Just Love

Paradoxical

Paradoxical- Seeming absurd or self-contradictory but nonetheless possibly true.

MACY'S POV

I can't help but stare into my coffee. It reminds me of Marcus. His eyes echo the burnished color and incandescent warmth.

I notice him on my mind more often than not. Everything about Marcus is intensely compelling, with his elaborate individuality, abstract charm, and intricate mind. He's a full set of desired virtues. He's a pure breed of brilliance. His wisdom is beyond his years; every conversation I've had with him is transcendental.

One thing I've learned about him is that he's a very logical thinker. He bases his ideology on facts rather then feelings. I tend to disagree with him here, because I origin my judgment with emotions. But even though we contemplate differently, our paradoxical minds fuse perfectly.

When I'm with him, it's seems like he emphasizes my strengths and minimizes my weaknesses. Marcus capitalizes the good and distracts from the bad.

Everything about him is riveting and refreshing: his avant-guard views, colorful standpoints, and exotic speculations make him pigmented in the whimsical hues of friction.

Even after retrieving my bicycle from the Lakewood Museum, more kaleidoscopic thoughts about Marcus endlessly enter my mind. 

I remember on our coffee date, when he told me he loved math, that he even had a team and competed in competitions. His passion for complicated expressions and algebraic equations perplexed me. I never enjoyed math, it seemed like a lethal compote of harsh figures and puzzling methods. But he relishes in the "simple" memorization factor.

And on the contrary, I love to write. We're so alike but also very contrasting. English and math are completely different subjects- like day and night. But when we're together our colors blend wonderfully.

I shake my head, attempting to erase theses thoughts so I can work with a blank mind. Mr. Blackwell, my boss, emailed me the other day saying that if I wanted to work from home I could. So I'm taking this opportunity to add the finishing touches on the book cover I've been designing. Tomorrow is friday, which is when I will be presenting my idea to Mr. Blackwell. The last thing I want to do is disappoint.

-

After several hours of composing and editing I finally finish my title design. I breathe out a sigh of relief, glancing at the clock. I notice the time and hastily get ready.

Marcus's math competition is tonight and I want to make sure I arrive on time. I swiftly throw on my cinnamon coat; walking to my bike quickly.

When I arrive at the library I spot Marcus waiting outside the auditorium, a small smile appears on his face when he sees me.

I can't help but admire his cute uniform, a black collared top with kakis and sneakers.

He pulls me into a hug, the smell of musky vanilla with a small hint of peppermint overwhelm my senses.

"Come on, let me show you around." He gestures inside with an excited grin.

Marcus guides me through the somewhat busy socializing crowds scattered amongst the auditorium, eventually escorting me backstage. He leads me to a small room with just a tattered couch, sitting on the sofa are two guys who look around Marcus's age.

"Hey guys. This is Macy." Marcus gestures to me, his swirly chocolate eyes hold a hint of nervousness.

The two guys exchange glances, and stand up from the sofa.

"Dan." A boy with dark hair informs me after shaking my hand.

The one with floppy blonde hair abruptly shoves his hand into mine,"Name's Floyd but you can just called me Prince Charming."

Dan rolls his eyes at Floyd's remark and casually pushes him.

"Bruh, have you been working out?" Floyd chuckles.

"How do you think they look so good?" Dan motions to his moderately sized biceps.

"It's from carrying all the weight of his sin." Marcus smiles clearly amused by his own joke.

Floyd looks in awe. "Dang Marcus I never realized how much of a savage you are."

"Listen, you should check in. They're probably looking for you." Dan says to Marcus.

"Okay. Will you guys show her where to sit and stuff?" Marcus asks.

Dan and Floyd both nod, Marcus says a quick goodbye to me and heads out.

Floyd flashes me a cheeky grin while placing his hand on my shoulder. "C'mon peaches 'n' cream big daddy gonna show you the way."

Dan has a giant scowl on his face, disgust clear on his features. He bats Floyd's hand away from my shoulder and gives me small apologetic smile.

I follow Dan back into the auditorium where he guides me to seat on the front row.

"So you and Marcus are sorta a thing, right?" He asks considerately.

"Yeah, we actually met at the library." I smile at the memory.

"That's cool. He's never brought anyone to one of our math competitions before so he must really like you."

My heart warms at Dan's words. The fact that he hasn't brought another girl here makes this even more special.

"So what do you do?" Dan curiously asks.

"I'm an intern at diamond publishing. What about you?"

"I'm a mechanic, I work with cars."

Dan's aura seems very polished, it surprises me a little bit that he works as a mechanic.

Just as I'm about to open my mouth to reply Marcus walks up. "It's show time." He say to Dan and he nods.

They both wave, heading backstage again to do some last minute preparing.

A few moments later I spot them on stage, Floyd winks at me and I smile at Marcus's cringe directed toward him.

-

After Marcus and his team win the competition, I embrace him in a hug outside the auditorium.

"Congratulations guys!" I praise their success.

Floyd puts a hand over his heart as if that compliment deeply affected him. "Thanks pussy cat, us chunky monkeys just can't be tamed."

I hear Dan groan. "God, someone take his man card away."

"Anyways." Marcus clears his throat."Macy, I wanted to talk to you."

I nod, following him to a secluded bench away from his friends.

"So what are we?" Marcus blurts.

"What?"

Marcus sighs. "I just want to know where our relationship stands. Like are we boyfriend and girlfriend or are we still a 'thing'."

I'm completely caught off guard by this. I don't know why he needs to know this now.

"Um I don't know. I think we should wait and talk about this later." This is so sudden is he having doubts? Did something happen?

Marcus keeps his eyes looks on the ground. "I just... Never mind." He keeps acting like there's something he wants to say but nothing is coming out. I remember the mysterious phone conversation and wonder if this has any association.

"Uh can we talk about this tomorrow? I'll meet you at the coffee shop at 8?"

I nod, I'm so confused and frustrated. What is he not telling me? A pit of worry settles in my stomach like a rock, I just hope everything ends well.