10 Days to Forever

Part 7

Day 2 (Monday)

Chimon was surprised to see Pluem waiting outside their gate when he was about to go to school that morning. Pluem was leaning on his car doing nothing, just looking at him.

Chimon ignored him and just stood on the sidewalk, waiting for a jeep.

"Do I have to drag you into my car?" Pluem asked. "Come on."

Chimon reluctantly walked to Pluem's car.

"Sit at the front," Pluem directed him before getting into the driver's seat.

"Did it hurt?" Pluem asked when Chimon had finally settled into his seat.

"What?"

"I said did it hurt when you got into my car?"

"Nope."

"Why do I have to convince you then? You see me outside waiting with my car. You know we're both going to the same school. Why don't you just get in?"

"I didn't know you wanted me to go with you."

"Really? Is it that difficult? I'm friends with your Lola. I have met your best friend and his boyfriend. We've talked a couple of times. We even kissed. I'm waiting outside your house with a car. It's not that hard to figure out. That means I want you to ride with me to school."

"Fine, then. But if I'm gonna ride with you every morning, I'll pay for your gas at the end of the week."

Pluem smiled. "You're really funny," he said.

Chimon eyes widened. "Wait, you just smiled. Are you sick or something?"

"What are you talking about?" Pluem retorded, immediately frowning.

"I have never seen you smile before," Chimon said matter of factly.

Pluem thought about it for a while. He couldn't figure it out himself but being with Chimon seemed to magically brighten his mood. Talking to him was easy, comfortable. Aside from his Lola Laura, no one else had made him feel like that. Not even his own mother.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he finally said then focused on driving.

"K."

Chimon busied himself by watching the strangers on the streets, going about their daily routines. He then caught sight of a funeral home. He felt a wave of goosebumps instantly flow through his body. He remembered his awful dream.

He looked at Pluem and asked, "Do you ever think about death?"

Pluem almost stepped on the brakes upon hearing what Chimon said.

"Where did that question come from? Are you ok?" he asked.

Chimon realized how weird his question was. "Never mind," he replied.

"Is everything okay, Chimon? That's not something that comes to mind with no reason."

"Forget it. Just a random thought."

Pluem was still not convinced but he let it go. "Ok. By the way, do you have to work again tonight?"

"No. I get to take tonight off because I worked an extra shift last Saturday."

"Perfect!" Pluem said enthusiastically.

"Err, why?"

"Nothing. I'll have dinner at your house today, right?" Pluem was already looking forward to hanging out with Chimon after dinner.