The Meaning of Love

Chapter 4

I toy with the spoon in the ice cream cup and watch as the chocolate goodness melts slowly.

Alex brought me to a cute ice cream shop by the ocean. So far I'd learnt that he went to one of those prestigious boarding schools, where uniforms are mandatory. He'd also told me about most of his new friends, who in my opinion are quite funny.

"And then she threw her bowl of soup directly on my head... right in the middle of the restaurant" I burst out laughing. He was telling me about how he broke up with his recent ex-girlfriend. Once I calm down, I notice his eyes boring into mine.

I smile nervously out of habit "What?"

"Is this boring?" he runs his hand through his hair "It's just that, I noticed you barely had more than 4 bites of your ice cream and you keep fidgeting"

I open my mouth, unsure of what to say "No, it's not that, it's just..." I toy with spoon "I can't eat too much of it"

"Why, are you watching your weight or something?" I gape at him. Taking a moment to hold my tongue from lashing out in sarcasm, I then answer him.

"I'm lactose intolerant" His eyes widen in realization.

"Shit! I can't believe I forgot that. I'm sorry Ellie"

"Don't worry, it's been 5 years. I don't expect you to remember everything... or keep in touch" I mutter.

"Even though I remember everything about you" I add in my head.

I turn my head towards the window as my heart sinks in disappointment. Alex places a hand on mine and rubs affectionately. A casual gesture which drives the butterflies in my stomach crazy.

"I've really missed you Ellie" he retracts his hand "I was busy, but that's no excuse. It feels like I lost a little sister"

That one word sends a stab to my heart. Reminding me once more that Alex will see me as nothing more than as a sister or his best friend's baby sister. Out of experience, I quickly recover and plaster a practiced smile on my lips.

"I've missed you too Alex" he smiles genuinely "Alright, tell me more about England. I mean, what's the obsession with tea?" he bursts into laughter.

"Well first of all we do not have an obsession with tea, we just really love it" he leans forward and whispers. I catch a scent of his cologne, it smells really good. "But between you and me, I can't stand it"

"Why are you whispering?"

"I don't want to be attacked by any of my people. They could be hiding around" he leans back in his seat and I laugh and take a small bite of my ice-cream.

"But, honestly England was amazing, I mean from the people to the experiences, I miss it already." He looks out the window as if reminiscing a fond memory.

"Then why did you come back?" I question, hoping it didn't come out rude. He looks into my eyes, his hazel eyes spelling the confusion on his face.

"Justin didn't tell you?" I shake my head "I'm transferring colleges; I'll be going to UCLA with him"

Damn you Justin

Trust my brother to always forget to tell me big news. Especially one this big. I make a mental note to get him back for this.

"But why?"

"I wanted a change of scenery" he says, looking absently at the table "Besides you can only stay at a place for so long, before you get tired of everything and everyone"

Curiosity gnaws at me, urging me to probe further. But I resist the temptation and direct my focus to my hair, twirling a curly piece around my index finger.