Next Stop, Us

Just the Two of Us

9.00.a.m. Today I'm heading out with Albert. We're supposed to check out some locations that are suitable for his busking. While I'm accompanying him, I want to see if I can find some inspiration to start my poem too.

I decided to wear something nice. I've recently gotten myself a new pair of pants that are so comfortable. I can't wait to wear them. I grabbed my tote bag and left for the bus stop. Both of us have morning classes so we're meeting up after.

"Woah, Owen! You're dressed up today," Eli asked, complimenting my outfit. "Thanks. I'm heading out after class," I replied. "Is it a date?" My friend Krystal asked while raising her eyebrows at me. "Of course not. Who would I be dating?" I replied with a laugh.

Dating? Who would I even be dating in the first place? I don't even like anyone in the first place.

Times passes rather quickly when one isn't so focused on it. It's already 11.a.m. I make my way to the bus stop, the same bus stop that's covered in foliage. While waiting for Albert, I see two guys approaching the bus stop. They were holding hands, smiling happily without caring about being seen by others.

They seem happy. They're not afraid of being seen by people, being judged, and being criticized.

"Owen!" I hear Albert shouting from afar. "Sorry, I'm late," Owen apologized while panting away. I assured Albert I wasn't waiting long.

"Your outfit looks nice today. It makes you look really handsome," Albert complimented. "Thanks, and it looks like you came just in time too. The bus is here," I pointed to the approaching bus.

"So what places are you looking to check out first?" I asked Albert after taking our seats on the bus. "I thought we could check out Rose Plaza first. I'm assuming they will have a spot for people to perform there," Albert explained while showing me pictures on his phone.

"Weren't you suppose to have a meeting with the Music Society today?" I asked, remembering yesterday's sudden horde of ladies coming at him. "Adam is covering me on that. He is also bringing Sierra because apparently, they're dating now and they can't seem to be apart from each other at all," Albert explained.

Dating?! That explains why Adam and Sierra stayed in the cafeteria yesterday.

Without realizing it, our faces are close once again, just a few inches apart. Our eyes fix on each other. I quickly move away from Albert's face.

Why is my face feeling hot all of a sudden? What is this feeling?

"You alright?" Albert asked, looking over at me. "Yeah, I'm fine!" I answered while covering my face with my hands. "Just feeling a little hot," I said before realizing that we were approaching Rose Plaza.

"NEXT STOP! ROSE PLAZA!"

"That's our stop," Albert said as he hits the bell button, signaling the bus driver to stop.

This is my first time coming to Rose Plaza. I'm not one to travel a lot or go to places on my own. "There are so many people here," I said, seeing the number of people in the plaza. I can see all kinds of people here. Parents with their child, school students, businessmen, and businesswomen?

I follow Albert to the center of Rose Plaza, where there is a small stage. It seems like they've placed that stage there for any potential performers. There's also a band playing as we speak, with some passersby standing at the side, watching and recording videos.

While I was busy looking at the crowd, Albert is already up on stage. The band seems to be inviting Albert to play alongside them. As soon as Albert started strumming his guitar and singing, people started gathering around to watch. I took out my phone and started recording Albert's performance.

Everyone seems to be enjoying Albert's performance. They're all clapping along in unison and cheering. I was still recording and enjoying the performance myself until I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around and saw Ian. Ian, the boy from yesterday.

"Ian? What are you doing here?" I asked in shock. "I'm just here to shop for some things and I saw you from afar," Ian said while showing his bag of bought items.

"Who are you here with?" Ian asked. I pointed to Albert, who is on stage performing. "Just the two of you?"

"Yea, just the two of us," I answered without thinking much about what I said. "I won't disturb you then," Ian said with a smile as he leaves.

That smile meant something else. I'm sure of it.

"Owen! Owen! Did ya see how loud the crowd cheered just now?!" Albert was shouting while running towards me. "I saw and I have it recorded down as well," I said with a smile while showing Albert my phone.

"I saw you talking to someone just now. Who was it?" Albert asked as we were walking and checking out the stores in the Rose Plaza. "It's just a friend from campus," I answered Albert before I stopped in front of a sign.

"What is it?" Albert asked while reading the sign. "It's an art gallery," I said. "Do you want to check it out?" Albert asked me. I nodded in reply and Albert immediately pushed the door open for me. "Let's go,"

Entering the gallery, I am already fascinated by the many exhibits of the gallery. Paintings and sculptures, so many of them. "I never thought an art gallery would be this nice," Albert commented.

Art galleries are always fascinating. I've visited a few before with my family in the past. I've seen exhibits where their finished product is so small that you're required to use a magnifying glass just to uncover the real story behind it.

"This one is great too! If you look at it from this side, it's a flower but when you're on the other side, it's a different image," Albert said, slowly being fascinated by the exhibits.

Different perspectives, different stories. That is art. It's not always what's shown on the surface but the story sometimes lies in the details instead.