HIM

CHAPTER 28

If anything, I wish I had stayed in that moment forever. I wish my eyes were open so I could see him when he said the words that sent my heart to missing a beat.
I prompted my eyes open to look at him, his gaze settled calmly on mine.
I was completely fazed. I couldn't even speak to tell him I liked him.
He took my hand and intertwined our fingers. My hands were small compared to his, so that I felt completely covered. He gave a light squeeze, which was comfortable but sent chills a bit.
"Honestly, I wish I could have you look at me like that daily, you're so beautiful Linn, " he said, lifting our locked hands to his chest.
I felt heat rush to my cheeks, I then smiled, "Thanks. "
'That's all you could say! ' My head reprimanded.
Everything about this moment seemed magical, like if I decided to let out my feelings, it'd all just vanish. That would be the worst thing ever!

I guess he noticed my confusion and the awkward silence I was keeping all time, so he brought his thumb lightly on my cheeks and said, "Well Linn, you don't have to like me back now, it takes time. But it will be OK even if you never—"
Should I tell him to shut up?
"— do. I just wanted you to know I like you. "
'And I like you too, in fact I was first. '
Yeah, let me speak it up.
"No, it's not that. It's just that... " I was too dumb to speak.
Maybe I should just lift myself up and kiss him, that's would speak for me instead, don't you think?
'Pretty much of a Linn thing to do, right? '
"It's OK Linn, you don't have to explain yourself. Am cool, " he said, squeezing again.
'Pathetic Linn! Getting your chance but can't even do anything!'
I think I need a brain transplant.

"Thanks. We're still friends though, right? " I asked so innocently, like my heart would break if he said no.
"You're funny Linn, of course we are. The day you terminate it is the day I'll stop being your friend," he answered chuckling.
"Don't laugh at me, I was just asking, " I said slapping his head slightly.
"I love one thing about you," he said smirking.
"What's that? "
"This, " he said and the next thing I know I was on the grass laughing and rolling.
He was tickling me!
Why me?
He stopped leaving me lain while helping himself up.
'Click'
That was a photo!
I immediately sprang up and went straight to grabbing his phone.
Disappointment.
He hid it behind his back pocket then took my hands to my sides.
He intensely looked into my eyes, I didn't withdraw either.
My heart started beating fast, my stomach went in twists and turns.
I felt his grip soften on me, then I saw his head tilt towards me. I knew what this was.
'Seal the gap Linn! '
I slowly lifted my head and did the unexpected.
I aimed for his ear and gave it a quick but sharp bite, then whispered in his ears as he was flinching, "I bite. "
He laughed out so hard.
Am keeping my brain.

We walked home chatting and laughing. And by the time I was at our gate, my stomach felt painful; too much laughter.
He locked me in his embrace and this time I wrapped my arms around him.
'Good girl.'
Then I rushed to he house without looking back.
Grandma wasn't anywhere around the living room or the kitchen.
Am glad.
So I went to my room, propped myself  on the bed just smiling.
Flen told me he liked me!
Yeeeeyyyy.
I thought of calling May and telling her about it. But this was definitely not the time to do it.
The other three couldn't do because to me, May had to be the first.
Then I remembered Cindy.
No, she may be busy now.
So I cancelled that too.
Or maybe I should just keep it.
Grandma was out of question, she'd tease me forever.

Gabriel!
Yes, I decided to call him. Not to tell him about Flen, not that.
He quickly picked up and the next thing I know is that we were laughing all through. He sure was a funny person.
When the end of call notification appeared on my screen, I was shocked.
We had been talking for an hour plus, didn't feel like it.
Practically, it was the first time I've ever gone that long.
•••

I heard a light tap and someone calling my name, "Linn! Linn. "
That had to be my mother's voice.
"Mm," I groaned forcing my eyes open.
I yawned, rubbed my eyes then looked at her, she was sitting on the edge of my bed.
"Yes Mummy, " I said to interrupt the fact that she was just staring at me and smiling.
"Sorry I woke you up baby, " she teased.
Honestly, Mum in a way always treated me like am still a small child.
But I liked it.
Who doesn't want to anyway?
"But you have to go have your meal, " she said.
"What time is it? " I asked not expecting that kind of news.
"It's almost 8," she answered.
Whoa! I didn't know I had slept that long.