I'm Waiting

Seventh

I caught a glimpse this time.

His was shading a section near the bottom with his left hand, so I could see almost the whole page.

It was a woman's face.

I think it was when I saw that that I realized just how much this boy meant to me. And how wrong I was in assuming he might perhaps like me back.

He looked up when he caught me staring, and smiled.

"Do you mind if I finish this part? Then I'll put it down and you'll have my undivided attention." I couldn't bring myself to smile back, the sinking feeling in my stomach causing every part of me to focus on not grimacing.

"Go ahead." I gestured with my hand for him to continue, and he dropped his head back down. The way he drew was fascinating. Every move was deliberate, and yet so delicate it was surprising any of the color stayed on the page to create what was flowing from his mind.

He finished after a few minutes, but sat staring at the face he had drawn for several moment in complete silence. Not a muscle in his body stirred, his pencil again tucked behind his ear.

"Is this what you are waiting for?" My voice was scratchy after not speaking for so long, and I cleared my throat immediately.

He looked sideways at me, and I was shocked to see tears shining in his amber eyes.

"I...I suppose you could say that." His voice showed that he didn't want to talk about the picture any longer.

After that question, he hid the drawing and his heart from my prying eyes.