L.M.I. My Second Tenderness

Chapter 12: Tour

Chapter 12: Tour

I arrived at the park at around 6:40 PM, with deep excitement I can't resist. I don't see her around, probably she's traveling on her way here. As the time struck 7:15 PM she's still not yet here at the meeting place which made me a bit fidget and perplexed. But everything's still under control, so I just sit tight, then eventually, I saw her, walking towards me, with a smile clinging her face. She's beautiful this night with the elegant white dress she wore.

"How'd I got surprised seeing you." I chuckled.

"Of course, I care for you." Lian responded.

"Oh really? I didn't expect that." I asked, with my feelings bouncing over and over.

"As long as May's close friend...and you as her boy friend, I'm comfortable and I know you too John and I think you are a nice person to be with and stay with. Thanks that I met you. You're worth it."

My eyes are locked onto the beauty she brought up which I can't resist. Does she notice my involunatry eyes whenever I'll keep trying to gaze at the beautiful scenery and yet ending up starring again at her.

I asked Lian if we'll have a walk? She shouted with joy, "Yes!" I tried to hold her wrist but with the moment I felt it's not a good timing. I have no assurance if Lian feels the same way as mine.

The park we visited was surrounded by cozy lights and there were only few people, so it wasn't too crowded. We had the chance to drown ourselves with plenty of stories we haven't shared.

We feel to enjoy this night even if coldness bounds us. I carefully hugged Lian without her knowing and I slightly swiped my hand onto her hair that reminds me of her, as special to me. I'm not that sure yet if I will be winning in her heart but she's already in mine. But through this moment, I'm not yet in the stage of admitting the feelings I contain for her. I'm frightened for rejections.

After a while, we sat in a bench and Lian looked at me.

"What will be your plan in Christmas?" She asked, with her eyes playfully flirting me.

I answered, "I don't know yet but enjoying with my peers is what I know."

She added, "Do you like me as a friend? Do I fit in your standards as a friend?" I got surprised of her question like, hey? She's doubting herself or she's not satified?

Just a friend? Really? I don't know if I'll be hurt or if I'll be happy with this question she dropped. Can it be more than a friend?

"You mean a lot to me." I said while starring deeply at her. She didn't give me a look and continued roaming her eyes to the people that come and go.

I touched Lian's shoulder with my fingers grasping it like a sign of comforting and to reassure her trust on me. "Lian, you're one of my greatest friends I've met. I more like you than Joey, Scafford or Jolmin. I'm fond of creating friendships to girls than boys. You and May were angels that fell from heaven and I am the person who caught both of you. Don't you worry Lian, because your kind, respectful, and beautiful, and your beyond my standards of having a bestfriend." I told her. She smiled as a response.

Lian replied after the smile she gave, "Thank you" and she leaned on my shoulder. She added, "You're the boy who said that to me because other male friends of mine usually leave me and I don't know why. Thank you John because you're there who stays at my side."

I hugged Lian tightly. "Don't mind those who leave you. People can't define you."

Meanwhile, I saw two men who passed on our sights and they looked familiar and my mind floated again, shrouded in overthinking. I remembered Alex and Kharl from them. The memories are still here but the pain will remain. Both of them are now gone and suffered a brutal death.

Lian noticed that I'm out of my mind so she tickled my hip and said, "Are you thinking of May again?" I got shocked from her tickle. I replied, "No, I remembered my two friends, Alex and Kharl. They've been dead for a long time. They were killed in school by the same killer of May's."

"Alex? He's also a close friend of mine. We do talk always in school about projects although, he's gone now. May he rest in peace." Lian said.

"Alex is kind and he always appreciates my presence. I remember one time that Alex bought my artwork. Actually, I'm not really selling it but he said that he'll be claiming one of my paintings. I gave one and he gave me cash. I don't need it so I refused but he insisted so I accepted it."

"But why was he killed?" Lian asked, with concerns.

"Rose Ann killed them in school after Kharl. She told the reason before killing May. She was in love with me but she never admitted it to me because May was always at my side, but she planned in eliminating the people surrounding me and she started it with Kharl, then Alex and eventually, the girl I most loved and adore, May. But worst of it, in front of my eyes."

My expressions were mixed sad and disappointed to recall those happenings. Like what? I still can't move on with those past memories because it plays back on my mind allowing my brain to request if I can go back time.

Wherever I go, I always still remember my dark past even I'm with Lian. Why do they keep going back like a film?

The weather is cold, cold like I needed again a jacket. But maybe her embrace can serve as a jacket to me? I remembered again the grocery were it was very very cold that I chill however, I just stood that temperature even I coudn't.

I told this to Lian right now where we are walking this long path of the park. She laughed quietly with her eyes closed.

Furthermore walking, we saw street foods. Oh I love streetfoods and I do know that those are one of Lian's favorites. She ran furiously leaving me behind.

I didn't follow her. I just stood and starred at her smiling. "I love you, if I can just pronounce it to you.

I waved at her with a smile while she looked at me for a few seconds while buying food.