An Illustrious Past

A Speck of Jealousy

    One starry night in December, they sang Christmas carols together with some friends which happen to be their neighbors. Adrian's attention was diverted to the others so Leslie felt silent and a bit uncomfortable.

   Adrian approached her, " Hey, are you alright? You seem so quiet."

   Leslie didn't respond. She was about to turn her back when he held her arms and forced her to face him. She looked at him blankly, then Adrian chuckled. " Aha! I knew it! You're jealous, aren't you? hahaha!"

   " No, I'm not and will never EVER be!" She denied, trying to be free from his grasp.

   "You're so easy to read." He stated.

   Yet instead of letting her go, he tightened his grip and pulled her even closer. Leslie didn't dare to move, since their faces are already centimeters apart. Leslie felt intense, his breath against hers. Her heartbeat went faster..... and faster. Adrian burshed his hands along her cheeks, then placed her hair behind her ears. He leaned closer. Not wanting anything awkward to happen next, Leslie closed her eyes.

  Then SUDDENLY...

   Adrian laughed out loud!

" HAHAHA! Don't worry little mouse, I'm not going to steal your first kiss! Hahaha!" He calmed himself and continued. " Infact, I know you're jealous and someday you'll realize I'm right."

   Leslie muttered a curse and pushed him back so hard. Leslie never expected she'd fall for that.

   Irritated, she said," Urghh! I hate you lazy cat!"

   Adrian just gave her a grin and thought that it was one of the smartest pranks ever!

   An hour later, she bid him goodbye since it's already getting late.

   "Goodbye lazy cat! I need to go now."

   Realizing that Adrian wasn't able to hear her because he is talking with some NEW friends, she walked away and started her way home. It isn't that dark since the moon is full and there's millions of stars.

   "He's got new friends, you know." She talked to herself. "And I'm not jealous."

   "Hey, Leslie!" He held her hand. She instantly felt blood running into her cheeks and he knew, she blushed. "I ran after you and yelled your name but you don't seem to listen."

    "I don't seem to listen? You're turning the story around. YOU are the one who didn't listen."

    " Look, I'm sorry okay? I never imagined they'll be great friends."

    " Ohh. GREAT FRIENDS!" Leslie replied, trying to avoid his gaze.

" You know, I just ... need to go home."

    " I'll go with you. I can't make you go by yourself. Besides, I want you to go home safe and smiling." Safe and smiling. When he said those words, Leslie's heartbeat went faster as if she is running a marathon..

   " I... uhh---"

   "Come on, I don't want you to get harmed." Adrian said as he slipped his hands into hers.

   Silence ensued as they walked.

   When they reached home, he kissed Leslie's hands and bid her goodbye.

Then there comes this strange, uncertain feeling--- L O V E .