Feeling the arm where I remember the invisible scar was, I heaved out a deep sigh. How could time fly so fast? Is twenty years really that short of a time to leave the memories behind? But then, what in the world is happening now? How come I am recalling all the happy moments I had with him?
Why am I thinking about him?
Suddenly my phone rang which had me startled. I took it out from my handbag and looked at the caller ID.
'Oppa, I'm here already. Are you sure we are doing it here?' I asked as I answered him.
'Yes, definitely. There is no better place than here.'
Seriously?
I shook my head in protest, even when I knew he couldn't see me. But then he started to laugh and assured me that it's going to be alright. If you say so, then. Ending the call, I placed back the phone inside my handbag and looked at the view in front of me. As far as I could remember, this place was one of the worst looking in the campus, but with the major makeover that this place had gone through, I could say, this was the best vantage point.
Life can indeed give you many things, change included. Like this place, I never knew my life would be in for a change the moment I said yes to Geoff, twenty years ago.
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I could see in his eyes that he was surprised at what I just told him. It took him a few seconds to fully realize what I just said.
'What?' he asked, eyes in daze while I looked at him, smiling at his cuteness. Honestly, I didn't know if I found him cute or I was really falling in love with him.
'Yes,' I replied. Registering everything, he closed his eyes then started to smile. His dimples were on full display for me to see, and I knew I was feeling the best of both worlds. He then took my hand on his like he always does, but then the electric shivers felt different now. I guess this is how it is when you're in love eh?
We walked out of the store, feeling elated and all smiles. It was as if we were all too in love with each other, as far as young love is concerned. He held on a bit tighter, but with that gentleness that he always had. As we passed by an alley full of other high school boys, he held me even closer and I couldn't help but smile at his gesture. His was genuine, I just felt that it was.
We arrived at my doorstep, when he looked at me with his lips pressed into a smile. I swear I could never get over his dimples and I knew that it was something I want to see everyday. He held both of my hands like he wouldn't want to let go. I smiled at him and we were like communicating without any words and we felt like two crazy teens, smiling all around while gazing at each other's eyes.
But then my father showed up from work and was quite surprised when he saw Geoff holding my hand. I immediately froze before I managed to let go of his hand from mine. My father gave me a cold stare before he shifted his gaze to him. He then paid respects to my father and greeted him.
'Good evening, Mr. Lee,' he said politely, turning his half body in a 90-degree bow. My father looked at him before he looked at me.
'Get inside now, Hannah,' he said sternly. I couldn't do anything but follow my father. He went ahead of me and as I turned around to say goodbye to Geoff, he immediately noticed the worry that was painted on my face.
'It's going to be fine, Hannah. Trust me,' he said, while holding my hand. I smiled at him once more before I turned to get in.
But I didn't expect my father to wait for me as I went in. Like most daughters, I felt very nervous looking at him that I hung my head low, however, Dad blurted out something that surprised me.
'Who is that boy, Hannah? Is he your boyfriend?'
My heart then began alternating fast and slow beats, as I was really nervous about how he would react to what I am going to tell him.
'Dad, he's Geoff. He was a transferee in our school and a member of the soccer varsity team,' I replied.
'And I suppose you are related to him by? Why is he holding your hand?'
I didn't know how I should reply but there was something about dad's voice that made me somehow feel at ease. He was gentle, just like how he always is. I couldn't get the words out of my mouth and as I was about to answer him, he continued.
'Can we go and sit for a moment?' he asked, as he led me to the garden which he frequents whenever there is something he wants to talk about. I followed him, but this time there was no fear in my heart, but just a little nervousness. I sat across from him and as he placed his suitcase on the table I said my reply.
'Dad, he's been pursuing me for a few weeks now,' I said. Taking a deep breath I continued. 'I just said yes.'
He fell silent for a moment and looked at me. The nervousness just came back as I waited for him to say something. He stood up, leaving his suitcase and went inside the house. A few minutes later, he came back, bringing a glass of water for him and a soda for me. I was surprised by his gesture, as he knew this was my comfort drink. I felt he knew how uneasy I was since earlier.
'Hannah, let me tell you something.'