photograph // darren espanto

chapter six - game store

Darren

"Haha bro, this girl almost recognized me. That was close" I heard JK say as he ran over to me. We walk around the mall a bit then he starts talking. I listen at first, then somehow get lost in my thoughts.

Girl. It's been a month. A month since i've seen Lei. I've been so busy with concerts and interviews, never got to even text her. Not sure why, but I sorta miss seeing her.

"Bro. You almost ran into a wall. And did you even listen? I was talking about how my new album's gonna-"

"Yeah. I heard" I interrupted.

"Is this about that Layla girl again?" JK said as he sighed.

"Lei. At hindi. Just, haven't seen her in a while. I just miss talking to her and seeing her that's all"

"Cheesy ka naman, get your mind off of girls. Let's go look for a new video game or something" He says as he makes me walk to a store in the mall.

I look around then see the newest call of duty game that just released. Can't wait to play this all day. It's the last copy in the store.

I reach for it, but instead of it landing on a hard dvd cover, I notice a small, soft hand touching mine. I think we were reaching for the same thing. I look at her wrist and see a familiar bracelet.

Ho'onalu

I lift my head up to get a look at the person. I see a dark haired girl, wavy hair, and has plain and simple makeup on. I take off my ray ban glasses to get a better look at her then put them on my head. She looks up from the game then makes eye contact with me, she then gives me a sweet smile.

"Oh hey, it's you again" Lei says, sounding laid back and relaxed.

"O-Oh. Um. Yeah. H-Hi" I stutter, giving her an awkward smile.

Meeting in an airport, the street, a concert, and now a game store. Interesting.

"You gonna get that game?" She asked, pointing at the one we both held.

"I was just looking, you can get it if you want" I offered. She grabs the game then smiles at me.

"Well thanks, Darren. See ya" Lei says as she waves me goodbye, then walks away.

Seriously? Just like that? We only had like a 1-minute meeting. I walk over to JK, who was playing around with a console.

"Bro. I saw her again" I say, hitting his arm.

"Who? That one crazy fan girl that tried to take your pants?" JK asked, not looking up from the game.

"No, and don't ever mention her again. But I saw Lei" I said, JK looks up from the game.

"What? Bro, you should've taken her out or something. Got her frozen yogurt or that crap people do on first dates" JK said

"Aw man I should've done that. Wanna come with?" I offered.

"No. That Lei girl's probably a loser. I can tell because you like her" He said. I punch his arm. "Joke lang, now I gotta go, I need to get back to my Lola. So good luck with her, I guess"