The Fifth Date

Chapter 19

I didn’t know how to react. Everything just seemed so surreal. A man like you—made of everything gorgeous and glittery whatnots, wanted to befriend me. I tried not to blush but I was too late, I felt my cheeks burning, my stomach turning upside down, and my heart climbing back behind my ribcage, still beating erratically though.

I shifted my gaze from your gorgeous face to your outstretched beautiful long and slim hands. Suddenly feeling guilty that you might get cramps from hanging your hand for too long, I took and shook it. Your hand was surprisingly warm and I felt butterflies gnawing on the insides of my stomach as you held mine.

“I—I’m…” I stammered. I don’t like giving my name out to anyone, except in compulsory settings like filling out a deposit slip and all other forms. It gives me the feeling of paranoia. Like I’m gonna get scammed or something.

You chuckled as I kept shaking our hands and stammering, “Not comfortable about giving out your name?”

I nodded ruefully as I slowly let go of your hand.

“It’s okay.” You leaned back to your chair and took a sip of your caramel macchiato. I stared at my stale Americano. “I understand. Micky doesn’t even know your name. I think that’s fair enough.” You clicked your tongue and smiled playfully.

“Micky and I don’t really talk. I just order coffee from him.” I shrugged.

“And oatmeal cookies,” You stated matter-of-factly pointing at the cookies on the table.

“Yeah,” I agreed staring at them, too. “—but the normal looking ones.” I muttered.

You laughed and I felt like I was in heaven, not that I know how heaven really felt like, but if I knew, it probably was this feeling. I could never imagine how a man could have a gorgeous laugh. I mean, how can a laugh be so gorgeous? I managed to join you in laughing, albeit I didn’t know what was funny.

“If you don’t mind me asking, but why do you deprive everyone else of your trust?” You asked.

I paused for a moment as I stared into your calm eyes. I was almost always sure that I didn’t trust everyone. But why do I get the feeling that I could tell you anything? I didn’t trust you…..or did I? The next thing I knew I was telling you about Loisa. You were listening intently never dropping a comment. Instead, you smiled. I didn’t know why you smiled. You must have found my little mistrusting adventure amusing. I wondered why I even told you about that.

You were silent for a while, playing with your pencil, and staring at me to the point that I felt really self-conscious. I should have combed my hair properly. I tried to sneak a peek on your notebook but it was too far for my vision, unless I leaned forward, but I didn’t, because I knew I’ll get caught. Instead, I planned to ask you about it. But you asked me a far more interesting question than what was on my mind.

“Look, this may sound crazy but… will you go out on a date with me?” You asked, leaning forward, dropping the pencil on your opened notebook. Your eyes gleamed of hope.