A Promise

Chapter Seven - Don't get blinded

CHAPTER SEVEN

"So how did the two of you became cousins?" I asked Devon, while popping grapes in my mouth.

"He's my aunt's son." He explained, looking at the sunset. 

"Oh." I said and nodded. I didn't bother to ask anymore questions. He may think that I may be so interested to his cousin- which is not. 

A moment of silence went on us. It felt awkward. And I felt uncomfortable. But I think Devon was not feeling what was I feeling right now. He's just sitting while resting both of his shoulders on the ground and staring at the sun. He loves looking at sunsets, so I think he doesn't bother.

Finally, he broke the silence.

"Can you promise me something, Rian?" He asked. His voice shaky.

"Anything for my best friend. What is it?" 

"Promise me not to..." He frowned. The sunset was setting, and the sun was going down slowly. He is missing the best part, why isn't he watching it? Instead, he was just staring at the ground and biting his lower lip, thinking of what are the things he is ready to spill to me.

"What is it? Say it, please." I begged and looked at his eyes. 

"Don't-" he paused made a loud sigh, and finally continued. "Don't get blinded by my cousin."

Those words. The last sentence he said. I didn't get it. Though it was hurting me at the same time.

"Oh, Eric? What do you mean?" I kept looking straight at his eyes, though he can't do the same. I was hurting- I was hurting seeing my best friend like this.

"He is not what you think he is." He said, his voice turning a bit hard and stern.

"What is he then?" I said. But instead of him explaining this to me, he just shook his head and staring at a far distance.

 "JUST FUCKING TELL ME RIGHT NOW DEVON" I shouted at him. I was so annoyed of what he was doing. I wanted to know the reason why he didn't want me to get blinded by Eric even though I don't know what that means.

"He isn't what you think he is, okay? He is an asshole and a jerk that will break your heart, and I don't want to see you suffer like he did to most girls." He explained. His voice was a bit loud. His explanation hurted me a bit. I thought Eric was this kind of guy who has good taste in music, good looks, and one who has intelligence- one who knows chemistry well.

"Well why are you telling me this? I can only see him as a friend, not someone. Or something like.. more than a friend. So stop this." I said.

"I saw how the way he stares at you at the cafeteria a while ago." 

"You did?"

"Damn, Rian. Everyone did, and you were doing your mannerism where you you would look around the place like you don't know it."

"I'm sorry." I whispered and hugged him- tightly. 

" 'I'M the one who's supposed to be sorry. I never should've argued with you." He explained, rubbing the back of my hair.

"Thanks." I pulled back, and smiled at him. "Let's go home. I need to rest." 

"Okay." He whispered to me and we both got up. 

As we walked to his car, it was silent.

And as we were in his car, it was silent as well.

I turned on the radio in his car to break the silence. So that I could sing-along to some songs, instead of being awkard. 

But then...

Damn.

Lucky by Jason Mraz and Colbie Callait was playing again.

I know he doesn't like this song. So I reached my hands to change the radio. As I almost pressed the button, he stopped me and pushed my hand back to my lap.

"Don't." He said.

"I thought you don't like this song?" 

"I just don't like the lyrics. I want to hear Jason Mraz for once." He explained. Then I nodded.

As the whole song was playing, it was so silent. No one was talking, even a simple hum to the song.

Nothing.

Really.

Finally, the song was finished. And as the next song played, it made me smile. My smile were already reaching my ears, I think.

Under Cover of Darkness by The Strokes was playing on the radio. 

The intro was playing. It felt so good in my ears. 

I looked at Devon, and saw him looking at me too with a big grin on his face.

And as he looked back to the road, we both laughed. I knew it, we were having the same minds. And we sang-along to the song until we reached my house.

He finally parked his car in front of my house, and we both smiled at each other. But before I stepped out of the car, I stopped and told him, 

"Hey, thanks for telling me about Eric." 

"It's nothing. Just don't get too close to him. Or don't let him get close to you." He said. Then I nodded throughout his sentence. We both waved and said goodbye to each other. 

Then as I stepped in front of my house, he texted me.

From: Devon

        "Hey, thanks for today. I really had fun... in the car. But just watch out, okay? I want my best friend to be safe. Pick you up again tomorrow at 8am, okay? x"

Then I texted back.

To: Devon

        "I did have fun at the car too. Yes I will, and thanks so much :) xx"