Shadows and Popularity

Chapter 10: On the Town

Chapter 10: On The Town

Maya’s first date was definitely one of a kind.

The fountain light show was brilliant, its waters dancing in uniform arcs like gates to the underwater city of Atlantis. After that, Nathan dragged her along a few street vendors where she shook her head so vehemently her head ached afterward. She admitted to that him she was vegan and he was more than graceful in respecting her preference in food. He brought her along a small stall then, where tropical fruits and delicious vegetable recipes were being sold. He paid for her, and they both had a tropical smoothie. All the while they walked the city streets, Nathan would occasionally bring his phone out and start texting someone. She would try and see who it was, but he would just face the back of his phone to her as she pouted.

They went for a long drive then, Maya excitedly gaping out her window, but her eyes widened all the more when she realized which neighborhood they were at.

“Nathan, turn left at the next corner.” She stated in her hushed voice.

“Why?” He asked, confused.

“We’re going to end up crossing our pet shop if you continue on.”

“Then we’ll meet up with your uncle.”

She shook her head. “He’s surrounded by reporters, remember? No, we have to turn. We can’t risk it.”

“Okay.”

They continued their drive in silence then, Maya tugged on her thoughts. She was hoping that her uncle could bear with it for at least until tomorrow. She didn’t like the idea of her only family camping in the cellar of their pet shop if he had a perfectly warm home himself. She didn’t mind it if she was experiencing the ordeal herself, since she had a little to do with it too, but the thought of having to put more weight on her uncle’s shoulders made her conscience clasp on her heart too tight.

Her uncle Jhun was a stoic figure, a wallflower himself but with the most misanthrope manner. He was professional however, and was always graceful to paying customers. He was used to being all by himself, living alone was bliss for him, but when she came into his life that faithful morning when everyone wore black and the sky was grey, she thought he would give her the cold shoulder, give her the inevitable nickname of parasite. Instead, he welcomed her with open arms, let her have her way with the strictest yet supportive manner. He would give her the nickname of kitty cat whenever she’d be humble and kind-hearted, and mayfly whenever her stubbornness would come up and berate him. Her uncle was one of a kind all right, and now she reminded herself not to take him for granted ever again.

“We’re here.”

Maya was jarred back to reality. She looked out the window, and saw nothing but trees. She looked back at Nathan, and saw him giving her that heart-pounding smile of his.

“W-where are we?” She asked as he got out the door and walked toward her side.

He opened her door for her. “We’re on a mountain.”

“W-what!?” She exclaimed, her voice squeaking at the end. She got out of the car. “You have to be…”

He shook his head. “Nope.”

She looked behind the car, saw nothing but trees again, then up ahead. A dirt trail led to a clearing, probably a cliff, and the city lights were evident once more. She looked up at Nathan, saw his smile reach his eyes, and averted eye contact. She looked back up at him when he laced their fingers together again.

“Let’s check out the view?”

It wasn’t what he said but how he said it that made Maya’s heart flutter. He sounded so gallant, so caring… She was his friend.