Missed Call

X. Sunflower

I sigh heavily as I stare at the books appetizingly displayed in front of me. Too many good books but too little money on hand.

Before walking away, I reach out for All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. As if my life depends on it, I bring it close to my lips silently chanting "I'll buy you soon". Then dramatically show a pained expression as I return the book in the shelf.

I should really cut my excessive eating habits. I get attracted to food very fast that I can't save for leisure novels that I like. I sat quietly in the shed just randomly scrolling through my phone's content as I wait for a bus.

"I saw you whispering something to this book. Maybe it wants to say something back."

All the bright places by Jennifer Niven magically appeared on my lap. I need not to look up to know who it is. It feels nostalgic, instead of shoes it's a book now.

Before I stand up, I place the book on the bench and approach the bus line walking pass Dom. "Heart, please?"

I bit my tongue. Do not respond, Air. Do not engage, it will only motivate him to stick around. He read my mood right, he didn't follow me when I board the bus.

As the bus door closes, he manage to throw the book in. The bus driver chuckles, "Lover's Quarrel?"

Embarrass by the little scene, I was left with no choice but pick the book, thus, in a way, receiving it (I just really want to keep it).

In my seat, I pull out the book from the paper bag. The plastic is all gone but the new book smell still lingers. I flip the book open and Dom's name appears.

Happy 18th Birthday, Aireen! Talk to me soon - Dom

No parties, no eat outs for my birthday this year. My parents are out of town, and my brother is out camping so I am house-sitting. We'll probably have a post-birthday celebration like we always do.

I'm almost done with my Chinese take-out for dinner when the doorbell came to life. Peeping through the curtain windows, I make sure that I won't be opening our house door to a killer.

"Hey, what are you doing here so late?" Cain hands me present wrapped in pink and blue - my favorite colors. He signals me to open it, so I did.

A cuss word came out of my mouth after I opened it, "Happy Birthday!" His aura is indicating oozing confidence with the gift he picked for me. And yes, he's right. I love it but I already have one...

"Thank you for remembering, Cain." Dom gave me the same book but as the popular saying goes, "It's the thought that counts."

We both bid our goodbyes through a hug. I was about to close our gate after Cain's ride took off but someone steps out of the shadow.

"His is still sealed. You can sell that one and keep the other." Face masked with his usual cold persona matching his voice that send chills.

Refusing to address his presence, I tried to escape again. He held on the hem of my shirt, looking back at him his features soften, "Ten minutes."

He swipes the book out of my hand, dropping it on the ground. At his back pocket he takes out a single-stem sunflower. "For milady." Bowing like a servant of royalty with a smile plastered on his face. Suppressing my own, I take the sunflower.

"Isn't it supposed to be 18 roses?"

"I want to move out of tradition to be remembered. Will you dance with me?" His hand suspended on air as if begging for alms. We stared at each other, his eyes hopeful. Not long did he glare, growing impatient even if he's supposed to be nice. I laugh surrendering myself to the dance.

"How will we dance without music?" I ask as Dom place my arms around his neck and his to my waist.

Dom licks his lower lip, vocalizing Do Re Mi before starting to sing as he guide me to sway following the melody. Be Your Everything by Boys Like Girls smoothly rolls out his tongue, never leaving my eyes as if every word of the song are exclusively written for me.

"Be your forever. Be your fling. Baby, I will be your everything."