See You Again

14 - Attracted To You

Jamie's point of view

As I stacked and packed my bags, my heart felt heavy. So many memorable events, warm people, and moments of peace would soon be just memories I had the pleasure to share. Once I finished, I sat on the bed, watching around my room before my gaze settled on the bouquet of anemones I had placed on the table.

It was indeed the same bouquet that Collin had given me before I run away from the bookstore. Should I take it with me to Green Hill or leave it here? I couldn't decide. This bouquet held sentimental value. It reflected our relationship, but I was afraid it would wilt during the trip. What good would a wilted bouquet bring to me? It was as if our relationship was fading away as much as it was wilting. In my indecision, I hope I could make up my mind by the time I had to leave.

As I went upstairs, I could already hear the sound of a guitar and voices humming along to the music. When I reached the terrace, I saw only Janice, Rose, Terrence (one of the servers and Collin's regular bartender) and two other people I hadn't had the pleasure to meet yet. No sign of Collin. Maybe he was in the kitchen? Or maybe he wasn't here yet? Or perhaps he wouldn't come at all? A glint of worry and disappointment washed over me as I walked toward the others. Janice handed me a beer and introduced me to the people I didn't know. It was Nick her husband, and their two-year-old daughter, Raphaelle. I complimented their daughter's cute little face before settling onto one of the sofas next to Rose.

As the hours passed and we started our third song, Collin finally appeared. He looked good as he always did. So good in his casual outfit it could be a sin. He greeted everyone including me and his presence was a total relief. Just the smile he gave me was enough to make my heart race, pounding against my reason. When Raphaelle spotted her uncle, she ran to him, eager for him to pick her up, which he did.

Terrence was in charge of the music, skillfully playing the guitar. Janice lived almost downtown, but since Collin only left Chaston once a month to restock the bookstore and lunch bar, he rarely saw her or Nick for that matter. Janice opened him a beer and we all gathered around the table where various snacks were laid out while Collin went to the railing behind us with Raphaelle in his arms.

"Here Raphaelle, that's Orion. And over there is... um, well, whatever that is." he said, pointing dramatically at a random cluster of stars.

"Uncle Cole, are you sure that's not just a plane?" she asked, squinting skeptically.

Cuteness overload.

"Hey, planes are the new constellations. They've just gone...corporate." he retorted with mock seriousness.

Terrence then started playing No Rain by Blind Melon and we all sang along, clapping our hands to the rhythm. We sang, teased each other, laughed until we cried and took turns playing with Raphaelle to keep the alcohol from getting the best of us. It was a moment of joy, sharing and once again a memorable time for all of us. Collin and I exchanged brief glances - some tender, some shy - like teenagers discovering their mutual attraction for the first time. After all, love knows no age.

***

Janice's family already left a moment ago, along with Rose and Terrence late in the night, leaving only the two of us behind. Sitting side by side on the sofa, we embrace the silence that enveloped our night, dominating our interaction. What a peculiar way to spend my last night in Chaston, I admit it.

"It's gonna be a long trip. Maybe you should rest as well. It's 02:00 AM already." Collin took a peek at his watch.

Why was he still keeping formal addresses to me? I looked at him in a way he could see confusion well written all over my face.