April 20th

VI

                                                                                CHAPTER 6

                                                                            Alaica Martin

        The day keeps on getting better. People are all over downtown, piling over fast-food stores, shops, and boutiques. The busy mass makes this place comforting. Not that home was any less. Back in Dipolog, we got a farmhouse and a few-acre ranch. The view of the mountain ranges and high trees of old age. The flowers bloomed over the fences; fruits, vegetables, and herbs grow on the other side. I recall sitting under the dwarf palm trees at the side of the kitchen, and the wind smelled like cinnamons.

“Here.” I turned around and saw Luke handing over a coffee cup. Reaching over, I replied “Thanks.”

        After the incident at the mall, we had breakfast and stayed at the book store for another 2 hours. We were giddy, and the store was filled with our banters, even other customers were giving us annoyed looks. He shared that he was looking for books that were suitable for his sister, Mia. In the end, he bought books I recommended which were Sophie Kinsella’s and Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. He bought books for him as well, as I did.

        “Do you have any other plans or should I walk you home?” Luke inquired as he skimmed through my book, ‘When August Ends by Penelope Ward. We’re currently having coffee at Dunkin's and to be honest, I really do not mind spending my entire day with him. “None and I don’t want to go home early. Do you have other plans? We can separate ways here if you do.” I said assuringly.

        He shifted his gaze to me and smiled. “This book is way to cringe for me,” he said, extending the ‘a’ as he places the book back on its bag. “And no, I don’t have other plans and I would be glad to spend the rest of the day with you.” He looks so sincere as he said it. Even his dimple looked so cute—how charming. I couldn’t help notice his hair, it's lengthy and he keeps on stroking it guiding it to the back of his head. I unconsciously reached over his head and stroked his hair. His hair was soft, not oily, and not dry. I stopped the urge to smell it.

        “Do you want your hair long?” I pulled my hand back as soon as I realize he was staring at me with a profound expression. “You look shocked. I’m sorry, I couldn’t help to touch your hair. It looks ---- enticing?”

“Enticing? How about me, do I not look enticing enough?” He said laughing at my choice of word. Well, what can I say, right? I don’t have the perfect word for it.

        We talked for hours or so which seemed like minutes. About his life and mine, our hobbies, and our lives back home. He told me, they have a beach house and that he goes to Silliman as well. I really am looking forward to classes but I wasn’t looking forward to going home next week. June is still a month away, whilst I have no reason to stay here.

        I felt something cold on my forehead. “Penny for your thoughts.” Luke handed me a peso. “I talked passionately about my life, and you weren’t listening at all. You’re awful.” His expression was a fake sour face, I laughed. “Do I need to apologize if I find your life boring?” he laughed. His face when he laughs brightens up. Gone was the overconfident cocky side of him. “You had this cute face when you zoned out. Your nose was flaring a little, and your eyes were piercing the head of the cashier. He looked at me twice, asking what’s wrong.” I couldn’t help but laugh.

    “Well,  I should apologize later so I can befriend him and have him give me free coffee daily.”

               Shades of orange, yellow, and gold had passed by hours ago, and yet I was still with him. It was quarter to 9 in the evening. The streets were scarce of a being—not even a stray animal. The lamp posts were the only thing that was giving light since the Moon is hidden above the angry and gloomy clouds.

“This is my street, Luke. You should head your way before it rains.” I felt a single raindrop touch the tip of my nose, Luke saw it and reached out. The rain shower dropped when his hand was still mid-way. “COME WITH ME!” I shouted as the rain-soaked us. I ran and he followed me.

“King, I don’t have to. I can just go home now,”  he said as he fell in step with me. I stopped in my tracks as confusion hit. “What?”

“The rain is soaking us, anyway. I can just go home now.” I looked down at our clothes, indeed, we have soaked already. I reached out his hand and placed it in mine. “Alright, keep safe. Goodbye,” I released my grip and turned around feeling sad. I feel chills, could be from the rain or from the melancholy I feel now that we're about to separate ways.

“King, wait!” I heard Luke’s voice. I turned around and saw him ran the short distance between us.

“I’m not sure when I would see you again. But I really would like it if we do.” I remain silent.

“I wanted you to know that I enjoyed a lot today having you as a date.” The word ‘date’ irked me. “Today wasn’t a date,” I said snappily, confused. He laughed, “I intend to ask you for one soon.” I smiled.

“Okay.”   “Okay? Great. Goodbye for now then?”

“See you soon, Luke.” I smiled at him and we separate ways. I went home soaking and smiling, and Raya caught me. 

        “Why the hell are you wet?” She exclaimed. “And you’re smiling? Spill the beans, girl!” she followed to my room and I closed the door in front of her. “No beans, Ray. The rain felt good that’s it” I yelled over the room to the bathroom. “So, you smiling wasn’t caused by the dude you’re with at Dunkin's earlier today. OKAYYY.” Then she left. Well, that was a little embarrassing. Raya caught me with Luke.

I pampered up myself and went to bed. Today was the most special me-date in history. Luke wasn’t the typical heartthrob bad boy. He’s the typical second male lead in every story that viewers want him to end with the female lead. He’s cute, charming, not that cocky, and self-confident. He had a good boy aura that draws me near him rather than most college boys I stayed away from.

After our coffee at Dunkin's, we strolled around the Lee Plaza. We shopped played at the Arcade, and he sang at the karaoke stall. I will cherish this day for years to come. I couldn’t remember when was the last time I longed for a companion of the opposite s*x. The last time I talked about my life, while not feeling forced. With him, everything comes naturally.

With heavy lids, I turned my bedside lamp off and doze off to sleep.