HIM

CHAPTER 12

It was 3:50p.m when I left the coffee shop. Well, am not a regular worker there so I felt exhausted and left. Besides, I really missed Mum.

Every holiday was a fun-time for us as family. We would go to parks for a picnic, and that was always the best time for me. Because that meant mum would make us the best dishes,and would always ensure everyone's favorite dish was made.
Except mine of course.
I have never really had a favorite, that is. I eat anything and everything I guess. But Mama has severally said I love baked stuff. Well, it's true because most times when I feel like it, am ever a 'flour-girl'
Sometimes grandma would come over. No one didn't love it when she was around. I mean, she was just always happy, defensive for Jamie and me, playful and best of all she loved baking. Only that I hated it when she made anything with olives. Oh God, I hated olives! Jamie loved olives.

There were days when mum and dad would take us for swimming then leave. They would come back later to pick us up. We would swim in for some time before I got bored of Jamie showing me all his expertise in water. I loved water but wasn't an expert in swimming. Jamie loved swimming and he was an expert.
Then dad left us. It was painful thinking about it. Jamie left too: forever.
Why would life decide to be unfair so suddenly? I lost the two most important men in my life simultaneously. Two vulnerable women were left to struggle with the pain altogether. No one was there to lend a crying shoulder. I don't remember having any aunts or uncles or anything. I only know of grandma. Aunties existed when dad was still part of us; after the separation I never saw them. From mum's side, she has one sister who flew out of country but has never been back. So it has always been mum, me and grandma ever since. But grandma is...
"Hey Linn!" A voice startled me.
"Oh, Bill! You scared me," I said looking up at him.
Bill was a tall guy, not taller than Flen though. He had broad shoulders and a wide chest. I mean,that was so visible. He had a chocolate complexion and he was handsome.
"I know, what's up with you and your thoughts everytime? You tend to think a lot," he asked.
"And what's up with you meeting me everytime am in my thoughts? " I retorted sharply.
But that was rude I know, why?
"Hey, am sorry. I didn't mean to be so annoying. Want some ice cream? "
Now who doesn't love ice creams? Am not turning that down for your information.
"Sure, " I answered happily.
Maybe food buys me.
"Let's go then, "he said.
"Wait, where's May? It's not like you to walk without her," I asked cautiously.
"As you can see, she's not here. "
"That was rude you know, " I told him sharply.
"Fine, am sorry. Ice cream or not? "
Definitely
"Yes ice cream."
We walked silently towards Equator ice cream parlor. It was the number one choice whenever snacks were involved. So, we joined the queue like everyone else.
"Are we taking it in or...?"
"In definitely," Bill answered before I even finished my quiz.
"You should have allowed me finish my question at least," I remarked.
"It wouldn't have made my answer any different you know, " he answered.
"You're annoying, I wonder how May copes with you. "
"You'll know how if you give me a chance, "he shot back.
"Wait, what? " I asked shockingly.
I didn't even notice I was loud enough so that a boy gave me a murderous glare.
Well this, is a shop, not a bank!
"Hey, don't get so freaky. I didn't say am going to bite you," Bill informed me.
Before I could make another sound, Bill was at the counter now; his turn to be served. He offered to pay for mine as well, and apparently took the same order for us. He then chose a table near the window.
"It's boring to be having ice creams in but am glad you've chosen the window. I don't have to feel like am in here altogether," I said. My gaze was outside so that when I turned my eyes met his staring already.
"I can't seem to get tired of just looking at you. Linn, you're beautiful and you got my attention. "
I was lost for words. I mean, wasn't this Bill right ahead of me! And did he not have a girlfriend who's my best friend? What am I not getting right? Or am I misinterpreting him?
"I hope I got you right, " that's all I could mutter.
"Depends with what you mean by right."