I'll wait for you (Dayasco)

The stress

The words on the screen blurred. My fingers, usually gliding gracefully across the keyboard, now hammered at the keys like a frantic woodpecker. The deadline loomed, a dark cloud on the horizon of my already chaotic mind. My editor's email, demanding a first draft by the end of the week, replayed in my head like a broken record.

"Just finish the chapter, Bosco," I muttered to myself, the words barely audible above the pounding in my ears. "Just finish the chapter, and then you can breathe."

But I couldn't breathe. The room seemed to shrink, the air growing thick and suffocating. My chest tightened, the familiar feeling of a panic attack creeping up on me like a predator in the night. 

The door creaked open and a familiar voice, warm and soothing, broke through the suffocating silence.

"Bosco? What's going on? You okay?"

It was Irene, my older sister, her sharp eyes scanning my face with a mixture of concern and annoyance.

"I just...I can't...," I choked out, the words barely forming.

Irene sat down beside me, her hand gently resting on my arm. "It's okay, honey. Take a deep breath, slow and steady."

I tried. I really did. But the panic was a wild animal trapped in my chest, thrashing against my ribs, refusing to be subdued.

"Hey, look at me," she said softly, her gaze unwavering. "You're safe. You're home. It's just the stress, you're overworking yourself."

Her words, coupled with her presence, were a balm to my rattled nerves. I felt the tension slowly begin to dissipate, replaced by a wave of exhaustion. 

"I need a break," I whispered, leaning against my sister. "But I also need to finish this novel."

"You're going to finish it," she said, her voice firm. "But you need to take care of yourself first. Come on, I'm taking you out for a lunch break, and you're not allowed to talk about the book."

Irene's command was a welcome distraction. I let her lead me out of the apartment and into the sunshine, the fresh air a welcome change from the stale air of my workspace. 

"Where are we going?" I asked, my voice still shaky but more controlled.

"The Wild Steer," she said with a mischievous glint in her eye. "I know you are rather well... quite fond of one of the waiters there aren't you."

Irene always knew how to get a smile out of me, and excitement began to replace the feelings of panic that had engulfed my body not long before, knowing I was about to see Daya, and he was going to get to meet Irene. 

Amidst the rustic charm of The Wild Steer, a cowboy-themed steakhouse, I sat across from my Irene. As the midday rush enveloped the restaurant, a farmiliar tall, muscular waiter emerged from the kitchen, his presence commanding attention. It was Daya.

My heart skipped a beat as he approached our table, his warm blue eyes meeting mine. "Good afternoon, ladies. What can I get you?" he asked with a disarming smile, trying his best to stay professional.

Irene's gaze lingered on Daya, her eyes widening ever so slightly. "I'll have the ribeye with mashed potatoes," she said, her voice uncharacteristically soft.

"And for you, Miss?" Daya turned to me, a playful smirk spreading across his face.

"I'll take the filet mignon, medium-rare," I replied, trying to conceal my excitement.

As Daya jotted down our order, Irene couldn't resist a playful interrogation. "So, Daya," she began, "I have to say, you're quite the catch. How did you manage to snag my little sister?"

Daya chuckled, his dimples flashing. "Well, ma'am, I've been known to have a way with words."

Irene arched an eyebrow. "Oh really? And what words did you use to charm this lovely lady?"

Daya glanced at me, a hint of mischief in his eyes. " I simply told her how beautiful she was, how I couldn't stop thinking about her, and how I longed to hold her in my arms."

Irene's lips parted in surprise. "Well, I'll be,"she murmured.

Once Daya had disappeared back into the kitchen, Irene turned to me, her expression a mixture of amusement and concern. "My, my, Bosco. You've certainly found yourself a keeper."

I couldn't help but smile. "I know, right? But there's something I have to tell you."

Irene leaned forward eagerly. "What is it?"

"Irene, we... we did it for the first time the other night,"I whispered nervously.

Irene's eyes widened in both surprise and joy. "Oh, Bosco. I'm so happy for you."

But as quickly as her smile had appeared, it faded, replaced by a hint of worry. "Did you use protection?"

"Of course,"I reassured her. "I didn't even have to mention it, he did it all himself."

Irene nodded happily, but her brow remained slightly furrowed. "And did he... rush you, or rush it?"

"No," I replied firmly. "He was so gentle and patient. He really didnt want to hurt me."

Irene's expression softened. "I'm glad to hear that, Bosco. Remember, you deserve to be treated with respect and kindness, and that's forever, not just for the first time, okay?"

I nodded back softly, before Daya returned with our food. His hand brushed against mine as he handed me my plate, making a smirk spread across his face.

"Are you busy later?" Daya asked me casually, as if Irene or the rest of the restaurant weren't there. I blushed as I felt Irene's eyes on me.

"I have a bit of writing to do, but I wouldn't mind the company if you want to come over to my place." Daya smiled, his perfect teeth shining down at me.

"I get off work at 7, so I'll come over after that." He said whilst looking down at me, I could tell he wanted affection right now but couldn't have it because he was working.

"I can't wait." I smiled up at him, "right you two you're gonna put me off my lunch," Irene laughed from across the table.

I smiled as I ate, my eyes constantly flicking back to Daya, watching him as he rushed around the restaurant and served people with a smile.

"Aww Bosco," Irene said as her face turned into a smile, "you really like him don't you?" I nodded in response, Irene's eyes softening, "well you're in luck, because that's a man who really likes you too."

As the afternoon wore on, Irene and I chatted about our lives and shared stories about our childhood. But my mind and eyes kept drifting back to Daya.

As we prepared to leave, Irene squeezed my hand. "I love you, Bosco. And I'm always here for you."

"Thank you, Irene," I said, tears welling up in my eyes. "You mean the world to me."

We made our way out of the steakhouse, Irene's protective arm around my shoulders. As we stood on the sidewalk, Daya emerged from the restaurant and caught my eye. He flashed me a warm smile, and my heart soared.

Irene looked from me to Daya and back again. "I'll see you tonight Bosco," he called over waving before disappearing off into the restaurant again. I said my goodbyes to Irene and started the walk back to my apartment, At least now having something to look forward to.