Invisible String

Chapter 2

After the conversation with Gigi, who was blasphemed I had waited this long to check my phone, I got up and went to see if he had texted me. I didnt want to get too excited, but my heart thumped wildly all the same as i turned on my phone. there, across the screen, was a notfication that said, James is typing... and then, from James. If there was any part of me trying to withold myself from getting too excited and hopefully daydreaming about our future, it was long gone. I squealed and my smile waas so big i felt my cheeks ache. My hands shook, and i struggled to keep my breath in check. How could this be happening? After all this time? I tried to calm down. With a shaking finger, i opened the snap, after seeing it was sent 28 minutes ago. The text said, Hey, if your offer still stands, im around tonight, if youd like to meet up? ;)  I dropped my phone, and did a little jumpy dance of joy, of which i couldnt obtain in just a smile. I bounced around until i came across a mirror and saw how silly i looked. I also couldnt help but notice the flushed tones in my cheeks, and the redness of my skin, when it was typically pearly white, except for now, when it was actually quite tan. I squaled again, and picked up my phone as i heard the door open. It was Gigi. "i heard bouncing and squeals, does that mean..." I jabbed the phone at her, with the message still open. She screamed. She grabbed my forearms and we bounced together, just being totally girly and embracing our joy. After a minute, we caught our breath, and Gigi tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. I realised then, what i had done, at the same time that she noticed. "His name? Is James?" I chuckled nervously. "funny coincidence, right?" I hoped that would be substancial to contrast her probable susicions. I inhaled sharply, then exhaled as she said, "Wow, you like your James'. She didnt seem skeptical, and i took the phone back, careful to save the message. Luckily, his name wasnt obsucre, and it was very believeable coincidence. I swiped out of the chat. And sat down. I stared into space, just sitting in this thrill, feeling as though my heart was bursting with love. Oh yes, Emma, youve done it now, a voice in my head said. You arent playing safe, youre falling in love quicker than you can say James Brooke. I bit my lip, and my eyes glazed as i let my imagination wander... "Um. Emma?" I looked up, and was pulled out of my daydreams. "Hmm?" i said dreamily. "The message?" It took me a second to put her words and her pointing to my phone to put two and two together. Then - "Right!" I said As i grabbed the phone, and opened up the chat. I thought carefully. I always struggled with knowing exactly how to flirt or how to come off to a boy. Because i wanted him to like me so badly, it was maddening, and if i portrayed myself a way that was likeable to many boys, it may or may not be likeable to him. I reminded myself that he needed to love me for me, and that would be the best way. He was intelligent and i was almost positive he would see rught through me instantly if i tried to portray myself differently, however degrading that might be to my acting skills, because truth be told, this was real life, not a movie. That thought snapped me back to reality. So, trying to sound as normal as possible, as if i were texting Gigi, I said, "Yes, of course, when and where?" That was casual. I sent it. And then showed Gigi the message. She gave me a thumbs up, and we sat there for a moment, waiting for the screen to light up with a message response. Two minutes past, and then, my head darted to the phone, as i saw the lights flash up. it was a message from my sister. I sighed. I put the phone back down, and put my head between my kneees, waiting. Gigi told me she would go get some water. I felt pathetic, but i didnt even care. I was too excited to think or do anything else but wait. then, the light flashed, and it was a notification, saying, James is typing...  and then, about 30 seconds later (good, hes taking his time) from James. I hoped it wasnt too needy to open the message directlt after it sent, but i opened it, and saw the message say: In like an hour? And you can meet me at my appartment, as long as you're not a stalker or anything. lol. I laughed to myself. Then, Oh my goodness I'm going to his apartment!! I texted him, Sounds good, and haha I'm not, I swear. I got up, and put my phone to charge. I then went outside, and gave my mom a hug, telling her we had to go. She nodded, and i winked at her, meaning, i would text her what was going on later. Then, i told my dad the same thing, and gave my grandparents a hug, and grabbed gigi, who put down her glass, and hugged my parents good bye. "Drive safely!" my mom called as we hopped into the car, and drove to the city. Its a fourteen minute drive, and I got in the passenger seat, snapped on my seatbelt, and took a deep breath before plugging my phone into aux, as usual, and put Taylor Swift on shuffle. I was lucky that my best friend loved Taylor as much as i did, for we played her nonstop. i was grateful as i turned and saw her turn up the volume as the song Out of the Woods came on. That was a favorite to sing to in the car, a song depicting a romance and a car crash, which was ironic in retrospect to our typical state when listening to the song. As we drove through the hills, i looked out the window and watched as the houses glowed by the light coming out of our headlights. As i sang with Gigi, i thought to myself about what id wear. I didnt want to try too hard, but of course that was difficult because i wanted so badly for him to like me. As we drove down our street, and parked, I unbuckled, and then hopped out of the car. I raced inside, and then opened the door, took off my shoes, and bolted up the stairs. I turned the shower on, and put my hair in a bun, quickly brushing my teeth. I decided to go with a mini dress, fitted and short, to show off my legs. It was simple lavender satin, but when i looked in the mirror i was happy with it. I heard the song Begin Again,  and i sighed. I loved this song. Then, i grabbed my makeup and curled my eyelashes, put on a bit of eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick, and called it a day. I sprayed a bit of rose purfume on my very little cleavage and wrists, and rubbed behind my ears. I put on my diamond studs, and went downstairs, grabbing my phone and putting it in my purse. I checked my phone, and it was time to meet him. id be a bit late. But still, considering? I  was glad i had changed and gotten fresh. I put on some 3 inch black sandal heels, and then walked into the living room, where Gigi was on her phone. She looked from her phone to me, and then did a double take. "Ill see you later," I said to Gigi, and she said, "You look so pretty," i smiled. " thanks." She smiled at me, and said, "now go have fun." I did a little jump and she laughed, and i closed the door behind me. I walked down our street, and hailed a taxi. It wasnt a long walk, maybe 15 minutes, but i didnt want to keep him waiting. I looked out the window, and could feel butterflies dancing in my chest. I looked out at the starry sky, and my cheeks stung from the smile on my face; i was so excited and nervous. I reminded myself that this was just a drink with a guy i was showing the city to, it wasnt a date. I was glad. That took the pressure off my back a bit. The cab pulled to the apartment address he had sent me, and i got out. I felt my knees buckle, but i reminded myself that everything was fine and i needed to stay calm, even though my insides were dancing with excitement. I felt my heart fluttering as i opened up the gate and rang the doobell. I heard his voice through the intercom, and i thought id faint. "hey, ill be right there." His voice was so attractive. "aaah." i said under my breath, very aware of my smile on my face. I sprayed some mint breath spray and put on some lip balm, and then heard his footsteps on the stairs and put it away. I was so self conscious, and i was very aware of everything right now. It felt as though my senses were suddenly elevated, like a dogs hearing and scent, or the vision that is described in those vampire novels i liked to read. The door opened, and there he was, standing in the doorway, looking like the most beautiful portrait in the world. He looked at me. "hey, you look great." I was a bit taken aback. I laughed, and said, "Thanks, You too." He was wearing jeans and a baby blue button down shirt, with the sleeves cuffed around his forearms. i tried not to look at him, for i was already blushing hard. Oh goodness, emma, I thought to myself. "So what are you in the mood to do?" I asked him. He looked at me. "Do you want to show me the main square, and get something to eat or drink?" I nodded. "sure. So how long have you been here, again?" he looked forward. "I just got here two days ago." My eyes widened. "You must be jetlagged. Did you come from New York?" he shook his head. "no, i was staying in Paris before this, at my house." I nodded. "So do you live there too then?" "I have a house there, but i mainly stay in new york. I love Paris though, have you been?" I nodded, and pushed the gate open. I noticed he walked with his legs a bit wide apart, and with his head back and hands in his jeans pockets. He even walked "cool". "I spent a year travelling Europe as a child, actually, so i have seen a lot of France. It was probably my favorite place to visit, besides the UK, which is why i chose to go there instead of AUP- American university of Paris." I took a deep breath. "Thats so cool, where else have you gone?" He asked, a curious and honest smile onhis face. "Um, i dont know, i have a list, we did thirteen countries that year, and then every summer we did a different country, so quite a few." "wow, you've been a lot of places." I chuckled. "Well I'm sure you have, too, being a successful actor and all. By the way, i just want to say, I think you're incredible," i looked at him, and stopped. "really. one of the best actors of our time. I haven't seen you in much, but when i did, i was honestly blown away. I'm sure you hear that a lot, but seriously. You are very talented. you should be very proud." He looked down, shyly, with a smile. He turned to me, stopping walking like me. "Thank you so much. You know, I really appreciate that. It really means a lot to me to hear that from someone else in the film industry." I went back to walking, "Oh, no, I'm really nobody yet. hopefully ill become successful, but I'm just in college, I'm still learning." he chuckled, "Look, i dont really know you, but I'm sure you can. You seem passionate." I blushed, and was glad it was dark out. "Gosh, that means so much coming from you. Thank you." he smiled, and then said, "Have you always spoke Romanian? Thanks for helping me earlier." "Yeah, it was my first language, actually." "really?" "mhm. yeah but i need to practice more, I'm so used to speaking in English, and i forget to practice, until summer comes round, when i come home." "you know, i feel the same way with french." I smiled. I knew he spoke French, but said, "Oh you speak french?" He looked at me, and said, "oui," I Laughed. "Thats about as much as i know." "Can you speak any?" He asked me. I chuckled, "Hmm, i know how to say, porquoi, merci, quest que tu fais dan las vis, je m'appele Emma..." He raised his eyebrows. "Not bad, look at that, that's much better than i could speak Romanian." "Oh i could teach you, easy," I said, "not that you'd need it or anything, unless you're planning on returning to romania anytime, i added. "You know, I might. I really do like it here." "Me too. I just love how unknown it is, and its quaintness, the way its like this perfect little paradise, at least to me." "No i agree, its beautiful. I haven't really seen much, though, but that's why I'm so glad i met you." my heart summersaulted. "So why did you choose Sibiu, and not Bucharest or Brasov?" I asked. "well, to be honest, they are bigger, and i wanted to be in transylvania, partially just cause of vampires and stuff," he laughed, "But also kind of bigger cities, and i just looked for a pretty small city, that was near the mountains, I really just kind of googled it for a little and chose Sibiu." So the universe really did kind of guide him here, I thought. "Well, sibiu is my favorite place, and I've been many places in Romania. Although, My family actually lives right outside of the city, in a little town in the countryside." "Thats cool, is it far?" "no, i actually just came from there now." "Oh, are you not staying in the city?" He asked. "I have a house in the city, where I'm staying with my friend, but we went over there to see my family and have dinner." "Oh, okay. Is it your friends first time here?" "yes, we wanted to come the year after high school, but we were pretty sidetracked, since she moved into College in California, and i was leaving California to Scotland." "So do you prefer the countryside or the city better?" he seemed so genuinely curious about me; i loved it. "Well, I'm not really a city girl, so id have to say the countryside." I bit my lip. I hoped that wasnt a turnoff, especially since he lived in the two biggest cities on earth. "Even though you grew up in San Francisco?" I nodded. "To tell you the truth, i was okay with san Francisco, but i just didnt belong. Im kind of a free spirit, and i like to be in Nature - you know, hiking, swimming, anything like that. I had to compromise seeing as the thing i love best is film and to do that you kind of have to be in the city. "Well not necessarily. When we filmed Moon River, we spent a month of doing just that." He paused. "thats really cool. I dont know a lot of people like that." "What about you? Do you prefer being in Nature, or the city." He thought. "I'm from new york city, and i loved it, i really did, so probably the city, but then again, i just love being outdoors, and i know what you mean about feeling freeer in open spaces in nature." "Did you go to school in New York?" He nodded. "i did, i did, i went to Columbia and Nyu." I let out a breath. "Thats impressive. Although you seem intelligent, so i dont doubt that." "Thanks, haha, I think I'm pretty average." The way he spoke made me laugh, he almost sounded bashful. He laughed to. "what?" he asked, still laughing. "Well, you talk about yourself so humbly. Its honestly really refreshing. You dont hear celebrities talk so modestly, but then again, i haven't really talked to many celebrities- sorry that sounds weird. Not to call you a celebrity." I chuckled, and looked at my feet. "i just mean, you're very successful and talented and I'm sure many people like you arent as, well, down to earth, i suppose. Im trying to give a compliment, but I'm stumbling over my words." Shut up, emma, i thought to myself. Still laughing slightly, he said, "i know what you mean, and i really appreciate that." "you just seem very authentic," I said, trying to redeem myself. "Well as do you." He said politely. i thinned my lips as i maintained myself not to smile too much. He really was just so kind. "So where are you taking me?" He asked me after a moment. "Well do you want to eat? Have you eaten?" I asked him. "Nah, but you have, so dont worry about it." I gaffaed. "Please, dont refrain from eating on my account, Id like to get a drink." "Okay then, if you say so." We were almost at the centre. Right near where we had met earlier. i guided us down one of the streets, walking across the cobblestone ground. The streetlamps and lights from the outdoor restaurants glew through the town and the stars were shining bright. The street smelled of cigarettes and freshly baked bread, coming from the bakery. There was laughter and talking and ambiance music coming from somewhere. "It is a lively city, for being so small," James said. "It is, isn't it?" I responded. "Thats another thing I love about romania. The energy is always alive." We walked down the street, continuing to chat about his life, nothing particular. I loved to ask him questions, and I glanced up at him as we walked now and then, and he would meet my eyes. I wondered if he could hear my heart beating, or tell how much fondness i looked at him with. My eyes surely would give my feelings away. Finally, we walked into a patio, and I  said, "Is this okay?" He nodded. "it looks great." it wasn't too crowded of a restaurant, but busy enough. I asked a waiter for a table, and we sat down, across from one another. He picked up a menu, and said, "So i take it Romanians arent used to accustoming Americans," addressing the Romanian menu with no translations. I laughed. "No, not really." I scanned the drink section. "here, ill translate for you." I leaned over, and pointed to his menu. So, here, you have appetizers, here are like, entrees, here's vegetarian, and then there are always pizzas, that's a thing about Romanian restaurants, they usually serve pizza." He nodded. "Thats interesting, because of the Italian similarities?" I shrugged. "Maybe," I paused. "So, are you allowed to tell me anything about your film?" He laughed. "well, I'm not really, but i trust you." I was flattered. "Okay." I said excitedly. "The film is an Italian romance between me and an Italian girl when my character visits the country for the summer. We meet there and fall in love eventually." He paused. 'that sounds like a great plot. Do you normally do romances?" I asked. "Usually. That or dramas. Im not too into big blockbuster films, but i did one or two." I knew this. "It so impressive how much you've accomplished at age..." I asked questioningly. I knew that his age was-"26." I looked surprise. "Really? You look younger." I paused. "Sorry - i don't know if that's a compliment or not-  i meant it so." He smiled. "Ill take it. Thank you." i smiled back. "And you, youre...let me guess, 22?" I nodded. "almost, I'm 21." he nodded. "And you seem older- i just assumed 22 because you told me youre a senior. I meant that as a compliment," he added. I laughed. "Ill take it." we continued to chat for a while, and i ordered him a vegetarian pizza when a waiter came, as well as a wine. "So are you just now able to legally drink then?" He asked, when i ordered the wine. "No, actually, I ordered cocktails at sixteen, here." He looked surprised. "really?" i nodded. "Alcohol is less glorified here and more romantisized. Its not like its off limits, which makes it a little less appealing to the younger people because it is more available." He bobbed his head in agreement. "I agree. My parents always let me have wine and it never made me become a drinker, at least not the way some college students were." I agreed. "Im not really a drinker, actually, as is. I just have an occasional wine." he smirked. "do you partake in any forms of...um...intoxciation?" I smiled. " I smoke, if that's what you mean, and ill have the occasional cigarette." He exhaled. "good, me too. not that its a bad thing, but i would hate for you to judge me." he cared about how i felt about him. that made me happy. he wanted me to like him. "I wouldn't judge you either way." He pulled out a electronic cigarette, and took a puff. He ghosted it, then offered it to me. I took it. He smiled. We continued to talk, past the glass of wine (two for him) and the pizza i ended up sharing with him. It felt so crazy to me, that i was having a normal conversation with him. I was actually conversing with him the way i would on any other date, hell, even the way i talked to my friends. it was mind boggling how easy this was. We clicked, at least that was how i felt. I hoped he felt the chemistry i felt, but we laughed easily and heartily as we walked down the cobblestone street, and i wondered if he noticed the brush of my hand against his. We talked openly, and it was wonderful how many things we seemed to have in common, from our passion for film, to music, to his being impressed with my being a pianist, and my compliments to his guitar playing id seen in films. We talked about parents and childhood and told each other stories and talked about books and genres of music and artists, and it seemed to go on and on. He pointed out a fountain and we went and sat on it. The moon was high, and the stars were bright. The night air was still lingering with warmth from the day, and we sat comfortably beside the flowing fountain, providing a little ephomous noise, toning down the chatter and music from nearby restaurants and fellow evening strollers. It was eleven, and yet the city was lively. James looked up at the sky. "its been a while since I've seen this many stars." I looked at him, and laughed in amazement. "You should see the sky in the countryside. Its even brighter. "Will you show me, sometime?" he asked me, looking at me. Our eyes locked. i was very aware of how close our faces were. my heart pounded. I nodded, slowly looked back up at the sky, and he followed my lead. "It is hot, isn't it?" i laughed. "Yeah, it doesn't really cool down at night. He pushed a bit of hair back behind his ear. he wiped a bit of sweat off the side of his forehead. "wanna cool down?" I asked, with a smirk. he looked at me. "what did you have in mind?" he asked suspiciously. I put my hand in the water, and splashed him. It was definitely the wine making me so bold, but he jumped up, laughing, and then said, "you know you look a little hot yourself," and before i realized, he splashed me back. "ah!" i said with my eyes closed. the water wasn't cold, though. Then, i splashed him again, and he shook his hair, water spraying me back. I laughed, and saw a devilish look in his eye, but this time as he put his hand in the fountain, i saw it coming. as he splashed me, i darted out of the way, and got to my feet, standing on the fountain, and splashed him right back. he jumped onto the ledge in front of me, and we began spraying each other back and forth, darting each other and laughing out loud, screaming with each spray. I punched him playfully, and he sprayed me with water, again. At this point, we were pretty wet, and i could tell my hair was frizzing a bit, curling. I was sure i looked funny, and he looked amazing as usual. Yet i laughed and shrieked, and he laughed  and yelled too. Then, as he hit me with a particularly large amount of water, i darted to the side, but a little too hard, and i slipped right off the edge, straight into the fountain, waist deep. I pushed my hair out of the way, and laughed. He couldn't help but laugh at me. "Oh my gosh, I'm sorry, are you okay?" He was out of breath, and  nodded, still laughing. He offered me his hand. "here," He said, assuringly. So simple, i thought. I yanked his hand, and he felt right on top of me straight into the water as well. He shook his hair back, now dripping wet, and the splash fight continued. Eventually, we gave up, and he got out of the water, this time helping me out, and we were soaked. I didn't even mind, it felt so nice, with the hot summer air drying us quickly. "well I've met my match, no one ever wants to have a water fight with me," he said, and i laughed. "i was going to say the same thing." That had definitely broke the ice, and we chatted like old friends. I noticed out of the corner of my eye that he watched me as i spoke. I did the same thing when he did. I loved hearing him talk. It was so easy with him, effortless. We walked for a long time, and he noticed. "Where are we going?" He asked questioningly. I chuckled. "You just walked me home, thank you, by the way." He sniggered. "you're welcome." he looked around. "this is your place?" I nodded. My house was the last one on the block. from here, it went straight to open fields, so that we were right at the edge of the city, and our backyard was the beginning of the countryside. Across these fields, there were forests, then mountains. the same mountains you could get to, closer, from my grandparents place. "This is a beautiful place, damn. I thought you just had an apartment." I ajdusted my bag. "yeah, its great. Id ask you in to see it, but my friends probably waiting up for me." he nodded. "some other time, then." i blushed. I didn't want this to end, this moment. We stood now under the pale moonlight, still on the sidewalk, and there were crickets peacefully singing in the background. It was sielnt, other than that. after a moment, i said, "So, would you like to hang out tomorrow? I could show you around a bit more." I crossed my fingers, but he couldn't see. "Yeah, that sounds great." he paused, again, like he was thinking. I tried to think of something to say. "Great, so you'll text me, or.." He nodded. "yeah,no yeah." he looked at me, and laughed nervously. I laughed back, but it was quite breathy, like id just walked a lot faster than we had been,  at our paced stroll. Then, "thanks again for taking the time to show me around, its so nice of you. I really appreciate it." i laughed lightly, brushing it aside. "Of course, are you kidding? Talking to you has been so informational - and fun." I added, and laughed. "not that i just enjoyed talking to you because you're experienced or anything, you're really nice, and i genuinely enjoyed you're company - ah. I'm rambling, " i said, as i saw him smirk at me, and then we were both laughing, and i was looking down at my feet, brushing aside a stray hair. I looked back up at him, and again, he looked rather pensive, like he was thinking about something while also staring at me. I was looking up into his eyes, and he looked into mine. then, my heart beating, he stepped a bit closer to me, our noses much closer. Then - I turned as i heard the door opening. "Shit-" He said, and tried to walk out of sight of gigi who would open the door in a moment. "You should go, " I whispered, and he nodded. "okay - bye!" he said and waved quickly, and i watched him walk off. I relaxed my shoulders, and as i watched his head bob, he turned to look at me, and smiled, and looked down. I smiled back, and then, my heart glowing, i pushed open the gate, and walked in to the courtyard. Gave me no compasses, gave me no signs...