Sideway Glances

Last day, I saw him in front of their house's porch. We used to be friends, well, not really. We used to be strangers who always go to school together. No not together, I mean we go to school together because we ride the same bus.  But now, he's already in college and I'm still in high school. I barely see him besides yesterday when I'm walking home from grocery. He changed a lot. He became more mature I guess.  I have a huge crush on him but he didn't know that, of course. My feelings started to build up when he offered me his umbrella a few years back. Two years ago... "Mom, I think it's going to rain!"  I yelled from the front door. "Mom!"   "Sweetie, I'm on the phone. Can you get the umbrella for yourself?"  Mom said from inside the house. I look at my watch and saw that I will be late and I will miss the bus if I go back and  get the umbrella. Maybe it's not going to rain that hard. So, I just proceed my way to the bus station and wait for the vehicle. The bus is not that packed so it's cool.  I settle myself at the second row of seats and put my headphones on. Blasting music enveloped my senses as I let myself get lost in it.  After a few song, I noticed the rain started to fall hard.  "Shit." I muttered at myself. I didn't bring any umbrella.  Luckily, I brought my polka dots coat with me. At least I can be protected from cold. But my things will get wet. I decided to go for a plan; When the bus stop, I will run off like a lunatic until my feet set on the school grounds.  After a few minutes of planning, I felt someone else's eyes on me. I look around me and see no one in particular who's giving a damn about my existence in this bus. I notice a guy from the seat opposite me with a hoody on who's staring at the window, lost in his world. I shrugged the feeling off and get focused on my plan. When the bus stop, I prepare myself and walk to the exit of the bus. When I am about to attack the rain, a hand clasp my right hand. The tendency is my body will swift around but I am met by a hard chest. I look up and saw the guy earlier from the seat opposite mine.  He let go of my hand and offer me an umbrella. I look at him then at the umbrella, then at him again and at the umbrella. If he give me his umbrella, he will be the one who'll get wet from the rain. So, I decided to refuse and just smile at him. Although, I appreciate his gentlemanliness. It's still fresh in my mind. After all, it's my first time having those experiences like being offered by a guy with an umbrella, well, except from my dad.