My Love Story

Chapter two: water bottles and an umbrella

                It was hot Saturday afternoon. We were waiting for the stoplight to turn red so that we could cross the street and go our group mate’s house. As I was standing under the blistering heat, an umbrella came to my rescue. “It’s a very hot day. You might get sunburned.”  A guy with a very husky voice said as he shaded me with the umbrella. I was startled. It was my first time hearing such a deep and husky voice since I grew up with a bunch of girls in our household. It was strange but his presence comforted me so I leaned in a bit to shade myself from the blistering heat. “My name is Kris, by the way.” I looked up at him and he turned his head away from me. He escorted me as we crossed the street. When we reached our group mate’s house, we immediately started practicing. After 3 hours of non-stop dancing we decided to take a break. I sat down on the concrete because there was nowhere else to sit on. “Can you buy me a bottle of water?” Krystal said to Kris. “sure.” He stood up and took the money from her hand and started to walk off. I was about to yell at him to buy me too but he was already running. I had to buy water for myself. It somehow irritated me that he didn’t even bother to ask me if I wanted a drink or what but then why would he? We weren’t even that close to start with.  So I had to walk out of the alley because I saw a convenience store across the street. I was about to cross when someone suddenly tapped my shoulder “where are you going?” Kris asked as I turned around. “I was going to buy myself a drink” I said and waited for the light to turn red. “here.” He handed me a water bottle “no, it’s okay. I’ll just buy one.” “Take it.” he sounded authoritative, he intimidated me. I shyly took the water bottle from his hand and started to walk behind him as we went back to the house.

                It really got awkward after that encounter. We would stand 3 yards away from each other. Our group mates didn’t mind because they thought it was nothing.

They said it was normal for Kris to not be close to other people.

They said that Kris doesn’t socialize with people he doesn’t know.

Kris doesn’t talk to people he doesn’t know.

Kris ignores people.

Kris is like an introvert.

Kris is the silent type.

Kris doesn’t like to talk. Period.

Then… why did he talk to me?

                A week passed by since the time he talked to me. We were like strangers. He would always sit at the behind me whenever he gets the chance. It was presentation day. I got so nervous because all of the students in our school will watch. The performance was great. We even got 2nd place. He kept on ignoring me after that. I was like I didn’t even exist.

One Monday morning he didn’t show up for school. It worried me. I mean thought he was just late; it was so like him to be late. I bet you’re wondering why I know this. It’s because my seat is located near the back door, that’s why I know who’s early and who’s late for class. Kris was absent for days. I think I was about to go insane. I asked everyone in class why he was absent. Nobody knew why. I got so worried that I wasn’t even able to sleep at night. And then I realized have I fallen for him?

He was absent for two weeks. Two whole weeks. But one day he suddenly showed up and seated at the far end corner of the room. I shyly sat by his side asked him why he was absent.

“I had dengue.” That was all he said and stared at me.

“Oh, I’m glad that you’re okay now.” Was all I said and went back to my seat