FIVE

We're home. At last

Mom went to the store to talk to Dad while I rushed myself upstairs, to rest.

As I walk towards my room, our telephone rang. I picked it up

"Hello?" I answered

"Hello. Is this Wales Residence?" a girl's voice asked.

"Yeah it is. Who's this please?" I asked curiously

"Can I speak to Ian Wales?" she asked

"Speaking. Can you just tell me who you are?" I asked again, this time, with a bit of irritated voice

"You sound bad on phone when you talk to me like that. It's Abigail." She said.

I was speechless for a moment.

"Oh. It's you." I said calmly

"Now you sound calm." She said and giggled

"Good to know you're home." She added

"How did you know?" I asked

She laughed for a while. "Would you be able to answer my call if you're not yet home?" she asked

"Oh! Okay." I said.

"Nice meeting you." She said

"Thanks. Nice meeting you too." I said

"We're joining the service tomorrow. See you there. See you tomorrow. Bye." She said.

"But. . . ."

She ended the call

My tired feeling went off. Upon knowing that we will be seeing each other tomorrow, I feel so energized. This was the first time that I felt this feeling. After the thought of seeing her has finally been fully absorbed by my mind, I proceed to my room to change clothes and to take a short nap, if possible before dinner.

Meanwhile, as I lie on my bed with clothes changed and eyes fixed on the ceiling, I heard mom calling my name. I am very sure of the reason why she's calling me. Probably, she wants me to join her in having dinner. Mom usually eats alone. If ever she would find someone to join her in having dinner, it would be me. Now you know the reason why though my mom is a bit of a nagger, we're close. I immediately went out of my room to join her. I reclined at the table upon seeing that she has already prepared my food. As we eat, mom began to talk about something.

"The Stevenson family will be joining us tomorrow on our way to church. Mrs. Stevenson said that you and Abigail, since you both know the direction and shortcuts, will guide the driver on which way to go. Is it okay with you?" Mom said.

"Yeah.. Yeah.. it's okay mom. I mean, it's really okay." I said with shaking lips.

" I think Abigail likes you." Mom said and laughed

"We're too young for that mom." I can hear a hypocritical tone in my voice.

"It's good that you know it." Mom said

"Yes Mom I do." I replied.

"By the way, since that Abigail doesn't have anyone to be with her in the pre-teens, I guess you should come with her so that she will not feel awkward." Mom added.

"Yes mom, I will." I said.

She stopped talking and finished her meal immediately, leaving me alone in the dining room. She went to her room to have some rest. As I eat alone, I'm already imagining the time that we will be sitting beside each other in the front seat with no one else beside us except the driver itself. Tomorrow will be a great day, and I'm sure of it. I finished my meal and washed the dishes that mom left. After washing the dishes, I immediately went to my room, locked the door and lie on my bed. This is the first time that I took time to think of someone that I've just met. Every passing second gives me excitement. It's only 8 o clock in the evening. I just realized that maybe this is what they call to as "love at first sight." The feeling that you tend to smile involuntarily because you're thinking of someone that gives you shivers. The feeling that you can face anything because of that certain person. That's what I feel now. I feel re-energized. I feel strong. I feel like I don't have any damn worries in life because all that I have in mind is her. All that my mind could ever think is her captivating smile. She's unlike any other. She's unique. Even though we've just known each other for minutes or an hour or more, I know she's one of a kind and I'm certain of that. Something in her makes her uniquely attractive. I don't believe in spells actually, but if she has a spell that captured me, I will not appeal for freedom. If her beauty is a cage, I want to be caged in. I am not sure of this or of any feeling that I have. I mean, I don't have that enough certainty if these feelings are already to be considered as "love." But there's one thing that I am sure of. . .

She captured my heart.

Then I fell asleep. . .