Notes and Kisses

Dieciséis

Dieciséis

I was at the porch, reading when I saw a car pulled over at our front yard. I gazed up to see who it was. Though, I already knew who was it because I knew to whom the car was.

             Stephen.

             He was carrying a bouquet—typical guy would think that bouquet always work to someone they like. He grinned when he saw me and almost ran up to my place.

             I put down my book, crossed my arms over my chest and asked, “What are you doing here?” I didn’t know if I sounded harsh and I didn’t care if I sounded harsh.

             His grin disappeared ad was replaced by a sheepish smile. “For you,” he said, handing me the bouquet. “Well, you say man up,” he shrugged.

             I glared at him. “Yeah, I know what I said. But is this how you understand it? Flowers? What’s next chocolates? Stephen, I thought you’re smart.” This was insane. It was like he was taking me for granted just because he knew that I still like him.

             He scratched the back of his neck. “Sorry. I just thought it would be nice to start it with flowers and all, but I guess, I was wrong.” His voice was low and upset. I should forgive him already like what I had did with Aaron.

             I sighed. “Sorry, too. Okay. Well um, there’s something I want to tell you and thank goodness that you’re here.”

             This was it. The moment that I had been waiting for. After I forgive him, I was sure that he would be back to normal, like nothing happened between us and that was something I had to get ready.  Because for me, even though I had forgiven the two guys, I would still not be able to forget them and what they did would surely seek its way back from time to time until I finally moved on.

             “I’m forgiving you.”

             “Already?” he blurted, shock evident in his voice. I raised an eyebrow. “I mean, really? You are?”

             “Yeah. I already forgave Aaron and he’s back to his normal routine of annoying me again. I think it would be unfair if I don’t do the same to you. So yeah.”

             He didn't say anything. He was just standing there, eyes not even blinking. For a moment, I thought of the things I'd said that. I didn't say any harsh words, that's for sure. Maybe he was just surprised that I was forgiving him already.

             I cleared my throat to grab his attention. He blinked twice before saying, "Really?"

             I shook my head. "You want my forgiveness or not?" was I asked him. He reacted so differently unlike Aaron who threw himself instantly at me when I forgave him. Wouldn't he do that?

             Ha! You just wanted to have a hug from him, my mind mocked me.

             Yes, maybe that was what I wanted. After all, I still liked him.

             Stephen was looking anywhere but me. It looks like words had abandoned him for a moment.

             I was about to say something again when I heard a different voice.

             "Seems like we're getting okay again." It was Aaron, who was not pleased to see Stephen.

             "Aaron, if you're here to—"

             "No, I'm not here to pick a fight," he said immediately, cutting me off. "I'm here to ask you out but it seems that someone had beaten me to it." He was not looking at me. And Stephen, who wasn't looking at me earlier, was now focused at Aaron.