Chapter 21: Observe silence
I looked at my watch and saw that it was only 8:50 am. Our next class wasn't until 10:30. Still a lot of time assuming that he won't be leaving anytime soon.
For a few minutes, I thought about how I should approach him. I was a bit nervous if not apprehensive, because based on the 2 days I spent with him in this timeline, he has never been welcoming. I'm not even sure if he could remember my face.
Anyway, I took a deep breath. Nothing will happen if I don't start moving and make myself known.
As I walked to approach the vacant table beside his, my two-inch heels made clicking sounds. I wondered if he would notice me, but he did not raise his head nor did he give any indication that his concentration has been broken.
I placed my bag on the table first before pulling the chair and sitting myself. All that time, I was looking at him, but he never tore his eyes away from his book. I wondered how I could garner his attention without making it seem like I'm doing it deliberately.
Trying not to be obvious with my purpose, I took out a samplex and a pen from my bag and placed them on the table. I pretended to read through them while I peeked at him.
Finally, inspired with an idea, I purposely placed my pen near the edge of the table. Then, as if accidentally, I elbowed it with some force so that when it fell, it was given enough trajectory to land near his foot.
I pretended to sift through my bag to wait and see if he would pick it up. However, it was as if he didn't hear anything or saw anything land near his feet, or if he did, he purposely ignored it.
Ugh, ok, let's go for plan B.
Since he did not pick it up, I stood up from my seat to do so. It was just about 4 inches away from his right foot and since I was wearing a dress, I bent my knees to pick it. For the first time, I was near him enough to catch a whiff of his perfume. I smiled. It may not be the same, but the scent was similar to the one he's been using since I met him.
Should I give him a nudge to notice me? But won't that be too obvious?
Anyway, before standing up, I peeked at him just to have a closer look at his face.
I don't know if it was fate or anything, but that was when our eyes met.
As he has been my husband for 3 years, although I found the situation embarrassing and felt my cheeks turn heated, I did not shy away. Instead, I maintained eye contact and smiled.
"Hi!" I said.
Steve did not say anything. He just frowned but still, he gave me a nod of acknowledgement. Then, he went back to do what he was doing.
I stood up and went back to my seat. It did not go that well, but it was also not bad. At least I am certain that he recognized me.
Anyhow, I continued pretending to do something while in reality, I was just observing him. After about 20 minutes, I decided that it was time to chat him up.
"Steve…n?" I called. I almost forgot the N.
At first, he did not give any indication that he heard me.
Well, let me try again. "Steven?"
Finally, he turned to face me and said irately, "What?"
I did not know why, but I found the situation so funny. He also looked funny to me. So, I covered my mouth to stifle my laughter.
He scowled.
Does he think I'm weird?
Composing myself, I smiled at him, "I'm sorry, but if you don't mind, can I ask you a question?" I asked, then realized that I'm stupidly asking a question already.
He looked at me as if contemplating his answer, then after about 3 seconds, he deadpanned with a "No." then he turned away from me.
I did not take offence because I knew that what I did was rude. Still, I tried to call him again. "Steven?"
When he did not reply, I tried again, "Steven?"
This time, he faced me again with a frown, then he pointed at the sign which says, observe silence. Then, he turned away again.
I wanted to laugh. Well, without Lara on his side, I find him more endearing even though all he did was scowl at me.
Looking at the time, it was just 9:20 am. This time, I decided that I should just do what I came here to do. So, I began to focus on my samplex material on the table.
It was nice, sitting there studying while knowing that Steve was just beside me doing the same. It felt comfortable, sweet and familiar, just like when we lay beside each other on the bed. Him typing on his laptop, me reading emails, novels, or whatnot on my phone. Both busy with our own stuff but contented that we're there together.
--
TBC