Good morning Rose!
I overheard someone greeting me with such a pleasant masculine tone. The voice echoed familiar, but I couldn't ascertain the exact person. I wasn't much bordered about whom it may be since I was still in our street. Stylishly, I looked left and right, but couldn't see the person. I continued trekking majestically to my destination.
Once again, that same voice repeated the greetings. I couldn't help but paused and then thoroughly looked around to see who was making such a pleasantry.
Here I am!
I traced the direction from where comes the voice and found Damian standing with a boy who seemed to be his friend. Since he was smiling sheepishly, I couldn't hold my smile. Though I can't tell the exact reason why I started smiling.
Good morning Damian…
I managed to greet him back.
Do you still reside in this countryside? It's been ages since I see you. How, are you doing?
All these questions to Rose to answer at once. Hmm, It's well. I'm fine, Damian. How are you, too?
I'm not fine, Rose. How do you expect me to be fine since you refused to hear from me?
Spare me that sap. It's too early, and I'm hurrying to my mother's shop. Meanwhile, we see again next time.
I responded furiously with an awful expression I displayed on my face. Even before concluding my sentence, I already turned my back on him.
Rose, it's not gotten to that. I just don't know how best to express myself. I…
He left his friend of his and started walking closer to me. Life is just mysterious. He was still apologizing for a romance. While Eric, who already did the strong thing, has stopped apologizing. I was forming too strongly for him but deep down, while comparing what he did to Eric, he did nothing wrong.
Rose, please lend me your ears. I just wish to make a solemn request…
He pleaded.
His words and the way he placed them melted my heart. I couldn't resist answering him
What is that Damian?
Babe, I know I fucked up full-time. But if possible, give me a second time and I will get things right. I never meant to hurt you…
You begged that I should hear you out. Please, may you speak up and save me time…
Thank you. In two days, I would be celebrating my birthday. I would want you to go out with me. It's a request, not a command. But I would cherish it if you give it a favorable consideration.
The meekness that I envisaged on his face was top-notch. It looked more real than fake. I borrowed a smile from God-knows-where in another to lit his mood.
I also walked closer to him and gave him a peck, then whispered to him.
"Happy birthday in advance. But Rose isn't sure whether she would follow you anywhere."
Remember, I never requested anything else as a birthday gift. All I want is just to spend some time with you. And here you're turning me down.
His voice was so appealing, though that's how he was still supposed to be.
I never turned you down, Damian. I only said…
He couldn't allow me to finish my words before he intruded
Is that a yes?
Let's see how the day would be. But have it in mind that I'm not giving you up to 80% assurance. Though I would try my best, I can.
That's my little angel. Only God knows how I've missed you. I can't wait for that day to come so that I would sit beside my babe… He muttered jokingly.
Goodbye, Damian. I'm already late for my sums shop.
Just like that? If you don't mind, can j get a hug? Already his tone has changed. He did say his words jokingly.
Wait, Damian! How am I certain that this birthday arrangement is not a set-up for me? Did you hear what you just said?
How? What do you mean?
He sounded like someone who was completely lost.
When last did we meet ourselves? Now you're requesting a hug in the street. Meanwhile, when we are eventually in an isolated place, I won't escape being raped.
He couldn't allow me to exhaust my words before he countered.
No! No!! No!!!
That's never my plan, Rose! What made you think of that?
Based on the experience, and what you're saying now, you certainly have an interior motive. And this is no more the Rose you gambled with months back.
I had to wipe the impression off his mind. At least so that he won't plan anything further if he was yet to plan.
Hmm, I see. You're now aunty Rose. Well, only you know what's in your mind. But sincerely, I had nothing of such nature in mind. I only wish to spend my leisure time with you. Whatsoever that you've bottled in your mind, it might not be my business but yours. I know what I want, and I've just said it out. If there's another way of saying what I earlier said, please teach me. As he was saying this, his tone pointed out that he was already annoyed. Even the expression on his face said the same thing.
Since I would rather not curse him more pain, I had to use more pleasant words for him
It's okay Damian. Forgive my arrogance…
Nooo!! I didn't take offense. Though you've begun to sound like someone, I never knew. He faked a smile, which I knew ended on his face and couldn't extend to somewhere else. He pretended as though he weren't angry, but deep down, I knew he's left his cool.
Thank you, Damian. We will see then…
My hug!! He whispered again. Then I had no excuse but to grant his request and let the sleeping fog lie. After the hug, he looked me in the eyes and murmured
I missed you, Rose.
Since I had to grant his request, I only turned my back to him and started heading to my destination