One Last Day

6

***

The car ride was quiet. Every couple of seconds, I catch her gazing at me. She looks away when I catch her staring and vice versa. I don't know why I blush every time, I'm a guy, I don't blush. I remember that I kissed her and I know nothing about her.

"Wanna play Truth or Truth?" I ask.

"What's that?"

"It's basically truth or dare, but no dares."

She chuckles, "Yeah sure, why not?"

"What's your biggest fear?"

"Falling in love." Her face stays straight, she wasn't joking.

"Why?" I ask, concerned.

"Love can hurt you and help you, it's just like water: you need it to survive but, you can also drown in it. I've been hurt before and I don't like the feeling, it stains your insides, by that I mean it stays for a very long time."

I don't want her to be scared, I want her to know that I'll be here for her, at least for today, "Can I ask what happened?"

"He cheated on me, I saw him kissing a girl at a party that he knew I was not planning on going to. Imagine asking all your friends where he is and they all say they don't know, then I walk into one of the bedrooms upstairs, and he's kissing the girl told me not to worry about. He knew everything about me, my family situation, my hopes and dreams, everything."

"Listen, he is an idiot, you are beautiful inside and out, your smile is so gorgeous, don't worry about him."

"Thanks, but it's my turn to ask, "What are your goals for the future?"

Should I tell her? No, I won't, I can't ruin the moment between us, "I want to become a writer," I say slowly.

"Amazing, any short stories for me to read."

"No, not yet, soon though. Favorite color?"

"Mint green, forever and always. Same question."

"Red, black, and blue. Play any sports?"

"Soccer, I hope I make the team."

"I know you will. I believe in you. Favorite foo-?"

"Shrimp quesadillas!" She was so happy about her answer, she smiled and looked at me. "Middle name?"

"Middle name? That's a weird question. It's Philip. One L. What about you?"

"Ashton. It's a boy name I know, but I grew to like it."

"I like it, it's unique for a girl."

***

We pull into Benny's Ice Cream Parlor, I open the door to Benny's; the air is cold and refreshing. The smell of cookies and sugar flies in my nose.  We are first up in line, the cashier looks at Remi and half-smiles.

"Hey Remi, I've missed you," he says, looking desperate.

Remi looks up at the cashier, she looks shocked. "I thought you worked at your uncle's restaurant?"

"I'm saving up for a new car so why not work at a popular ice cream place?"

She looks confused at his answer and proceeds to go on, "Aren't your parents rich?"

He takes a deep breath before answering her question, "Well, when your girlfriend breaks up with you, you buy a lot of stuff to make you feel better. Then your parents cut you off, because of the multiple purchases."