TURBULENCE

Chapter 10: Plan Failed

Yue

It's still raining. How am I suppose to go home?

I was at a coffee shop a block away from my house. Unfortunately, I did not bring my umbrella. The weather was really nice when I left the house earlier.

I decided to go here a few hours ago because I've realized that spending time alone and reading a book in this small cafe is a much better choice than being at home with my mom and her  friends. Don't get me wrong, I adore that bunch of overly eager aunties. But what annoys me is when  they start throwing me question's about my personal life and arranging blind dates for me. They really get into my nerves when they do that.

Thankfully, I am friends with XiaoWen, the cafe owner's daughter. Reason why I am allowed to stay here for long hours even after the caramel frappe or whatever I am eating was long gone and I am just ordering water from time to time.

Then the rain started pouring. At first I was not bothered at all. I was so into the novel I am reading that I didn't even noticed the time.

But the hours of sitting in the same position had taken its toll on my body.  I had the urge to stretch out, making me notice that it is now dark outside and the rain is showing no signs of stopping.

Oh well... I don't really have much of a choice, have I? So much to my discomfort, I patiently waited in this secluded corner of the cafe. I quietly watched the water trickling on the glass wall. The water droplets shining like crystals as light reflected on it from the muted lighting of the room. I was temporarily mesmerized.

When will this rain stop? I really want to stretch out on my bed and rest. My back is killing me for sitting in the same position for almost eight hours straight. Besides, it's getting late. I bet my mom is already getting worried.

Then out of the blue...

"Shen Yue!"

And there he was. Clad in a red windbreaker on top of his basketball jersey. His gym bag slung on his right shoulder and holding an umbrella on his left hand. He hurriedly strode towards me, uncaring of all the stares thrown at him by the other costumers of the cafe for being his loud self.

"What are you doing here Wang HeDi?" I asked. My eyes following his every move as he quickly slid himself on the seat in front of me. Curious as to why, inspite of the weather and the time, he managed to pop out of nowhere to find me like he always did these past few days. 

It really boggles my mind why I end up hanging out with Wang HeDi these past couple of days.

Four days ago, while I was quietly hanging out in the most secluded place in the university library - That space at the back of the last row of bookshelves near the fire exit - going over another novel by Nicholas Sparks, I saw him peeking at me in between the rows of books as I sat lotus style. My book resting on my thighs. He told me he needed some color in his gray colored boring life.  We ended up talking about everything and anything with just a bookshelf separating us until we got tired and sleep took over us. Our backs resting on the wall. Our heads leaning on the shelf. We slept so soundly that we almost got stuck inside the library if not for the blaring sound of HeDi's phone. It rung so loud that the Librarian overheard it before she locked the doors.

And the other day, while I was finishing up my project in graphic design. I was in my sanctuary between my twin willow trees, when he gave me a shock by showing up with two milkshakes and half a dozen donuts. Asking if I could let him stay and study. He said he felt so lonely studying in his flat that's why he decided to find me. He promised that he wouldn't disturb me, a promise he kept effortlessly as we busied ourselves with our school work. HeDi eventually walked me home that night. With both our homeworks done and our stomach full of sweets.