He watched as she concentrated on putting the bandage around her hand. It was kind of comical to see her well prepared with a full packet of bandages. His bike was parked nearby. He barely dodged her when she suddenly walked into the road. Her clothes was coated with dust.’Look I’m really sorry.’
‘You don’t need to apologize really. I’m the one at fault.’ she shakes her head.
‘But you got injured.’
‘That’s my fault.’
‘Why did you suddenly cross the road? You could have died you know.’ Fay froze at this.
‘Something just got into my mind, that’s all. She outstretched her right hand in front of her and winced. ‘It never occurred to me that it would be you of all people in this town. It’s not like there’s much people anyway. So, where were you supposed to be going?’ She felt a little panic inside and quickly thought of something else to change the topic.
‘To the CBS.’
‘Coffee… bean scent? In the afternoon?’
‘What’s wrong with that?’
‘I dunno, it’s just weird having someone to drink a hot coffee on a hot day.’ she said hesitantly. She just talk to this guy and a coffee at that. She wondered if it was okay to suddenly confess her lack of knowledge about them. She shook the thought away and thought about one lazy ass uncle.
‘I was supposed to meet someone, but I guess I’m having a double bad luck today.’
She looked at him, aghast.
He faked a convincing cough and added ‘It’s been months since we saw each other but he ditched in the last minute. It looks like I’m not that special of a best friend as he claimed I was to be.' he looked down and fiddled with his long fingers. 'Also, what made you think I would be drinking a hot coffee?’ he asked finding her hesitation odd.
‘Aren’t coffee made with a hot water?’ she said with a certain look on her face.
‘Yeah but there are cold ones.’ he said nonchalantly. Her brows went up high on her forehead. Quickly changing her expression she added ‘I have never went inside coffee shops.'
‘Are you living under a rock? They’re everywhere!' he lowered his tone a bit, thinking that she might be offended by it. 'Have you at least heard about Starbucks?’
‘Of course I do! Just don’t know there are cold coffee.’ She doesn't seem to be lying about it. Her embarrassed body language says so.
‘Okay, then how about I buy you one.’ he offered.
‘Really?!’ she looked away embarrassed. How could she get so excited over coffee?
‘Yeah, you could ride behind my bike. There’s a seat for you.’
‘It’s fine, I got mine. It’s parked behind that building over there.’ She pointed to one direction. ‘Wait for me here. I’ll be back.’
Just as she mentioned her bike, he felt an itchy sensation inside his nose that made him sneeze. Wait a second, why did she say that I was the one who hid her bike?
Side by side both of them arrived at CBS. ‘Whoa, it smells sweet.’ she said 'And bitter.' He smiled at this making her stop at her tracks. Getting a grip she said ‘What are you going to recommend me then, Dear good samaritan?’
‘I’m going to recommend… you’re still an amateur for this, do you like chocolates, strawberry or vanilla?’
‘Ugh, chocolates?’
‘Alright then, Chocolate mocha for you.’
As they sat on their seats Kharel started to talk about his life so far in the new town.
‘It’s peaceful out here. Isn't always like this? If the nearby city weren’t so majestically seen in here I would have thought I’m in the rural area.’
‘Really? Good. Though I must tell you that its magic might wear off after some time. Things change slowly around here. Not much drama except for some activities run by the younger group.’
‘I don’t think it’ll ever wear off.’ he replied calmly. His face so serene. It made her wonder where he was before to have make him like it so much.
‘Where are you from anyway?’
‘South. I don’t think you would be familiar with it, quite small.’ his reply was curt like he doesn't want to talk about it.250Please respect copyright.PENANABwuN79eb4K
‘They’ve got great beaches in there, the south.’ It was odd that he claimed to be in there, he totally look like a foreigner.
‘Sure. How about you? Doing some errands?’
‘Just stuff. I’m staying in the school dorm.’
‘Oh?’ he smiled, one brow arched upward. ‘What are you trying to say?’ she challenged. ‘Nothing.’ he sipped his coffee with a knowing smile. They finished off their drinks and was about to leave when a woman called out to them. She was standing behind a small stall on one corner of the shop. Small charms were displayed on it. ‘Miss, Sir! Wait a moment.’ She waved them closer and offered them the charms displayed. ‘We are celebrating our 4th year anniversary of CBS today also along with our owner’s fiancee’s birthday. We’re giving out charms for couples today. You could pick one if you like, it’s free.’ She said merrily it was kind of hard to refuse.
‘We’re not…’ she was feeling a bit flustered. 250Please respect copyright.PENANAGRp54liSXA
‘Alright.’ Kharel said.250Please respect copyright.PENANAwBYZNBDCAN
‘Wha- you don’t need to. I mean, it’s cute but.’250Please respect copyright.PENANA4Yr3wtkggw
‘It’s free. Don’t girls like these kind of stuff too?’ he picked one and winked at her. ‘Come on.’ 250Please respect copyright.PENANA08surfnPzS
In the end she picked the aquamarine dolphin that was suspended in clear resin. She wore it on her wrist. Though a bit loose the small gesture made her happy. ‘Thanks.’
He nods then laughs softly.
‘What’s funny?’
‘Nothing. I was just- was it really odd to be mistaken as a couple?’
‘Hey! Who wouldn’t be surprised?! I didn’t expect it, that’s all.’
‘Sure. No rush.’ he muttered.
‘Did you say something?’
He laughs again shaking his head.
She bolted upright and snatched her phone from the bedside table. The ringtone is unmistakable. She clutched her chest, trying to calm down the sudden shock and the brewing choleric of a temper early in the morning. She wiped her face with her hands before answering the phone.
NOVEMBER
She was one of the few relatives she has living in town. She has been working in their furniture shop at the far end of town where it has a good location to swipe in customers. They rarely see each other now though that Nov has entered their family business.
‘Mooooorning sunshine!’
‘Whaaaat.’ she groaned.
‘Didn’t you hear? Feb’s home! Also Mom’s planning a family reunion this month, the moment he went back BAM! Goes her radars calling out everyone for a party. What do you think? I’m sure Feb would love to see you.’ She checked out the time and rolled her eyes at the clock.
‘I think I’ll pass.’ she said after a second of composure. She could imagine clearly Nov losing that happy go lucky of a smile. ‘If he really. I mean, reaaaaally wants to see me, he can go look for me. You know how much of a lazy ass he is.’ she was about to add something but kept them inside her mouth. ‘I’m really sorry, Nov.’
There was a moment of silence.
‘We will see about that. Uncle and Aunt haven’t said anything yet.’ she replied, her voice brightening up again.
Well holy heck.
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