A Chance to be Loved

Chapter 13 - Expectation Postponed

I arrived much earlier than the time that we had agreed; I wanted to explore the place first so I could finish the project before the deadline. My life has been different without Theo nagging me and stressing me out because of deadlines. I'm at peace and I really love it. It was such a nice day for a boat ride. I'm standing at the edge of the river and by just simply looking at the people from a distance, I could tell that they all looked so happy. They were enjoying their time together with their family and friends. I turned around to check for Sebastian but it looks like he hasn't arrived yet. A Korean man and a Filipina woman passed by and I then remembered my family in the Philippines. I hope everything goes well with them and I hope they are fine.

I kept on walking and I saw the really cool quirky garden not far from the park. The person who left a review on the website which I had checked must have had a great experience about this place. There were a few restaurants, a pub and a coffee place right near the river and I saw couples who must have rented bikes to explore around the place.

I never noticed that I've been walking for half an hour already but Sebastian was still nowhere to be found. I checked my phone if he messaged me but found nothing. I decided to go inside a café for a while to have some ice cream; I ordered cookies and cream with a cherry on top. Then I found a spot which looked like my favorite spot in the coffee shop and I sat there while killing time. It was near the window so I could see the people passing by. I don't know what happened to Sebastian but I know that I must wait for him no matter what.

I took out my journal and started to write my ideas about the place. I was almost done when someone phoned me. It was Sebastian.

"Where are you? I've been waiting for you for so long. What happened?"

"Sam, please let me explain first before you get mad at me." His voice was full of worry.

"You could have at least sent a message if you're coming or not, you know."

"I know Sam; just listen to me first please. My brother had his flight from Germany much earlier today; I'm in the airport right now to pick him up. I can't come for our first date. I was trying to phone you before I drove here in the airport but I couldn't reach you. I'm sorry; I'll make it up to you next time."

His words were slapped across my face. I expected too much about our first date and knowing that he couldn't make it, it was really painful. I don't know what to say and I was spacing out for a few minutes. Did I just believe him right away when he said that he likes me?

"Sam? Are you still there? Did you hear me?"

"Huh?? Ah yes of course. I'm still here, I heard what you said."

"Are you mad at me? I'm really sorry. I didn't see this coming."

"Guess I'll just go home then."

"Will you be fine going home alone?"

"I'll be fine, don't worry. Just take your time out there. Does Tia know that your brother is here?"

"No, he wanted to surprise her. I hope you won't tell her. I'll see you next time. Take care out there. I'm sorry again Sam."

"I'm not mad, I'm just disappointed. Never mind. Take care too."

"Sam, could you please. . ."

"Bye!" Before he could say anything else, I ended the call. I was on the verge of crying while talking to him but I knew that I shouldn't. I tried to hold it but I couldn't and just like that, I ended his call without listening to his further explanations. My mobile kept on ringing when he phoned me again but I didn't bother to answer it. I went home feeling so bad about the day and about what happened. The first date was something special to me and I was expecting this day to be something special too. He was the first guy to ask me out for a date but why does it have to be like this? Why does it have to happen today during our agreed time? Why???