Parallel Worlds

Chapter Four: Tingling Feelings

Chapter Four: Tingling Feelings

Evans' P.O.V

When I stepped outside, May stood with her arms folded, looking upset. Her brown eyes were dull, and she tapped her feet on the floor. She wore shorts and a delicate pink top. I chuckled and approached her, quickly apologizing, “I'm sorry, Grandpa was telling a story." Her expression shifted as she glanced upstairs at the balcony. Spotting Pa Albert, she waved. “I didn't know, I thought you were asleep," she said, turning to face me. “I wouldn't do that to you," I replied, hoping to soothe her, even though I forgot. I smiled and gently nudged her to let it go. “Whatever," she replied, rolling her eyes playfully.

“Are you wearing your shorts? Are you really going to swim in those pants?" she asked, pointing at my trousers. Oh no! I forgot my shorts. “Do you have to be so mean?" I joked, pinching her nose. I dashed back upstairs to grab black shorts and a white t-shirt. “Better," she said with a smile when I returned. She had a quirky personality; straightforward and awesome. There's no one quite like her. I smiled and put my arm around her as we said goodbye to Grandpa.

May and I arrived at the river near the forest. It was pristine, our regular hangout spot. A small area by the river was perfect for jumping in. She moved closer, and we sat together for a while. Resting her head on my shoulder, I sensed something was off. We'd been friends since I was 9, after playing a game with Pa Albert. I knew her well. She once asked me to open a soda can for her, and we've been friends ever since.

“Hey, what's bothering you?" I asked gently, placing my palms on her head. She looked up at me, probably wondering how I knew again. I could see it in her eyes, so I didn't wait for her to ask before answering, “I just do. May, tell me what's going on?" I urged her to open up, but she always put on a tough front. I chuckled, “May, You're an adult. Let's drop the act and talk," She pouted and let out a sigh, "Wait. How do you always figure it out?" she asked, folding her arms. “Well, call it my sixth sense," I said, grinning and pointing to my head. “Oh, give me a break!" she exclaimed, playfully tapping me.

“Well," she started. I patiently waited for her to continue, giving her my full attention. “Why the serious look?" she suddenly asked, breaking my gaze. “You're talking to your friend; shouldn't you listen?" I laughed, and she smiled back. "I landed a great job with a high salary,” she said slowly, disappointment clear in her voice. I cheered with joy, jumped up from the plank, grabbed her hands, and pulled her into the river. Water splashed everywhere, even on the plank, as we played together. That was always her favorite. Suddenly, her expression changed, and she looked at me with disapproval, making me wonder what was really bothering her. “Isn't this fantastic news?" I asked, watching her move out of the water to the riverbank. “No, it's not," she replied, without looking back at me.

I followed her slowly to the riverbank. “The job's in the city, and I can't leave you," she said slowly, holding back tears. "Oh, come on,” I said, moving towards her. "I'll miss you, of course. But remember, I'll always be here. You can drop by after work, at least until I find a job too,” I told her with excitement, trying to lift her spirits. She smiled, pretending to be angry before turning away. "Don't cajole me, ” she said, waving her hands, and I smiled and hugged her tightly.

"You know I'm not,” I replied, and she playfully punched my stomach. Thoughts of how much I'd miss her swirled in my mind, but I knew I'd manage. I patted her back, still holding her close, and she relaxed.

“Let's go get some burgers to celebrate," I suggested, breaking the hug. That's just what she needed: a tasty burger from K&B’s. I chuckled, knowing she couldn't say no, and got up to grab a towel to dry off.

She jumped up and ran towards my direction, grabbed a towel, and changed her clothes quickly into blue jeans and a pink top to match. We both headed to K&B’s, which was at the center of the city; their burgers were the best in town. No one doubted that. We entered the glass door, which was painted brown with a Purple Heart.

“Let's sit over there," May pointed towards the empty seat in the window on the left. We headed there and grabbed a seat. She munched on her burgers excitedly; it was a while since we got here, she must have missed it so much. “Slow down," I cautioned her jokingly, but of course, she wouldn't listen.

“Congratulations on your new job, May," I said, raising up my glass of orange juice and our glasses clunked. “Thank you,” she replied, happily.

“It's good to see you happy, May," I commented, fixing my gaze on her. She flashed a smile at me which amused me. I wondered why she blushed. We headed out after we ate and chit-chatted. I knew she loved the job, but was worried about me. I was glad that I was able to lift up her spirits - at least for the time being.

“Let's go to the park," May said as soon as we left the restaurant. She looked at me and took my hands, urging me to agree. I wanted to head home and talk to Pa Albert about what else he might know about my parents, because I sensed he was holding something back. Still, I couldn't resist May; I just wanted to see her happy. “Alright," I replied, and she smiled at me.

As we walked to the park, which was five minutes away from B&B’s, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Pa Albert's story. I just wanted to return home quickly. But then, something caught my eye — a woman was in front of a café.

She was not like anyone I'd seen before, she had curled ginger hair in a neat bun. A crackling, tingling sensation crawled all over my skin. It had never happened to me before, not even when I was with May. She walked towards the Café, leaving me with only her backside view. My heart jumped wildly in my chest, and I was brought back to reality by May tapping me. What just happened?