Crossing Paths

CHAPTER 6

It's finally Valentine's Day, the day we've all been waiting, working, and preparing for. Everyone's morning is spent on finalizing their own booths, stalls, stages, and other things they've come up with. By noon, the real fun begins.

I looked myself in the huge mirror here in the comfort room, feeling quite confident about how I look today. Thanks to Clem for helping me put on some makeup and for fixing my hair.

"Damn, Ada! You're in for the kill. I bet you a hundred bucks, all eyes out there will be trained on you."

"Oh hush, Macy. Stop teasing her even before she gets out of here or she might hide in the closet if she gets shy. Now, come on."

We went out and started walking to our clubroom to drop our things off. As we were about to head inside, the door beside us suddenly opened and the music majors piled out. The last one to step out was Aiden who was holding an acoustic guitar. He was wearing a white shirt inside his black leather jacket, partnered with his black ripped jeans.

"Hey."

"Hey," I said as I turned my gaze back to his face. Hope he didn't mind me starting.

"You look like the Goddess of Beauty herself. You look beautiful especially in that dress...it's not that you're not beautiful in your everyday look, it's just that you look more beautiful... gorgeous."

He explained hurriedly and the last word came out as a whisper but I heard it all the same. He smiled softly and I felt a blush crept up on my cheeks, suddenly feeling warm.

"Thank you. You don't look bad yourself. But umm... it's your idea to dress up as Aphrodite, you know. So... thanks again for your help, I guess."

"Looks like someone's getting tongue-tied." Clem teased.

I don't exactly know who she's talking about, maybe it was him or me or both of us.

Before things could get more awkward, he cleared his throat, "They're probably waiting for me. I should go." he said, slightly blushing.

"Right! I'll see you later."

Aaand he's gone.

On our way to our booth, the whole campus was already buzzing. Culinary students are busy selling heart-shaped candies, heart-shaped cookies, and of course heart-shaped chocolates. Beside them are history majors who are giving out pamphlets about St. Valentine and how it lead to people celebrating Valentine's Day.

Around 3 pm, our booth is filled with students waiting in line.

"Here's your picture. Thank you very much. Next please." I signaled to a group of four guys that it's their turn.

"I heard them talking about you, love. That guy in the green shirt has a crush on you." Clem whispered in my ears.

As if on cue, Macy turned to us, "I told you!"

"Eyes on the camera, hun. We've got job to do." I jokingly rolled my eyes.

After Macy took their picture, one of the guys came up to me to get their picture. He extended his hand and handed me a flower.

"It's from my friend. That guy on a green shirt." he pointed the direction of his friends. The green shirt guy smiled at me and I returned the gesture.

"Please give him my thanks and happy Valentine's Day to all of you."

I received a dozen more flowers and some chocolates after that. It came from both guys and girls. I bet it was Aphrodite's doing in honor of her costume.