Labyrinth | ✓

s e v e n t h ♂

Wednesday, 11:01 AM.

Anticipation.

Anticipation was that type of feeling when one eagerly waited for an upcoming event. Their bloodstreams pumped up with exhilaration, to the point where they will have positive predictions of the future.  A lot of words can be used to describe this extreme happiness. Two that I often used were "elated" or "ecstatic".

As I faced the bedroom mirror, such anticipation washed me. After what seemed like hours of me choosing the best, matching clothes, I finally came up with a worthed conclusion. It was a short-sleeved, navy shirt with white polka dots, and a pair of cream shorts. Buckling up my belt, I subsequently buttoned and straightened my shirt.

Well, I had accomplished something today: I chose clothes all by myself. More anticipation of meeting Rena quickly filled within me. Maybe, I can somewhat impress her with this style.

However, there was one thing I must do. Unfortunately, it had to be my greatest weakness.

Smiling.

"Girls loved it when boys grin, because they think it's cute and adorable."

Seb's voice of reminder echoed inside my mind, and as a result, I stiffened. Well, I can manage a small but strained smile, but that was only because Christie taught me. I certainly cannot do a broad grin, even as months passed by. Just like what my workmates joked, I would definitely scare people away in no time.

I shook my head, and decided to try what I can do for now. I slowly stretched my lips into a smile, but it all seemed so basic. I decided to try the new challenge. I kept on forcing myself further, until the sets of my teeth showed up in the mirror.

"Ed! Your friend's here!"

My mother abruptly shouted from downstairs, and obviously, I was not expecting this. Myla's barks further proved that she was indeed here.

The grin I have been attempting to make vanished in an instant, replaced with a straight but fastened lips. I hastily brushed my hair for the last time, before slipping my wallet into the back pocket, then grabbing both my phone, iPod and earphones.

Don't keep a girl waiting.

A quote I found on the internet appeared in my mind, apparently driving me to hurry up. Switching off the lights, I left the room and closed the door. I strode fast through the hallway, and moved down the stairs like a lightning. I took 2 to 3 steps at a time, and reached the first floor in just a few seconds.

When I peeked around the living room, there was Rena, sitting comfortably on the couch with small, black bag lying beside her. My mother had given her a cup of hot tea, and she was sipping it gently. Myla was sitting just beside her, wagging her tail as Rena tousled her furs.

My heart slightly sank, however. If I were a bit earlier, I could be the one preparing the tea for her, instead. I sighed and decided to draw close to her.

As I entered the room, both Rena and Myla snapped their heads at me. While the dog sprinted towards me and barked in acknowledgement, Rena's blue eyes glittered with happiness; her smile turned into a tiny grin.

I was directly facing her, so I can, at least, admire her appearance. She was wearing an off-the-shoulder dress with blue and white stripes, and a white hat. Due to her dressing style, I could see the bare, smooth skin of her shoulders. I rapidly swallowed my saliva and gulped.

She was gorgeous, not to mention how her personality completely matched with her appearance. I didn't want to be borderline creepy, so I blinked out of my daze.