Unexpected Perfection

8

I twirl my fork around absentmindedly, my eyes glued to the very irritated looking man in front of me.

He interests me, I don't know if it's the fact that he refuses to tell me anything about him or if maybe his rugged looks have unknowingly rubbed off on me.

He just has a certain look in his eyes that I don't think I've ever noticed in anybody else's.

One thing I know for sure is that he smelled awfully good when he walked in a few minutes ago.

When 10 minutes passed and he didn't walk in, I thought that maybe he changed his mind.
I couldn't help but get excited when he came in, a very small part of me was anxious to see that familiar glare.

He's too busy trying not to fall asleep to notice my lingering glances so I take the time to search his face.

He has a very strong jawline.

And his eyebrows always seem to be furrowed.

I'd bet that he's a completely different person when he's relaxed.

I glance at him again.

If he ever is.

I can't help but be amused as he hunches forward and rests his head on the table.

He looks like he had a long day.

I bite back the urge to reach for one of his hands and decide to just nudge his foot with mine under the table instead.

"You still aren't hungry? You should eat."
I nod towards the donut he ordered.

"Don't tell me what to do, twinkletoes."
He mutters, reluctantly sliding the plate in front of him.

I roll my eyes even though I am not even the slightest bit annoyed.

In fact, I quite enjoy his grumpy company today.

"My name is not hard to remember. That stupid nickname is getting old."
I point out, staring out the window.

There's a water park across the street.

"I know what your name is, Ayah. I like it, it's a very beautiful name."
He says blankly.

I frown.

"Would it kill you to show any sign of emotion other than annoyance?"
I think out loud for once.

He seems pleasantly surprised by my comment.

Wow, another emotion unlocked just like that.

"It's a little rude to be judgmental, don't you think? Maybe it's hard for some people."
He answers calmly, rubbing his eyes.

I hesitate.

Sometimes I forget why I don't say certain things out loud. Often times, it gets hard to keep in mind that everyone has feelings and different ways of understanding them.

I forgot that Mason did tell me that he had a lot of serious family problems growing up.

So I take a deep breath, look him right in the eye and say,
"You're absolutely right. I'm sorry, Theodore. I hope you forgive me."

Silence.

"It's uh. It's alright."
He clears his throat, taking a bite of his donut.