Chapter 5

What's with them?

When I came out of the theatre I felt hungry. I thought of going to a restaurant. I looked at the Pancake House. I immediately went and went inside. I sat to the right, next to the glass wall. I called the waiter to pick up my order. I ordered Waffle Chocolate Chips, Coffee and a Heart-warming soup. When the waiter left, I took out the card that Salvatore had given me. I stared at it and start to think when will I visit his studio.

Sometimes we have to be alone. It will help ourselves think of what more we can do. I looked outside and saw Cara with Nathan. Then my phone rings I cancelled his call since I am trying to figure out where will Cara and Nathan will go. He called again and this time I answered.

“Yes Luke?”

“Are you ignoring me?”

“No, I am just busy today I’ll talk to you later once I get home”

“Okay.”

I hang up the phone and immediately went outside the restaurant. They have disappeared from my sight. I wonder what they were doing. Something is not right.

I came back inside to eat what I have ordered. After eating I decided to ride on my way home.

I went home and saw Luke sitting on the bench outside my house. He saw me and came towards me. Hugged me and said;

“Where have you been? I thought you were ignoring me. Did I do something bad to you?

“No Luke. I am sorry; I am so busy and didn’t notice your messages. Let’s go inside”

I felt bad that I am trying to ignore him. I should not be doing that. What kind of friend am I? I promised him to be by his side anytime he needs me but what I am doing right now breaks that promises. I felt sorry for him.

I led her into the living room to sit and wait while I prepared the tea and cookies. While I was in the kitchen I saw him, I stopped and wondered if I should say what I saw a while ago. I felt pity for him. What if Cara cheated on him? I rested deeply and resumed brewing tea. Then I went to where he was and handed over the tea and cookies I had prepared for him. We then start to talk.

"How are you and Cara?" I ask to start the conversation.

"It's okay. Thanks for asking. In fact, she came home earlier and I introduced her to mommy and daddy. They talked and suddenly approached me to say that she needed to leave." He told me. He took the tea and drank a little.

“I see. Did she tell you where is she going?” I asked in astonishment.

"No. She said she was in a hurry and it was important to go. So I let her go." He replied.

"You should have followed him." I insisted.

"I would have liked to go with her but she said it was important and she was in a hurry." He said as if sad. His face suddenly changes mood.

I suddenly thought that maybe the time Cara left Luke is the time she met Nathan where I saw them together. I have to do something. I need to know what Cara and Nathan have. I can’t bear to see Luke sad. I am also hurting. I will not tell Luke what I saw. I want to be sure of my suspicion.

“I see.”

“How about you Leigh, how are you?” He said to change the subject.

“You don’t have to worry about me. I am fine.”

“That’s good. Why don’t you date someone?” Sound curious.

“Huh?” (Laughing so hard)

“What’s funny?” He was surprised.

"No Luke. But it's funny to know that you want me to date someone else. Right now I don't. I don't want to date someone I don't want. I don't want to get hurt." I said seriously.

"Don't you like anyone? Maybe there's one you don't tell me." He asked jokingly.

"The truth? There is. I like a man. It's been a long time. He doesn't pay attention to me because he doesn't notice me. I hope he feels that I like him." I stared at him as I said this. I want him to feel that he is what I am referring to.

"Really? Who is he? What does he look like? I should be the first to meet him. I'll test him to see if he deserves my bestfriend!" He said proudly.

"He really deserves me and not anyone else. But I'll introduce him to you when I have a chance."

"It's good then." He said.

"It's getting late, haven't you come home yet?" I changed our conversation.

"Maybe no. Can I sleep here?" He said with a pitying eye.

Suddenly I spilled the tea I was drinking. I was surprised at his question. Will he sleep here? Beside me? I was suddenly surprise. What will I say?

"Are you sure? Your house is just near and then you won't go home" I pinched his right ear.

"Of course! I know you're upset with me even if you don't say it. And I have a lot more to tell you. We'll talk a lot more. There's no school tomorrow, right? So you agreed." Please be thorough.

Honestly, I imagine this happening. I look forward to seeing him all night up close. My heart is beating faster. Seems to explode with excitement. I'm glad because even now I'll be alone with him. There is no Cara to interfere. Wait, is this thinking right? I asked myself. Maybe it's okay to claim him one day.