During the late evening when most classes would have ended for the day, two long-time friends set aside time to organise a music-themed poster exhibition in the school. Danson had always wanted to plan such event but it was not until he found a new member to help out the poorly-ran Alumni club that his wish was realised. Aaron has ample time to spare in contributing some effort to assist for a good cause, and so was pulled into the team.
Checking thoroughly that each stand to hold posters was all fine, Danson lamented, "I never thought that only you and I would end up doing this...Our club has got to be most inactive one altogether!"
Aaron, on the other hand, was fully indulged in his own role at the opposite end behind a display table that he hardly heard what word was said. Diligently arranging rows and rows of freshly-printed mini postcards, nothing all about him appeared to be able to distract his grim clamouring for perfection. Unless if it could be a reminding thought. Halfway through, quite reluctantly, he stood back and then, reached suddenly into his pockets. Nothing much could be felt inside, or rather, any that he was expecting.
Coming down the path leading to the open centre compound in the area, Gui Gui was drawn towards the eye-catching exhibits. She stopped to browse around, amongst a crowd of others who were also doing the same.
She saw Danson but was not daring enough to inquire anything from him for fear of evoking unpleasant emotions. From a side glance, he moved aside and took brisk steps out of the way towards the building at the far end. He soon left. Gui Gui was relieved to be able to advance towards other stands up at the front.
She felt a slight shove of something. A loud thud of a hefty metal box hitting the ground startled her greatly even above the sound level of the music through her earphones. It was hard to believe that she could be so ignorant while passing by the display table.
Almost everyone turned to look and thus, caused some inevitable embarrassment. Gui Gui persuaded herself to keep calm as she bent down to pick it up. Unknowingly, someone else' hand also reached out just a split second before her, "It's okay, I'll handle that..."
Gui Gui instantly looked up, and thought she saw him saying something. Under such a circumstance, she did not have to bear the burden of fear. She quickly switched off the player.
He took up the box on her behalf. Gui Gui then saw the many postcards filling up the whole table. From what she understood, proceeds of their sales would go into the funds needed to support the Alumni club. She wondered how would she decide but pressed hard on her purse.
As she lifted her gaze on Aaron, he was still keeping away extra pieces of some postcards to save another generous spot for the box. She looked about to notice that no other people was coming towards where they were. Taking down her earphones slowly, she was still a little muddled up on speaking out what she originally wanted to, "Excuse me??"
It did not take long before she successfully obtained his response as he got from across the table to her side. Gui Gui worked hard on shrugging off signs of nervousness, "I just want to ask...if you know where they held the introductory piano class earlier today?"
He appeared taken aback, then somewhat bemused, "Oh? I don't know..."
Gui Gui was not sure if she had said the right question and only muttered unintelligibly, "Thank you!" She hastily retreated and paced hurriedly away. At the spot, Aaron was left staring at her soon distant petite form.
He grabbed something and ran after her.
With her uncovered ears, Gui Gui heard strong footsteps almost reaching upclose. With a group of people showing up around a corner before her, she was quick-witted to stop. Following, a voice uttered something from behind. She turned about.
He smiled, "Do you always go to theme parks?"
Gui Gui back up to allow greater distance in between them, "It...depends..."
Aaron thought his question caused her to feel unprepared, "I promise that I will make up for the difference, just give me some time, sorry...Meantime, I got a thing for you!"
Gui Gui quietly shook her head and the next minute, he held it up to her.
He explained, "It's also my own work - a lovely teddy bear I caught sight of peering out through a shop's display window..."
She took it from him and apparently was impressed by the picture.
Aaron was glad, "You like it? Also, I haven't ask you your name..."
She was similarly not aware until now, "I'm Gui-...er...Wu Ying Jie..."
He nodded and offered a hand, "Call me Aaron..."
A brief introduction followed by an assuring handshake, Gui Gui thought she had not intended to go up to this far. Would this really be another sort of a beginning?
A warm smile appeared on his face again, "The cookie tasted great...Not many girls like those nowadays..."
"Thank you," Gui Gui really could find no other expression.
"It also means much to see a relaxed smile once in a while...okay, take care, Ying Jie," he then bade goodbye and went on his way.
After he was gone, Gui Gui cast another look at the postcard she was still holding fast to. Did she happen to misplace what she got from this morning?
