We're finally sitting on the train. I sigh as I eat my strawberry jam croissant: my favorite flavor! Thinking about all the effort I made to go back and not miss the train… it makes me feel tired.
I even had to endure a lecture from my mom, who kept telling me that I live in the clouds. Don't get me wrong… I really do live in my own little world, but in this case, it's Lucas's fault. Of course, I couldn't exactly tell that to my mom.
I don't want to ruin this moment. I continue happily eating my croissant, letting my gaze wander around. Lucas is sitting next to me.
He has this satisfied smile on his face while looking at me, and I have no idea why.
"Why do you have such a satisfied smile?" I challenge him, knowing he likes to tease me.
Lucas murmurs in a soft voice:
"You look like a kid when you eat."
I almost choke. Lucas, damn you! I think, while my eyes search for him again.
He's completely turned to the side now, his elbow resting on the edge of the train window as he looks outside.
Suddenly, my phone rings. I take it from my pocket, and scrolling through the notifications, I notice a message.
When I see the name "Sole," I'm momentarily surprised.
"Andrea, I don't think I'll make it to the next stop on time. I woke up late, so my mom is taking me. See you in class, say hi to Lucas for me. I love you. PS: don't fight!"
"I love you." The sweetest words I've read so far. My heart finds its normal rhythm again.
Love saves you when you least expect it, doesn't it?
For me, that's Sole: a real salvation.
My expression has definitely relaxed.
I put my phone down, and when I turn, I notice that Lucas's cheeky expression is gone; he's looking serious. I stare at him, curious, trying to figure out what he's thinking, when suddenly I feel the weight of his head on my shoulder.
What is he doing?
A nearly awkward silence falls… at least for me. I immediately look away, biting my lip, until he lifts his head, breaking the silence between us:
"When you stare at things in front of you, you look just like a sloth."
I'm speechless, trying to imagine myself looking slow and spaced out like that. I grit my teeth, and just as I'm about to respond, he interrupts again:
"…But when you read a message from Sole, or you're with her, your eyes get soft." He leans closer, warm breath near my ear, whispering softly,
"You're incredibly cute."
Then he moves away.
Istay frozen. Lucas puts on his headphones to listen to music, but I can still hear his words echoing in my head.
I glance around: I feel the stares of people around us. My ears start to burn, and my hands tremble. I clutch my backpack and stare at the floor, closing my eyes:
The train rushes forward, but it feels like time has stopped, as if that moment doesn't want to let me go.