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Chapter 6 - Strawberry Shake
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Sundays are my self-care/ self love days. That means no boyfriends, no commitments and most definitely no best friends. It is a day all about me, for me; I take the day to do what I want to do. I do what makes me happy.
That can be anything from taking a long nap, to getting my nails done or going people watching in the park.
Today I am going on a solo picnic date. I have my grilled chicken and ham sandwiches packed, in my basket. I also have a nice fruit bowl situation going on. And to drink I have my mother’s famous pink lemonade, all I need is a nice strawberry shake for desert. I love strawberry shakes, I’m not too picky about where I get it, as long as it’s the flavor I like.
I am driving to the nearest McDonald’s in my area. The picnic spot I want to go to is 44 minutes from Pretoria. And I don’t want to waste time driving around Pretoria. I am going to Bronkhorspruit Dam for my solo date, I’m so excited. It’s so beautiful and peaceful out there.
I drive up to the drive-through at McDonald’s and wait for my turn to order.
“Good morning welcome to McDonald’s may I take your order please” A lady says on the when it’s my turn.
“Hi, may please have one strawberry shake please.” I say to the mike.
“Okay, would you like anything else?” She asks after a beat.
“No, that’s all” I declare.
“Okay, please drive to the next window. Thank you” She says and I drive to the next window.
I get there and pay for my shake and drive on to the pickup window. When I look up to take my shake, my eyes collide with Leo’s. He’s staring at me stunned, recovers quickly when I look at him. He hands me the cup through the window.
My hand freezes halfway through to taking the shake from him. I feel my heart beat faster. I almost don’t want to make contact with him, suddenly something as simple as taking a shake from a window has become an impossible task. I take a deep breath and reach out the rest of the way and take the drink.
“Hi” I finally say. Why do I feel like this? I’ve known him for over 5 years and I have never felt this way. Why am I shaky around him all of a sudden?
“Hi, have a great day.” He says when I place the drink in my cup holder.
“You too” I say driving away.
40 minutes later I arrive at the picnic spot; I am feeling happy and renewed. All my stress and tension gone. It feels so good to be in nature and switch off.
I park my car and get my stuff out of the car. I look around at the beauty that is around me. I am in awe of the amazing mountain in front of me and the vast water stretching beyond. I smile happy I did this; it is so beautiful out here.
The smell of the water and the warm touch of the sun make me so happy. I walk toward the water to find a nice spot to lay out my blanket and relax.
I find a great place under a tree. There is just enough shade to be cool. I lay out my picnic blanket and set up so I can get comfortable.
I lie down and enjoy the view. There are families, couples and singles like me taking advantage of the good weather.
I lie on my back and close my eyes for a moment. I smile softly. I feel good. I let my mind drift and the first thing that pops into my mind is Leo’s smile.
I let myself explore that. Why am I thinking about him?
Leo
“How are you feeling my guy?” Zach says smiling at me from across the kitchen island. He’s in a particularly good mood.
He called me this morning before I left for work to tell me he’s coming over tonight. He said he wants to spend some quality time with his best mate. Me.
I got home 2 hours ago, I’m busy making the kids dinner and this fool is sitting across from me acting weird.
“I’m good, you seem extra good today.” I say smiling because he has this stupid, cheesy smile on his face.
“I am, indeed I am feeling extra good.” He says and taps me on the shoulder.
“What the hell, are you going to tell me what’s going on?” I ask, I can’t take his weirdness.
“I my friend found out that Super man is indeed afraid of kryptonite.” He says and actually has the nerve to look thoughtful.
“What?”
“Cole, the school clone/ Mr universe/ Mr everything perfect, is not so perfect.” He says and my heart skips at the mention of Golden’s boyfriend.
I know where this is going. I made the mistake of telling Zach that I have a crush on her once and he has been trying to get me to ask her ever since.
“Oh!” I say and move away from the kitchen. I make sure the kids sit down and eat, before I take a deep breath and head back to Zach. I hand him a plate of food and get my own.
“Oh! That’s all you have to say?” He says actually looking hurt.
“What do you want me to say?” I ask and not really interested in the answer.
“Well I was hoping you would be a little more interested to know that our “it” boy is very insecure about his relationship with Golden.” He says proud of the information he’s giving me.
“Okay and what’s that got to do with me?”
“That means you have a chance man.” He says his voice getting louder.
I laugh shocked at his declaration. I laugh from the deepest part of my stomach. I haven’t laughed like this in a long time.
“Wow, bro. I knew you had mad love for me but I didn’t know it went this deep.” I say laughing even harder at the thought of what he just said.
“You laugh but I know what I’m talking about. All Cole has is popularity and his parent’s money.”
“And all I have is problems” I say when the laughter finally subsides.
“You have a great heart, you work hard and you are one of the best people I know.” He says a serious look on his face.
“Thank you for the vote of confidence my friend but Golden is not for me. ” I say the words breaking my heart but it’s true.
Later in bed
Zach’s words ring in my head. I have had a crush on Golden for over 4 years now and I never allowed myself to imagine what it would be like to actually share space with her. I can barely look her in the eyes, I can’t imagine going on a date with her.
“Zach is crazy” I say into the darkness.
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