TAKING CHANCES

Memoirs

"Autumn is my favorite season..."

Blink.

The smell of coffee beans brewing and the sweetness of pastries tickled my nose. I smiled as I paused with what I'm doing. My article was supposed to be submitted yesterday but my boss was being nice and gave me an extension. I stretched my arms and looked around.

Oh.

I'm at my favorite cafe, that's why it's cozy. I sipped my coffee and the mug was already empty. I saved my work and went out in an instant. I let my feet drag me to a particular place. The spot where I used to wait for the bus going to school. The place where I met him.

The happiest thing that happened to me during high school. I closed my eyes as I let my mind travel back to those memories...

(Autumn. High school days...)

It was a bright morning and I was running late.

The last bus going to my school will arrive in fifteen minutes and I'm still running. The bus was not yet there when I arrived and to my luck, I still have five minutes to rest.

I sat down on one of the small benches and waited. "Did I forget anything?" I muttered quietly. I looked at my side and saw a boy sitting.

Man, he's so dreamy and gorgeous.

The boy was reading a book while listening to something. The music was not that loud so I couldn't hear what he's listening to.

The bus arrived and we climbed in. We sat on different rows and I noticed he's a student at my school. I continued to stare at him and he's really beautiful, like an angel. Is it bad to have some admiration to someone you just met? He suddenly looked at my direction and I immediately ducked my head in shame.

I heard some chuckling and I swear that's very embarrassing.

The next time I met him, I was already at the station and he just arrived. His hair was combed neatly and he's looking perfect. I tried not to stare at him again because of last time.

He sat beside me and he smelled good. I distracted myself by listening to some music. I clicked my music app and tapped shuffle.

When the bus arrived, I wasted no time and ran inside; not minding if I looked weird in his eyes.

During lunch break, I was looking through my bag, feeling nervous. My wallet's missing. I already skipped lunch to do a mini search. Where did I put it? I was busy thinking when I heard my phone rang.

Unknown number calling....

I hesitated to pick up but I eventually did. "H-hello?"

"Hello. Is this the owner of the pink wallet with a big ribbon?"

"Yes! Yes! Thank you very much! I was looking for it."

The person on the other line chuckled, "Okay. Meet me later after school? Since the next class would start any minute. Would that be okay?"

I was silent. This person is very polite.

"Hello?"