Ellipsis

Chapter 15

I woke up early feeling very light and I never realized that I was smiling until I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror. It left me wondering why for the first time in my life, I woke up with a smile on my lips added to the fact that it's unbearably cold outside. Shrugging my shoulders, I opened the curtains revealing the little ice formations against my windows. I unconsciously gave myself a hug while shivering a little just imagining the chilly sensation of the cold air beyond the confines of my room.

Easing out of the bed, I set foot on a very cold floor which, caused me to jump a little and shiver yet again. This time, however, I bet that all my body hair is standing. With a few large steps, I crossed the distance between my bed and my door where my slippers are located. For some reason, my attention landed on the doorknob and little by little, I started to recall the things that happened the previous evening. And little by little, I could feel my eyes getting bigger with every realization of what had happened.

By the time I finished my recollection, both of my hands were already clasped on my lips. What I did was humiliating! And I need to apologize to the neighbor! What was I thinking?

I went out of the room, unconsciously ignoring the brush of the chilly, morning air. Before I could knock at his door, I heard short, hushed breaths from the end of the hallway where a small, covered deck is located. Curiosity hit me so I just let my feet took me there.

But what I saw completely caught me off guard. There in the middle of the balcony, was the neighbor, half naked before my very eyes, doing some exhibition with a staff. Never have I witnessed such a manly action before. And did I mention he was half naked? His broad back was facing me studded with several bands of black tattoos. Every time he changes his stance and swiftly swings the staff, the muscles on him appeared to me like a masterpiece of a master sculptor. And that "behind" of his, goodness, they are shaped perfectly against his sweat pants.

I swallowed with the way my mind was wandering. Just a little more of this sight will surely make my morals fly down the lawn which, I do not want to happen. I decided to take my leave before my mind stops thinking rationally. Yet before I could turn my heel; he made a strong air kick, turning his body so he landed on the floor as he caught the staff. Now he is facing me and before I knew it, our eyes locked up.

I think, I stopped breathing at the sight of his magnificent body. But what's more appealing to me was the change of his expression from surprise to amusement when he saw me. Especially when that perfect grin came to view. I have forgotten my intention of leaving when my eyes draped over his six packs trailed with buds of his sweat.

"Good morning." He greeted and I was awakened from my reverie.

"Good morning." I answered timidly.
My attention was back on his face with a hint of newly shaved stubble. His jet black hair was damp with his sweat making him looked more delectable. Seriously, I need to carefully choose the words when I describe him but nothing seems more fitting. He positioned his Bo staff in his left hand and walked towards me, still wearing that smile.

My internal self panicked at the imminent proximity. I just felt my pupils dilated when a gush of wind delivered his scent directly to my nose. Which smelled like a combination of woody citrus and fresh pine trees.

"How was your sleep?" He asked when he got closer although a little bit of me was disappointed when he stopped two steps away from me. And again, that soothing voice stirred me every time he speaks. He was so tall that my five foot seven looked mediocre. And now that he's closer, I realized that he had tattoos in his chest too.

He cleared his throat which snapped me out of my trance again. I looked away to at least minimize the awkwardness I was feeling. Plus, I can't bear to let him look at me in the eye. I'm afraid of what he might see there, they are just too honest.