love in the air

I didn’t hear much about what my friends talked about different things throughout lunch. My mind was occupied with the images of the guy sitting at the corner. He seemed to have noticed me as well. He didn’t look outside again and kept on throwing glances at me. I didn’t know what he was thinking about, but I loved it.

This was my first time feeling that way. Butterflies messing with my perfectly smooth and fat-free stomach.

A few minutes later, his friends came over.

 They were stylish and very cheery. They all seemed to be from wealthy families who set our standards differently. With the thought of our different standards, I looked down on my own coffee, giving up on the idea of being friends with him.

Seeing my downcast expression, Cindy could not give up asking questions like she always did

“What’s wrong, love?”

“Nothing Cindy. I am just tired.” I said, trying to hide my sorrow. I wondered why I felt downcast over someone I didn’t know. I could not control the feeling. A deep voice came to me in my downcast mood, and there was nothing as attractive as that voice at that moment. I quickly shot up my eyes to meet his ocean blue ones right on me.

“How are you, ladies? Do you mind if I join you?” he asked. Before we could agree to his request, he pulled a chair and sat next to me.

I could see the boys that just joined him looking surprised and laughing knowingly.

“What’s up with him?” One of the guys asked, elbowing the other

“I don’t know. He may have changed his taste. Let’s wait. He will tell us everything later.” They changed the topic and ordered their drinks and snacks. Their conversation told me a lot about the guy that stole my heart at first sight.

“My name is James. What’s yours?” He asked me as soon as he felt comfortable on his chair. I looked at him surprised and seemed to hesitate. It was not intentional. I just could not say anything.

“Her name is Jane. Jane Smith” Cindy, the blubber mouth introduced me. I can’t say I didn’t appreciate that. I did

“Nice to meet you.” He said, extending his hand to me.

“Nice to meet you.” I shook his hand, replying

“Can I have your number? I would like to chat sometime and get to know you,” He said, getting his phone out. The other two ladies looked at me, surprised. It was rare for James to take girl’s numbers. It was the other way round. It seemed the sun rose from the west that day.

 Exchanging our numbers, he rose and went back to his friends

“What’s all that about, man? Don’t tell us your taste has changed. Are you into college girls now?” I could not help but eavesdrop on their conversation

“Is it bad to have a new interesting friend?” He asked back, writing something on his phone before returning the phone to his pocket. He changed his expression and gave a killer smile to his friends

“Woo,” They all said to him. They gave him a thumbs down. Though I could see clearly what was happening, I didn’t get to hear all the words they were saying

“Hey, Jane. Please come back to reality?” Stacy, who was quite looking at me a while ago, said to me

“Sorry, guys. I am just surprised,” I apologized embarrassingly. I didn’t want them to know my true feelings at that moment. I was avoiding too many questions.

“What was that all about?” She continued to ask

“I don’t understand what you are talking about,” I answered her, giving her questioning gaze.

“Did you know him before?” she continued to ask. There was a tinge of envy on the tone. I wanted to answer her, but his next words turned me off completely.

“Or are you his next plaything?” She said knowingly. She seemed to have expected that to be my fate. There was a satisfying smile on her face.

‘I felt bad about her wishing me bad.’

“Don’t worry. I will make him mine and mine alone” I found myself answering her provocatively out of anger.

“Stop dreaming, girl. You are just a village pumpkin. Don’t even imagine your life with him. You are not his type.” She said to me, and it hit hard.