Always You

Chapter 4

James PoV

I can't help myself but smile when I saw her. Lily was glowing and the more I looked at her, the more I realized the longing I felt for her.

I wanted so bad to have a good conversation with her earlier. It was not hard to talk to her when we were little but now it seems so complicated.

I'm hoping I can sort things out sooner.

"Hey," I started.

"I hope you have a nice sleep." I continued and hoping what I prepared for the evening will work. 

"It's actually great timing, I'm almost done for our dinner," I said as she starts to work on the table.

She looks refreshed this time but she seems hesitant, she was opening her mouth then closed it again without saying anything. I wonder if she was aware of that.

× × ×

She was too quiet making me awkward to talk. She was different from before, she used to be bubbly and talkative.

"This is good." She finally says words.

"Thanks." I decided to respond accordingly.

And we finished our dinner with 'this is good' and 'thanks' which really frustrates me.

I finally met her again after ten years and here I am with a twisted tongue. 

Not really, I'm just concerned that I will make her uncomfortable. We may be closed when we were little but this time is different.

I was too occupied with my own thought and so as her as we bump when we put our plate in the sink.

"I'm sorry about earlier." She talked first.

"And I'm sorry for bumping you, I can do the dishes since you cooked a great dinner." She said too fast, good thing I caught them up and I smiled.

Lily was still the same. She was just controlling it and I can't wait for the day that we can be comfortable with each other again like we used to before.

"Are you laughing at me inside your head? You didn't hide your smile very well." She commented and we have a good ten seconds eye contact as I looked at her.

Gracious. Our distance was close to staring.

"Ahm. No." I replied then I distanced myself from the beauty.

I can't believe I just chickened out.

"James, can we talk later?" Lily said which really excites me and I just nod.

× × ×

I chose to stay in the balcony waiting for Lily. The night was young yet the place is already quiet for the two of us.

I learned she's been taking care of the house for three years now. How can someone so young, living here all alone? Did she not feel lonely living here all herself? I can't wait to ask her that.

"Hey." She finally emerged.

"Hi." For the second time tonight, I smiled at her.

"Okay let's get straight." She started and I don't like the way she said it.

"I'm sorry for what I acted early this morning. I'm just too shocked,"

"You already said that, no worries. Let's forget it." I said trying to be friendly.

"And I would like to formally introduce myself to you." She continued.

"I don't think, you still have to. I know you already and you being here, I learned it from mom this morning." I said and did the thing which surprised her.

She was my childhood friend after all even if I did not contact her for ten years.

She was in shocked to move. She was small in my arms that I able to embrace her whole.

I closed my eyes as I feel her warm body close to mine. I closed my eyes smiling when I feel her arms tightened at my waist.

"I miss you so much, Lily." I murmured in the silence of the young evening.