doctors in your family?" He looks curious.
"Not that. My father... well, technically, I own several hospitals in some different states. But not much, really."
Now he seems surprised. "Is it including the hospital where my dad works?"
"I don't know. I don't even know if I also have one in this town."
"Why not?"
"I just don't care about family business."
"You don't want to continue the business?" He frowns at me. "Does that mean you want somebody else to take it over?"
"No way." I won't let anyone do that. Including Bob, my greedy uncle. "For now, I just don't want to think about business. But I'll do it after graduating high school."
"That's good." He smiles.
"What about you? What will you do after graduating?"
"Well, since I'm still in my junior year, I don't really think too much about it yet."
"Wait, I thought we both are in senior year."
"No." He chuckles.
Okay, this doesn't change anything. I still want his ass. "So, you still don't have anything in mind about what to do in the future?"
"I'm actually considering to go to culinary school. Probably I can make career in something I am keen on. But, don't know, I'm not sure."
"Then you should go to culinary school. I think it's perfect for you." I support his idea. I can tell how much he loves cooking. "But I don't approve if you plan to make career in culinary."
"Why?"
"Because I don't like the idea about you cooking for anyone."
His eyes look puzzled. But then slowly a sweet smile blooms along with his crimson cheeks. "You mean cooking for anyone else but you?"
I can't help but also smile. Look how cute my baby is. He is even blushing from the words he just said himself. "Exactly."
He chuckles a little. "Well, I bet you'll make a possessive boyfriend."
Grinning at his remark, I decide to throw another test. "Luckily, I've never had one."
"Are you kidding? I can easily see people lining up for you, boys and even girls."
"They are lining up for treats, Lou. Not me."
"Don't generalize. You should look really closely. Maybe there is someone who doesn't really care about your money. Someone who can see you as you are, with no other entitlement."
I move closer to him until I can feel his nervous breath blowing on my face. Our gazes are locked to each other. "Is that you?" I ask him with a husky tone.
"Uh... No. I don't think so." He shrinks his position until his head leans flat against the backrest of the couch.
"What if it is you? Would you be my boyfriend?" If it's the fastest way for me to get into his pants, then be it. Although it costs me to do boyfriend with him, whatever.
"Uh... William, please." He shoves my chest, but not hardly. "Don't joke around."
"I'm not joking, Lou."
"Please... Just move a little bit." I finally move away since he keeps on shoving my chest. And there is a slight of desperation in his eyes. Like he really wants me to move away from him.
"Your answer is no. I get it." I can't hide the cold tone in my voice. I'm not sure why but it sort-of shakes me a little. This is not right. People keeps on rejecting me. What goes wrong? People should always say yes to my every whim. So, why now?
Wait, it's not people who acts strange. It's Louis. He is the only one who has ever denied me anything. What's wrong with him? Others wouldn't think twice to just accept my offer to be their boyfriend. Hell, they wouldn't even think at all! So, how could he easily turn me down? Damn, I should be furious by now, but why do I feel this weird desperation instead? What the f*ck is wrong with me too?
"It's not like that. It's-"
"Then what?!" I don't mean to be this vicious towards him but I can't help it. It's not every day I can deal with rejection. And I'm never getting used to this s**t of a feeling. So, blame Louis since he is the one who absolutely at fault. "You said you like me. Why then?"
He looks down and scared. "It's just... Too fast for me. W-we barely know each other." He searches my face. Probably to see if his words get him nowhere beside firing up a worse anger. "I'm sorry if I offend you somehow."
I give him no response. I just sit there on the couch watching him and his uneasy state. He doesn't even dare looking back at me. And he keeps shifting on his seat.
"Um... M-maybe I should go home now." He gets up slowly. "And please don't trouble yourself, I'll just take a bus."
"Lou." I call him before he can walk too far.
"Yeah?"
"Don't go."
"I have to. My mom will probably start to worry by now. It's almost six."
Again, silence falls. Doubtfully, he continues his track heading to the front door.
"Are you sure it's not because you already have someone else in mind?" I need to make sure that his rejection is merely because of me being too fast forward, and not anything else, moreover anybody else who may hold his interest. No, I wouldn't accept that. I hate rivalry. It stinks awful.
He stops again and turns around. Spreading a big smile and shaking his head. "There is no one else, William."
"You are sure?"
"I've given you my word. I'll never lie again to you."
With that, my anger seems vanished all of a sudden. My lips are forming a wide grin as I feel this funny fluttering butterflies in my stomach. This is a very strange sensation. And honestly, I'm not too comfortable with it. So, I get up from my seat a bit too hastily, hoping it would shake the butterflies off.
"I'll drive you home. Come on." I walk pass him towards the garage.
"No, please. You don't have to."
"Now, Lou." I call him since he's still not moving from his spot yet.
He jogs a little to catch up. Once we both settle ourselves in the car, I start the engine and drive away.
***
- Writer
