The Fifth Date

Chapter 28

A/N: Please listen to the video posted beside or above as you read and replay. You can do so without hassle by placing the word "repeat" in between youtube and .com in the url. I strongly suggest you do. HAHAHA.

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"July-I mean, Kristin."

"Yes?"

I turned to you chuckling and you just smiled serenely, squeezing my hand against yours. Our fourth date wasn't over yet. And it was not going to end. We were just starting and I was so excited. So excited that my grin was numbing my face. My heartbeat was wrecking my ribcage. My breathing was ruining my lungs. I didn't care if I end up in a hospital because I'd rather stay this way than be normal again without you beside me, holding my hand, and smiling at me.

"What?" I stifled a giggle.

You paused for a while, staring right into my eyes and I tried hard not to blink and lose a second of this magical moment. "Thank you."

I bit my lip suppressing the most idiotic smile I might display from the giddiness and fireworks bursting inside of me. "For what?"

"For simply letting me into your life," You said, rubbing a thumb on my hand. "You don't know how lucky I am right now."

"Oh stop it!" I teased, rolling my eyes feigning annoyance.

I watched you laugh and I had to admit that was the most gorgeous laugh I have ever heard. I can't wait to see more of this. More of you. More of us.

"Do you want to know a secret?"

"No."

"Oh c'mon!"

"Okay fine. What is it?"

"Ever since the day I stepped foot in the café," you trailed, fixing your serene eyes on mine. "-I promised myself to come back every single day."

"Why?" I asked softly.

You reached out to my face and tucked the stubborn wisps of blonde hair behind my ear. "Because you were there."

My heart stopped for a second and came back full blast, threatening a rib fracture. There was silence as we stared at each other for a long time. I tried to pry my eyes away from you but strangely, I can't. Wherever did I find this astonishing courage of eye contact with you for nearly a minute?

"You are the most beautiful girl I have ever laid eyes on and I want you to believe me. And if you won't, I'll make sure you will," you breathed out, closing the distance between us. "You are very special to me, July...Kristin. It doesn't matter how long or short we've known each other. It doesn't even matter if I just knew your name two hours ago. That's just the way I feel. Laugh at me but yes, love at first sight actually exists in my world."

I gulped hard. I was running out of breath. My throat hurt as I choked on the tears I tried hard to suppress. I didn't even know why I was on the verge of crying. I just suddenly felt my walls crumbling down into rubble. I felt my armor and shield being thrown away into the fire. Maybe because I didn't need them anymore. Maybe because I didn't need to protect myself anymore. Maybe because I only needed someone to do that for me. And maybe that someone is you. And I just hope I'm right. Because all my life, it was only me. Everything was reserved for me. I only needed to protect myself. I only needed myself. The last time I gave myself out to someone was when I was seven and I just had myself broken in the end. I forgot how it felt like to talk to someone besides work. I forgot how it felt like to have my hand held by someone. I forgot how it felt like to smile and laugh genuinely with someone. I forgot how it felt like to trust someone. I forgot how it felt like to share my life with someone. My trust issues and inhibitions had ruined 18 years of my life. I have never realized it until now and there was no time to pity myself. You just came at the very right moment. You existed. You existed with me. You were in my world. I believe in you and there was no doubt about it. You don't know how lucky I am, June.

"What's wrong?" You frowned as you reached for my face.

I didn't know I was already crying and sniffling. You wiped my tears and my cheeks turned red from embarrassment. "I'm sorry. Something was in my eye," I lied.

You stared at me as I composed myself and dusted my sweater off, pretending that nothing emotionally embarrassing happened. "Must've been a rock to make you cry like that," You teased but worry was etched on your face.

I glared at you, "What you said was so funny it made me cry."

"I sense sarcasm." You squinted at me, your lips finally curling into a smirk.

"Right."

"You could've just said that you were moved. I, myself, was pretty much moved with my own words." You shrugged, looking very pleased with yourself.

"Oh please!"

You laughed and it lit my world in an instant even though it was already dark in the park. "Kidding aside, I meant every word I said. I hope you believe me."

"I do. I will always believe in you."

There was a relieved smile on your face as you wrapped me in your arms, once again, filling me with warmth and life and rainbows and butterflies and everything nice.

"I will see you on our fifth date tomorrow, Kristin."

"Okay."

You kissed my forehead and hugged me one last time before letting me into the bus. I got in and sat towards the end by the window so I could still see you.

"Don't forget to quit your job and get a new one." You walked towards the window and grinned at me.

"I will." I nodded.

"Wait for me, okay?"

"I will."

"And talk to Micky and Vicky while you wait for me."

"I will."

"And please smile more often."

"Okay. I will," I said, chuckling.

I stared at the bus driver and saw him smile at me, strangely waiting for our conversation to end. I smiled back at him politely.

"Goodbye, June!" I waved at you.

You bit your lip and I thought I saw you frown for a second before grinning and waving at me. The bus started to move when you yelled, "Goodbye, Kristin!"

I didn't know it was going to be the last time, June. I didn't know.