Changing seasons | An Anthology

Lily Dust

Why am I here?

Ivan asked himself once again, as he stared at the neon tropical leaf.

Free Food, His brain had answered back without missing a beat.

He had been enjoying his much-needed vacation, spending it at beach, under warm sun and rushing sound of waves with cocktail in hand. It had been peaceful.

But that peace with many businesses were organising different events on beach for the festive season. It bought people joy, and business, the publicity. The tourists and locals both enjoyed watching, participating. Ivan was no different. He loved to attend them, though never participated in one.

And yet he had found himself sitting in one of the seats, before he even knew it. It was lure of free food, he told himself. It was no secret that Ivan could do anything for free food. So, there he had been playing at promise of coupons of a well-known restaurant-cum-bar for first four winners.

The rules had been simple. They would get 20 minutes to get to know their partner, after which they were supposed to answer 5 questions. The pair with most correct answer wins. But they couldn't see their partners. No, they put a barrier between the randomly chosen partners.

His partner were non-binary. That was the first thing they had told him. They were a local, were great at massage, worked in a spa. From the sound of it, they loved their job and were naturally a cheerful person. Not too much, not too less. There was something calming yet exciting about their voice.

Those 20 minutes had been enough for two of them to get a gist of each other's personalities. His partner had insisted that is all they need for winning it. And they did win. But sadly, Ivan never got their name.

Now, he sat at the table, alone, waiting for date - didn't realise it was until he went to collect his prize - somewhat nervous, somewhat excited. Though the excitement was dying down with every passing minute.

Why haven't they showed up yet?

Ivan didn't know their name, nor what they looked like. The only way he could recognize them was by voice. It added to the dread settling in his stomach.

What if they never came?

Ivan quickly shook the thought off. No one could say no to free food. That's what the game was about. Ivan couldn't fathom why he felt so nervous. It wasn't like it was a real date. Its like .... a play date, but with delicious and very much free food.

But Ivan couldn't deny he was looking forward to it, to finally seeing them. He had felt a spark, a connection and was hoping to get acquainted to each other beyond the barrier, beyond the set-up date.

Ivan glided his fingers against the polished wood as he looked around, but quickly stopped realising he won't be able to recognise them. But that didn't stop him from staring at the entrance, waiting for someone, anyone to come through, hoping.

It only ended up with Ivan staring at the neon green leaf fixed up against a green wall - The fern adorning the curves - for another 10 minutes. Ivan had to blink his eyes and shake his head to get rid of dots dancing in his vision. Maybe staring at lights is not a good idea.

Maybe I Should get food to stare at. They might not come at all.

The thought made Ivan's heart pang with disappointment.

What am I doing? Ivan asked himself again. I should be eating, enjoying food. That for what I was here, wasn't I? Then why am I waiting like a fool for someone who clearly is not going to come. Not anytime soon.

And yet Ivan waited, waited for another 10 minutes, tapping his fingers nervously, checking his phone every minute. He gave up his hope when he had waited for an hour for them. An hour since their assigned time.

Ivan quickly ordered food, planning to eat up his sadness, hoping the food to bring him joy like every other time. It had never failed to bring in joy it both good and bad times. It was only thing he remained passionate about after his work. He loved eating anything and everything.

And yet, Ivan couldn't bring himself to, even with array of flavors spread across the table. Sighing, he wiped his mouth with napkin after just two bites, and called for a waiter, asking if the food could be packed for him to take away. He couldn't bring himself to let so much of food go to waste.

Ivan collected the bag of food from the contour, and moved towards the exit, sighing sadly at his luck.

He had dressed up nicely. But he ended up waiting for an hour only to be disappointed, so much so, that he couldn't even enjoy the food. Ivan politely smiled at the Hostess standing near the gate, as their eyes connected. He watched as she wrote something on board.

But suddenly the door banged open. Ivan managed to shift away from door on reflex, but failed to noticed the person rushing in, as they collided. Ivan quickly staggered back a few steps, trying to regain his balance. The person who had rushed into him, had been pushed to towards the wall.

"Are you okay?" Ivan hurried to asked at the same time as the other apologised.

Ivan recognised the voice. He eyes widened from shock, as he opened his mouth to say something- what? He didn't know- but no words came out.

"Ivan? You are Ivan right?"

Ivan nodded, albeit hesitantly. They were his date.

"Thank god! Thank god, you are still here. I thought I missed you. Omg, thank you!"

Ivan just blinked, still staring at his date. They were awkwardly standing at the door, probably blocking the passageway – Ivan realised as he heard the hostess clear her throat loudly.

"Umm... We should probably move outside.", His date suggested, their eyes – Warm brown, like honey- flicking from host to Ivan to the door, as a nervous smile played on their lips – they were painted dark red... no, brown... no, something in between.

"Yeah okay. Let's-let's get out", Ivan fumbled out between his awe at how gorgeous they looked and shock that they were there. He quickly pulled the gate open for them, like a gentleman he was; and moved out in the cool air.

"I am really sorry for showing up so late. I got caught up in ... something."

"No, it's okay. I understand."

"No, it's not. I – Can I make it up to you Somehow?" They stared at him with wide eyes "Please".

"How about, we find someplace to eat this food." Ivan suggested, waving the bag for emphasis, "And if you could tell me your name, consider yourself forgiven."

They gave Ivan a sweet smile, which stuck his heart race and cheeks heat up, "My name is Avery. And maybe I can make it up with another date?"

"Yes!" Ivan shouted, but then quickly added in quieter voice, "Yes, of course. Now, let's quickly find a place. I am hungry!"

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The story has been written for JustWriteBits prompt - Technoleaf