Chapter 7: First Date?
686 Words
Mom and Dad were back at home. I felt so isolated inside my room. Mom knocked on the door and gave me some money. They always give my sister and me money whenever they leave us alone. It's their way of making up for their absence.
Since the rain had stopped, I decided to go to the bookstore to feel calm. A new book was trending online, and I wanted to buy it.
I couldn't find that specific book, so I decided to ask someone to help me find it. A staff member at the bookstore told me to check the third aisle to see if there were any copies left.
There were a lot of people in the bookstore, so I quickly walked to the third aisle. I saw the book and reached out to grab it—when suddenly, another hand reached for it too.
I immediately claimed, "That’s mine!"—only to realize the person in front of me was the boy I ditched yesterday.
"This is my book," I insisted.
"Yeah, sure, you can have it. I’ll ask if there’s another copy left," he replied calmly.
"Thanks," I said before turning to walk away.
"Hey, aren’t you the one who ditched me yesterday? I waited for you at the park," he said, his voice more hurt than angry.
"I'm sorry... it’s just that it rained really hard yesterday, and my mom didn’t let me go. I was scared of the heavy rain. I didn’t mean to ditch you."
"No, it’s okay. No need to explain much. Are you free now?" he asked, his voice full of quiet reassurance.
"I'm free now. How about I treat you to coffee for ditching you yesterday?"
"Yeah sure."
The staff at the bookstore said that I was holding the last copy of the book.
"Here, you can have it," I said, handing him the book.
"It's fine. You had it first."
"Clearly, you got it first. I just assumed I did. I can buy or read it online."
"A physical copy of a book is much more satisfying to read than a digital one. And if you order it, it might take a while to arrive—so keep it."
"Okay, fine. Thanks. I'll just pay, then let's have coffee."
We both ordered hot cocoa and chatted while waiting.
"So, you waited for me yesterday?"
"Yes."
"I'm really sorry for not coming."
"Stop saying sorry—I've already forgiven you. By the way, I haven’t asked your name. What’s your name?"
"My name is Heather Iris."
"Hi, Heather Iris. My name is Thorne Levi."
I liked the way he pronounced my name—and his name was so unique.
"Your name is quite unique," I said with a small smile.
"Your name is also nice. Does it come from the flowers?"
"It does. Good guess."
"My mom loves flowers, and even though I’m a boy, she always talks to me about them. Heather symbolizes good luck, admiration, and protection. Iris, on the other hand, symbolizes hope, wisdom, trust, and valor."
"You have quite a knowledge about flowers. Me and my mom also share the same interest with flowers."
"How about your dog? Why did you name him Waffles?"
"When I was young, whenever I told Mom and Dad I wanted a dog, they’d just give me waffles to eat while saying no. So, when I was old enough to get a dog, I named him Waffles."
Our order arrived.
"I'll pay," he declared.
"No, I said I’m going to treat you."
"This is our first date. It’s normal for a guy to pay on the first date. You can treat me next time."
I was shocked. Why was he calling this a date? He said "next time," so there would be another one.
"Why do you look so surprised?"
"Because I told you it’s my treat."
"Don’t sulk over it. Just think of it as you owing me coffee soon."
"Okay, thanks."
I stared at him, thinking this guy was such a gentleman—and hoping this wouldn’t be the last time we saw each other.
- Writer
