Chapter 33: Walking under one umbrella

Have you ever thought of how it would feel like to be stuck under the same roof with your ultimate crush while the rain is pouring outside?

A situation straight out of a movie, a novel, a fairytale fantasy that we all secretly dream of. Ah… and here I am experiencing it myself for the first time. The best thing about it? My crush, Anthony Ren, and I are acquainted, and he even approached me!

My heart was palpitating, and I suddenly felt flushed. I wanted to scream and thank all the gods in heaven for giving me this opportunity.

"Hi Michelle. Didn't expect that you're still here." He said, then he looked outside as he sighed. "I don't think that the rain's gonna stop anytime soon."

'Yeah, I hope it would never stop. Really, all I want is for this moment to last forever.' I thought as I stared at his side profile. Ah… really, the gods were so biased in creating him. If not, how could such a perfect human being like Anthony exist?

I shook my head. 'Michelle, don't waste this chance and just talk to him! But… what do I say? Ugh. Whatever.'

"Uh… Anthony, do you still have class?" I wanted to do an eyeroll to myself. What a lame conversation starter.

He turned to face me then said, "No. Thankfully, I'm done for the day. How about you?"

As our eyes met, I felt my cheeks turn heated while my nose tingled. "Me too, I'm done for the day… "

Anthony nodded his head, then as if remembering something, he took off his backpack and rummaged inside. He chuckled as he pulled out an umbrella. "This will come in handy today. Were you able to bring one?" he asked.

I don't know why but I suddenly had the urge to cry. Is this the end? Will he be leaving me now in this covered court?

I tried to give him a smile, "No sadly…"

Anthony smiled back, "I'm not in a rush to get home, so you can have this." He offered.

'Why are you such an angel my Anthony?', I was about to decline but then what if he just takes my word like I meant it and leave me alone here? Ugh, to hell with it! I'll just toughen my face's skin!

"If you don't dislike it… we can share?" I finally said. 'oh my god Michelle, just go dig a hole somewhere.'

Anthony did not think much about my suggestion and just asked, "Where's your car parked at?"

There were 3 car parking areas in school, Area 1, 2 and 3. Earlier, after Andy, Lara, Steve and I came back from Arcadia, we went and met my driver at Area 2 to get the stuff I bought inside the car. What if Anthony figures that I have a driver and didn't call him to fetch me instead? To hell with it.

"I think it should be in area 2. Uh… I would have called my driver to fetch me but… my cellphone has gone lowbat so…"

"That's inconvenient, I mean, getting your phone lowbat at this time. If you have his number memorized, you can use my phone to call him."

Ok, get his cellphone number or walk with him under a single umbrella in the rain? Ugh, it's not like I have it memorized.

I shook my head. "I don't…"

Anthony just nodded, then said, "Ok. Then, let's go. My car is also parked in area 2."

--

The umbrella was only good for one person, so I was standing very close to him as we walked. He was holding the umbrella between us and our arms were bumping from time to time. I have never been so close to him all my life. My heart was drumming inside my chest so wildly that I was afraid he could hear it.

I turned to look at him so see his facial expression, but he was just looking forward. Ok, so he's not affected or whatever. But then, I noticed that his right shoulder was already wet and that the umbrella he was holding was leaning to my side, ensuring I won't get too wet. He was also walking slowly to match my pace.

I could not help my lips from tilting up. My 6 years of pining over him was not wasted. He was a gentleman and truly has a good heart. I wanted to admonish myself for being such a liar just so that I would have this opportunity, but I do not regret it.

Suddenly, I was reminded that he died in a car crash at just 24, 6 years from now and I felt my heart clench. If I could, I would never let that happen in this timeline. Even if we do not end up together, I wish that he will live a long and happy life.

"So… you drive yourself to school? Do your parents have nothing against it? I mean, I don't mean to pry." I asked. I was still nervous, but the thought that it would later be the cause of his death gave me some form of courage.

"Yes. Well, my mother was against it at first, but then, even Steven and Andy do so, so in the end she relented." He explained.

"I see… but isn't it easier to have a driver than driving yourself? I mean, for example when you go to school and you still feel sleepy, with a driver you can still sleep at the back of your car.", ok, my topic was kinda weird. But hey, I'm just worried about him.

Anthony chuckled, "That's also what my mom said. However, I like driving. When I was younger, I wanted to be an F1 racer, in fact even now, I still do. Not a chance of that happening though."

I never thought that one day he would share his dream with me… I almost wanted to weep.

"That's pretty cool, it's dangerous, but if you just drive fast on the racetrack and not on highway roads, then it's okay. It would be nice to see you racing one day." What? I think F1 racers are hot too. But please Anthony, don't do that while in the highway, maybe you drove yourself to a car crash because of being a frustrated F1 driver wannabe?

Anthony smiled, "Thanks. You're actually the first person to say that. I'll keep your words in mind. Anyway, we're here. Where's your car at?"

--

TBC