The Gift

Chapter 4

IV. The rest of the night is a quiet one until we make it into the familiar neighborhood. She doesn't talk even once. She's so quiet that time while driving. I even once tried to start a conversation but she didn't say a word or even entertain it.

"So, what does bother you?" I asked her the same question ten times over.

"What do you really want to know?" She asked in an embarrassed tune.

"I want to know about the truth." I said.

"Do you remember what I told you in that creepy backyard in our school?" She asked me.

"Yes, of course." I answered.

"Well, it's a lie." She said.

"Which part?" I asked her.

"All of them." She answered.

She took a deep breath as she does lately in the store.

"I say it to you because I want to cover the truth with lies about me." She confessed.

"Wha – What do you mean? I can't understand you?" I confused.

"You might be confused right now but, you'll understand it in the right time. What I said to you in that yard, it's a lie. I don't know how to put it in a nice place, though you are the first one who comes near me these past weeks. Ever since I found out that my, EX boyfriend is cheating on me with my sister every time he came in our house." She told.

"That must be tough." I reacted.

"Of course, it is. And as soon as I caught him red-handed, I broke up with him without any hesitations." She proceeded.

"Well, what about your sister?" I asked her.

"Well, it is so hard for me to forgive her but, she's my sister. I forgive her the day after. I know that in her, she's also a victim, and it's just, we're sisters and we fall for one guy at the same time." She answered.

She closed her eyes and look at nothingness. She looks so beautiful but at the same time, she's a little weird and, seems so strange.

"Well, do you want to do this or not?" I asked her.

She took a deep breath, just like she did every time I ask her.

"I decided. I will no way in hell gonna do this." She answered.

I just smile and look her.

"What make you change your plans?" I asked her.

She opened the door of the car as I off the engine after I parked it in the garage of our house.

"You."

***

The night was still young and cold even it's already past midnight. The streets are silent, and only the flickering of the lights is to be heard. Except, for our car passing through.

The mysteries of the smiles of Jean Collins filled through my mind as we make our way home. The smile of nothingness.

"What do you think tomorrow might be?" I asked her.

"I don't know. But, I do know is that, it will never be the same as yesterday." She smiles again.

As every time, as every time she smiles, it is mystery once again.

"Why am I actually here?" I asked her.

She laughs mystically.

"Because, I ask you to?" She said with doubt.

"Then, why me?" I.

"Because – you're new. And you don't know about my past. You gain my trust that's why I choose you." She answered.

"Do you think I'm different from others?" I.

"Yes, you do. I know it." She answered.

"Alright, then." I said.

The rest was quiet and still. No one talks after.

We return into our homes safe and quiet. Everybody is still asleep in the exact time of 2:30 in the morning. The air was thick and cold. I first open the door and then, accompany her out.

"Well, this might be it?" I asked her.

"Well, for a while." She said.

She flings the keychain of their house and, undoubtedly, I leaned toward her, waiting for her to move next. She never left me undecided. She leans towards me and the taste of our lips sprang together. I smell the scent of her hair. Smells like autumn. Her lips were as sweet as the newly harvested strawberries at the farm. It holds for ten seconds, and then I let her go. But, she holds my hand and never wants to let it go. We kissed each other again and it lasts this time for twenty. I felt my hesitation before this might turn into something she might never prepared of so I let her go and walk – well, run, through the door.

The night – Which night,was unforgettable. That is the longest night in my life.