I opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling, giving out a frustrated sigh. When I had to travel the next day, I wouldn't get a single blink of sleep the night before because of anxiety. It was frustrating. I was sleepy, I wanted to sleep but when I closed my eyes, my mind would wander off to different thoughts and I just couldn't fall asleep.
I sat up and checked the time. It was one in the morning. And the rain had just stopped pouring outside. I got out of bed, wore my cardigan and walked to open the window. The cold wind blew in, making me shudder. I inhaled the smell after rain and a sudden sense of calmness ran through me. And a sense of longing took over me. Something about the smell made my heart heavy everytime, like as if I was longing for something or someone desperately. I loved the smell after rain. I dragged the chair out and sat down in front of the window, folding my arms across my chest.
I stared at the dark street outside and let my mind wander off. My mind tried to run to the past but I just couldn't let myself relive those painful memories that were once happy. So instead I focused on the future like meeting Jeremy for the first time. And it worked. I started to get sleepy within no time.
But when I closed my eyes, his face flashed in my mind, making a lump rise in my throat.
Happy birthday, I thought and gulped down the lump.
.....
"Have a safe flight son. Call me when you land." Mom said softly from the other end.
"Sure mom. I need to turn my phone off now."
"Okay. Okay. Safe journey. Bye."
"Thanks and bye." I hanged up and turned my phone off.
I was set to fly to the city for my job interview the next day. And I was ready with an one hour long movie for my journey. I preferred to watch movie and pretend to be busy rather than chatting with the person next to me on a plane. The woman I sat next to had a baby with her. And as soon as the flight took off, the baby started wailing loudly that even my earphones couldn't compress from getting in my ears.
So for the rest of my journey, I listened to songs with full volume, ignoring those wails beside me.
I was sleepy by the time the flight landed. I brought my belongings in a small leather bag which I took as a hand bag so I was in no hurry. I turned my phone on and found two missed calls from Jeremy ten minutes ago. I frowned and called back while exiting the plane and walking down the hallway.
"Hey, have you landed?" He asked as soon as he picked up.
"Yes, just now."
"Cool. I am waiting outside. Can't wait to meet you in real."
I froze in the hallway. I though he was kidding. I didn't think he would really come.
The thought of meeting Jeremy in real started to make me nervous. My feet started to turn cold and my heart started to react strangely.
"Okay. I am on my way." I said and hanged up.
I reached the exit and took a deep breath before walking out. I stood at the side and scanned around and there he was, waving at me with a broad grin on his face among the crowd. I smiled nervously and walked to him. I couldn't meet his eyes. He smiled, outstretching his arms and pulled me in for a light hug. For a moment, I couldn't think of anything but how nice he smelled. The scent was intoxicating.
He pulled away and reached to touch my cheek, as if examining my face. My ears were getting hot and I could feel the blood rushing to my face. I was sure I had started to look scarlet.
"You are more good-looking in real." he smiled.
I smiled back in a daze. "You too." I met his eyes that were staring right at mine.
"Come. Let's go." He reached for my hand and for a moment, I looked around us anxiously.
I couldn't help but glance at him frequently while he was driving. I was used to that face for weeks then. But looking at someone through a screen and in real is quite different. I knew it very well. He looked so calm and focused while his eyes wandered off on the traffic. I was impressed by how open and friendly he was to hold my hand without any hesitation in public or without any nervousness.
"So what is your plan after reaching the hotel?" He asked, eyes on the road.
"I told you I have my own plans."
He nodded with a smile. "You did."
"What about you? The birthday party?"
"It's still on. I will drop you off and take my leave."
I nodded and stared ahead, biting my lips.
I wasn't sure if it was me or him hesitating to make any more conversation but the rest of the ride was silent except some comments on the damp weather. And soon enough we reached the hotel.
"Not a gentleman, am I? Brought you to a hotel on our first meet." Jeremy smirked as he parked and cut the engine off.
I held my breath for a while, looking at him in shock. What did he mean?
He laughed. "Just kidding." he said and got out of the car.
I thought he would leave right after dropping me but he followed me to the reception and all the way to my room. I was getting nervous for some reason. We had known each other only for a few weeks. The late night talks with him flashed in my mind, making me blush profusely.
I placed my bag on the table and looked around the room, avoiding looking at him. He was too good looking and hence very intimidating. He sat on the bed, leaning back on his hands. I walked over to remove the curtains. The city view was astoundingly beautiful.
"Hey." Jeremy called, getting up and walking over to me.
I turned around to face him, looking at him from eye to eye. We were of the same height.
He smiled and reached to touch my face. "I see that you didn't catfish me."
I wanted to roll my eyes. "Neither did you."
He chuckled. "I hope you get this job and settle here. I would love to go on dates with you."
My face burned. In fact, my whole body burned specially down there. What was happening? Was it because it had been too long since I dated or was it simply the way he smelled? My eyes fell on his lips and I bit my own. What was I even thinking?
"You are as tall as me. I thought you would be shorter." He laughed.
I joined him. "I expected you to be shorter."
Smoothly in that moment, he took his chance to wrap an arm around my waist, pulling me close until our faces were only inches apart. I waited for it. I gave in to my desires. I was hard.
He didn't come closer and instead looked into my eyes. I could see his ears turning red and the flush on his cheeks as he contemplated for a moment.
I took a step back, breaking away from his grip.
He cleared his throat. "Uh...I think I should go now."
Oh?
I nodded. "Sure. See you next time." I smiled.
He smiled apologetically. "Let's go for a date next time."
I nodded, smiling.
He took my hand and gave a gentle squeeze. "See you soon."
"See you soon."
He turned around and took a few steps before turning again and coming back to me.
"I don't know when it is next time so..." He pecked the corner of my lips, smiled, turned around and walked away.
I stared at his back in surprise as he walked out of the door.
.........................