PERRIE
It was not my intention to make it that fast with Jade, but I guess we had a connection that I thank heavens that we had. I only wanted to talk to her about the painting, see if she'd be able to make one for my little angel Ellie, but we ended up talking about a lot of things we both liked, like our shared passion for music and arts and kids.
Ever since then, I frequently picked up Ellie from school and I and Jade would have talks about anything the day brings just before she heads off to her studio. I just feel really good around her. Funny that I had the jitters the first time. Though, I could say I am still nervous around her because I don't know how to start telling her what I really feel. Maybe I am afraid of rejection.
Today, I had left my office a bit earlier than usual, making sure though that all the important paperwork and leads have been worked on, at least if not completed. I always leave marks where I left off and that would be easier for me to reopen and continue at my nearest working mood.
And because I was early, I had time to pass by the bakery that Ellie had once pointed out in an ad. She told me that Jade once brought a box into school for the class to share and that my cousin had wanted to have them again. So I thought of grabbing a box of biscuits for Ellie and knowing I would be meeting Jade, got two cups of coffee, one for myself.
As soon as the bell went off, I stepped out of my car and walked into the premises, I think with a little hop in my step and a smile on my face. The first flurry of dismissed pupils came against my direction but none of them bumped me since there was enough space in the hallway for them to scatter to each of my sides and go along their way. So do I.
“Perrie!” my cousin raised her arms for me to bend to her height and let her hug me.
After that hug, I handed her the box of biscuits I brought her which she took with a smile and a thanks. Then she led me further in one of the hallways, leading me to, I assumed, art room.
Even though I have been picking up Ellie and talking to Jade, I never have actually stepped inside art room which Ellie told me is where they keep all their artworks, like their gallery. But, just like the way it was with Jade herself, I was bewitched by the beauty I beheld the moment the door opened. The walls were plain drywall, but hanging around were several artworks-abstracts, finger-painting, portraits, cherubs more like the one in my room, child's work sketches, and some engraving works. Even though the works were diverse, they did not at all look like a mess. They were arranged in a way so that a scenery of classic beauty came on display. I gasped at what I was seeing.
“Hello” Jade greeted me. And I never seem to know but every time her face appears, the breath gets knocked off of my chest. I guess I always see an angel.
“Hey,” I handed her one of the cups I was holding. “Brought you some coffee.”
She took it and thanked me with a smile.
“You’re early today. Going somewhere with Ellie?”
“Nah.” I replied. Again, do I tell her that I just really wanted to see her? And maybe ask her out before she goes off to the studio. I decided on, “No reason, really. Finished early at work so came straight here.”
She nodded understandingly.
“Well, I won't have anyone to teach at the studio today so, I think I also have an early night like you.” She commented.
That made me brighten up. Is fate in favor of me today?
Without thinking about it, I asked her, “Would you consider dinner with me?”
I think it surprised her of my sudden audacity that she only stared at me for a long moment.
I mentally slapped myself. That was way too fast and not thought of. But part of me was saying, now or never. It was just dinner anyway.
I don't know how long I held my breath, though it seemed like I could beat a diver in that aspect, before she flashed a smile at me.
“I’d love to…but I have to get home to someone.”
I was surprised. She has never mentioned a husband or a wife in our many talks, even though she's told me about her parents who lived far from here.
“My sister.” she clarified as if she read what was in my mind.
“You have a sister?” Ellie's ears perked up. “Is she as beautiful as you? Can I meet her?”
I saw Jade's face fall when Ellie asked if she could meet the sister.
“That's not polite, Ellie.” I told my cousin. Then turning to Jade, I saw a sad and distant look in her brown eyes.
“Are you okay?”
She nodded but let out a sigh, not of relief but of a sorrow I could tell is still a knife stuck in her heart and keeping a wound open.
“I…”
I took her hand, pressing on it gently to at least ease her.
“I’m sorry.” She whispered. Then picking her bag from the table, she obviously wiped a tear from her optic glasses-covered eye, turned back to us and said, to Ellie not me, “See you tomorrow, Ellie.” And left both me and Ellie standing in her room clueless of what just happened.
