Forehead Kisses (ONGOING)

Part Three

     It's been a week since the exhibit opened and a week before I leave for Dallas and then New York where I have a friend there who's gonna get married and they want me as their photographer. I'm not thinking of going back home after that. I'm thinking of starting my new collection regarding the New Seven Wonders of Nature. 

     "I'm going with you," Retty said. 

     "Really?"

     "Yeah. Well, just to New York for Samantha's wedding. By the way, what's in Dallas?" she asked, eating meatloaf that was in the fridge. "Folks." She stares at me with her brows arching upwards and her mouth filled with water now. Liquid was seeping out of her perfectly pursed lips.

     Oh. She wants me to elaborate further.

     "Mom's side of the family." I stabbed a fork on my pasta and twirled it playfully. I don't talk to much about my family. Not after the tragedy. "Oh," she said and quietly chewed on her food. Then there was a knock on the door. "Could you go get that?" I told Retty.

     "I'm eating, Liz. You go," she darted, feeding herself a spoonful of the delicious meatloaf and directed her face to me like she's making me feel that her food is more delicious than mine. Show off.

     "I'm eating too, cheeky chipmunk." I stuffed my mouth with pasta and gave the same look she made earlier. The door sounded again and we glared at each other. And from that moment, I knew what she was thinking.

     "ROCK PAPER SCISSORS!" I lost.

     "Ha ha! You lost mothaf-" The knock interrupted her as she swung her arms in mid-air. "Kindly get the door now, sweetie," she ushered in a sweet tone, her hands primly positioned on the table and her back straightened. "Weird." I got off my chair and opened the door.

     And there stood a man I have easily recognized. "Why hello Mr. Pembleton. Sorry to keep you waiting," I greeted loud enough for Retty to lean on her chair, trying to get a glimpse of the handsome man. "Oh. Miss West..." his eyes widened. "I'm sorry. I think I got the wrong room. Uhm... Is there a Sean Olrick in this building?" 

     "Uh, yes." I caught a glimpse of Retty leaning more and more on her chair as Mr. Pembleton backed some steps. I needed to point where the room was  so I stepped out. Then I heard a thud from inside. 

     "Ahhh... Thanks," he smiled. 

     "Aaaaawch!" a cry came from inside.

     "Is... everything fine... over there?" he leaned forward to take a look inside. I pushed him gently. "That was just my hamster. No biggie," I smiled. "Oh... OK," he smiled back.

     "Hey, Sev!" Sean called out from the hallway. "I was wondering when you'd come by!" he waved his hand and he was off.

     I closed the door gently and turned to wherever the hell Retty was. I went to the counter and she was there still rubbing her back. "What the fuck are you doing down there?" I laughed.

     "Seriously. Where did this pet hamster title come from?"