Wonderings: Longer

[Kael]

After the night we spent at the festival, I decided to ask Amelia out on a date. Since it’s a Sunday and it’s her day off. I texted her and she responded.

“Let’s meet at the park by DRIVEA.” She replied. I got excited and decided to make myself even more presentable. I wore black pants and a white shirt. I got my keys and went to my car. I drove to the park and when I got there, she was already waiting for me. She was sitting on a bench. She was wearing a floral dress that reached her knee; she had her hair down and she looked stunning.

“Amelia.” I called out to her. She turned to look at me and smiled. 

“Hey Kael. So where are we going?” She asked. 

“Do you like dogs?” I asked. She raised her eyebrow.

“Yes I do. Why do you ask?” She asked. I didn’t answer her. I led her back to my car and opened the door for her. She went in and I went to the driver’s side. I started the car and drove off.

“I’m curious where we’re going.” She said. I didn’t take my eyes off the road. We arrived at the place. I parked my car and opened the door for her. When she stepped out, she gasped. 

“Pug Café? I’ve always wanted to come here.” She said, her voice filled with delight. Seeing her so happy like that, makes me happy too. I want to see her smile more often. She grabbed my hand and pulled me in the café. We sat at our table and I ordered for the both of us. There was a separate place where the customers could interact with the dogs. Little did she know that I rented this whole place for the day so she could enjoy herself. 

“Kael look at this one. Isn’t he adorable?” I didn’t even realize she was already in the play pen with the dogs. She carried the pug around and showed it to me. She gave it little kisses and played with them. Why did I waste so much time torturing you before when I could have felt something better when I made you happy? I was a fool Amelia. 

She came back to our table when our drinks and pastries arrived. I ordered a mocha frappe for her and latte for me. 

“I wonder why no one else is here today. It’s a Sunday; shouldn’t this café be brimming with customers?” She asked. I laughed nervously. I hope she doesn’t find out. 

“Maybe we’re just lucky.” I said. She looked at me and giggled. 

“Maybe you’re right.” She drank her frappe and went back to the playpen. I sat at the table observing her. I noticed that she was staring at me. I looked at her with an eyebrow raised. She motioned for me to come to her. I took off my shoes and went inside the playpen. She held out her hand for me and I took it. I sat down next to her and all the pugs rushed towards me. 

“They all like you.” She said. I looked at her and smiled. 

“I can’t be the only one enjoying this.” She said and handed me a pug. I’m not really into dogs. My feelings for dogs are somewhat neutral. I don’t like them nor do I dislike them. But seeing her happy like this, I’m starting to understand why. 

“Amelia…” I said. I want to say how I feel but I can’t put it into words. She looked at me with a big smile on her face. 

“I…” I was about to say something when she put her finger on my lips. 

“I know what you want to say. Just know that I’ve already forgiven you. You have nothing to worry about.” She said. She looked at me with an affectionate gaze. I smiled and pulled her in for a hug. 

After that scene in the café, I decided to take her to a park nearby. I wanted to talk to her but I just can’t seem to build up my courage. As we were walking, she grabbed my hand and pulled me to the riverside. 

“Look at those ducks.” She pointed to a mother duck swimming by the river with her ducklings. 

“Would you like to feed them?” I asked. She looked at me, eyes beaming. I chuckled and went over to the canteen inside the park. I bought a few pieces of bread and went back to where Amelia was waiting. 

“Did you get it?” She asked. I nodded and handed her the paper bag. She pulled out a piece of bread and tore it up into small pieces. The ducks swam to us and Amelia fed them slowly. 

“Would you like to try?” She asked. I nodded and she held my hand. She put the crumpled bread in my hand and slowly set it down next to the ducks. They were reluctant at first but when they noticed that I wasn’t a threat, they happily ate the bread in my hand. 

“This is so much fun.” Amelia exclaimed. I looked at her and she was brimming with joy. Not only were her lips smiling but her eyes as well. She’s not faking her happiness. She’s really happy to be here with me. 

After feeding the ducks, we walked along the riverbank. None of us spoke but the atmosphere around us wasn’t awkward either. While walking, she saw a rose filled with Tsubakis. She picked one up and put it on her ear. 

“How do I look?” She asked. Breathtaking. I didn’t notice that I was staring. I quickly cleared my throat.

“You look beautiful.” I said. She laughed at my remark. We continued to walk. I have to say it now or I might not have another chance. I was about to say something when a ball landed in front of us. I looked over to my left and there were a couple of kids playing.

“Hey mister, can you throw our ball back please?” One of the kids shouted. I picked up the ball and threw it back over to them. They said thank you and I looked over at Amelia. She was smiling at me. 

“What?” I asked. She shook her head. 

“Nothing.” She replied with a smile. 

There was a dock by the river and since the sun was setting, there were no more boats around. There were less people also. She sat down at the end of the dock and she patted the space next to her, beckoning me to sit down. I sat down and we looked at the setting sun.

“The view here is amazing.” She whispered. I was too distracted looking at her that I didn’t bother looking at the sunset. 

“Amelia, I wanted to say that I want to be with you.” I finally managed to say it. She looked at me, her eyes peering into mine.

“What?” She asked. I held her hand. 

“It’s true what they say that you won’t value what you have until you lose it. And when you left DRIVEA, I felt lost. I wanted to see your face, to hear your voice everyday but you weren’t there anymore.” All of the things I’ve been bottling up have finally spilled over. I looked at her and tears started streaming down her face. 

“Please don’t cry.” I said. I pulled her into a hug and I caressed her hair. 

“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…” She kept repeating. Sorry for what? 

“What are you saying sorry for?” I asked but she didn’t reply. When she calmed down, I cupped her face and made her look at me. 

“I know it must be hard for you to hear those words from me. Don’t worry. I’m not forcing you. I’ll gladly wait for the day when we can start over.” I gave her a smile and a lone tear fell from her eye. I wiped it away and gave her a hug. I’m willing to wait for you, Amelia.

The day has ended. I felt fulfilled. I was able to tell her how I feel even if she didn’t give me an answer now, I’m glad I was able to say it. 

“Let me take you home.” I offered. She shook her head. 

“No need. There’s somewhere I need to be. Drive safely, okay?” She said. I nodded and gave her a smile. Before I was able to get in my car, she called me again.

“Kael…” I looked at her and she ran up to me. What’s going on? She wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me down. I felt her soft lips on mine. I was beyond surprised. She pulled away and looked into my eyes. Her eyes held nothing. I couldn’t tell what she was thinking. 

“Be safe, okay?” She whispered. Her eyes started to tear up but she quickly brushed it off. I nodded and she let me go. I got in my car and drove off. I saw her in my rear view mirror waving at me. I’ve kissed her multiple times before but this time it was different. It felt different too. It was a kiss like no other. It was full of love and I felt it. 

When I arrived back at my mansion, I went upstairs to take a shower. After showering, I went to bed to try and get some sleep. I tossed and turned but I just couldn’t sleep. I could still feel her lips on mine. Amelia kept crawling into my thoughts. 

I looked at my alarm clock on my bedside table. It read 1:23am. I should be asleep by now but I can’t stop thinking about Amelia. I just want to hold her in my arms and feel her warmth. 

“Aargh!” I shouted. I got out of bed and went to the kitchen. I heated up some milk and drank it. I went back to bed and a few minutes later, I was able to fall asleep. 

I woke up just before my alarm rang. I got up and got ready for work. 

I arrived at DRIVEA on time. I thought I would be late but luckily I didn’t oversleep. 

“Good morning sir.” Greeted my assistant. Oh how I wish it was Amelia saying that to me. I entered my office and did my work. 

I was expecting Terrence today for our monthly meeting. He arrived shortly after lunch and we proceeded to the conference room to discuss business. The projects were doing great. Everything was working out how they should and there have been no major problems whatsoever. After the meeting, Terrence went to my office for a drink.

“It’s good that the projects are doing well.” Terrence said. I poured whiskey in two glasses and I handed the other one to him. He took the glass from my hand and I sat at the chair opposite to him. 

“So far so good, I suppose.” I answered. I took a sip from my glass. 

“How is she?” he asked. I know who he meant. 

“She’s fine. We went out yesterday.” I answered. I looked at him and he appears to be smiling. 

“That’s good to hear. Mind if I take her out to dinner tonight?” He asked.

“Only if she agrees to it.” I answered. Terrence chuckled. He whipped out his phone and texted her. A few minutes later, his phone buzzed. I could see the smile forming on his lips when he read the message.

“I’m assuming she agrees.” I said. Terrence looked at me and smiled.

“She did.” He said. Although I’m jealous, it’s not my place to be angry. She can do whatever she wants. I don’t want to keep forcing her. 

“Then take good care of her.” I said. He nodded and drank his whiskey. He placed his glass on the table and stood up.

“Well, I better go.” He said. I smiled at him.

“Don’t keep her waiting or else I’ll come for her.” I said. Terrence laughed and went out of my office. I signed a few more papers before I decided to go home. I was in my car when I decided to send a text message to Amelia.

“Get home safely.” I sent the text and drove back to my mansion. When I arrived, I parked my car and checked my phone. 

“You too.” She replied. I smiled and put my phone in my pocket. When I entered the mansion, I saw my father waiting for me. 

“Hey dad.” I called out to him. He stood up and greeted me by the door.

“Kael, I wanted to ask about the projects.” He said. He’s been busy for the past month. He’s never been to DRIVEA ever since the Grimes Corp signed the partnership contract. 

“Everything is doing great, dad.” I told him all about the progress of the projects. 

“What about Grimes Corp? Has there been a disagreement with you two? If so, how did you solve it?” He asked.

“So far, Terrence and I had never had a disagreement about the decisions we made for the projects.” I answered. It was true. Ever since Amelia had us promise to stop fighting, Terrence and I actually became friends. 

My father seemed satisfied with what he heard from me. After discussing with him, he said his goodbyes and left. 

I was in my bed when I suddenly had a phone call from an unknown number. I was reluctant to answer it. In the end, I caved and answered the call.

“Hello?” I said. There was no answer.

“Hello? Is anybody there?” I asked. Still no answer. I was about to end the call when a familiar voice resonated through my phone.

“Kael…” This voice… could it be? 

“Let’s meet tomorrow at Tsuki Café.” It can’t be… 

“Natalia?”