All the sparks disappeared after that incident. The mysterious figure outside shattered the intimacy. I tried to brush it off, so I didn't ruin the beautiful moment with Michael.
But I couldn't.
Three times this week. I've seen him staring at me, but whenever I take a second look, he's no longer there. It's like my imagination is playing a game of hide and seek with me.
The same bright golden eyes, one that's lighted. You could see the fire burning from miles away.
"The rain's finally stopped", Michael announced, glancing out of the window as he grabbed his jacket.
"It's past eight too. You should grab your bag, so I will walk you home a little bit."
I began to put my things together in silence. He noticed the change in the atmosphere, but I guess he refused to press further about my uneasiness.
And I felt instant pity.
This was our first moment together in months, and somehow I managed to ruin it.
For the same reason, I have no one in my space. I scoffed.
"Thanks for the birthday surprise" I added, trying to relax his mood, and he smiled, muttering a very low "You're welcome."
"You still owe me for all the times you came in here and just watched me without saying a word. I teased.
Michael giggled. "I'm sorry Aria, I wasn't sure you'd like my company. I admit, it must have been really creepy for you."
"Nah, it wasn't." I grabbed the rest of my things, closing the door behind me. "If I'm to be honest, I actually loved it, I looked forward to seeing you every day."
As we stepped out into the cold evening. Michael offered his arm, and I took it, feeling a bit at ease under his care.
We strolled through the quiet streets, the only sound being heard was our footsteps and cricket noises.
"I'll stop here, Aria", Michael announced.
I threw my arms around Michael, pulling him into a tight hug. "Thank you so much! I exclaimed, feeling safe and enclosed in his embrace.
We bid goodbye, and he turned around as I watched him disappear. The remaining walk home was a short one, so I continued my journey wallowing in my thoughts.
Suddenly, I sensed a presence behind me. I turned around and found three figures silently following me dressed in all black, synchronizing my steps with theirs.
I quickly hastened my steps, my skin crawling with fear.
Don't look back again. Don't show fear. My subconscious assured me.
But I couldn't. I took to my heels and they did too. With my hands trembling, I fumbled for my keys when I got to my apartment.
In a swift, I opened it, and slammed it shut behind me, locking the dead bolt. I leaned against the door, trying to catch my breath.
Tears streamed down my face as I slid down the door, breaking into heavy sobs.
What is happening to me? These past few days, I have realized the importance of having a sibling or a parent or friend. I had none.
My grandma was all I had in this entire world. It's been nine years since she passed away, but every day the wound feels fresh.
She promised to stay with me. She said for as long as. But she betrayed me.
I buried my head in my hands, curling myself up on the floor, sobbing even more. My body vibrates at the intensity of my broken heart.
After what felt like eternity, I felt a light touch on my shoulders. Clouded in tears, I couldn't see. It was just a hand offering me a white handkerchief with silver linings at the edges.
The delicate fabric still managed to glow even in the dark.
Without thinking, I took it, wiping my tears and releasing the phlegm in my nose into it. When I was sure I was okay. That was when reality struck me.
I had seen this handkerchief before.
As a matter of fact, I had one just like it in my wardrobe which I had treasured for years.
My subconscious screamed at me; Who's in your house, Aria?
I sprang up immediately in fear. Looking around me in darkness, searching for the mysterious figure.
My phone! I needed light!
I searched for my bag to find my phone, switching on the apartment light. The sudden brightness made me squint.
That was when I saw him. Seated elegantly on my couch, his eyes fixed on me. The same golden eyes, the ones that had haunted me for days.
The stranger.
My heart froze. How did he get there? Why was he here? He didn't move, no smile, no expression.
I stood paralyzed, unsure of what to do next. The handkerchief slipped from my hands, and landed on the floor.
FLASHBACK_
I was only twelve years old when my world crumbled.
That day, I waited anxiously for grandma to pick me up from school as usual. But she never came.
Mrs Thompson, my teacher, decided to drive me home instead. I thought she did so when she got tired of waiting for Grandma too.
I was wrong.
She looked sad throughout the ride and constantly watched me from her mirror, but I didn't care.
I only wanted to see my grandma.
As we turned onto our street, I saw an ambulance, police cars, and lots of people, especially familiar faces from the neighborhood outside our house.
Confused, I walked past and everyone was just staring at me, all speaking in hushed tones. Some were even crying. I went into the house and grandma wasn't there to give me an explanation.
So I went back to my teacher, "Mrs Thompson, what's happening? Where's Grand Mama?"I asked.
"Aria darling, I think you should prepare yourself. She's right there, waiting for you", she pointed towards the ambulance.
I was old enough to know about ambulances, but I didn't think my grandma would be there. "Grand mama!" I screamed. Heading towards the ambulance.
I saw her lying still, immovable. The police officer turned to me, "Aria, honey, I'm so sorry but your grandma passed away."
I paused for a moment.
Recalling her words, days before. Grandma had said things like, "My time is coming, Aria. And I won't be taking you with me."
I asked her "Where are you going? Who's going to be with me? I want to come with you."
But she replied, "You won't understand now, my darling, but I want you to be brave. And an angel will always watch over you"
I didn't understand then, but now I do.
I broke into sobs, calling her name as the police officer took me away to a corner.
Soon enough, the crowd dispersed, the neighbors began arguing about who should take care of me. I felt forgotten and alone.
I coiled myself up in a corner, just as I always do whenever I'm heartbroken. With tears pouring down my face.
That's when I saw him.
A tall, chocolate, dark-haired man with golden eyes. He knelt beside me, offering me a white handkerchief laced with silver linings.
"Don't cry, okay, I will take care of you" he whispered as he patted my shoulders.
I took the handkerchief, staring at him. He was so 'beautiful' with his hairy brows and finely carved lips. I looked down, wiping my eyes, ready to go with him.
As I opened my eyes, he was nowhere to be found.
The next door neighbor picked up my bag, held my hands, taking me home with him.
I kept looking back, hoping he was there. But he wasn't.
Was he the angel Grandma talked about? I wondered.
Then I had no idea. Now everything makes sense. I held on to that handkerchief because I knew he was the angel grandma talked about, and I hoped to see him again.
But I never did.