THE PROMISE

Chapter 4: Until the Rain Stops Pouring, I'll be Yours Then

Lying down on the sturdy wooden bench of the university's rooftop, Charles kept going back to that day.  That day when Gavin sang an unfamiliar song but like him, holds mysterious familiarity.  He could still hear the sadness of the melody; the hovering story behind every word of the song's lyrics; the enchanting grace of Gavin's strumming; and he see his face, now.  The look of longing in his eyes and the single tear that came of it--all the while fixated to Charles's eyes, unwavering until the last statement of the song.  'I promise you forever right now.'

Charles stared at the clouds, forming illusionary images--they were there but they really were not. Pareidolia.  Was that it?  Was that just him imagining things, movements, and meanings that in reality does not exist?  That day, when Gavin sang.  That day when he cried.  That day, when both he and Gavin entered the world of each other's eyes, did that world truly exist for the both of them?  Or was that just Charles? Freaking pareidolia!

Ugh! His mind is wracking once again.  Why does he kept thinking about it?! 

Charles heard a footstep.  He didn't bother to look.  He knows who's coming.

"Hey." Dr. Zarate greeted.

He ignored him.  It has been two weeks since that day.  Two weeks of Charles ignoring two men in his life.  

"Knew you're here." The doctor said.  Dr. Gerald walked towards Charles and blocked his view.  Annoyed, Charles tried to stand upright, but because the bench is rather light, instead he fell from it.  That added up to his irritation.  Dr. Zarate extended his hand, concerned, and trying hard to contain his laughter.  But Charles didn't take it.  He eventually stood up and started walking away.

"Hey, Charles.  Com'on.  Stop this, please." Dr. Zarate called out, pleading in his voice.

Charles, without turning back, said "I can play your game, too, doc." and completely walked away, leaving Dr.  Zarate to his thoughts.

Charles admitted to himself that he has a petty reason for ignoring his boyfriend--Dr. Zarate's ghostlike attitude after their date from two weeks ago.  It's just that, with the arrival of Gavin, his mind seems to be crumbling back to its original state.  Adding to his grief is the doctor's laisse faire attitude in their relationship.  Everything just doesn't make enough sense!

Furious at himself and the people around him, Charles continued walking, disregarding his classes.

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"Yeah.  Two weeks and nada.  I don't know what happened.  For sure I thought I was making progress that night, and then...nothing."  Gavin reported to Charles's parents on the phone.  He is at the supermarket, specifically in the seafood section picking out the freshest crabs, wondering why he didn't think of this move quickly?

Gavin smiled while examining a particular crustacean.  "But I have a plan.  Don't worry." He said, then ended the call.  He went to the counter after completing his ingredients and paid for it.  Let's see if you can still ignore me after this.   Gavin thought, proud at himself.

As he was walking his way outside the supermarket, bag of ingredients in his right hand, the rain poured suddenly.  Outside, the afternoon ambience became a dreary gray.  People that not too long ago buzzed with life seemingly became lifeless dummies.  It's amazing how a weather can change the mood of the city or reveal it.  Gavin thought, looking up, as the drops of rain meet the cemented ground.

He gripped the grocery bag handle thinking of his trusty black umbrella lying cozily in the house.  "Of all the times I could have left it, why now?" He muttered.  Gavin hates rain.  For him, it is a wicked natural circumstance of the world.  That is why, he always brings an umbrella with him, as his shield from its wickedness.  But now, Gavin was bare.  And the rain knew it, seizing the opportunity of his vulnerability.  And he hated the rain even more.