2 : The Encounter (II)

She looked up. Shocking herself. Gaping her mouth. He stood there, looking surprised too. She could hear her heartbeat so fast.

" You wanna ride or what, babe?! Just jump in!" she's shocked. That lady's voice made her heart jump. She didn't realize it when she walked in, but now she ended up being in that elevator, standing side by side with that guy.

The elevator began to get cramped. More people walk in. And, they slowly began to stand closer, and closer. 

"Dress up for the gathering, huh?" he tried to have a conversation. Awkward. She nod. This situation, for her, was still unimaginable. The elevator opened the door. More people jump in. Now, she stood so close that she could hear him breathing calmly. But, their eyes have never met. 

"What about you?"

"Well, I asked the tailor to be plain simple. End up wearing this crap," he chuckled, pointing at his well-tailored suits. She smiled without realizing it. His heart was gasping for air. That smile was killing him! He cleared his throat.

" Are you alright, man?" asked the black guy next to him. 

" We're still alive," he smiled, politely.

" Watch you lady carefully! Better grab her tightly before somebody brushes her,"

" I'm not..."

" Thanks, man.." he spun her off. Now, her back is facing the elevator's wall. He pushed her softly. She's in a daze. This is way too much exposure for her! 

" Gosh! Why is this elevator so packed?!" she murmured. He just smiles and grabs the waist slowly. He never imagined that he could do this. But, now he's doing it. 

" There's a group of members from a salsa club who had an event in a ballroom on the 15th floor. Unfortunately, the other elevator is on maintenance. So people keep on pouring in. We had to ride until the 15th floor," the other woman responded.

" Where's the gathering's venue?"

" It's on the 10th floor,"

" Push the button.."

" I can't, it's too far," she sighed. He can't do anything. She begins to sob. He knew that she felt uncomfortable. 

" It's okay. Just bear it. Just three-floor counting..." he began to whisper in her ears. She closed her eyes. 

TING!

Just like that, she felt a hard gush of air roaming inside the elevator. People went out one by one. Slowly, they felt the elevator getting lighter and wide. The black guy and the nice lady said goodbye. Leaving him, still pinned on her. The elevator's door closes slowly.

" Dave, I guess it's over, right?" she asked.

" Yep. Sorry," he began to force himself far from her. Now, they stand side by side. Not a single word came out from both of them. The silence and awkwardness lingered inside the elevator.

The elevator slowly went down. She pushed the 10th-floor button. They could feel the elevator move down. Suddenly, the elevator was shaking. Lights out, and it stopped, out of the blue.

" What now?!" they both scream.