Chapter 17: Walk to covered courts

From the very first step we took, I already felt my heart started kabooming in my chest. For years, I have dreamed of this moment, and on this day, it's finally happening.

There was only about 10 inches space between us, and being this close to his presence made me feel warm and fuzzy all over. Faintly, my nostrils recognized the smell of his perfume. Not for the first time, I wondered what brand he was using, for I would love to buy one, spray it on my pillow and hug it to sleep. Ehem ehem, Michelle, must I remind you that you have a husband?

Anyway, I could not speak at all. I was just hyper aware of him and felt this instance too surreal.

"I'm sorry about Lara earlier, she might act that way, but she means well." He suddenly said as he looked at me while walking.

I looked at him too and our eyes met. I could not even remember what Lara did wrong and the only question I have in my head was why he was apologizing for her.

Perhaps he saw my confusion, so he just chuckled and shook his head.

Then I recalled being snubbed by not getting invited.

I smiled thinking that he was being considerate. Getting some of my brain cells back, I answered, "It's alright. I know that we just met so I think that's completely normal."

He nodded his head, shifting the conversation, he mentioned, "By the way, I don't know if it's just me, but I feel like we've met before. Have we?"

Now it was my turn to chuckle, so he did find my face familiar! He did kinda recognized me!

Before I could let my little brain cells die again, I answered, "Yes, I was not able to mention it earlier, but I was your seatmate in English 10."

It took a moment for him to put the two and two together, and as if finally recalling, he turned red, perhaps because of embarrassment. "Sorry, sorry. I think I just have poor memory. I hope I did not offend you."

I shook my head as I replied, "No, it's okay.", although the episode did shatter my heart, now it has been completely glued back together, and was fuller than ever.

"Thanks, you're a very understanding person. I see now why… oh, we're here. I guess, I'll see you tomorrow in class then."

"T- Thanks for walking me till here." I stuttered my reply and I know that my cheeks were stained red. If Anthony noticed, he did not mention it at all. He just nodded and smiled. Then, he turned on his back and walked away.

After he left, all I wanted to do was scream! AHHHHHH you fickle hearted fool! Stop assuming and get your head out of the gutter! Not because he walked you till here means he has a crush on you too!

But I can't help myself. He was like my first love, though unrequited it may have been in the other timeline. But maybe, just maybe, if I tried to approach him then, would have it worked out? Would the future have turned out differently? Would I have been a Cinderella married by rich CEO after our family's downfall? Would he have been my knight in the shining armor?

'Stop that Michelle, you're assuming too much.' I tried to get a hold of myself as my inner monologue kept on running amuck.

To tell the truth, although married, my experience with the opposite sex has been very limited. As said, I believed that my first boyfriend should be my husband, so my standards were very high. The only husband material I considered in college was Anthony for he was my crush, and maybe if someone came along like Andy level, perhaps I would have considered.

However, that did not happen in my other timeline. I had suitors, but they never met my standards, so before they could court me, I already rejected them. Thus, what happened? Until I graduated college, I never had a boyfriend. When I went abroad for graduate school, the culture was just too different, and I did not find anyone attractive enough either. Then, when I went back home, my family was in a predicament, so, love life? What's that? It's not like Anthony would ever notice me.

I must congratulate myself though. I did succeed in getting my first boyfriend as my husband. Steve has been my one and only. He came along at the right time. I have already adopted to my new life, and he was also very very handsome. He took my breath away just like Anthony did, and I felt my lonely single heart doing summersaults again.

Reminiscing all the good times, I was again reminded that he was the love of my life. I should not succumb to this momentary lapse of uhm… libido? Haha! I don't know. But then again, I should just enjoy this time of my life, and immerse myself with the things I never got to do before.

At the end of the day, the end game's still him and me, so I should not feel bad about acting like a teenager. For, despite everything, no one would be able to say anything as I am truly one now.

I shook my head as I told myself, 'oh Michelle, you assume too much. Just get in class already or you'll be late!'

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TBC