Seattle
Seattle
"What's that called again? Hair relax?"
"Yeah. You should keep getting one so your hair will stay like that for long." If I am not mistaken, it was Rachel and Emily who were talking, but I was too sleepy to give a damn on how the hell they met, or to even open my eyes.
"What times is it?'
"4:07 PM." Then, all of a sudden, I had all the energy I needed to react. In a snap, I sat up straight; my sight was still half black.
"4:07?!" I exclaimed. I suddenly saw Emily and Rachel just by the foot of my bed, and I became fully awake when I saw that Emily's wavy hair was now silky straight.
"Don't worry, Leah. It's the feast day of our school's patron saint, remember? We have no classes." It all came back to me. Today was a holiday, and apparently, I spent half of it sleeping. It made sense, though; it made sense that I overslept too much. For the past few days, I'd sleep at four in the morning then wake up at seven for school.
"Okay, how did you know each other and why is Emily's hair straight?"
"Well, I went to your house to visit you this morning, then Emily says you're still asleep. I needed someone to come to the salon with me, so I took her instead. And here we are now."
"You never told me you had such a nice friend, Leah." Emily chirped as she stroked her now utterly straight hair. "Hey, let's take pictures!"
"C'mon!" Rachel agreed exuberantly. There was no surprise there. Rachel loved her face.
I did my best to defy the gravity of my bed by carrying my body out of it. By the time my feet touched the cold tiles of my room, my head was throbbing rapidly, but it was still bearable.
"C'mon, sleepyhead!"
"I'm coming, I'm coming." I said with a yawn. I sat down on the floor with them, and inserted myself in the middle.
"1,2,3!" The flash blinded my eyes, and my sight was half black all over again.
"Look at us!" Emily nudged me with her camera. I looked at the screen and there I was, obviously from a long sleep, with hair pointing at every direction and small eyes that weren't ready to open.
"I'm going to develop these."
"Send me a copy!"
"Okay, I'll just mail it to Leah then she'll give it to you."
"Is Leah awake already?" My dad's voice called out from outside my room.
"Yes, uncle." Emily shouted back.
"Tell her to take a bath and get dressed for me, Ems. Thank you."
"Get dressed for what?" I wondered.
"Our folks are planning another get together thing."
"With the same people from last night?"
"Yeah, I guess." The faces that I've seen that night flashed through my eyes. All of them were strangers to me, but they were all interesting people.
"Omg, I can't believe Sam was there. He was so freaking hot!" The despicable sentence that came out from Rachel's mouth was followed by a series of her ear-piercing shrieks.
"I hate you, Emily! He was talking to you the whole night!"
"Don't jump to conclusions. He was talking to me because he kept asking stuff about Leah." A shiver rolled down my spine. What If Emily told him really personal info? He could stalk me and rape me, then kill me and throw my body into the sea. It was possible. He's a maniac.
"And you told him what?" I demanded.
"Oh, nothing. Just that you're really weird, nonconformist, a little goth on the inside, really kind but really mean if a person gives you a reason to be mean. And I told him how stupid you could get sometimes." I was relieved. It was a good thing he didn't ask about my bra size or what.
"I think he likes you. He was ambushing me with questions. I could have been fed up if it wasn't for his face."
"Eww, you think he's cute?"
"Yeah. And he's an only son. He takes good care of his mom. And did you see the way he treated the elders? He was so respectful."
"Then explain what he did to me in the auditions."
"The club moderator asked him to be mean and to embarrass the people who try out. You know, to see how dedicated they are. And now he's scared because he thinks you hate him."
"Hell yeah."
"Give him a chance, Leah. You might not see it now, but he's not what he looks like."
"Oh no, he's brain washed you." I clucked my tongue in dismay.
"You better take a bath now. They're leaving in an hour." Rachel interrupted.
"Leaving? What do you mean?"
"You guys are going to Seattle." At the mention of the word, my stomach lurched wildly. Seattle was a big city, with numerous buildings that kissed the clouds, cars going about everywhere, lights that brightened the city, and the city folks—so classy, so urban. I was nothing like them I was plain, and I don't even think I have a single piece of clothing that was above twenty dollars.
"You two aren't coming?"
"Rebecca's sick, I have a media club outing and Emily's got to pack her clothes. I guess you're the only girl there."
I was awakened by the boisterous noise everyone in the car made. Seth's rigid movements knocked my head off his shoulder, and that kind of ticked me off. It was dark in the van. It was already nighttime.
"Wake-up, Leah. We're in Seattle." His small finger pointed at the window, and the sight intimidated me. The street beside us was adorned with palm trees, and there were yellow lights by their roots, as if they were on a spotlight. Beyond those columns of trees, there were all kinds high-end botiques and people, but the only thing similar about them was that they dressed in an urban, upper class kind of way. Each time we passed an intersection, we'd see statues of angels spewing water out of their mouth—a fountain. All in all, Seattle was too big and fancy that there would never come a day that La Push would compare.
"Alright kids, we're here." My father announced from the driver's seat. All the other grown ups were in the red car that was just at our tail. Slowly, the van crept to a stop across a big building.
I couldn't tell if it was a mall or a hotel, but it was beautiful. Beside the glass entrance was a Starbucks outlet and an Italian restaurant.
"Okay, fellers, you have your pocket money with you?
"Yes." We all answered in chorus, my voice being only the female one.
"Alright, have fun in the mall, guys. Just go to the Japanese restaurant that's two blocks away, okay?"
"Okay." We all said. Seth slid the door open, and we climbed out one by one. Seth went first, then me, Brady, Collin, Paul, Sam, Jared, Quil, Embry then Jacob. The van took off, and it was just us left there, gazing at the humongous mall.
"I think I'm underdressed." Quil gulped. He was, with only a faded, blue polo, jeans and muddy rubber shoes. We all were, except Sam. He was wearing a black shirt with a black jacket, jeans and brown, leather shoes I took another look and changed my mind. He was underdressed too, but he made his clothes look expensive.
"Well, I'm not sticking to this whole bond thing they want us to do." Paul laughed boisterously.
"Adios, amigos. You're on your own now." He said as he walked down the street.
"I'm going with him." Jared said as he caught up with Paul. Sam walked away alone, but he went inside the mall.
"I wanna see a movie." Embry said. He turned around and entered the mall, Jacob and Quil followed.
I looked around. It was only me, Seth, Brady and Collin that were left together, and I didn't like it one bit. The age gap was too big, plus they were boys, but I had no choice. I had to succumb to their childish cravings if I didn't want to be alone.
"So, where do you guys wanna go?" I asked them with a fake smile.
"Arcade!" They chorused. In a gunshot, they whirred toward the mall, and I unwillingly followed them.
The automatic door opened for us, and a gust of cold air blew right through me, like a thousand daggers piercing through my skin. I bet there were hundreds of air conditioners per floor that were in full blast. Other than that, there was fancy jazz music that filled the whole place. The floor was made of black marble, roof made of mirrors, and the main source of light was a gigantic chandelier that hung from way up the last floor.
"So where's the arcade?" Collin asked.
"Wait I'll ask the guard." I turned away and tapped the guard who was intently looking at a beauty shop's window display.
"Excuse me, sir? Do you know where the arcade is?"
"Fourth floor, ma'am."
"Thank you." The boys probably heard what he said. They ran past a series of luxurious restaurants, and then climbed the already moving escalator. They did the same on the second and third floor, and by the time we reached the fourth floor, I was out of breath and my heart was palpitating rapidly.
"There it is!" Flashing lights of different colours reflected on Seth's deep black eyes. He was obviously looking at the arcade. It was just a few steps in front of us, and the clamour of arcade goers and the sounds the machines made flowed into my ears. They raced towards it. I didn't want to butt in, so I turned around and rode the down escalator. To where? I didn't know.
I don't know how many times I rode the escalator while sitting down since I lost track. Whenever I reach the first floor, I'd ride the up escalator until I reach the last floor. That's how bored I was, and all the by passers probably memorized my face. I also swept the whole mall—I entered every shop, sat in every restaurant and talked to nearly every saleslady. I think I've been doing it all for two hours.
"Excuse me?" The guard from the first floor approached me as I left the last down escalator. His last name was Smith, and I memorized because of the nth times I've seen his name patch.
"Yeah?"
"The other guards are complaining about what you're doing. Could you try to settle down somewhere other than on the escalators?" He asked politely.
"Sure. Sorry for the burden." I answered back blithely. Now my next problem was where to settle down. I knew the answer as soon as my eyes saw Starbucks.
I retrieved my frap from the counter, and I was amused because of my name that was scribbled on the plastic cup. I scanned the whole room for a vacant seat, but every seat was occupied. After scanning the room for the second time, I noticed a brown loveseat by the corner with only one person sitting on it. I hope he won't mind. I bravely walked toward the seat and inhaled before I spoke to the man who was intently reading the newspapers.
"Do you mind sharing seats?" I asked with a smile in my voice. The man put the paper down, and I couldn't believe how small this mall was.
It was Samuel, wearing black rimmed reading glasses, and it made him look like a grown man. Without any trace of emotion in his face he said, "Not at all."
I trusted Emily more than anyone else, so even if my intuition was telling me to find another seat, I hesitantly took the small space beside him. He folded the newspaper he was reading, and drank his coffee, his big throat quivering gulp after gulp.
"Why are you alone?" He asked me in his thick, dark voice.
"The boys are in the arcade. I don't want to interrupt them." Amidst the soothing tones of bosa nova that filled the room, there was awkward silence between us. Each sip I took out of my frap didn't make any sense to my tongue.
"Aren't you mad?" He finally broke it, and I was surprised to find myself relieved that he did.
"Because of what you did? Yeah, I was, but Emily told me not to. She's like my right hand or something. I do whatever she tells me to."
"I'm really sorry." He looked me in the eyes, and goose bumps suddenly protruded from my skin. His eyes were so dark, so black, as if I were looking into the bottom of a deep well. Even if he was the one saying sorry, it was as if he wasn't swallowing his pride. He still looked superior.
"That's okay. I heard you guys were...required to be assholes."
"Yeah. I hope you know I'm not."
"I've heard."
The coffee shop was getting more crowded, and all the bosa nova was overpowered by the hustle and bustle of incoming customers.
"Shit. Let's get out of here." He whispered.
"Why?"
"Groupies." I suddenly had a spark of envy. If I were famous, I'd never turn fans down. Heck, I'd do anything to have one. Samuel stood from his seat, leaving the half empty cup on the table. He gestured toward the door and I followed him out of the room, but I was still sipping on my frap. There were giggles, irritating ones, when we went past a table of teenage girls.
"You don't like having fans?" I asked sternly.
"Not really. It just gets annoying sometimes. Your cheeks really hurt from being all smiley-smiley." It was only then that I recognized something. He was so different from how people know him. If you didn't know him, you'd see him smiling every second; but if you did, you barely see him smile. He was so dark, so broody. There's obviously a story behind it all.
"I think you should pick the boys up. They must be hungry now."
"Right." We headed for the escalators, those things that now seemed like my new best friends.
We finally reached the fourth floor and immediately spotted the three boys lounging on a bench in front of the arcade.
"Hello, boys." Samuel greeted them all, and their eyes all widened when they realized that we were together.
"How did your night go?" I asked Seth.
"We only lasted for an hour because we ran out of cash."
"I'm hungry." Collin complained. Samuel squatted down in front of him and asked, "Where do you want to eat?"
"Mc Donald's!" They all urged.
"McDonald's it is." Right on cue, the boys headed for the escalator, leaving the two of us behind.
"If you're expecting me to treat them, I'm sorry but I'm broke."
"Don't worry. I'll pay for it all."
"It rocks being rich, doesn't it?"
"Money isn't everything."
"So, where's McDonald's?" Samuel asked by the time we exited the mall.
"Just across the street." I looked at McDonald's that was just in front of me. It was so near, but the cars that loomed by at full speed made it look so far.
"Here's what we do," He demanded in a voice full of authority. "Seth, you ride on my back. Collin and Brady, hold on to Leah, alright?" With his command, Seth jumped on his back, wrapping his hands around Samuel's neck. Collin held Brady by the elbow, while Brady held me by the hand.
As Samuel was warily looked at the left and right with intense eyes, everything I thought about him changed. He wasn't an air head at all. He cared about others. In fact, now, Seth looked like his kid and he looked like a responsible parent. He'd make a good father, and whoever his wife will be is damn lucky.
"Alright, we're clear. Let's go." There was something that slithered underneath my free hand. I only realized what it was when it tightly clutched it. It was Samuel's hand, each meaty finger filling in the gaps between mine, our palms were warm pressed against each other.
We made it to the other end, and he let go of my hand, ever so slowly, ever so painfully. Why was I aching for more? It can't be.
As we entered the restaurant and waited in line, there were so many things that were running in my head. I can't be like every other common girl who likes him. It was my reputation, being a nonconformist. I had to fight this. I'm not an ordinary girl.
"What do you want?" He asked me.
"Fries will do." I answered him without looking.
"Fries and five cups of Coke, please. And Four pieces of chicken with a happy meal." He told the cashier.
"You're giving us a happy meal?" Brady's eyes sparkled with glee.
"Yep."
I gulped my pride in and said, "Thanks for all this."
"Yeah, anything for my mother's friend's children." He laughed.
The order came in so fast. I helped him carry the trays and we settled on a vacant table. They all started pigging out, eating like there was no tomorrow. I wasn't hungry at all, so I turned out to be eating my fries so lifelessly as I gazed outside the misty window.
"Samuel..."Seth set his clean plate aside.
"Just call me Sam. What is it?"
"Could we play in the playground?"
"Ask your sister."
"Sure, you can." The three left their seats, leaving me and Sam alone. I stole one glance from his face, and there was gravy near his mouth and on the tip of his sharp nose.
"You've got gravy."
"Where?"
"Near your mouth and on your nose." He took the tissue from the tray, and patted a spot near his cheeks, but the spot was too high.
"Lower." He lowered it down, but it was too low.
"I'll get it." I rolled my eyes and took the tissue from his hand. I only came to my senses when I my face was so close to his, when I was about to lay my hand on his cheek. His breath that smelled like a whiff of the aroma of coffee and the sweet scent of cinnamons fanned through my face. What the hell did I just agree to do? There was no way out now. I gently wiped the gravy off his cheek and his nose, warm blood racing up to my cheeks.
"You're red."
"Huh?" He withdrew one hand from under the table and tenderly touched one of my cheeks.
"Oh."