My First Kiss

Chapter 5 - Half Awake

“This is not happening.” Amelia was already half awake but her eyes were still wide shut as she contemplated the current situation she is in. She was at the park, lying face up with her head resting on Jake’s lap. She was not aware if he was looking at her right now but she did not feel the sunlight anywhere from her face. She felt a jacket, maybe Jake’s suit covering most of her chest, stomach, and upper thigh. She was still barefoot and felt the warm grass on her feet.

She ate lunch at the park with Jake and she fell asleep while they were talking earlier. She felt really hungry earlier and with food, finally satisfying the need of her system, a really delicious Italian treat, she felt a little bit sleepy, or maybe worst that sleepy since she managed to sleep for what seem to be hours, on a grassy park, with Jake, of all people.

She had no issues sleeping in the park. She used to enjoy a lot of naps in the park when she was younger. Her mom would bring her to the park after they go to church. Eat ice cream or have a small picnic and they would enjoy a long nap for the rest of the afternoon until the sun was about to set. She enjoyed the smell of the earth, the grass, and the sun.

Amelia spent a lot of time at the park, reading a book, or mostly sleeping like this back when they were still together. They even had their first kiss at the park. Well, the unofficial first kiss. Jake thought that she was asleep when he planted that soft yet firm kiss on her lips. She was already half-awake when he did it but decided to pretend to sleep to avoid the tension in the air. She was half awake right now, still with Jake and she had no idea how to get up. Or is she waiting for a kiss, that familiar kiss they shared 18 years ago, the cherished kiss from the first boy who broke his heart.

She felt a light breeze hit her cheek but it did not keep it from turning a little bit red as she felt Jake’s hand softly caressing her hair.

“Are you awake Darlin?’” Jake asked.

Her heart skipped but she managed to give a timid smile before actually opening her eyes. 

As expected, she saw Jake’s eye’s firmly looking at her the moment she opened her eyes. She blinked a few times before replying. "This is so embarrassing, how long was I out.”

Jake looked at his watch, “A couple of hours, I think.”

She quickly got up but her head bumped into Jake’s.

“Oww,” they were unanimous.

“Be careful darlin’,” Jake was massaging the part of her head that bumped into his.

“I am so sorry, I didn't mean to take up most of your afternoon.” She apologized.

“Do not worry, I actually needed this,” Jake replied. “Tomorrow will be the beginning of plenty of busy days at the company so being here is really nice,” he continued.

She was sitting now, still with Jake’s hand inspecting her head.  He was too close that she was smelling the familiar scent Jake had when they were younger.

“I guess we should be heading back to the hotel?” She managed to say.

Jake helped her up but did not let go of her hand. “Let’s have dinner later, a proper one this time.” He suggested.

“But I was looking forward to another couple of those delicious sandwiches earlier,” she joked.

He smiled. That familiar smile that made her heart warm back then. However, the feeling was quite different right now. She felt a sharp pain that made her sad at the same time.

“You should settle in your room first and rest.” He said as they walked back to the hotel, his hands still holding hers. “I’ll pick you up at your room at 7:30?” He added.

“Ok,” was the only work she managed to say. She was happy. He was holding her hand. She felt warm, secure. But the pain was there. It has always been there since 18 years ago when he left him, Without explanations, without anything. It was as if he completely vanished in her life as if he didn’t really exist.

They reached the hotel and were welcomed by Thomas at the door. She smiled back when he smiled at her. She was still unfamiliar with the face and failed to recall who Thomas was back then. 

Jake excused himself and was left at the door, now talking with Thomas, but still following her with his gaze as she walked further inside.

She went to the receptionist whom she gave a confused look after she gave her a different set of keys. To her surprise, she was in a different room, different from the one she booked earlier. 

“I asked them to give you a suite, I hope you don’t mind,” Jake explained. “It is on the opposite end of the hall from my suite,” he added.

“You didn’t have to..”

“I insist,” Jake interrupted her. “Don’t worry, I won’t be knocking on your door unless you ask me to,” he teased.

She just gave a smile. The pain was building up to her chest.

They shared a silent elevator ride. Jake’s hand was not on hers anymore. Jake walked Amelia to her room and offered to open it for her. 

“I really had a good time today,” Jake told her as she entered her room. “I hope you did too.”

“It was lovely.” She replied.

“7:30 then,” he said after she entered the door.

“Yes, I’ll see you later.” She replied with a small smile on her face.

She slowly closed the door as he saw Jake walk towards the end of the hall.

The room was massive, with a stunning view of Los Angeles right at her bedroom window. However, she failed to appreciate the beauty of the night lights as her emotions built up, now on the edge of her throat.

Amelia dropped her bag on the floor, fell on her knees, and cried.