Then Came You (Wattys2015)

Chapter 6

I could not believe what had happened with me in the past 24 hours. My brain was totally not ready to accept that whatever happened with me was for real. In the desert of my life, I felt as if yesterday was a mirage. The person, whom I would have silently admired all my life without revealing my feelings for him even once, had indirectly professed his liking for me. When he held my hand, I felt secure and protected. Aaron did not utter a single word after that. We attended most of the classes together but without talking to each other. And it was not an awkward silence. Whenever I glanced at him, he gave me a heartwarming smile. We just could not find words to express what we felt. So it was better to remain silent. After I returned home, I had expected him to call me or at least text me. But sadly, he didn't. Nevertheless, I didn't lose my hope because my previous experience had totally stunned me.

Suddenly, the vibration in my phone broke my trance. I skimmed the screen only to find out that it was Aaron's call. Without waiting for a second, I received his call.

"Hello Aaron?"

"Hmm yes it's me. Sorry for disturbing you but I need to tell you something."

"Its okay. You don't disturb me."

"Good to know." I could feel him smiling on the other side of the phone.

"So is it something important?"

"What?"

"You called me to tell me something, didn't you?"

"Oh yeah! Sorry."

"You don't have to say sorry so many times Aaron. Say."

"Lia.... I......" His voice was shaky.

"You what?"

"I actually....I don't know how should I say this...."

"Aaron spill it."

"I wanted to ask whether we have to submit our Science project tomorrow or not."

Idiot.

"It is a Sunday tomorrow."

"Oh yes right! It totally slipped from my mind."

"Anything else?"

"No nothing. Bye."

"Okay bye." I said as I heard him breathe harshly. His heartbeat was loud enough to be heard.

"I love you." And he ended the call.

My heart began pounding. Aaron Smith loved me? Never in seven births could I have imagined this. Yes, I liked him way too much. But love?  I really did not think about this. In such a short span of time how could someone possibly fall in love with me? That also a person like Aaron who had the habit of crushing on a new girl annually! It seemed totally illogical for me to believe his words. What if he changes his mind later? What if he finds a substitute for me? If I become too attached to him then it might be very difficult to let him go. Moreover I was not sure whether I loved him or not. Several questions started flooding in my cerebrum. Aaron was smart enough to escape the situation by hanging up the call. God tell me what should I do?

As if on cue, the phone rang at that very moment. Surprisingly, it was Aaron again. I picked up the call. 

"Liaaaaaa!" He exclaimed out of excitement. This time his voice was filled with enthusiasm and joy. He sounded a lot more confident and relaxed. I wondered whether he was suffering from bipolar disorder because it was practically impossible for a person's mood to change in such a short span of time.

"I love you Adelia Parker. I love you!!!" 

My heart skipped a beat.

"Do you even know the meaning of love?"

"Yes I do. It means a strong feeling of affection for someone. Direct from google."

"No you don't understand. I just can't believe it. We have recently opened up a lot with each other, shared our deep secrets, had fun together. Maybe that is why you have developed your 'annual crush' on me. You can't call it love."

"Listen Lia. The attachment I feel for you is different. Different than any other feeling. I just can't explain you everything. I don't even have a reason to give you. All I know is that I love you. Te amo. Ich liebe dich. Je t'aime."

"Hmm okay."

"What okay? Say something better."

"Why should I? You can't force me."

"I know you love me. So stop beating around the bush and say it. Come on Adelia, I proposed you in four languages."

Before talking to Aaron I was not sure what to do. But now, somehow, I sensed genuineness in him. Neither did he make up flattering speeches to impress me nor did he create a remarkable atmosphere which would make me think twice before declining. His confession was raw and pure. Whatever he said was directly poured out from his heart. A part of me wanted to believe him, to be with him. I had never experienced this feeling earlier in my life. For the first time in my life, I was willing to take a risk. I think I should give it a try. Give Aaron a chance.

"Listen Lia, I don't mean to rush you. You can take your time. It is absolutely fine. If you are not sure-"

"I love you too Aaron."

There was pin drop silence on both sides. Not wanting to ruin this moment, I hung up. I couldn't help smiling at this moment. After I uttered the magic words, a drop of tear escaped from my eyes. Bloody lachrymal glands! How do they identify emotions? Human body. A strange mystery. Wait a second! Did I just think about human body while acknowledging my feelings for Aaron? I seriously need help. My phone vibrated and I shot back at reality. It showed a text from Aaron:

AARON: Goodnight love and listen, mark the date. 

ME: Goodnight and yes, I will.

Though I texted him that I will  mark the date, I didn't need to. How could I forget this date? 11/8/13 will be etched in my mind forever. With new dreams and fresh optimism, I went off to sleep; waiting for a new tomorrow.....Waiting for a new beginning.....