Disclaimer: I don't own PR universe one way or another.
Summary: Most times, it's better that we'd listen to what the old folks has to say. Don't try and prove them wrong because there'll bound to be consequences after that. Has fate played mind games on him or is it truly just plain coincidence that all this happened, in the most unconventional place.
Characters: Bringing the old familiar faces back to life once again (just to avoid from stating the obvious).
AN: My first fanfiction written, randomly no less. It's even more unusual that it's longer than I expected till I had to break it into two parts. I just hope atleast one person kinda get the idea of how this story would reveal. A total Newbie. - Dania
Grocery shopping hasn't been the highlight of many people's day. It's just, well too many options to choose from when all you need is just one thing. By the time you get in and set your mind to something, you come out with a whole new other thing (or rather things) instead. Typical. Options either help you to succeed or drags you in defeat. One simple task can turn into quite a drag testimony for some odd reason when it comes to me.
Right, groceries. What was I suppose to get again? Milk, cereals, beverages, eggs and god knows what other things I might bum into. How is it that I'm sulking over crummy chores when I significantly remember that dad would jump to every occassion as mum plans to go to the groceries. Ah yes, that whole chivalry manhood thing.. I think it's overrated. What is there to look forward to when it comes to groceries anyway? Especially for a man as old as dad, I certainly can't find any rational behind it. Or..maybe he was just bored and that being able to get out of the house means getting fresh air. Nah, I doubt that's the first thing he'd have in mind.
---
"It's the little moments that makes life far greater. You should know that! Doesn't martial arts at some point teach you to be aware of those little things? Sometimes I wonder what goes through you head."
Before I could say a word debating with him..
"Don't even try to argue and give me the look of what manhood is. It just so happen that it's fun doing shopping with the love of your life. Imagine the things you can argue and spice life up..little things son..little things..besides, that's when you get to be chivalrous."
"Grocery shopping does not potray any chivalrous manhood dad.."
"That's because you're dense."
"Oh so I'm dense huh?"
"You can push the trolley, open the door, carry the bags..that's chivalrous to the 10th degree. Give me a break, I'm reaching my old age, that's atleast the things I can do tell my wife I love her. I told you not to try argue with me when it comes to this."
"But still.." as I cringed having to hear his confession of the heart stories. I'm sure, among those passionate couple, I have to give credits to my beloved parents for being one of the best role models but try listening it first hand from them. It just feel so .. off centered.
"One day Tommy, ONE FINE DAY, you'll finally figure it all out..just One magical-what-my-dad-said-was-right day..I bet you a dinner that I am right"
"Mr. Oliver, do you or do you not want to go to the grocery shop with me? I am already late as it is. Sheeeeshhhh..."
A yell from mum suddenly put a stop to the man to man talk out of no where. Part of me kind of thankful for that too. Mum was sure as heck determined to go to the groceries alright. Woman! Anything that spells shopping will always get their fullest attention!
----
That conversation was like 5 years ago, or atleast that's what I thought. Perhaps, the whole idea of being able to spend the most innocent time with the love of his life might explain everything. Then again, grocery shopping means quality time? They see each other every milisecond of their lifetime..how is that even..fun? That's his theory of life. My theory would be..
Do I even have a theory? All this deep thoughts are really making my head spin a thousand knots. Nevermind. I'll focus on what to get instead..which I should've done 20 minutes ago despite the internal conflict I have with my alter ego name "Dad".
Milk, check.
Low cholestrol eggs, check.
Sodas (for emergency cases when underage kids turns up in my place. Namely Conner, Kira, Ethan and Trent...)
Heineken, check
Bread, check
What else is there? Did I miss anything else? Damn those categorized aisles make you go from one end to the other just to get one thing. Who knew milk and bread would be placed 5 minutes away? I mean c'mon, it's milk and bread, it's both..made of..erm..ok nevermind.
Quit it Tommy! I told myself silently. My mind should really know when to shut up. Imagine the people who could read minds..they'll think I'm some lunatic who has no purpose of life but to sulk over grocery shopping.
"Oouch!"
An unknown squel successfully divert my attention away. God bless you, I whispered in my head just because whoever you are, I sure need this before I go any deeper senseless thoughts. Not only would people think I'm a lunatic, I hurt people too! Well done you crazy mofo.
In an instant I turned my head and kneeled down next to the innocent being whom I accidentally knock over. Talk about being chivalrous, this is a definate no-no.
"I'm really really REALLY sorry!"
I apologized numerous times just to show how guilty I felt knocking over a lady whom I haven't got the chance to see who she is but I guess picking up the stuff would atleast pay my deed one at a time. This is just embarassing. A 30 year old man daydreaming in a grocery aisle and accidentally hit a lady.
New year's resolution number one, stop daydreaming in public.
"Erh, yeah, it's ok. Shit happens anyway..thanks for erm..." she tried to convince me that it does not cause her any problem until I lift my head to meet her eyes.
Oh boy, talk about accidents and shit happens. This is one situation I never see coming. Way to go Tommy. Woohoo, you totally scored 10 points for this. Do more often why don't you?
"..." C'mon, think of something to say. I don't just enrol into paleothology to be a goofball infront of her.
"Spikes in I see."
"Huh? Oh. The hair. Right. Yeah. Spikes."
When did this just happen? Me, the so called greatest ranger actually lost at words when conversing with a lady. No, not lady. She who once was my fallen angel who goes by the name of Kimberly Ann Hart. Great first impression on an ex girlfriend.
She grinned for a second before collecting the stuffs I picked up for her on my arms. That grin can really make anyone's day I'm sure. I know it just did with me. I just hope I don't return her with a very embarassing grin instead. This is foolish. I'm acting foolish. It's not like we're in highschool or anything. We're in the three zero adulthood for god sake. Foolish feelings only happen during puppy love era. We are definately not in those era, atleast not anymore. Wait, did I just said "we"?
"Fancy meeting you here Tommy. He-who-hates-shopping actually is shopping? The world must've gone nuts indeed."
She flashed yet another one of her brilliant smile. Need to ban these smiles before it drives me mad! But before that, I need to reply her first, otherwise she'll know what sort of mind state I'll be in. I mean, out of everyone, she has to be the only other person who knows me inside out. Ok well, back in those days she was For a girl that is. Other girls I've dated too knows me inside out but old flame just don't die. Not easily that is. Maybe she has forgotten it all? Blame it on those years we've grown apart. It's sad. Me, ...us and our egos. Too scared to mend things back even for the sake of friendship. No wait, she just said he-who-hates-shopping, in present tense no less. Which means she still remember how I was like..
This is really weird. She's just an acquaintance now. Perhaps friends. Why should you get excited for the little things in life?
"Erhh...yeah. You got that right. Someone's got to do the job. If I don't feed myself, I can't expect those centuries old bones to feed me right? A man got to do what a man got to do."
Automatically giving her one of those grins I normally do after a certain statement. Jason hated when I did it but as long it doesn't hurt anyone, it's all good.
So, after picking a few more other things we both had listed mentally. We met at the counter like we said we would. Sign here, cash there. Now we're halfway walking towards the exit entrance with paperbags covering out faces. How do you suppose for two people who hasn't seen each for atleast 8-10 years break the ice when these paper bags are our barriers? Talk about being convenient.
"Hey, would you like to get a drink or something? I mean if you're free that is."