Loving You

When She Said 'Yes'

"I don't see why you are that freaked out to see me." The boy in front of me says with a crooked smile. He has dark brown hair and matching brown eyes. His skin is sun kissed and that jaw line is so sharp it can chop onions. "I gave you two months to think about it. It's been three months now. It's about time you use your pretty little mouth to give me a verdict." He tilts his head and looks at me as if he is observing me. I suddenly feel conscious.

"Why?" I ask.

"Huh?"

"Why me? I understood then. But now, it's different. Everything is different."

"I don't see how anything is different. Except for your hair. They are longer now. Suits you." He winks.

"Drake, I am serious."

"And I am Harry Potter."

"You are so original." I say with an eye roll.

"Aaand I thought you were stressed." He smiles again, showing his dimples.

"I am. I just got suspended. Stop bothering me, please." I say in an exasperated voice.

"But I need my answer."

"I haven't played in ages."

"I know you have it in you. You can do great. Even now. Especially now. Adam is still not well. We need someone to play the piano. This is a big opportunity. Help me out. Pleaasee." His eyebrows are furrowed in an adorable manner as he pleads.

"But it would ruin your name. I am whore-"

"Don't call yourself that." He says sternly.

"It's the truth."

"I know it's not."

"You barely even know me."

"I want to."

"Huh?"

"Uhh... I mean... I want to get to know you better. You seem cool." He says scratching his neck.

I sigh. "Drake, the people who run the brothel won't allow me. I am not allowed to go anywhere. Except for school. And now that's over too."

"You don't have to tell them that!"

"What do you mean?"

"Let them believe you come to school. Every morning, come to the back blocks. Nobody goes there. I'll take you to the studio from there."

"You'll skip school?"

"I'm already ahead of most of my classes. I'll manage."

"Whatever, show off."

"Is that a yes?"

"Maybe."

"I'll take that as a yes."

"Cool. Now I have to go back."

"If you leave now, they'll find out you got expelled."

"I can make up a lie."

"Why lie when you can spend some time with me?" He says.

"I am sorry, Parker. I want to be alone for some time."

"I didn't know we were on last name basis, Lynch. I understand. Guess I'll have to attend Calculus now." He says as he shoots a salute. "You are still not a pretty cry face." He winks and walks away. I watch his retreating figure. How did I forget?

*****

 *Flashback*

*9 years ago*

"Are you okay?" The boy asks.

"Yes." I smile at him.

"Then why were you crying?" He looks confused.

"I was checking if I am a pretty cry face in the mirror." I tell him.

"Girls are so weird." He rolls his eyes.

"Boys are weirder. They are always sweaty and gross."

"I am not sweaty and gross." He pouts.

"You are not. I like you."

"I like you too."

*End of flashback*

You've always unknowingly made me smile when I cry, Drake Hughes Parker. Always.

****

I didn't go back to the brothel. I went to the back block instead. Drake and I were kind of friends till elementary school. We had a fight and stopped being friends. A few months back, we were partners in Chemistry lab. We started talking and laughed at how stupid we were. He asked me if I wanted to play the piano when he performs his song in a school concert. I told him no. He said the concert was not anytime soon and he would wait for me. He always appears in my life when I need someone. How do you do that, Parker? How?