I was already in our street while coming back from Church service when I overheard someone saying
"Hi, Rose!
The voice was strange, but I couldn't imagine the person who owns such a voice. Greatly, I was tempted to look back but obviously, I pretended as though I didn't hear my name. Just continued making my steps ad majestic as I could.
Hi Rose!
He repeated.
Since the street was almost empty, and the voice was strange, I couldn't be certain whether to hear him out or not. While still thinking about whether the halt or not, I reduced the tempo with which I was trekking home.
All of a sudden, a young man walked up to me and, with his right hand, held my left hand. There must be something else that got me shocked because I can't imagine the way I got shocked by the stunt he pulled. I first gazed at him from head to toe even to know if he were someone close to me. But in all sincerity, he was just a total stranger to me. Stylishly, I tried to withdraw my hand from his but seemed he already knew what I was about to do. He couldn't allow me to make any complaint before, he said.
" I know you're wondering who I am and why I did what I just did. Anyway, you're right"
He wore such a pretty smile on his face. Though by putting on such a smile, I could imagine he wanted to create a conducive environment for me. But I got more confused.
" … And who are you, by the way?" I questioned him with a more interrogative expression written all over my face and the horrible expression I inscribed in my words.
He separated our hands, but the smile on his face couldn't faint easily.
"I'm Eric. I could've asked for your name. But I already know it. I know you got scared when I held your hand unannounced. I do apologize for that, just you're such an angel to behold." He said as he looked straight into my face.
"Eric, or whatever, you call yourself, may I know your mission? I'm not comfortable standing with you in this isolated street." I questioned him.
Though I own up to all my words, I uttered all my words frightened. He was more comfortable than me.
" Wow!" He exclaimed jokingly.
"You need not be frightened. I don't think I can hurt a fly."
"Does that answer my question in any way? Or do you want me to alert security?" Just in seconds, it was as if the table was turned. I kept him on his toes.
"It's not gotten to that. Please calm down so that I may let you know why I'm here." He pleaded.
"Go on and announce your mission. I'm in a haste to get home. And not just that, I'm not comfortable having this conversation with you."
I commanded him.
"Well, I'm Eric…and, an…"
I couldn't allow continuing stammering before I intruded.
"You said much earlier."
"I know, I've been observing you for a while, and I've got to the conclusion that you're the kind of person I would like to make a friend…"
"Observing me as your official assignment from the government, or you're such jobless? I'm sorry if that sounded blunt. But I don't just get it clear! What exactly do you mean?"
"I could've got humiliated if it were to be an ugly person who said what you just said. But since you're the one, no offense taken."
"What manner of man is this? I used such unpleasant words on him, but he's still saying that he took no offense. Or am I so beautiful that my beauty can easily erase offenses in his diary…? I whispered to myself.
" Sir Eric, you mean, what exactly is your mission?" I questioned him once more.
"Rose," He cleared his throat. "I would like it if you'll make me your friend. And that's all that matters to me now".
"Ok, have any strangers met you in this manner for the same or similar mission?" I asked him.
"Hmm, not really. Though…" He answered. Though from the way he talked, it showed he wasn't certain.
"Ok," I concluded, and continued trekking down the street.
"That's a Yes, I guess!" He asked while still standing at the spot u left him.
"To which question?" I asked as I continued trekking. I didn't even turn to know what was his reaction to my question.
"Wow! Is this really who you are?" He asked as I continued hearing his footsteps coming in my direction.
The question struck hard on me since I couldn't comprehend what he meant. I turned to look back and almost collided with him since he was less than a foot away from me.
"I'm sorry, Rose!" He apologized while looking at my face. That was an opportunity for me to know that he was gap-toothed. Seems my eyes were just opened to behold the beauty bestowed on him by God. I never knew he was such handsome. I couldn't even reply to him as he apologized. But it was none of his fault. I needed to pick offense. I stylishly nodded my head in acceptance of his apology.
"Rose, you're endowed with beauty. Though I already know you knew it. But I still have to attest to it. My utmost desire is just for you to make me your friend." I regained consciousness while he was uttering his words.
"What exactly do you want from me? You can't just appear from nowhere and make such a request and then expect me to answer you" I asserted.
"Everything starts from somewhere and at a time. You might not know me, but I know you. I stay at the other street." He said while pointing at the street opposite ours.
"Ok, in that case, I also need to observe you. Since you earlier said that, you've been observing me for some while. If you don't mind, may I go home, as I also continue to observe you?"
On hearing my words, there was a smile on his face. I don't know whether he faked it or not, since I didn't say something amusing.
"I doubt that's the best you can do. You're no more kid. You know, only a word from you can color my day." He said in a friendly manner.
"I guess you were not a kid when you decided to observe me. And it wasn't a kid who gave you such an idea?" I asserted.
"Well, you're right. Just that you could've been more precise in your response."
"Have a nice day, Eric. I don't think still have anything to discuss with you today. See you some other time" I said to him and was about to turn my back to him when he outstretched out his right hand for a handshake.
"Thanks, Rose, for spending such a wonderful moment with me. It's my pleasure" He said with doubt in him.
"You're welcome, Eric," I replied while exchanging a handshake with him.