My heart warmed as I saw the smiles on the children's faces. Facilitators then divided them into three groups, where each group learns a sport from the athletes.
Robert was standing near the entrance of the playground. I went to ask if he needs any help. I think he saw what happened earlier as Robert glanced at me with a teasing smile.
"C'mon, Robert! You too?" as I sighed in surrender. I walked past him to where the wire of the microphone was and busied myself with collecting and keeping the wire while the children are still playing.
"I haven't even said anything." I glared at him while he plays innocent.
I know what they are thinking. Robert saw the whole me and Dominic talking scenario earlier.
"Then what are you thinking?"
"Well, you're awfully close to Dominic. Just saying," he remarked as he came near me to help fix everything before the program ends.
"We're just friends. We might look close, but there's nothing more than that." I went over the boxes that were placed on top of the table. I have to collect the trash from the burger wrappers and clean the area.
"I know you, Drea. As innocent as you look, you're far from that." I can't help but chuckle at his words. What does he mean I'm not innocent? Well, yeah, I do have my fair share of boyfriends and relationships, but I'm not as notorious as what he would make it seem.
"Drea? You're the if it works then go kind of girl. You hate deciding or thinking about whether to say yes or no, so you'd probably just go for it. You're also not ugly for guys not to notice you." Robert continued.
"So, you think I'm pretty?"
"Seriously? That's what you got from all that I said?" He added in disbelief.
"Did you just roll your eyes on me?" I can't believe this guy! He acts more like a girl than me. He just shrugged his shoulders as a reply.
"But you think I'm pretty?" This is me now annoying him. I just can't help it because Robert is so fun to tease.
"Of course you are. C'mon Drea." I was taken aback from his response. His back is still facing me as he arranges the remaining burgers in the box.
Robert flinched when I suddenly poked his side. "Don't tell me you like me?"
Without even glancing over me, Robert dropped a major bomb.
"Drea, I have a girlfriend."
It took some seconds before the words registered. "Wai- what? When? And how come I don't know that you have been hoeing around?" Jokes aside, I was surprised by this news. I knew Robert since my first year of college, and I know he was a virgin when it comes to relationships.
"Just yesterday." He kept avoiding my eyes. I could see his ears turn red.
"Oh, you better not joke me! Who?"
I bumped my elbow with Robert's as he stopped on his track. He took a deep breath as if trying to tell me the Krabby patty's secret recipe. He then faced me, and I was doing my best not to even laugh at how red his face is.
"Don't you dare say a word about this one." I nodded fast like this would convince him to spill the tea.
"I'm currently dating the Communications Head." My eyes widened from what I heard. What an odd pair, I thought to myself. I mean, I'm not close to the girl. I did have some interactions with her, but only because I had to during the meetings.
I pictured the couple in my head, and I can't even put them in one frame. You see, Robert is the strict, modest, and earnest type of guy. He addresses people formally, and you rarely can joke around him, unless you're close. Faye, the communications head, on the other hand, is a very outgoing person. She's a little rowdy and loud. During meetings, she'd be the first one to crack jokes.
"Long story, but she said yes yesterday. However, we want to keep things private." I understood that he doesn't want to tell me anything more, so I just smiled and ruffled his hair as we continue finishing the task.
Robert and I were about to be done when Dominic stood at the entrance of the playground.
"Uhm, do you need any help with the boxes?"
Ah, I can't get over with how looks good when smiling. The guy can even win over a toothpaste advertisement if he had to.
Before I could even say anything, Robert chuckled as he makes an excuse to get away from us and leave us behind.
"Yeah, dude. Can you help Drea bring these boxes back to the bus? I'll just to to the Directress for our next visit."
Robert gave me a teasing goodbye, and I just scowled at him before facing Nic. He's now lifting two boxes.
"Let me help you with that." I offered.
"Nah, it's fine, Andi. It's not heavy. Why don't you just walk with me so I won't feel lonely." My eyebrow raised when he winked at me. I was still going to respond but chose to shut my mouth and accept his invitation.
We strolled towards the bus when I noticed that he was matching my pace. His legs were longer, so he had longer strides than mine. I wonder how difficult it was?
"Thanks for helping" I broke the silence before it gets awkward.
"Small things. I just wanted to help you," Dominic replied.
Total silence again. What should I say? Shit! If you were in my shoes, what would you do?
In an attempt to lose the awkwardness, I ran straight to the bus and tried to act like a butler as he arrives at the bus door.
"Welcome home, Sir." then I got into a peace sign pose with my tongue out.
I immediately regretted my decision. That was stupid and uncalled for! The guy will think I'm crazy!
Blood rushed through my face as I started cursing under my breath. Why the hell did I even do that?
His cackle filled the air, and I could feel my face getting hotter. Imogen!
I slowly lifted my face to see his reaction, and to my surprise, he's smiling from ear to ear.
"I just wasn't expecting you would be this weird."
Now he thinks you're weird. Great!
"Let's both be weird then."
I rolled my eyes with his comment and went to smile afterward.