For Ever

nine

dear ever,

you seemed to have noticed that i was already warming up to you, ever. well, ever since our first date, i already decided to give this a shot, give us a chance. but ever, if you didn't notice or if you're still not getting it: i liked playing hard to get. remember our small talk about progress? you seemed delighted.

Ever since your birthday, we've been texting nonstop. Mostly we've only been talking about trivial things like what food do we like, favorite ice cream flavor, and other things. We haven't really talked about any deep things yet, I was expecting you'd dig them up when you get the chance but you didn't. Instead we talked about unimportant information, that I'll probably just forget.

"Tanisha," I hear an all familiar voice shout. I looked behind to see you running towards me, holding your notebook and phone tightly. When you reached to me, you breathed in and out, catching your breath.

"Ever," I responded, putting my phone away. I looked down to see you wearing your laboratory gown. You must've had the Biochemistry practicals today.

"How was your final exam with Sir Adam?" you asked, eyeing my hand. I looked up to you suspiciously and then you grabbed my hand and intertwined it with yours. A shocked expression was written all over my face as my eyes widened. I immediately retracted my hand, feeling all the stares people were giving us.

"Oh, sorry Tani. I thought it was fine to hold your hand," you shyly explained scratching your head and avoiding my gaze. You seemed to have formed a habit that whenever you're embarrassed you scratch your head. Cute.

"The final exam was surprisingly easy, maybe it was because of your notes. Thanks by the way," I answered dismissing your attempt earlier. You cleared your throat and gave a sigh of relief.

"That's good," you replied. I nodded my head and just stood there like you did. I was waiting for you to say something but judging from your bothered state we'd have to stay silent for a while before you'd open up.

"Is there something bothering you?" I started. "I have somewhere to be Ever, I'm kinda in a hurry," I explained.

"Uhm, I was just gonna ask if we could have dinner tonight before you leave. Bree told me you booked a boat that's leaving by midnight. I was wondering if we could spend some time before summer break," you rambled. Ever, I think all the times I've rejected you is finally catching up to you. Maybe that's why you couldn't process the words I was about to say.

"Sure."

"Oh, I get it Tani. Have fun at your home to-," you paused and shifted your gaze to me, wide eyed. "Wait, did you just say yes? For the first time without a second thought?" you said in disbelief.

"Weirdo," I laughed and started walking forward. You stood there for a while but you caught up to me with out breaking a sweat.

"Tanisha, I think I'm making progress," you proudly declared still smiling like an idiot.

"Wow, Ever. Who would've thought you'd get this far. Congratulations!" I sarcastically replied as you pat your back.

"It's probably not a big deal to you but it is to me, let me celebrate my small victories please," you blurt out while I roll my eyes at you.

"Today you're saying yes to a date, who knows by next month you'd say yes to finally dating me officially," you nonchalantly say which in turn receiving a smack from me. "I'm kidding," you take back. "I'm partially kidding."

"Tanisha the great, I hope you know that you make me really happy." I stopped in my tracks, hearing those words that came from your mouth. I've heard those words before, Ever. This may seem crazy but I recall you saying that to me. I just don't know when and where. Was it in a dream? Ever, why am I in a roller coaster ride of déjà vu whenever I'm with you?