Mikaal

31: Mikaal

'Why didn't he kiss me?'

As Dalia sat alone in Reid Cafe, indulging in her Monday morning ritual, she found herself replaying this question over and over in her head.

Less than a week was left before they would be back at uni; she felt both sad and excited about this fact - sad that her holiday adventures would come to an end, yet excited that it would be her final semester of uni! It felt strange to do the 'Tim Tam Slam' in any other cafe other than the one in Reid Library, so she was thankful that the library and cafe were still open during the semester break - although the hours they were open were much more limited.

Simon had messaged her asking if she wanted to meet today, but Dalia needed solitude to reflect on her last catch-up with Mikaal. She couldn't help wondering why 'Mr Smooth' hadn't made any moves on her - when she was willing! Truthfully, she was no expert on the topic when Blake had been her first 'real relationship', but she really thought the attraction between them was mutual, so why had Mikaal held back?

Especially considering that even on their drive to Barbagallo Raceway, Mikaal had unexpectedly talked about them as a couple far into the future, and leading up to that 'date', they had had a blast all the times they had spent together. She really thought that things were going well between them - and hadn't he alluded to them becoming 'more than just friends' multiple times?

Dalia wiped her chocolate-soiled fingers with a serviette before burying her head in her hands. Mikaal's more recent - almost 'whipped' - behaviour had seemed out of character... And yet, could she really say she knew his character? Or was it actually unfair to assume that his temperament would be that of a 'player' because of his past - hadn't he been consistent in his behaviour towards her, showing attentiveness and genuine interest throughout their 'relationship' both online and offline?

Actually, maybe that was why - maybe he was trying to prove through action, or inaction, that he had truly changed compared to how he was with girls in the past? Maybe he wanted to show her how serious he was about her?

Dalia interrupted her train of thought, picking up another Tim Tam, biting off two corners on opposite ends - the way Mikaal had shown her. She found herself remembering their friendly banter, arguing about the 'right' way to do the Tim Tam Slam...

Dalia shook her head, trying to chuck Mikaal out of her thoughts while she attempted to enjoy her Monday indulgence. She sipped her coffee through the opening she had made, never ceasing to grow tired of how the heat melted the biscuit into a chocolate mess that she promptly devoured in her mouth. The warm, molten chocolate tantalised her taste buds and her shoulders relaxed as her gaze fell on the empty chair in front of her - only to realise she had unconsciously chosen the same table she and Mikaal had sat at!

"Damn it!" she said aloud, sighing to herself. She felt conflicted, wanting a break from thinking about him, yet knowing she needed a resolution, knowing she needed to make some decisions.

Well, she had made one decision so far - that she was ready for a relationship with Mikaal - but in terms of what exactly she was going to do about it, especially if he was now trying to be a gentleman...

And then an idea came to her - she would write. Besides going for leisurely and relaxing walks along the river, writing had always been another way Dalia would clear her mind and see plainly in front of her what had been a muddle in her head, twisting and turning into further confusion until given this outlet.

Dalia glanced around her, a sheepish look on her face, thankful that it was practically empty as she licked her fingers following her third Tim Tam. She decided she would walk to Matilda Bay that was just across the road from UWA. But first, she needed to buy a new notebook - since her old diary had too many painful memories of Blake...