As promised, lunch was with my friends in the new cafeteria just right outside the school campus. It had such a homey feel that it made us fall in love with the place, not to mention the elderly couple who owned it. Since we were their first customers, we were treated to a free dessert which was really, really good. Injeolmi waffle with ice cream.
While we were talking and likewise getting ready to leave for the afternoon classes, we noticed Faith and her friends outside the cafeteria. I paid no attention to them since it really didn't matter to me, but then I was surprised when I heard her voice from behind my seat.
'So, Hannah Lee. What makes you think that Geoff likes you? What makes you think he is not making you a trophy girlfriend?' she asked, tone sarcastic enough to be heard by everyone else who were in the area catching for a quick lunch before school.
Knowing it will come down to this, I took a deep breath before I stood up to face her. But I did something I knew she didn't expect instead of buying her antics.
I smiled sweetly at her, before she heard my reply.
'Why don't you ask him personally why?'
I saw the change in her face and aura, then she raised her hand and was ready to land it on my face. As I prepared for the onslaught, suddenly, a baritone voice came through, and a bigger hand stopped hers from fully landing it on me.
'I'm afraid you're not allowed to do that, Faith,' Geoff said, with his teammates behind him. 'If you have a problem with that then talk to me,' he continued, as his eyes were like burning in anger. He then yanked her hand away from me and blocked my view, where I could only see his face that was right in front.
'Are you okay?' he asked, looking into me as his emotions changed right away. I was really surprised about everything that happened in such a short time that my only response was,
'Geoff, let's talk later.' With that, I went out of the cafeteria, leaving everyone behind me. My friends then caught up with me and we walked together on the way to class. The whole afternoon was then spent with me being there physically, but my mind was flying somewhere. It was the first time I have ever done so.
I bid my friends goodbye as I walked my way to the orchard, as I know that this is not the end of Faith coming into my life, messing it up knowing that Geoff told her that I am his girlfriend.
The mere thought of it was actually nice, and just this morning, I woke up with a smile on my face, and the first thing I remembered was his smile. I shook my head, because we are just friends and if Faith wants him, she can have him.
Can you really do so, Hannah?
I was walking mindlessly into the orchard and I stood in front of him when I found him. He then gave me a sweet smile that anyone could mistake for something much deeper.
'Hi,' he said as he stood up. His towering height made me feel secured and then a realization hit me.
He was more handsome than when I first saw him.
'Hey, are you here?' he asked, teasingly while looking into my eyes. I had to close it, and I was actually afraid that he would realize it was him who I was thinking.
Did I blush? I hope not. I only gave him a smile and tugged him so we could go home, and I could spend my time alone, thinking and sorting what these things I feel really mean.
'Geoff,' I called him as we walked down the street near the entrance of the village where I live. It was quiet and I really wanted to know his reason.
'Yes?' he replied, casting a glance towards me. His side profile could match a very popular actor which made me smile.
'Why did you tell her that we are together?' I asked. Mustering all the courage left in me, I managed not to look at him so I could avoid his eyes.
I heard him chuckle before he answered.
'I'm sorry if I did, but there is something more to it than an excuse.'
I am not a fan of reading between the lines so I urged him to tell me straight.
'When I was younger, my uncles taught me to pray and believe that I have received the things that I really want. Turned out, they were right. For so many times, I have always gotten what I want. I prayed and worked for it. Getting into our school was one example. I was recruited and the rest is history.
But lately, I have found another reason for putting it into action. I never doubt God's plans in my life, but this one right now? I am actually really nervous about it,' he said as we continued walking.
I stopped walking, definitely intrigued at what he wanted to say. There is an ocean of possibilities on what he was trying to say.
'What is it, if I may ask?' I replied, too curious to know what it was.
He stopped as I did so and turned to look at me. Holding my other hand in his, he cast a glance on the ground then heaved a deep sigh. He then looked up at me and locked his gaze. I swear a lump was slowly forming in my throat as he looked at me that way.
'I actually prayed for you,' he said, somehow nervous by the tone of his voice.
'What did you pray for?' I asked, wondering where I got the courage to do so.
'I prayed you would allow me to pursue you, for real this time.'