I took a deep breath as I checked myself in the mirror for one last time. I ran my hands over the grey dress which just ended below my knees. I turned around and smiled at the way it complimented my body.
The only time my makeup decided to be perfect. Is it my lucky day or what? Everything is going too smoothly.
I went over to my bed and checked my phone to check Alec's message again. The message he had sent me in the morning.
I sighed through my mouth feeling the jitters inside my body.
Oh my god. It's here. It's finally here. Our first date and I am going to meet him. I could feel all the emotions at once ranging from nervousness to anxiousness.
I checked our conversation again to make sure that he didn't mention where he was taking me and it wasn't my mind skipping that part.
It was a surprise, huh?
I put my phone back down before going and picking up the heels and putting them on, automatically making me taller than before.
Damn, I look pretty. No wonder he fell for me eventually.
I giggled to myself before shaking my head.
I wanted to show someone how I looked but I would be late and I wanted Alec to be the first one to see and compliment me. I know it sounds cliché but IT IS OUR FIRST DATE! And I want it to be special and unique.
I got out of the cab with the handbag wrapped around my wrist.
"Are you sure you don't want the way back?" The driver asked.
I tried to pass him a small smile before shaking my head, "I'll be fine."
The cab went away as I stood straight and walked over to a lamppost. It was nighttime. I checked the watch on my wrist with the handbag and almost shrieked when I read the time as ten.
It was late.
I didn't mind the time because I knew I would find him here but he was nowhere to be seen. I kicked a rock beside me and watched it go and land on the road where a car passed above it making it crush.
A cold wind blew around making me cover my armsâ trying to protect myself. I wasn't sure if it was the wind or the loneliness which was making me colder by colder as the time passed.
He'll be here. Maybe he was stuck in traffic. He had something important to do. Anything. But I know he'll show up. That was for sure.
But at the back of my mind, I felt disappointed, because I was here in time and he wasn't. He was the one who got me all excited and he was the one who asked me to dress all pretty. And he wasn't here.
I sat on the footpath carefully. My feet were hurting because of the heels so I took them out and placed them neatly beside me before massaging my ankles lightly to get relieved of the pain.
I wanted to close my eyes and wait for him, but I can't even do so. It was already late. Leaning against or closing my eyes in the middle of the road was the last thing that I wanted. I had no idea what type of people I could encounter and have to be alert.
I turned my head around and noticed a flower shop behind me. I had no idea how I missed it before but since I am already waiting for him, and I am taking onto the role... I should buy him some roses too.
I put on my heels quickly and ran over to the shop just when it was about to close.
"We are closing." The old lady smiled.
"It's my first date. Please?" I looked at her desperately.
She seemed adamant for a few seconds as she stared into my eyes. I couldn't help but stare back at her as she finally gave up and looked around before stepping inside.
"Come in." She said in her quivering voice.
I pranced behind her happily as she went and turned the lights on again.
"Roses?" She asked knowingly.
"Yeah."
She was making me a bouquet of roses when she looked above from the small specs sitting on the bridge of her nose, "The first date you said?"
I nodded my head at her in approval.
She sighed before smiling softly, "I know I am just an old lady and a florist for you but as a person who has experienced this world already, can I give you an advice?"
I stepped away from the tulips I was checking and turned all my attention towards her, "Of course."
She was arranging the roses together now, "Love is like a flower getting ready to bloom." She would glance at me every now and then as she continued, "Depending upon the love and care it received during its initial stages. The stage when you were knowing each other. The stage when you were learning to trust each other."
She started wrapping them in a bouquet.
"Make it count." She said, "Every moment right now. Give your best. Give your love. So that it can bloom into a beautiful flower. The more healthy and beautiful it blooms... the longer it can withstand any obstacles thrown in its way."
She came and handed me the bouquet with a smile which just enhanced her wrinkly face more. She was pretty.
"Thank you," I muttered.
I couldn't help but think over again about everything she said.
"I'll be closing now." She said as she started making her way towards the exit again.
"Uh... money?" I asked making her stop in tracks.
She turned around slowly and shook her hand at me, "It's free for you. You listened to an old lady without being rude or hating me... that's enough. Come on, I need to close it."
I jogged outside as I watched her close the shop and walk away. I stared at the beautiful bouquet of roses in my hands and closed my eyes for a second and tilted my head to the sky.
It was a pleasure listening to her. And even though, it was a piece of random advice she wanted to give. Even though it was just something beautiful she wanted to share, I couldn't help but think... that it all had a meaning.
The stage where you are still learning to trust each other.
The healthier they bloom, the longer they can withstand.
I wonder how strong Alec and I are?
I checked the time on my watch again.
11 pm.
Alec still wasn't here. And I don't think so he will be here either.
Did I just get stood up on my first date? I shook my head vigorously to myself. That's not possible. Maybe he is just one hour late. He won't ever leave me stranded. That's not Alec.
I should just call him and ask.
I took my phone out and as I tried to press the call button I couldn't help but notice my hands shaking. Pursing my lips tight, I pressed the button and brought the phone to my ears with shaky hands.
Why was I afraid? What was I afraid of?
Of being rejected.
Being abandoned.
Yet again.
The healthier they bloom, the longer they can withstand.
I kept repeating in my head. My breathing stopped the second I heard his phone switched off.
It wasn't even a matter of being stood up anymore. He was late. His phone was switched off. And this was giving me anxiety.
What if something had happened to him?
I tightened my grip on the bouquet making a crunching sound. I was so self-absorbed that I did not even think that maybe Alec was in danger.
Oh my god.
I was shifting between my two feet as I got more and more panicked. I need to find him and see if he was alright. I NEED TO FIND HIM.
I took my phone out and was about to call the cab. But where will I go? Should I ask Nathaniel about Alec? Maybe he would know.
I was on the verge of crying as I was about to dial Nathaniel's number. I stopped the second my phone started ringing.
I felt my heart sink when it wasn't Alec's number. It was Henry.
I picked it up still feeling the pent up panic inside of me.
"H-Henry," I said. My voice coming out to be forced and choked.
"What's wrong with you? Are you alright?" He asked concerned.
"A-Alec," I mumbled a tear running down my face.
"That's why I called!" He said making me cling to the phone, "Where have you been?"
"Where's Alec?" I asked getting straight to the point feeling my chest heavier, "Is he alright?"
I could feel the silence on the other side making me want to go berserk, "What would happen to Alec? He is alright." He said making me relieved and allowing me to finally breathe properly.
He was alright. He was fine.
So where was he?
"Is he with you?" I asked carefully.
"That's what I called you for! Where are you? We are all here."
"Where?"
"Preparing for Xavier's surprise birthday party."
I knew what was coming next but still, I asked him the dreaded question which would make me break.
"Is Alec there?"
"OF COURSE! He has been here for a few hours now."
I wanted to cry as I put the phone a little away before sniffling. He has been there the whole while as I waited for him here. I brought the phone back.
"I thought it was just us guys but then Liya gave Alec a call too." He finished.
I stared at the road in terror as I didn't even hear anything he said next.
The stage where you are still learning to trust each other.
I got stood up... because of Liya.
___