So there I was, walking, looking around. Fear accompanied me, kept in the side pocket of my old black cardigan. Although I was wearing dark clothes, an oversized black tee, black skinny pants, my cardigan, and the exception, my tan colored Keds, I felt so light as if I only have me and my thoughts, unable to decipher which was real and not, I left it like that. Without a particular direction I trusted my feet to take the lead. The road was poorly lit, I barely saw what lay a few yards ahead even with my eyeglasses but still I went on. I came across an old man collecting old coins. I didn't bother looking since coins never had my interest. Some passersby took a halt maybe just out of curiosity and like me, just went on.
Finally, a crossroad! I had three good choices and without thinking, I automatically turned left as if some negative pole of a magnet attracted to the positive pole of that narrow road. I can always go back, I thought. There were stores and small to medium-sized houses. The road was fairly lit compared to the former. About 6 blocks ahead stood a waiting shed beside a slightly tinted old telephone booth. Was there a person inside? I couldn't tell but I was certain something kept moving. I moved forward, and finally saw it, a young man was on the phone in the booth. I decided to walk towards the shed and sat at a long bench. A few minutes passed and he was done and went out.
Wow! He was one attractive young man! Dark brown hair, deep eyes I was about to drown the moment I saw them, and his nose looked perfect. He was wearing a plain white shirt, a jacket about the same as his hair color, black pants, and a pair of Vans sneakers. just my type I thought. Did I hear myself right? Just my type? I threw my thoughts away and stared at the light post a few yards away. I love light posts.
I heard my heart beat faster as I saw him sat on the same bench two feet distant. If he had heard my thumping heart I'd be very embarrassed. I heard him murmur something but didn't dare look. He might just be talking to himself like what I do most of the time, right? But then he said something louder again and felt that he was talking to me so I turned and smiled. 'I've been waiting for a cab for 30mins now but not one passed by without a passenger.' I just nodded. 'Are you also waiting for one?' He asked. 'No, sir.' I answered. I could have said yes because I was a bit tired and could have been lost but anyway. He nodded, then came silence. I became more at ease. Silence was always a friend of mine.
He got up, took a step towards me then sat just a few inches beside me. God, my heart beat faster and louder I almost couldn't breathe! 'That telephone booth has been my favorite since I was in grade school. That's where I call my parents to tell them I'm home before we had our own telephone line. I live nearby. Sometimes, just so I can take a stroll, I walk all the way from our house and use that to phone my girlfriend...' After he said 'girlfriend' I didn't hear what went after, my ears chose to become shut. My heart sank. But why? I just met this man! I don't even know him! He could be a killer or a rapist just trying to play cool to get me! I told myself to calm down and prepare to run just in case.
'So, are you also living nearby?' He asked.
'No, but I've been here a few times already.' I lied. I did not want to give him the idea that I've walked a good distance now and I'm kind of lost. I live next town but just got curious so I got out the bus and tried to check what's in here.
'Oh. I also thought so. I've never seen you around here before.'
And why would he even notice? I'm almost like invisible to many. I've kept myself that way. But why am I upset? Ever since I heard him say girlfriend I pushed myself away, not physically, though.
'My girlfriend died 5 months ago. We've been together for almost three years now. But a plane crash took her life.'
'I'm sorry to hear that' was all I can say. But it made me more comfortable talking to him after he said that, but I was really sorry to know how their relationship ended.
A cab was heading towards us, I was half hoping it was occupied. How rude of me but I still wanted our nice chat to go on and on. It was a little past 6 pm but I didn't mind.
It was empty! The cab! My heart sank again, this time deeper. I didn't want him to leave yet. He got up, about to raise his arm and hail the cab but didn't. I got confused. Why?
'I thought you were waiting for a cab? It said 'vacant' but you didn't...' He stopped me.
'I could stay a little longer. It's still early anyway.'
That moment, I knew I was attracted to this good looking stranger.
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