Inflowing Tide (#Wattys2016)

(3) Unexpected Text Messages

After gainig control of my mind, I explained everything to Tony about my embarrassing encounter that lasted all of two minutes and has now become close to a factor in my life.

"That's some crazy business, Sav." He said as he stood up from the bench.

"I know. I'll deal with this if it becomes a problem to me."

"Why'd you want to meet here?" I tried changing the subject.

"Seemed poetic. We grew up playing here, that was where the bee stung me. right under that tree." Tony pointed to a jacaranda tree. I burst into laughter

"We were so frightened. I even called the ambulance." Tony was crying from laughter. I honestly missed him so much.

"I'm glad you're moving back." I punched his arm but, it was so weak he didn't even flinch.

He noticed the distraught look on my face and suddenly pretended he was wounded. I giggled at his reaction.

"You're such an idiot." I rolled my eyes.

We continued to speak about growing up and all the dumb things we did. He couldn't stop reminding me about the bee-stung incident. I was 11 years old, my mother told me to call the ambulance in case of an emergency...that seemed like an emergency. 

Mom had just come to get me from the park.

"I just need to buy something to eat. I'm so exhausted, I refuse to cook." Mom said as she drove towards the mall. "Pizza?" She questioned "Yes!" I squealed like a two year old. Pizza was literally my favourite thing apart from literature.

I slid out the passenger seat and followed moms lead. I couldn't help but think about my unexpected encounters that happened from nowhere. His name was Gabriel, he had a name. It suited him, perfectly. My word, Savannah. I was putting too much thought into this. What were the chances of him being related to one of my friends?

I sat inside and waited for our order; mom had a shitty boss who knew nothing about after hours. We should've just ordered pizza from home. I was scrolling through my camera roll on my cell phone; a picture from our gold reef city trip popped up; we were having so much fun.

I nearly tossed my phone when someone stepped on my toes; their arms fell to my back, pushing me forward. The impact was so strong, I was close to falling on my face from this damn chair.

"I'm so, so sor-" he paused and I turned around "Shit." I mumbled to myself.

"I feel like I've seen you before." The deep husky voice sounded amused. I froze and lost all the common sense I never possessed. My lips began to shake; I was literally lost for words. It was as if his words were falling on deaf ears. Dammit, Savannah!

I gathered all my senses

"Yes, I'm a hazard, all the time. I love people bumping into me and stepping on my toes." I knew I was sarcastic all the time but even I was yelling at myself to tone it down.

"Oh, you...again. I thought I knew those sneakers." He was definitely amused

"What's that supposed to mean?" I questioned in confusion. I looked down at my sneakere then back at him.

"No one wears those anymore." He arched an eyebrow.

"Its vintage. It was my mothers back in the day." He masked his amusement with a nod.

"Explains a lot." He smirked as if he saw all my truths on my face.

I pushed a chair out with my foot underneath the table.

"You can sit down." I offered and he complied. My goodness! He is flawless!

"Let's erase our previous encounters. I'm Savannah Andrews." I regained my manners and reached out my arm for a handshake

"Gabriel...Gabriel Bell." He smiled sweetly. "Not so hard to be nice, right?" He joked. I just smiled awkwardly, not knowing what exactly he meant.

"You're sitting down, Good. Safety precaution for anyone else's toes." His eyes widened as he burst into laughter. I had to stop myself from cracking another lame joke just to hear his laugh. It was truly a melody. And the smile that accompanied it was the cherry on top.

"So, Savannah."

"So, Gabriel."

We paused and both just awkwardly looked away with a small laugh that wasn't fooling anyone. It was kind of awkward speaking at the same time.

"Are you from around here?" He questioned "Yep. this is home." I smiled and he looked away. I wasn't sure whether he was pondering or just didn't care.

"Are you?" I disturbed his thoughts. He nodded in response "This is home, too." I sent him a friendly smile.

His eyes gave so much away. He had a past or it was still his present...there was just something about his eyes that made him seem vulnerable in some way.

He cleared his throat. Shit. He noticed I was staring. I looked down and pretended to read the menu on the table.

"So, I know this would seem forward but can I have your cell phone number?" His request immediately pissed me off.

"You're right it is forward." He infuriated me, does he think I just jump at any opportunity a guy prevail and freely give my number? How original.

Mom emerged and narrowed her eyes at me when she saw I wasn't alone. Before anyone could say anything mom stood at the table

"Hi Savy, who's this?" She questioned eagerly. I looked over at Gabriel

"Friends. We're friends." He blurted out...I wanted to punch him.

"Oh." Mom was confused I could tell. Before this becomes painfully awkward.

"He was just leaving." I tried putting either of us out of this misery. "I was?" He whispered with a smirk as he stood to leave.

"Oh, I'm Gabriel." He said to mom "Cindy." She stated as she shook his hand. Why was he introducing himself to my mother? This guy knew nothing about boundaries.

The car drive was peaceful considering, mom would usually grill me if she saw me with a guy. I wandered inside towards the kitchen carrying the pizza.

"Pizza!" Mom exclaimed at the staircase and within no time Josie was downstairs.

"Did someone say my name?" She danced into the kitchen. I giggled at her and placed three plates on the kitchen counter.

"I'm certain no in this households name is pizza." Mom rolled her eyes.

Josie placed two slices of pizza on her plate "Don't ruin my moment." She said to mom.

"Mom, if you don't mind I'll eat in my room." I placed two slices on my plate  and awkwardly stood there as mom and Josie stared me down.

"Sure, Sav. Everything okay?" I nodded in response. And sent her a sweet smile to avoid being interrogated.

I tossed the plate onto my bed as I lied down; I can't stop thinking about this guy. His smile was like a painting that you've never seen before, I felt like I wanted to see it over and over again. I know this is pathetic, he probably wasn't even thinking about me.

I took a bite from my pizza as I fished for my cell phone in my jeans pocket.

There was a new text message waiting for me.

-Hi, Savannah. Want to hang out sometime? -Gabriel

I choked on the pizza in my mouth and got dissolved into a round of hysterical coughing...I'm sure if I had to die, it wouldn't be like this, choking on pizza.

its him. Gabriel! How did he get my number?