Chapter 4
Nima quickly stands up and asks, "The regular?"
"No, today I am not here for that." A hint of a smile playing on his lips.
"Then?" Nima asked, curiosily.
"I was wondering if you're free tomorrow."
James laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. "It's okay if you're busy, I—"
"No, it's okay, I'm free tomorrow. I was just surprised you asked out of the blue." She interrupted him.
Both of them turned red, feeling flustered by the unexpected conversation.
James cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "Can I have your number so I can contact you?"
"Sure."
She took a napkin and wrote down her number on it and handed him the napkin.
"But where are we going and at what time?"
"Don't worry," James said, taking the napkin and pocketing it. "I'll send you the location. See you tomorrow, Nima," he chuckled, giving her a warm smile before exiting the café.
As James walked away, Nima watched him, her heart racing. She spoke to herself softly, "It's the first time someone has ever asked me out. Of course, I don't think it's a date or anything. I know he doesn't really like me, but he makes my heart skip a beat every time he looks at me with those eyes. It's like he'll pierce my heart with his deep gaze and melt me like ice. I can't explain these emotions when I look at him. These feelings are so new to me; I don't know how I should react."
She placed her right hand over her chest, feeling her heart pounding.
*Budump, budump, budump!* With a slight smile on her face, she whispered, "I wonder where we're going tomorrow."
Nima returned home late after work, her mind still occupied with thoughts of James.
She pushed the door open.
*Creaaakkk* (door opening sound)
*Bang* She tripped and hit her forehead on the floor.
"Owwww, that hurt. My head was so full of thoughts about tomorrow, I fell so hard on the floor," she groaned, rubbing her forehead.
She hurried to look in the mirror. "My forehead looks as red as an apple. Will it leave a bruise? I'm worried now," she said with a sigh.
*Whines* "AHHHHHHH— I'll look like a clown if it stays this way tomorrow," she complained, rushing to the freezer to get an ice bag.
She placed the ice bag on her forehead. "It feels better now," she said, feeling the cool relief.
*BUzzz BUzzz* (her phone vibrates) She checked her phone and saw a message from James.
"It's me, James. Did you arrive home safely?"
"Yes," Nima replied, her heart fluttering.
*BUzzz BUzzz* (her phone vibrates again)
"Let's meet at 11 am tomorrow. Text me when you're ready, and I'll send you the location."
"Okay," she replied, a smile spreading across her face.
"Then, sleep well. Goodnight. See you tomorrow," James texted.
"You too," Nima replied, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Nima, with excitement, jumped into bed, burying her face in a pillow, and started kicking her feet.
"What should I do? What should I do? I think I've gone head over heels for him, but he must have thought I wasn't really interested while texting him. I mean, I've never texted anyone before and never gotten any texts from anyone. How would I know how to respond?" she pouted, feeling a bit frustrated with herself.
*Beep, beep, beep, beep* (alarm sound)
She smacked the alarm off violently, turned to the other side of the bed, and fell asleep, exhaustion finally overtaking her excitement.
(3 hours later)
*BUzzz BUzzz!* (Nima's phone vibrates)
She woke up, rubbing her eyes, and checked her phone.
"Good morning, Nima. I've sent you the location. Let's meet there."
"It's already 10 in the morning. I have to get ready as fast as I can," she said, jumping out of bed in a hurry.
Nima rushed through her morning routine, brushing her teeth, washing her face, and quickly choosing an outfit. She stood in front of her closet, debating between a casual look and something a bit more stylish. Finally, she chose a light blue dress that she felt was perfect for the occasion.
She looked in the mirror, applying a bit of makeup to cover the faint bruise on her forehead. "It's not too noticeable now," she said to herself, feeling a bit more confident.
With a final check, she grabbed her bag and headed out the door.