The Waiting Game

THE WAITING GAME - 27

FEBRUARY 2021

CALIFORNIA, USA

It was now Thursday evening, and just like how it has been the past few days, Ariana patiently waited for Traver's arrival. Eating breakfast and dinner together has already been a part of their daily routine. Ariana usually prepares their breakfast while Traver is in charge for their dinner.

Ariana immediately perked up upon hearing the familiar sound of engine from outside. She scurried out of her house and into the enormous gates. She smiled widely and waved at the Matte Black Mercedes.

Its window slowly rolled down, revealing Traver who is smiling back at her. "Hello, beautiful!" He greeted, making Ariana blush. Then, he pointed to his house. "I'm just going to park my car. I'll be right back."

After parking his car properly, Traver ran back to Ariana while carrying a bag that contains their food. Ariana welcomed him with arms wide open for a hug. "I missed you..." She murmured on his chest as he engulfed her in a tight hug.

"I missed you too, Ari." Traver responded while swaying their bodies in the middle of the hug. "I brought some vegan pizza and salad."

Ariana pulled away and faced Traver. "No tomatoes?" She asked.

Traver smiled and nodded. "Of course, Miss Nothing-More-Unfair-Than-An-Italian-Woman-Developing-An-Allergy-To-Tomatoes-In-Her-Mid-Twenties." He joked.

Ariana laughed heartily with him and playfully pinched his cheeks. "You're lucky you're cute." Ariana clicked her tongue. "Where's my kisses?" She demanded.

"Coming right up, ma'am." Traver said before leaning down to capture Ariana's lips with his own. Ariana immediately smiled and kissed back.

After a minute, the two pulled away. Ariana laughed upon seeing the smudge of lipstick she caused on Traver's lips. "I'm sorry, baby. I've been trying prototypes." She explained while wiping the lipstick stain on his lips. "So, this one is not kiss proof. Noted." Ariana tiptoed and pulled Traver down by the neck to place a peck on his lips. "There you go. All gone. Let's go inside."

The two walked hand in hand towards the comfort of Ariana's house. As usual, Traver assisted Ariana to sit on the stool and prepared their dinner. He placed the plates of food for Ariana in front of the latter and handed her utensils that he wiped clean using a tissue.

They said grace before digging in. "How was your day? Were you able to finish the song with your friend?" Traver asked before taking a bite on his slice of pizza.

Ariana beamed. "Yes, yes! I'm so proud of it. I think I did pretty well with stacking vocals. I can't wait for the world to hear it!"

Traver smiled at Ariana's enthusiasm. "I'm sure it's going to be lovely and amazing." He complimented. "So... do I get to hear an exclusive from the queen herself or do I have to wait like everyone else?"

Ariana looked at the ceiling and held her chin. "Hmmm..."

Traver laughed and shook his head lightly. "Wow... So, this is how it's going to be, huh?"

Ariana giggled and a playful smirk remained on her lips. "Well... I'm sorry, but you have to wait just like everyone else." She said while reaching for her glass of juice to drink. "If you are my boyfriend, you would be the first to hear everything. But you're still just a suitor so..." She added with a shrug at the end.

Traver drank from his own glass and nodded. "I see..." He uttered while facing Ariana again. He smiled and reached for the lady's face to wipe the mess near her lips. "I'll be earning that coveted privilege soon."