A Four-Letter-Word Called LOVE (COMPLETE - ENG Translation On-Going)

Act Eight

Chris:

                The M91 bus from Edinburgh stops right at the junction of the street leading to my house. We both came out and thanked the bus driver for a safe journey we had.

                If you're all wondering if I took the invitation to go with her, my resounding, euphoric answer is YES – although I'm a bit sheepish about it. Why should I reject it? There's no reason for me to reject her offer in the first place, and I've waited for this moment for a long time. Never in my wildest dreams that today would remark the most memorable, unforgettable day for me. I couldn't explain the sheer euphoria I felt while we're strolling the whole city centre. I used to catch-up with her every time we had a mooch around Edinburgh years ago. But now, it's the other way around. She's the one who's catching-up on me very quickly when I'm way ahead of her. I'm a tall man, you know, and she's—

                —well, she's still small.

                                "Thank you so much for being my company today. I know it's too much to ask, but really, I just wanted someone to be with since my friend left me on my own. She had reasons though so I couldn't do anything about it." She said in a casual yet sweet voice.

                                "My pleasure and no, that's fine. I don't mind at all. I enjoyed it as well so, nae worries."

                I smiled at her, and she smiled back at me. A brief silence surrounds us for a while. I try to open my mouth to come up with anything to talk about but, nope! It looks like my shy, timid nature comes back from its slumber. Chris, think! Come-up with something to chat about, quick!

                I look down at her while trying to gather my thoughts. And for the umpteenth time, my words and thoughts failed me. Those two left me somewhere and didn't want to cooperate with me at all.

                Tss! For God's sake, man! Why am I acting like a muted puppet again? I'm so cool and finally gained my confidence in chatting to her all day but—

                But—

                                "Anyways, we've been chatting all day and mooched around Edinburgh, and yet, I haven't introduced myself to you nor have asked your name." She uttered all of a sudden that took me by surprise. She giggles a bit that makes my cheeks blushes again. Ah, right! We've been together chatting and strolling all day, but we haven't introduced ourselves to each other;

                Although she doesn't need to do that at all.

                                "R-Right!" I chuckled sheepishly. "I think we've enjoyed our company that much, that's why we forgot to introduce ourselves. Sorry about that."

                                "You don't have to apologise, eh?"

                She gradually yet gently lays her hand in front of me.

                                "By the way, I'm Mhairi. My name's Mhairi McHardy!" She's looking up to me while plastering the sweetest, enchanting smile on her mouth.

                I know, Ate. I know you're my Ate Mhairi that I've waited for so long. My only Ate that I've been praying to 'Mr. Big Man up There'—

                —praying for you to come back because I've been missing you so bad.

                A hint of elating smile suddenly peeps on both sides of my lip while gazing at her delicate hand. I carefully hold and squeezes it genially. I'm about to utter my name back when a loud, upbeat tone suddenly erupts from somewhere. Ate Mhairi immediately gets a fright and swiftly took her hand away from mine.