It All Started with a Book

page 7 | new acquaintances

"It has been 35 minutes since the agreed time," the boy mumbled into his palms, with elbows resting on his knees. Hunched over in his seat, Nathan became a little bit discouraged, as I've noticed. "I wonder what's taking him so long."

We were sitting on a bench underneath a tree that was still near the kiddie rollercoaster, and there was still no sight of the expected friend of Nathan. Glancing at my watch, it was half an hour past noon. My stomach grumbled a bit loudly, and I chuckled sheepishly, trying to compose myself and my growing desire to eat lunch.

"I'm sorry," Nathan finally said, "Maybe I should've gotten us to eat lunch first. Do you want to eat lunch already?"

I waved off his apology. "Don't apologize, besides, I'd like to meet your friend so we could all eat lunch together."

He had told me already what features his friend had. I was supposed to look for a guy with and I quote, 'curly blond hair'.

With another sigh, Nathan whipped out his Nokia phone from his back pocket and started to text. I didn't bother to look at what he texted, since it wasn't really in my place to know what messages he sends to people.

I scrutinized the area again, hoping to find that mop of curly blonde hair. Then my attention was drawn to a high-pitched voice saying, "Danny!" I looked at the source, and Nathan had just stood up when a vague impression of blonde enveloped him in a bear hug.

My head tilted slightly, and I thought, Where's the guy friend? And who is this girl? And, Danny?

The mysterious girl released Nathan from her hug, and I was just standing on the sidelines, acting awkward. It was only then when I saw the girl's features properly. She was pretty.

Her wavy shoulder-length hair was stunning, and she had a good sense of fashion. It was simply casual, but very eye-catching. I timidly tugged my purple jacket down, suddenly aware of my plain attire.

Seeing the girl hugging Nathan made something twinge within me – something I didn't feel comfortable with. But I dismissed it, for it wasn't anything of importance anyway. I just hoped that neither of the individuals noticed my sudden but fleeting look of uneasiness.

Nathan, terribly astounded from the assault-like hug, took a step back and said, "Caitlin! How are you? Where's..." he looked behind her. "your brother?"

"He's trailing behind, in a trance again by the fair's 'magical force'."

"He's at a souvenir shop."

"Apparently so."

As if Nathan was suddenly reminded of my presence still sitting down on the bench, he said to the girl, "Oh, and Caitlin, let me introduce you to my friend, Adeline." Caitlin 's hazel eyes flitted to mine, and something flickered across her expression that I couldn't decipher.

She seemed nice, though. "Hey," was all she said in my direction, accompanied with a small smile and a nod. I waved back, choking out a 'hello' of my own.

Nathan briefly explained to me that Caitlin and his friend, named Carlos, were actually twins. But, of course, of different gender. A minute later and Carlos came running our way.

"I just saw a wonderful stuffed dog inside one of the shops!" he said, with a grin etching his face.

It didn't need a second glance to actually realize that Caitlin and Carlos were twins. They looked eerily alike, but their personalities were greatly contrasted. Carlos had a lean built, much like Nathan.

Nathan did the quick introduction again because of Carlos' new arrival. Carlos smiled broadly, shaking my hand. Carlos was obviously friendly.

Carlos also explained why they were late. "Our dog escaped from the backyard again," he informed us. "Mama asked me to return Mr. Fluffy before I could even leave. And Caitlin here decided to tag along since she felt bored at home."

"Sorry if we kept you waiting," he apologized, scratching the back of his head.

"It's fine," Nathan said. I also nodded, presenting a genuine smile.

Nathan also added with a playful nudge to his best friend's shoulder, "Carlos, didn't you say you were going to treat us lunch?"