Wow, I'm blown away. Thanks or gracias i. have. lost. myself. again, KFF95, crazziii, M, emilyearmuffz, mardycure, blah. blee. blah, Viewtiful Vampa, K, Iwy'sAshes, misssiomai, Crevette, Alice boricua, mUfF MuNcHeR, goosewriter, anon, Guest, Tumblecat, fookyeahskins, jowtit, TheLovingOfAnnabelle, Swellingheart for both the positive and negative reviews. I don't learn Spanish so I even had to google translate a review, which that is a first!
It seems quite a bit of you want some Cemily? Nah, come on, you shouldn't focus/worry about that. I've this bag of fluff and angst and it's using up pretty quickly. It's either I top it up or I see the end approaching. Sounds fast but I just don't want to, you know, jump the shark or lose the theme of this story. Basketball will try to reappear but it's not happening now/yet, as you surely know why.
About this date, it's a real place at where I live. Not great. But I quite like to imagine the both of them being there. Names of people and places have been changed.
Chapter Fifteen – Beautiful Soul
Naomi
You know you've had it bad when the first thing that comes to your mind when you wake to the next day is something, or better yet, someone.
I fell asleep with Emily being the last thing on my mind and woke to her being the first thing on my mind.
I know I've had it bad.
I need to thank Effy for practically pushing me out there to tell Emily how I felt about her.
From now on, I can never look at my bed and not remember the moment we had on it. The way Emily kissed, gawd, if I didn't know, I'd assume she was experienced. But she wasn't, as she claimed, still, it was doing wonders to certain parts of my anatomy. It felt so natural. I can't help that insane grin spreading across my face as I recalled the mind-blowing sensation that roared through my body as our tongues met and tangled themselves. She tasted fucking delicious, her skin was so damn smooth, her body was so warm and fit so well in my arms like I was made to hold her, and she smelled so fucking good. So damn fucking good. I don't know what it is, maybe it was her shampoo or body wash or perfume or a delightful mix of all but it evoked some kind of frantic want in me. I wanted to kiss her hard and endlessly. I wanted to kiss her like I never kissed other girls. I got so fucking wet just getting kissed by her. And I am getting wet just thinking about that.
And she wasn't even my girlfriend. Honestly I felt a little relieved when she didn't immediately jumped in and agree to become mine. I don't know, I was initially definitely bummed but on second thought, taking this slowly was a better idea.
Emily is something special. I've never felt that way about someone like that before. I was absolutely sure that I like her and would never want to hurt her in any way. I'm completely and utterly enamoured with her. I think this was subconsciously suppressed before we kissed. I can absolutely say now that I am even more, if that's possible, obsessed with her. I believe she's totally into me too. I mean just from the way her eyes looked so softly and shyly into mine, or the way she was grabbing tightly onto me, or how I felt her body shiver as I kissed her neck; these are all the signs. Her making a move to kiss me was the biggest sign. I know I can't be reading this wrong.
I think she's not ready to come out and tell people or that she doesn't want to jump too quickly in with me but it's okay; I can wait. I want to be what she always needed and I'd hope she sees the heart in me.
I swung my feet off the bed and padded happily into the bathroom. Today was a good day because I got a date with Emily. A date! She turned James down but readily agreed when I asked her. Yeah maybe I got a bit jealous when James made a move first. Believe me I wanted to ask her first that day but he beat me but it didn't matter now because she picked me and that just says a lot.
It was only ten thirty in the morning and I still have a good eight hours before I picked her up at five thirty for dinner. She protested at first, insisting that she'll meet me at my house but no way was I gonna let her. That just totally isn't date material getting her to meet me at my house. I asked her out, and I'll pull my other muscle if I have to. Figuratively.
So I spent the whole day doing coursework, but mostly lazing, daydreaming about our date. Honestly I hadn't planned some grand romantic evening. It was actually rather minimal, maybe even underwhelming. I wasn't the type to lavish expensive jewellery or a bouquet with a hundred flowers or a dinner at some posh expensive restaurant. I hadn't had that money or that intention. I barely ever go about planning as for my past relationships, I let the girl decide where to go and they seem pretty happy doing that. Today was different, but similar enough to being myself. I would bring her somewhere that I frequented often, somewhere cosy and quiet where we can just create our own world. I only hope she'll love it.
At four, I abandoned my unfinished coursework and hopped in for a quick shower. As my leg was getting better, but unfortunately not enough to lose those crutches, I pulled on a pair of dark blue jeans with less effort and a comfortable white button down collar shirt, rolling up the sleeves to my bicep. I hope my intentions were pretty obvious; I hope the reappearance of a collared shirt would instigate Emily into pulling at it for all sorts of good reasons. I completed the look with a black leather jacket and my trusty vans.
After looking at the mirror and fluffing my hair one last time, I took the flower that I'd secretly picked from my mom's garden and placed it carefully in my bag. It was silly cliché rose, one that I'd selected carefully making sure it was the one with the deepest shade of red, that kind of resembled Emily's hair, and that it hadn't fully bloomed yet so she'd witness it when it did. I'd tied a sizable bag of water with wool at the stem and wrapped it up in a silver and clear plastic wrapper.
It was fucking cliché, absolutely sappy and totally took more effort than I usually did. Man, I actually picked a flower from my mom's garden and wrapped it. I'm actually sincerely making such an effort. Oh god I've had it so bad.
Slinging my bag over my shoulder and grabbing my crutches, I let myself out of the house and took the bus to Emily's.
I glanced at my watch as I stood at the walkway in front of Emily's house. I was a cliché half and hour early. This is really playing out to be some movie. All I need now is violins to usher me in and announce my entrance as I collect my date. I decided to ring the bell instead of standing out here looking stupid.
Emily warned me that her parents would be in. No problem with that. I reckon could handle the parents, though it isn't like I had loads of experience. I wasn't nervous to meet them. On the contrary, I was in fact rather nervous in meeting Emily. You know that kind of feeling where you just can't wait to see your date and that you're shitting in your pants because you've been thinking about her all afternoon and hoped whatever you had planned was perfect.
That's what she made me to be, like I was going for my first ever date all over again.
Cliché number three, I took out the flower and snuck it in my jacket, tucking the base of the wrapping at the waistband of my jeans, zipping my jacket up, concealing it. I wanted it to be a surprise and it certainly would seem smoother than to fumble about my bag later to give it to her. I astound myself at my sappiness.
I pressed the bell and waited for a short moment before I was once again greeted by a familiar lady, Emily's mother.
"Hi Mrs Fitch," I put on my most polite and cheery tone, "Is Emily in?"
"Oh yes you must be Naomi, come on in." Mrs Fitch returned a polite smile and held the door open for me as I hobbled in.
It was my first insight to what Emily's house looked like. It was tastefully decorated, modern, neat and clean. It didn't feel expensive or classy; it was just very well put together. Very unlike mine but I like it. This is what Emily grew up in. I was learning her.
"Please take a seat." Mrs Fitch gestured at the sofa at the living room that was currently also occupied with a man I knew was Emily's father. "Emily, Naomi's here!" She called.
Uh-oh, I hadn't anticipated the sitting down part, not with the flower hidden in my jacket. I thought I'd just step in, stand around for a bit, admire some furniture and whisk her away in a minute. There was no way I should take the flower out. It was too highly suspicious if it was suddenly revealed. I hope the plastic wouldn't crinkle and make a sound. I sat gingerly and really straight so I wouldn't crumple it.
I heard a door wrench open from somewhere upstairs and a pattering of footsteps before seeing Emily's head pop out from above the banisters on the landing of the second level.
"Oh! Naomi sorry just give me a moment!" Emily shouted, sounding possibly flustered and disappeared before I hadn't gotten a glimpse at her.
"Take your time!" I managed to call out before I heard the very same door slam shut again, restraining myself from breaking into a smile at her cute actions. This is what she does to me, making me smile to myself like a fool.
"Hi Mr Fitch." I addressed Emily's father as he put down the paper he was reading.
"Call me Rob, Naomi. And my wife Jenna." Mr Fitch was this fit muscular man with a broad chest, slightly wavy brown hair, blue eyes that were a colour different from mine, and had a wide toothy smile. He had a distinct Scottish accent, something that Emily didn't have, or maybe didn't use. He looked like a really nice and friendly guy. His smile was warm, different from his wife's, which was more reserved and polite. I liked him immediately.
"Where's Katie?" I suddenly asked, remembering Emily's flashier twin sister, someone I forgot I might bump into at the same house.
"Oh Katie's out." Jenna replied.
"Ah I see." I tried not to sound too relieved with her absence.
"So Emily says she's been helping you out in your studies." Rob continued pleasantly.
"Yeah she's really smart," and rather beautiful too, my mind silently added, "And I have quite a bit of catching up to do after all the lessons I missed. Luckily I've got her." Oh Rob, you've no idea how lucky I am to have met your daughter. "So this is dinner is to thank her for helping me." I lied smoothly.
"That's my Emily, always helping out." Rob puffed his chest out with pride. I can see that he really loves her. "How did you injure yourself?" He asked, seemingly concerned.
"Tore my hamstring in one of my matches." I shrugged. I didn't like to talk much about that. It feels like a constant reminder that I can't be back to playing basketball for a while and I kinda really miss that.
"Oh you play? – "
"Basketball for the school team yeah."
"That's great! You're a fit girl aren't ya?" Rob's eyes brightened up. "Do any running?"
"A little, mostly sprints during practice and sometimes I go to the gym too."
"Oh we own a gym, did Emily tell you? Just a small one. So I make sure all the kids are fit and healthy! Emily's got great stamina from all the morning jogging sessions we had last time…"
This was nice. Talking to Rob Fitch was nice, not at all intrusive or awkward. He seemed genuinely interested and passionate about fitness. He was chatty enough to get the conversation going which I admit I'm not much of the chatty type. I almost forgot his wife was sitting quietly in the same living room.
"Wow you're fucking hot!"
I whipped my head around at those words that were definitely not from Emily. Instead I saw a pint-sized boy with light brown hair with face full of baby fat, leaning over at the armrest of the sofa with his elbows and propping his head up with his hands. He had a wide grin on his face. He was about ten or so. This must be Emily's little brother, the James Fitch.
"Erm thanks?" I was unsure whether I should accept the compliment, especially when it came from Emily's little prepubescent brother. Not quite sure whether the prepubescent part still applies though.
"James! Language! – and manners!" Jenna exclaimed, horrified and tried to grab him. James Fitch wriggled out from her grasp and settled himself beside me, not very close but still rather inappropriately.
"Do you have a boyfriend? Can I be your boyfriend?" James Fitch asked bluntly and oh so innocently.
I gave a chuckle. Yeah James Cook and James Fitch should never meet. I could already see a slight resemblance between these two. I would believe the latter could possibly be a long lost brother of the former.
I ruffled his hair, "Probably not, you're a little young for me."
"Aww, Gordon McPherson says you'll get the girls if you tell them straight that they're fucking hot." He slumped his shoulders but not looking too dejected.
Whoever Gordon McPherson is, I'm sure he doesn't get the girls.
"Rob! Do something!" Jenna beseeched her husband who was actually chuckling quietly at this unfortunate exchange.
"Alright kid," He tried to pull a straight face, "Ten reps on the naughty bar."
"Why!" James shouted indignantly.
"No swearing in this house kid. Go. And proper extension boy."
It was then that I saw there was a metal bar placed across the doorway to the hall.
"That's pretty neat." I said. "I use to do chin-ups when I was training."
"Really?" Rob sounded amazed. "How many can you do?"
"About five or so, I'm not that strong." At the background, James was counting and panting heavily as he pulled himself up. Barely making five, he collapsed on the floor in a heap.
"That's fantastic! I like this girl!" Rob turned excitedly to Jenna. Obviously the way into Rob Fitch's heart was through chin-ups. "I could give you a few pointers if you show me how you do them." He rattled on.
Oh no my rose is definitely going to get crumpled or revealed! There's no way I could not avoid removing the jacket.
"Rob! The poor girl's injured!" Jenna came to my rescue and I was never so relieved. She shooed James upstairs before he could continue with more inappropriate come-ons.
"Ah right." Rob look a little abashed but his eyes gleamed with a certain shine that I could have sworn it was interest and admiration.
"So Naomi," Jenna turned my attention to her, "Any significant boy in your life?"
She's probably just making conversation but why do I feel like I'm in some interrogation session now? I'll gladly do those chin-ups and let Rob correct my technique until Emily appears. Why is she taking so long!
"No…" I gave a small uncomfortable laugh and sat straighter, the base of the wrapper flower digging into my lower abdomen.
"Why not?" Rob asked in a rather surprised tone. "You're a rather pretty girl. I'm sure all the lads would be lining up to date you."
"Guess I never met the right one." I answered. And also because I'm so smitten with your daughter, I don't have any time to notice any boys. Not that I care to anyway.
"Does Emily have a boy she likes?" Jenna asked, "Because she seems to be smiling and looking happy recently."
ME. I wanted to announce that that someone is not some boy but I. Wait, could I be the one creating that smile on Emily's face even if I'm not physically with her?
"I'm not too sure about that really." I desperately wished this conversation would end and put me out of this awkwardness. I wanted to tell them how much I like their daughter and that thinking about her just makes my heart flutter ceaselessly with joy. I wanted to tell them that I could make her just as happy or even happier than anyone else could. But I couldn't. I was in no position. Hell I'm not even her girlfriend yet but I knew that I'd have to tackle the parent situation eventually if Emily was mine one day.
"Naoms, we can go now." My favourite voice in the world called out to me.
Emily materialised out of nowhere and was standing at the foot of the stairs smiling at me. I stood up abruptly as my gaze fell on her.
She was wearing a white floral printed dress that fitted well and accentuated her waist. She also had on a black cardigan. Her hair, which was straight and fell delicately on her shoulders, was freshly dyed in a deep shade of red that shone with pizzazz. She had her fringe pinned up which totally shaped her face well and suited her. It would be succinct if I said she looked like an angel in my eyes; she lit up my world.
Did you hear that sound? That was the sound of my heart swooning so hard and loudly.
I forgot Rob and Jenna were still in the same room. I forgot where I was. There was only Emily in my vision, looking absolutely fucking beautiful, radiant, ravishing and gorgeous. The thesaurus simply does not have enough words to describe how wonderful Emily looked. Kissing her was my top top top priority on the things-to-do-on-this-date list. I just had to, somehow.
My jaw would hurt if I continued smiling so widely. Emily blushed a little looked slightly shy as I finally found my words.
"Have fun girls." Rob winked waved us off. I'm sure he didn't mean for it to be that way – if you know what I mean; it would've been more of what my mom would do. Jenna nodded and sat there with a tight smile that honestly looked a bit worrying.
I fucking hope I haven't given anything away. It's just so hard to restrain my facial expressions when I'm around Emily. It seems like my expressions come out unfettered and natural. That should be the way when you like someone isn't it? I can't help myself.
I said my goodbyes again as Rob eagerly insisted that I come over for dinner one day. Oh yeah, he seems to like me quite a bit.
Emily shut the door behind her and we walked down the pathway as fast as we could. Turning left, we headed down the road; out of any line of sight one can see from the house. The bus stop was just a few more steps away but I slowed my pace. There wasn't a single soul in sight. That's even better; I wanted to give Emily a proper greeting.
I smiled, again, because I couldn't help myself. "You look beautiful," I earnestly and sincerely told her.
Emily's face lit up slow and bright like the blush of the rising sun; the corners of her lips tugged up a little first, then spread wide and unrestrained. Her cheeks had just a tincture of red and she had just minimal eyeliner on. Her lips look so soft and inviting. It has been – what? two days or so since I last had the privilege of kissing them – her. It was just too damn fucking long.
"You're beautiful too." Emily shyly said and stepped closer to me.
Heat rushed through my body as the distance between us diminished. My heart began to speed up to its normal rate whenever I'm this close to Emily. Kiss her. My heart commanded. Take it slow like how she wants it. My brain reasoned. Guess who won?
"I've something for you." I watched her pretty brown eyes light up in surprise when I said that. "Unzip me." I didn't mean for that to come across so sexual but – you know – it just came out like that. Plus I like to tease her, push the boundaries without stepping over them.
"Are you the present?" She teased back, lowing her husky voice a notch. I was this close to grabbing her but unfortunately my hands are currently occupied with holding the crutches.
"I would like to think so, but no, I've something else for you."
Emily raised her both hands and brought them to the zipped at the top of my jacket near the base of my throat. Using fingers from her left hand to hold one side of the jacket, she pinched the zipped with both her thumb and index on the right hand, pulling it oh so slowly and hesitantly. The sound of the zip undone groaned long and low. My body involuntarily shuddered and a breath of shaky air escaped from my mouth. This was not supposed to be such a turn on. What is it about everything that she does that makes my hormones go all crazed?
"Oh!" Emily gave a tiny exclamation as she extracted the wrapped up flower. At least it wasn't looking too crumpled or withered from getting smothered in my jacket. "This is lovely!" Her voice was laced with absolute happiness. I had no doubt that she loved it. I don't know if she was the type of girl that liked to receive flowers, I know some don't care for them, but I figured, everyone likes to receive flowers, I would, some just pretend they don't want them. It was a cliché present.
Hey, but I reckon a few couple of clichés here and there means that all things are going well isn't it? There's a reason why they exist, so they can help first dates be perfect. I hope all these are perfect to her.
"You're lovely. I love it." Emily murmured as she tilted her head, leant in and placed a soft lingering kiss on my cheek.
I smiled wider than I've never smiled before. My heart sprouted wings and thumped around blindly in my chest. I was sure somewhere in the world, some country had multicoloured fireworks going on at this very moment.
"I'm glad you do." I returned, feeling a little giddy with happiness from that innocent tiny kiss.
"But I didn't get you anything." She replied sounding disappointed at her lack.
"Doesn't matter, you're all that I want today." Emily blushed hard at those words. That was smooth Naomi, smooth. Bloody charming too, I must congratulate myself on that.
"My dad seems to like you." Emily said after recovering.
"I admit I'm rather likable." I teased and Emily pushed my arm playfully. "But your mom seems rather… uptight." I chose my words carefully.
"Don't worry about her, she's always kinda reserved."
I nodded, hoping what Emily said was true and not that Jenna had found something she didn't like about me.
"So where are you taking me?" Emily asked.
"Somewhere, some place nice. You'll find out soon." I said deliberately ambiguously, enjoying how Emily's nose wrinkled up in feigned annoyance. "Come on the bus is here."
.
.
After the half hour of bus ride with great conversation, we ended up on the other side of town, one of the more quiet parts, somewhere that had less people on the streets. I figured Emily would be more at ease if there were a lesser chance of bumping into people she knew on the street.
There were a few parallel-parked cars beside the stretch of shops. Some of them sold clothes; some were bars. It was fifteen after six and the bars were still empty. They usually were full later at night.
We were walking side by side, as closely as I could without bumping into her. I wanted to hold her hand so badly, to tangle my fingers with hers, to feel the sensation of palm-to-palm warmth or just – any form of contact with her. But I was using those damn crutches and I don't know if I was allowed to hold her hand, because – you know – she isn't my girlfriend.
"Are you going to tell me where you're taking me now?" Emily said with an amused smile.
"Just a couple of doors more."
Finally we arrived at an opened dark wooden door. Dull-gold metal with the numbers "Forty-nine" were pasted there beside the door by the wall. Right outside by the pathway was a body-length standing foldable chalkboard with handwritten words that read: 'FOOD THERAPY. Daily artisanal blends for the daily grind. Espresso bar. Jing tea. Handcrafted beers. Boutique wines. Café & Bar.' A drawn arrow pointed through that door.
"This is it." I said and let her through first before following after.
The café was tucked away on the second floor. We crossed over a carpet of acrylic green grass before ascending a flight of wooden stairs. Each thump of our footsteps up was like the sound of my anxious yet excited heart.
Emily opened the door, which kind of resembled the door of a house and stepped in. I watched her eyes take in the surroundings with anticipation.
Honestly it wasn't much of a place. The café was divided in to two areas. On one side of the room, there were wooden tables coupled with mismatched chairs that were occupied by a few people. There was also a bar counter which was decorated with beers. Behind the counter sat an espresso machine and a stove. The other side of the room was more like a living room. There were couches with coffee tables, bookshelves, plants and stuff. It sort of had a concept like having a café in your very own house. It wasn't a poshy fantastic place but I liked it. It was one of my favourite hangout places, totally chill; a kind of secret place of mine that I rarely bring others to. It had great food, great beer and great owners.
"Naomi! It's been long!" Debbie came up and gave me a hug. She was about my height, had a bob of black short hair, dark brown eyes and a cheery personality. She co-owned this café with her business partner Will. He came up and gave a hug too. He was much taller, lean, had a mob of curly brown hair and piercing green eyes.
"Now who is this?" Will asked, his green eyes twinkling, turning his attention to Emily.
"Emily." I replied promptly, a huge smile overtaking my face as I introduced the very girl that has been recently invading my thoughts and dreams. "This is Debbie and Will."
"Hi, very nice to meet you." Emily said shyly and gave them a smile.
"Your new girl eh?" Debbie grinned at me.
"Not yet but I'm working on it." I said as though she wasn't standing there listening to this and winked at Emily as she blushed.
"It's not fair, you always get all the pretty girls." Will complained in a whiny tone.
"Must be something lucky about me then." I smirked at him.
I thought Emily looked a little uncomfortable and I wondered if I had gone too far. Maybe I shouldn't have told Debbie and Will that outright, maybe she felt that she was pressured into becoming my girlfriend, but I just can't help telling people how happy I am to have found this wonderful girl.
As Emily walked ahead and selected a seat, Debbie whispered in my ear, "She seems like a really nice and decent girl. Careful you don't break this one's heart yeah."
First impressions really do matter. Debbie has barely known Emily for five minutes yet she thinks she's a good catch. There must be something special or some kind of alluring quality about her. There has to be, or I wouldn't be that fascinated by her.
"I won't. She's special." I returned in a low tone. I meant it.
Will gave me a thumb's up behind Emily, cheekily pointed at his butt and mouthed 'great ass'. I flipped him off and flashed him warning daggers with my eyes. No one's supposed to check my Emily out, even if they meant no harm. Oh my god I just said my Emily. Fucking hell I'm starting to behave like she's mine already.
We sat at a square table for two at a more private corner near the window over looking the street. It was already dusk and the streetlights have lit up creating this faint glow and casting murky shadows of passing people. The lights at Food Therapy were a warm orange and soft music was playing in the background, creating a cosy ambience. A good many tables were occupied but it wasn't noisy; there was enough chatter to create a café vibe yet one could hold a private conversation easily.
"What can I get you?" Debbie asked me, without even producing the menu.
"A bottle of Brothers Toffee Apple to start off and definitely the poached eggs on toast. Could you do pancakes today too? Emily loves pancakes." I glanced at Emily with a quick smile.
"You know we only serve them for brunch – "
"Pleeeeeease?" I dragged out, putting on my best pleading voice.
Debbie rolled her eyes, "But it will be done for Emily." She finished off, giving Emily a wink.
"You're the best!" I called after Debbie as she left.
"They serve breakfast at this time?" Emily asked, looking a little confused.
"Oh yeah, they serve all day breakfast, only the pancakes is a brunch item but they're awesome and you gotta have them."
Emily smiled and lowered her head, playing with her fingers on the table. I had a sudden urge to take her hand in mine but I grabbed the cup of water on the table and took a sip.
"So what do you think about this place?" I asked.
"I really like it." Her face lit up and I truly believed her. "It's got a homely touch and Debbie and Will seem like really nice people. You come here often?" I picked up an uncertain questioning tone to that question.
"Yeah, sometimes… it's a really quiet place to just be, you know." I replied cautiously.
Emily gave a small nod but fell silent. Her eyes avoided mine as the looked out of the window at nothing. My heart dropped down a level. Something seemed to be bugging her.
"Em," I called her nickname I have started to take a liking to, "What's wrong?"
She looked back at me and I can see so many fears and emotions in her eyes. They looked scared, scared of getting hurt, of being hurt – by me. She's afraid of getting hurt by me.
"It's nothing," Emily shook her head and gave a weak smile. "It just seems like – you bring a lot of – of girls here. Never mind, I'm just being stupid – we're not – never mind." And it kinda broke me a little that she thought she was that insignificant yet I could see it in a way that she's a little – jealous? Can I say that? Is that good, in a way?
"I don't bring many girls here. A few times yeah, but – you're not just another girl to me. If I could just – you don't know how – happy – you've made me just being with me today – or any day. I know I had a lot going on but you mean so much to me now, more than anyone I've ever had." I wanted her to really know that.
I don't want another pretty face; I don't want just anyone to hold. Emily wasn't just another random pretty girl to me. She's the one that I wanted desperately to hold, to wrap her up in my arms, snuggle together on couches, cuddle in bed and talk about our future days. It shocks me how far I had let my want for her make me imagine blissful days being with her. I could foresee myself being infinitely happy when I was with her.
And I could almost say, I did quite love her. It's not the sixty years of togetherness kind of love but the initial pure bloom of baby love or overwhelming infatuation, you know, like the initial love stage when you're just being with that one person.
So yes, though it might sound frivolous, I love her.
Because what is there not to love about Emily? She may come across as shy, quiet, a pushover or just a plain boring girl who is in her sister's shadow, but the Emily I see had so much love for her friends, a fiercely loyal heart, a passion for things that interest her and exceeding patience with stubborn people like myself. Plus she's smart, caring, she laughs at my jokes, pretty, blushes easily when I tease her and has this amazing husky quality in her voice. Above all, there's something about her soul that shines so very brightly, almost white hot and blazing, pure and precious. Her soul is beautiful.
I can't just say I like a girl like that; 'like' is a far too tepid a word. There's nothing between 'like' and 'love' but I'd pick 'love' because it better justifies my feelings for her.
She might need time to think it over, whether I'm what she wanted, but I'm fine just letting us move forward like that. I will do all I can to ease her mind if only she gives me the chance to let us try.
And what I said did seem to ease her because she slipped into her usual self again and I had just the most amazing time with her. We talked about everything and nothing, books, movies, music, the economy, her brother, my mom, basketball. And when we had nothing to say, I sat there smiling at her comfortably like I could have no other expression tonight but to smile endlessly.
We devoured the food and she ate the pancakes with great gusto, almost literally licking every crumb and dollop of maple syrup off the plate and declaring it the best she ever had. That made Debbie really happy and we got two big scoops of vanilla ice cream on our waffle dessert instead of the usual one.
We polished the plate and sat back full, satisfied, content and happy. I was happier than I had ever been. I could get addicted to this kind of happiness. She was the one for me. Then again, when you develop an infatuation for someone, you always find reasons to believe that this is exactly the person for you. And I really do believe she's the one for me.
.
.
After another bottle of cider, we left the café with Emily promising Debbie and Will she'll return. It was already close to ten. It's scary how hours seem to blaze through and vanish in an instant when I'm spending time with her. It was even like that when we were studying together. It was too fast and too soon.
The bus we boarded was quite empty and we chose a two-seater seat far back. I scooted in closer to her, letting our outer thighs and shoulders press against each other and delighted when she even leaned slightly against me.
Emily stifled a yawn and slid lower down the seat.
"Sleepy?" I asked.
"I'm so full from all the food." Emily gave a sheepish smile, her eyes almost half lidded and her hand rubbing her stomach.
I daringly slid my right arm around her waist, settling my hand on her hip and pressed myself closer to her. "Take a nap, I'll wake you up when we reach."
To my delight, Emily tucked her left arm behind me and placed her right arm gently on my stomach. She rested her head on my inner right shoulder, near the crook of my neck and snuggled into me giving a quiet and contented sigh.
My heart started to beat faster as the warmth of Emily's body enveloped all around me. My hand on her hip was locked still into place. I was afraid if I moved it, she'd move away from me, and I can't let that happen. This was the most intimate I'd been with her today that didn't involve kissing like the previous time. I breathed deeply and took in her scent as I rested my cheek against the top of her head, feeling suddenly very complete.
I looked down and saw her right hand spread out flat against my shirt on my stomach. There was something I was itching to do all night.
I slid my left hand close to her hand and touched the tips of my fingers with hers first before slowly lifting her fingers and slipped under them, interlocking the gaps of our fingers together. Emily gave a small sigh and a faint smile ghosted her lips as she gently squeezed my hand that has been encased in mine. This to me is a sign that she's okay with this, that she wanted this too.
My heart swelled and pounded as I relished the sensation this simple handholding. Who knew such a simple action could feel so intimate and so innocent at the same time. It felt like the whole world was at my fingertips at this moment. This was even more significant as it is the first time we properly held hands, even if it was at the back of an empty bus. She let me hold hers without breaking away, even squeezing mine back. I looked down at our hands in awe. Her hand seemed to just fit perfectly into mine as if it was meant to be that way. This felt beautiful and satisfying. It brought us a step closer to each other and my fondness for her increased ten fold. I can't even describe this awesome and grand feeling was settling in me right now.
I thought about the possibilities of us being together. What we would do on dates, where would we go so the world would just disappear and we'd just exist, how this has changed my life and how much I was looking forward to spend all of my waking days with her. We're not even together yet but this feels so much like a proper first date, one that promised me of more to come.
.
.
We alighted the bus and took a slow quiet walk back to Emily's house. No words were exchanged. Both of us seemed to dwell in that comfortable silence and what we just shared on the bus. I glanced at her ever so often, fascinated about the way the streetlights lit up her beautiful face with an angelic glow. She was perfect.
I stopped walking when her house was just a turn and down the street away.
"I had a great time tonight." I told her softly.
"So did I." Emily stepped closer to me such that we were standing and facing each other, an arms length away.
"Yeah?" I put my crutches down on the ground, a smile gracing my lips and I stepped closer to her. "If you'd rate it out of ten, how much would you give?" The street was dead empty. I reached out and hesitantly put my hands around her waist. Emily automatically lifted her arms and placed them on either side of my shoulder.
Taking this as a good sign, I pulled her closer, placing my left hand on her lower back while the other one came up and brushed the hair, tucking it above her left ear. Emily's hands started to fiddle with the collar on my shirt and my heart rate started to increase as she tilted her head and thought for a bit. We were standing away from the streetlamp but I could see every nuance in her expression.
"I'd give it a nine." She smiled happily, her eyes fixed on mine, waiting for my reaction.
"Just a nine?" I pouted slightly. "I thought it felt like a ten." Her eyes flicked briefly down to my lips and my brain started screaming how much I wanted to kiss her but I didn't know if I should.
"So – there'll be an improvement – next time." She blushed and ducked her head, looking at me so damn shyly through the curl of her eyelashes. I felt like exploding with excitement. There is a next time! She wanted a next time!
"Do you already want to go on another date with me?" I asked. I could hear the giddy excited smile in my voice. I leaned my face closer into her and felt her hands tightened around my neck as she released a breath my lips could almost taste.
"O-only if you want to." Her voice lowered and she gulped.
"I'd love to." I whispered to her.
Our noses grazed lightly. The tip of my nose stroked the length of hers and I gently bumped them together. I saw her lips break out into another bashful smile, her eyes looking shyly at me. My heart swooned so badly again. I tilted my head, angling it to hers and matched her smile. Our breaths mingled as not one of us dared to close that gap between us. My heart was beating so fast yet again; a gallon of blood was rushing into my head; I was in euphoria. This girl has completely captured my heart.
Fuck the rules already. I can't control myself anymore. There was absolutely no way I could resist her lips.
I leaned down a little more and gently pressed my lips against hers. Every fibre in my body stood to attention, tingled and jostled as I felt her smooth lips move slowly against mine. Something warm spread itself over my chest and ignited me. Oh how much I have yearned for this all day. I tightened my arms around her and we sucked out the air between us before breaking apart. It wasn't like that kiss we had on my bed. This was slow, simple and chaste but it still made my heartbeats trip over each other in a frenzy and fall harder for her. I sighed contentedly and stared in amazement as I watched her eyelids flutter open. I swear I already memorised the way her eyelashes moved.
"Eleven." She whispered softly only for my own ears. "I changed my mind, it's a eleven."
"I find it hard to improve on that next time." I teased. Her hand behind my neck was playing with the hair there and I really liked that.
Emily smiled softly, "I have to go now." There was reluctance in her voice but I knew the night would have to end somehow. This was a perfect ending.
"Okay." I slowly removed my hands and she adjusted my collar before lowering hers. We stood there just smiling at each other, both of us not wanting to be the first to move away. "I'll text you later." I finally said.
She nodded and picked up my crutches for me before turning and walked away.
I watched her turn the corner with a final wave, the flower I'd given her placed safely in her bag.
I looked skyward and raised my crutches in a triumphant way, restraining myself from shouting in glee, a huge smile on my face. I took a huge breath, breathing in and filling my lungs with the cold air. I was on cloud nine, ecstatic and elated. The stars seemed to gaze down at me twinkling happily in approval of this very special night.
She's the one I want to chase. I'd chase Emily so hard and so fast that she'll have nowhere to turn or run, that she would just have to give in and fall into my arms and let me hold her like how I plan to.
I'm not gonna let you have a choice. I will make you mine. I want you and your beautiful soul.
A/N: Seems like nothing much happened and not quite the date you'd expect init? I admit, it's not skins-y, but I've other remote plans. Future updates might be less lengthy and take a while since real life is really hectic now. I like to think my track record's not bad as compared to the other more popular stories out there that seem to update after eons.
Once again thanks for reading and do let me know what you liked, hated, improvements to be made, suggestions for the future, anything. It helps. Cheers.