Before You Go

03

"Let's go shall we?" Alex says bringing me out of my trance.

I nod and quietly follow behind him.

We soon reach his car and a thought pops in my head.

"Don't you have to go to party?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

"I was supposed to, but I'd rather not."

"Not fond of drunk and wasted teens now are we" I say grinning. What is wrong with me?

He just shakes his head in agreement.

As I am about to open the door, Alex pulls it open for me. Quite the gentleman.

"Thank you" I say quietly, slipping into the seat.

He quickly adjusts himself in his seat and starts driving.

"So, why aren't you going to the party?" He asks while focusing on the road.

"Same reason. Too many people. Too loud music. Not my thing."

He nods and goes quiet.

"Alex."

"Hmm"

"Do you need something? From me I mean?"

"Do you ask that because I am giving you this ride?"

"Uh.."

Oh no, he read right through me.

"Ema, not everybody is supposed to have an ulterior motive. Sometimes some good people just do nice things for other good people, you know. Is that too hard to believe?" He says it calmly but the irritation in his voice is evident.

"I...How did you know what I was thinking?" I trail off.

Why did I say that?!?

"I noticed you thinking about it the whole walk to the car. It's pretty evident from your face"

I sigh. Still don't believe him.

"Would you....Uh.....mind if we....Uh....Stop for some coffee and brownies?"

I stare at him. The nerve of this boy.

Suddenly he realizes what he just did and his eyes bulge out.

"Oh...No no I don't mean....Uh...I....This isn't some...uh...I was going to stop any..."

I smile. It's cute.

"Let's go. I don't mind at all."

His body instantly relaxes.

"I am sorry......I didn't mean to...You can say no if you don't want to..."

"Alex, it's just coffee. Let's go, I need one anyway" I say reassuringly with a smile. I have never seen such a nervous boy but again, it's cute.

He nods.

We drive to the nearest coffee place (which happens to be my favourite too), Cafelove.

We quickly make our way in and Natalie, the waitress, immediately grins. She is a sweet girl.

"Hi Ema, I see you are not alone today" she keeps grinning and I glare at her.

"Uh oh.... Shall I get you the usual?" I nod. "And you too Alex?" He smiles at her and gives her a slight nod.

As we make our way to our table , I look up at Alex.

"You come here often too?"

He just nods. Seems to be deep in thought.

I stare at him. I have to admit.... He's kinda handsome. Blue green eyes, sharp jawline, perfect pink lips and messy brown hair. Just perfect.

His eyes are so deep. Like the Mediterranean sea. Like pools of clear water.

He looks so strong and sculpted like every muscle in his body is art.

"Is there something on my face?"

I snap out of it and slap myself mentally. Get a hold of yourself, girl.

"Uh what? No, no it's nothing." I hesitate, still disgusted by my train of thought. Ugh.

He doesn't push the topic, just grins slyly to himself.

In the meantime, Natalie gets our orders and I immediately dive into my chocolate brownies. They're absolutely delicious. I moan.

"How can brownies be this good?" Alex says, reciprocating my thoughts as he eats with his eyes closed.

"You know, if brownies were a person, I'd fall in love so bad"

He doesn't say anything, still lost in brownie heaven.

I sip my cappuccino. Perfect mix.

"So" Alex finally speaks up, "How's...Things? Life?"

Where did that question come from?

"Well it's...It's just going on I guess. Not too good, not too bad, just things happening after things" I shrug. "Not much going on really."

He nods.

"Let's make things a little better for you" He says.

What is up with this guy?

"And why do you seem to have taken a sudden interest in making things better for me?"

He sighs. "Because I like seeing people happy. I like making people happy. That's why."

"But I am happy." I say.

He just makes a face as if to say, "yeah right, I don't believe you for a second"

"So anyway, you want to have a little adventure or no?" He says, continuing his plan.

"Well, what are you going to say if I said yes."

"You'll have to say yes to know that"

I glare at him. "Fine, yes, now what?"

"Are you free tomorrow? It's a Saturday." He says, his eyes full of hope and glimmer like a child.

"Uh...yeah....what exactly are we doing?"