The Dinner Date
"Waiter, please."
Kyle called out.
I ordered a bowl of strawberry ice cream. I wasn't that hungry, but I loved ice cream.
"Why that?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I love it," I said, scooping more ice cream into my mouth.
He stared at me, and I could feel my cheeks flushing. I felt uncomfortable under his gaze but didn't know how to break the silence.
25 Minutes Earlier
I thought I was going to fall, but Kyle caught me just in time. For a brief moment, I thought he was going to steal a kiss. Instead, he helped me up and smiled.
Present
He cleared his throat, pulling me back to reality.
"Should we go somewhere else? Or do you like it here?"
I noticed him glance at the table full of rowdy guys staring at me. It made me feel uneasy.
"Yeah, maybe," I muttered, not sure what else to say.
Kyle immediately paid the bill, and we were about to leave.
But then—
BANG!
A gunshot rang out, and I turned to see Kyle collapsing, blood pouring from his chest.
"KYLE!" I screamed.
The Hospital
How is he, doctor?
Kyle's sister, Madea, asked, her voice trembling as the doctor stepped out of the operating room.
"I'm sorry, madam. There's nothing we can do. He's dying, but..." the doctor paused, glancing at me. "He's calling out a name... Rockie."
Me?
I stood up, heart racing. I ran to the ward, guilt weighing heavily on me. If I had just refused his dinner invitation... none of this would've happened.
When I reached his bedside, he was surprisingly calm. His hand reached out to mine, and he kissed it softly. Then, a voice whispered:
"Heal him."
I turned around to see a woman in a white robe, her long white hair flowing around her like some kind of angel.
"Heal him," she repeated.
I lost control. Without thinking, I placed my hand over the bullet wound, and suddenly, everything felt normal again. The doctors confirmed it: Kyle was healed. No bullet, no injury.
As I tried to help Kyle sit up, Madea stormed in, pushing me away.
"Never come near my brother again, bad luck!"
She snapped, grabbing Kyle's hand and leaving the room in a hurry.
I stood there, stunned, as they drove off. With no taxi in sight, I had to walk home alone in the late hours of the night.
Back Home
"Rockie, what time is it?"
My mom asked as I climbed the stairs.
"Mom, please, not now. I'm tired," I called out, dragging myself into my room. I kicked off my shoes, tossed my jacket aside, and fell onto my bed.
"LOVE..."
I whispered, laughing softly to myself.
Just then, I heard a knock on my window.
I went over to the window and saw Kyle standing outside. I carefully opened it, not wanting to alert my mom.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.
Kyle ignored my question and climbed into the room, sitting on the bed.
"What did you do to me?" he asked, looking at me with confusion in his eyes.
"Nothing," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.
"How come... the bullet? Explain?"
I didn't know what to say.
"I don't know what you're talking about," I said, walking over to the mirror and sitting down.
Kyle let out a sigh.
"I'm sorry about what happened today."
"About what? Ruining our date... sorry, outing? Or the fact that your sister was really mean to me?"
"Both," he replied.
I smiled faintly, and Kyle moved closer, his eyes softening.
"Could we be friends?" he asked, his voice tentative.
I nodded, unsure of what to say.
"Okay, I'm going now. I'll come back some other time," he said, standing up and heading toward the window.
I opened it for him, and as he climbed out, he leaned in close to my face.
I knew what was about to happen—he was going to kiss me.
But I quickly slammed the window shut, heart racing.
"Oh no, my mom... Good night," I whispered to myself, feeling a mix of emotions swirl inside me.