Boy with the Blonde Hair

16

Everyone, with the exception of Adrianus and myself, was wasted. I mean wasted. They were unbelievably drunk. Sure, they were okay at breakfast, besides the odd comments of Adrianus and myself. I only realised how drunk they were because they passed out without a second thought once they entered the van. Adrianus couldn't help but pass a comment about how irresponsible they were, considering they are scientists. I couldn't help but laugh, mainly because it was the reason that we all wanted to tour Europe together. We all wanted to go out and have fun with ourselves together. Me being me, would wander off because I  found the activity either boring or stupid. Sometimes, I would have the audacity to watch, just so that I could laugh and mock them days to months later.

There was silence in the car, if you ignored the grey noise of the fan and the soft music of the radio. Adrianus was in control of the wheel and I was sitting in the seat next to him.

"Well... it kinda feels like we're alone"

I looked at Adrianus. He wasn't wrong. Everyone was passed out due to over-drinking.

"I suppose it does. Is there anything in particular you would like to talk about?" I asked. Maybe it is the sound of his voice,  or the types of  stories he tells. Either way, I wanted to talk to him.

"Not really. Well, maybe I should tell you more about myself, considering  I'm going to be travelling with you for a while." Adrianus said slowly. Almost as if he's forcing himself to say something.

"As much I would love to figure you out, I'll do it in my own time, I can tell you dont like bringing it up." I said quietly.

"Cal, what  makes you think I don't want to talk? I think I know my own feelings thanks." He snapped.

Well, that slapped me in the face, I'm not going to lie.

"Well, I'm not detail-orientated, but when a person doesn't want to someone about something, they either don't bring it up, and if it should appear in conversation, then their voice becomes quieter, or the speak more slowly. I may a lot of things, but the one thing I can actually  do very well, is pick up on people. I don't need anyone telling me if I'm right or wrong, their facial expressions speak for themselves." I replied icily.

"You got nerve talking back to me, I studied philosophy and behaviour in Uni", I said, as I turned to face the window.

"This is frustrating. Everytime I think I'm connecting with you, or I think we are getting along, we have another fight." Adrianus muttered.

"What? Sorry, I can't hear you, I only talk to people who talk back", I said coldly.

"Look, I'm sorry, I lost my cool. It's not your fault. I can't seem to control my temper. But having someone else telling you how you feel... I'm sorry, but I think I know me better", Adrianus tore his off the road for a split-second to glance at me.

"You're right, I shouldn't ever mention when you're uncomfortable and upset. I should just let you go through with it", I was livid.

"And why would you care?!" Adrianus growled.

"Because we are friends. Or so I thought. Friends don't yell at the other for trying to look out for them", I said with exasperation.

"Oh", was all he had to say.

"Look, talk to be about anything. Only if you want to, and you can handle it. Still, starting every decent conversation with an unnecessary argument is useless", I reasoned.

"I want to tell you about my history, but its just a whole lot of bad memories." Adrianus said with a forlorn voice.

"Lucky for you, I'm going to explore Italy." I said.

"Yeah, I know that. And?" He asked, not amused.

"Well, I can't do it alone. I need someone to keep me company, and be with me. Look out for me, if you will", I smile and continue to look put the mirror.

"What are you saying Cal?" Adrianus asked, a little surprised.

My smile widened.

"Yes, I will travel with you. Yes I'll do activities with you. Yes, I'll look out for you and look after you. And yes, we will get to know each other. I mean, nothing  screams 'bonding' like ice-creams and gondola rides", He sheepishly grinned.

His small grin is adorable. It makes him look almost like an innocent child.

"Just be normal with me. We will see how events turn out", I said sternly.

"Of course. You know, you're good at negotiation. I like that about you", He didn't seem to realise what he said. When he did, he blushed.

I stared. I have never seen a mam, let alone about Adrianus' height, blush before. Ah well. First time for everything.

That said I had a goofy grin plastered on my face as well.

"I can't wait to explore Italy with you", I said. I said it with meaning.

"Neither can I... I can't wait to explore Italy... and I can't wait to get to know you better either",  Adrianus said taking my hand with his own.

I was frozen in shock. I've never been in that kind of predicament before. Well not a predicament... since I enjoyed the deep moment we had together.

I didn't realise I was tired but I found myself falling asleep, while holding Adrianus' hand.