Ken's statement haunted me for the rest of the week.
Ken has been a source of mystery for the whole of Jacksonville. Even though Ken and I went to the same high school – I know very little about him and so did the rest of the student body – and so did the teachers. Ken was the mysterious one in our school – the kind that you will come across in the hallway every other day but still know nothing about. Everyone knew that Ken and his mother moved into the neighborhood in the middle of our freshmen year – for some unknown reasons. We knew they moved to Jacksonville from some big city – we knew that they were struggling to make their ends meet – but other than that we know absolutely nothing about him.
The arrival of Stuart's mother and son duo has been a source of constant controversy and gossip in our small town but – we accepted them with open arms.
Mrs. Stuart had a sweet tooth for my mother's Turkish delights so she became a regular customer in our bakery. My mother always made sure to keep some of those extra-sweet to meet Mrs. Stuart's taste.
Despite my mother and Mrs. Stuart being close friends – we still know nothing about her and his son – who isolates himself from everyone.
"So Norman is taking you to the movies?" Mia asked – sprawled on my bed with a sketchbook in her hand.
"That's what he said," I replied as I brushed my hair to free it from all those knots and she just hummed in response.
"Where's Ryan?" I asked her.
"Out – busy in some kind of college project,"
Ding – Dong
"He's here," Mia squealed kneeling on my bed.
"Why are you so excited – it's me going on a date?"
"You are my best friend," she said with a duh tone and I just rolled my eyes at her reply. I grabbed my sling bag and walked out of my bedroom – with a giddy Mia hot on my trails – to open the door.
I opened the door to a dashing Norman – looking exquisite even in a pair of simple jeans, a plain white Tee, and a bomber jacket.
Why does he always like a model ready for a ramp walk? It's just not fair. For God's sake please look like an average guy for at least one – so I can feel a little better about myself.
"Good evening love – you look beautiful today – what am I even saying, you always look beautiful," he said and gave me one of his breath-taking smiles and I swear that my heart just skipped a couple of beats.
Can someone hear my heart beating furiously? If it jumps out of my chest – please help me find it.
"You look great too," I said while trying hard to control my blushing. Hardest task.
"Do you want to come in?"
"Nah – we should get going, the movie will start in 30 minutes," he said while checking the time on his expensive watch.
How much does his watch cost?
I nodded my head and walked out after bidding farewell to Mia.
"What are we going to watch?" I asked as he opened the door of the car for me to get in.
"You will know when we reach there," he said and I swear that I saw a mischievous glint in his eyes. He got in and we started driving towards our destination.
"Why does this place look so deserted?" was the first thing I asked as soon as stepped out of the car and saw the empty parking lot of the movie theater.
"You will see babe," he said while giving me a wink and entwining our hands and I just rolled my eyes at his failed attempt at flirting.
"Welcome Mr. Blackford Miss. Davis," a plump middle-aged man came hurtling towards us and for a second I thought that he was going to crash with us – but luckily he didn't. I looked up at Norman and saw that his stoic-businessman façade was back and for a second it made me feel uncomfortable but I composed myself.
"I'm the manager of this place. We are so honored that you have chosen this place today for your date. Your secretary had called earlier to inform us and we have prepared everything according to your liking. I and my staff hope that you and your girlfriend would enjoy your time here. Now if will please follow me – I would lead you to your theater," he said – clasping his hands together in a prayer-like gesture.
Norman just nodded his head in acknowledgment.
I found this particular gesture of Norman quite rude but I didn't say anything.
The manager led us through a series of hallways before opening a door – letting us in inside the scarcely lit theatre.
There was not a single soul present inside.
Looks like he has booked the whole place just for us. That's such a waste of money but it's Norman Blackford we are talking about – he does nothing on small scale – everything he does is done on a huge scale but still, I think it was unnecessary to book the whole place just for us.
I was slapped by cold air as soon as I stepped inside – making me wrap my arms around myself – trying to preserve some body heat. Seeing this Norman immediately took off his jacket and made me wear it – and I did not protest because I would rather wear his jacket instead of blowing my nose the whole time in front of this gorgeous specimen of a man.
He's such a gentleman. Looks like chivalry is still alive.
"If you will please follow me – I would lead you up to your seats," the manager said – interrupting our moment.
"There's no need for that. I'm sure we will be able to find suitable seats by ourselves, right love," Norman spoke – catching me off-guard as he threw a question towards me and I just nodded my head not knowing what to say.
I swear to God – I'm so dumb – all the good statements and replies come to my mind only when the whole conversation gets over – in almost every situation. Is this just me or does this happen to others too?
"Should we sit there love?" Norman asked – pointing towards the upper middle section of the seating arrangement.
"Yeah."
He led me towards the seats – I was surprised when he continued to stand in front of me even after I sat down.
"Norman, why are you standing?" I asked but he stopped me from saying anything else by shushing me with his finger.
"Before the movie begins – I wanna confess something," he said slowly – his eyes silently asking me for permission to go on and I gladly gave it to him.
He took a deep breath before starting.
"When I first met you – I thought of you as a foolish little girl who doesn't know anything about the real world – so innocent that you thought everybody would be as good to you as you are to them. But how wrong I was. You are the kindest, strongest, bravest, most selfless, and compassionate person I have ever met. You have single-handedly changed my entire perception about women – though I would always blame my mother for that misperception – but that's a story for another time. You make me want to be a better person – better than I was the day before and most of all you make me happy. Long story short – I will be the happiest man – if you would agree to be my girlfriend. So will you be my girlfriend?" He finally asked – kneeling in front of me – with hope and adoration in his eyes.
I was not expecting this and was in complete awe. This heartfelt confession of his left me completely speechless but I do know what to answer.
"Yes," I said slowly – not believing my voice. It was so faint that for a second I thought that he didn't hear it but fortunately he did as he scooped me up in his arms and gave me a long passionate kiss – taking my breath away again.
I was so happy at this time that for once I didn't think of the consequences or outcomes of our new relationship. I was at cloud 9 silently wishing for this moment to last forever.
But once again I failed to notice the dark clouds of peril and misfortune hovering above – ready to turn our lives to a state of complete turmoil.