The Vanishing Love Story

Elijah

The day we almost kissed

My phone beeped, I slowly opened my eyes, to see Javier's message, letting me know that Alaine messaged our events page on Instaglow. I sat up slowly, rubbing the sleepiness out my eyes, reading his message, I was happy that she decided to apply, so I messaged Javier informing him that we could trust her and to give her the information she needs. 

I put my phone down, stretching before heading to the bathroom, I did my morning routine, before heading to my closet and grabbing a black plain shirt, and some trousers. I wore my white rubber shoes heading downstairs to see my dad seated on the couch reading today's newspaper while mom was in the kitchen doing some cleaning. 

I said goodbye to both of them, giving them a kiss on the cheek, saying bye to our golden retriever who was sleeping. I went in my car and drove to the cafe 15 minutes away from my place, I parked my car in an empty lot and walked inside where a barista greeted me as I made my way to the vacant table near the door. 

I texted Alaine, letting her know i'm here and watched the cars go by, after a few minutes, Alaine finally showed up. She wore a white basic top paired with blue jeans, a red bow clipped on her hair, while wearing a charm bracelet that accentuated her look. I stood up, hugging her, she placed her tote bag in the chair across from me and sat down beside me. 

"How are you?" I ask, watching her settle down and place her phone on the coffee table 

"I'm fine." She says, her face saying otherwise. 

"What's wrong?" I ask again, placing my hand on hers, letting her know I'm here to listen 

She glanced at my hand on hers, and back at me, her once bright eyes now dulled with the weight of heavy emotions within. The sparkle that usually danced in her gaze had been replaced by a muted reflection of the turmoil within her soul. 

"I feel" she stops, taking in a breath, holding in her tears, "that Zach might've ghosted me." 

Her voice, once vibrant, now carried the undertones of vulnerability as she uttered those words. The air around us seemed to thicken with the outspoken pain, and a heavy silence hung between us. I squeezed her hand gently, offering silent support and knowing that I would never ghost her. We were in this position for a short while, until she pulled her hand away from me, wiping the tears that fell, I ended up excusing myself and headed to the counter. 

I ordered some food and drinks for us, walking back she was on her laptop typing away, I laid the tray on the table, putting a plate of egg and ham muffin in front of her, along with her favorite Iced Vanilla Latte drink. She put her laptop to the side, putting the food in front of her. 

"Thank you!" She says

"No worries. I understand what you're going through." 

"It's just-"  She pauses, "This is my first time experiencing this." 

"Did he tell you why he hasn't responded?" I ask 

"The last time he messaged me was informing me that we couldn't meet today since his cousins were arriving from SF tonight, after that he seen zoned my last message and didn't message me anymore." 

Anger boiled within me because I know how kind Alaine is, knowing she's going through this makes me feel like she deserves better. She deserves someone who is kind, honest, and loving. Zach doesn't show the image of loving since he seen zoned her, I look at her who was enjoying the egg and ham muffin I ordered for her. Seeing her smile, makes me feel good, makes me feel like I can be that person for her. 

"Alaine?" 

"Yes Elijah?" She asks, looking at me 

"Have you thought of ending it with him?" I ask, seeking to understand if she had ever considered putting an end to their relationship and exploring new possibilities 

"I had some thoughts about it during the past few days" She says, her voice carrying a mix of contemplation and vulnerability. The admission hangs in the air, opening a door to a realm of unspoken emotions and untold stories. The weight of those thoughts reverberates in her words, and I can sense the internal struggle reflected in the depths of her once-bright eyes, now clouded by uncertainty. 

We sat there in silence after ending that conversation, she continued on doing her school requirements while I worked on my podcast script which my friends and I will be recording next Tuesday in Javier's home. Alaine and I finished working at 6:30 pm, so we decided to move  to the Chinese restaurant my family and I would eat in during our Sunday dinners. 

We sat in a booth in the back sitting across from each other, the kind waitress that would serve my family and I gave us our menus. We scanned through the menu, I knew that I would order the usual, so I placed mine down while waiting for Alaine who looked like she knew what she was gonna get. 

The waitress asked for our orders, I told Alaine she could go first, so she ordered fried wantons, hakaw, sweet and sour pork, and a side of egg fried rice. While, I ordered their chef special, mapo tofu and radish cakes, the lady asked Alaine if she wanted any drinks but she kindly declined and settled for the complimentary hot tea instead. 

While we were waiting for our food, we talked about the elephant in the room which was her applying for the promoters job. She gave me a list of reasons on why she wanted to join, mainly being her going out of her comfort zone and meeting new people in the industry. I told her what she needed to do which was promote the launch party on her socials and making sure that she gets 10 people on her guest list. She agreed and told me that she will try her best, I told her that I was happy enough to have her on the team. 

Our food came, we ate our dishes, Alaine told me how good the food was and that she'll bring her mom and sisters here. I told her that they will definitely enjoy the food, we ended up being full, but finished the dishes since they only had small portions which was enough for 2 to 3 people. We asked for the bill, but I happily volunteered to pay our bill, she happily accepted and we went to my car. 

We sat there for a moment talking more under the moonlit sky, I noticed how beautiful she was, we ended up growing closer, learning more about each other, until we were inches away from kissing. 

She pulled back, said she needed to go home, I knew that the mood shifted when she told me that she needed some time to think before she stepped out of the car. I drove back home, wondering and thinking about many things, especially my breakup still being fresh and knowing that I don't want a rebound but I knew I was starting to have a crush on her.