To The Moon And Back

"Oh my gosh, look," I shrieked in glee when I saw the result. "A dove flew out of the hat!" I giggled and clapped my hands.

He groaned after rolling his eyes. "TSS! I saw it, Athijha." I pouted, then took his hands. Furthermore, I intertwined our fingers and made stared at his hazel brown eyes. My eyes shone in happiness when I saw how astonished he was with what I have done.

"I'm so thankful when I got to meet you," I jumped and hugged him. I whispered the words I never knew I was capable of saying. "I accept my defeat."

I sat and clenched my chest when I woke up like I just joined a marathon. I'm panting, I can't seem to catch my breath. I wiped the tears that streamed on my cheeks after dreaming of that scene again.

This is not the first time that I've dreamed of that. Every night, when the dimmed sky is illuminated by thousands of stars with the moon which is the brightest among the lights, and stands out in the breathtaking sight.

Athijha, that's what that kid calls me, but I'm aware that my name is Raeya. My birth certificate won't lie, will it? Maybe that's my name in my past life?

I peeked outside the window, and it's still dark. I took my black hoodie after tying my hair up.

I jumped out of my window to avoid unnecessary attention from my parents, who are sleeping right before my room. I was chewing gum when I hid my palms in my pants pocket. The weather is too cold. Jeez! I'm freezing!

I rode the subway train after a long walk and started reciting the elements of the periodic table in my mind to avoid my boredom.

I unconsciously tilted my head and looked on the right side. A man who looks six feet tall is leaning at the subway's door caught my attention. He literally stood out in the crowd.

I can feel like drooling, but it'll be so embarrassing. He's a hunk, handsome, and looks mysterious, especially now that he seems not to care about everything and everyone around him. His buttocks... oh my gosh! Did I just check him out? I blushed with that thought.

I was about to avert my gaze when he caught my eye. I almost jumped out of surprise and gulped when I saw longing and recognition passed through his bluebell orbs. He took a step backward. His mouth agape open but no words came out of his mouth. What creeped me out was the way he looked at me. It's as if he knows me, but I know I'm not familiar with him. So, when the subway stopped, I almost sprinted out of it.

Before I could even take my fifth step, someone grabbed me by the arm and pulled me.

"Hey! Who the hell are you?!" I yelled and tried to escape from his grasp.

My tears threatened to fall when I realized it was the same man I encountered on the subway train.

"W-where are you taking me?" My voice trembled.

We stopped where the light is dimmed compare to where I was planning to go, far away from the crowd.

I started sobbing when I imagined the worst scenario that might happen right here, at this moment. I can be raped, or worst, be killed.

"Y-you, who are you?"

Oh, I'm not aware that if someone's going to commit a crime, they'll ask the victim's name first.

"Who are you?!" I jumped in mixed fear and surprise when he yelled.

He grabbed my shoulders and looked straight into my eyes. He was astounded when he saw my puffy, tearful eyes.

I was shocked when he gently placed his palms on my cheek, side by side. He brushed my streaming tears away.

"I'm sorry," He planted a soft kiss on my forehead. It sent me an electric shock that made me shiver from my spine down to my toes.

I pushed him away.

"Athijha," He attempted to get closer.

"Stop, don't get any closer," I looked at him in the eye.

"What do you want?"

"Athijha, this is me. Can't you remember me, baby?" His voice broke and attempted to take a step again.

I stopped him and stared blankly. "I am not Athijha! And please, who the hell are you?!"

"Jha, I know you're just pretending that you don't know me. That you can't remember me. Please, baby." He gently took my hand, but I shoved his and took several steps backward.

"What are you talking about? I'm not Athijha!"

"Remember me, baby. Please, baby. Remember me."

"I don't even know you!"

"Jha, if one fucking year is still not enough, then be mad. Slap me again, voice out the curses running in your head, baby. Hurt me." He pled. His eyes were like waterfalls. Warm liquid streamed on his cheeks while trying to reach for my hand again.

"Stop calling me baby!" I yelled and run away. I looked back. I sighed in relief when I confirmed that he's not following me anymore.

I run as fast as I could and jumped into the closing door of the subway train. I clenched my fist, threw my gaze outside the window.