Take Me As I Am

The dizziness in Charlos's head didn't feel like going away quickly. Since earlier, he had been yawning incessantly while rubbing his slightly red eyes. It was his fault that he didn't want to sleep last night because his heart couldn't wait for this day.

Charlos looked at his watch for the umpteenth time, hoping that someone would arrive just in time. But it seems like this is not a good day. Many times passengers pick up luggage, leave or get picked up by people and then disappear.

The plane should have arrived at eleven o'clock in the afternoon. It's three hours late. Charlos should have waited in his car, but he felt that he had to pick up someone right at this door, carrying the suitcase.

Charlos smiled to himself. It's ridiculous. Usually, the driver always carries the suitcase every time after a meeting or business with other companies from abroad. He had also relieved the driver this time, just for the sake of picking up that someone.

This time was the meeting he had been waiting for for a long time. Their unexpected acquaintance had brought them this far, as far as Indonesia and Canada. Charlos never expected that he would stand here and come face to face with someone who had touched his heart.

At that time, Charlos was in his worst state. His friend is someone who has given him the spirit to get up and come back to life. For the past four years, they have only communicated via internet chats or video calls. Today Charlos will make his dream come true.

But just now, Charlos looked at his watch. He shook his head, annoyed by the airlines constantly delaying the trip.

Suddenly someone asked, "What time is it?"

"Huh? What? Ten past three," he looked up and saw his friend.

Someone smiled sweetly at him. "I'm sorry Charlos. You must have waited a long time for me. I wish I were the pilot."

Immediately Charlos embraced that person tightly.

"Reva!"

"I miss you, Charlos," said Reva.

Charlos's heart pounded at the words. He let go of his hug slowly and then looked at Reva.

"I miss you too, Rev ..." His voice trembled a little.

Reva smiled in such a way, making Charlos could not bear to look at Reva any longer. A big smile graced Charlos's face. He didn't remember how long he kept staring at Reva's face.

"Charlos, can we go now?"

"Oh ... Yes ..." Charlos replied. His hands were shaking. He blinked his eyes, trying to concentrate. He saw Reva's suitcase, then immediately grabbed it.

"That's not necessary, Charl ..." Reva frowned.

"It's okay, Rev," said Charlos, smiling.

They walked together to the car park. Charlos put Reva's suitcase into the trunk.

Charlos could see Reva's guard watching them, wearing all black, complete with sunglasses from a distance.

"Are you here with a guard? Why? I'll take care of you for sure," said Charlos, his brows knitted together.

"Charl, I don't want to take the risk. If there are reporters ..." Reva looked at Charlos's sullen face. Reva chuckled. "Okay, I'll tell them not to get too close to us." Then Reva pressed a button on the cell phone, chatted briefly with the guard.

"Done. Satisfied?" Reva's eyebrows raised.

Charlos shrugged. "I'm sorry, Rev. But I'm not used to being with someone who needs a guard. Do you mind getting in my car?"

"What are you talking about? Let's go!" Reva opened the car door and entered.

Charlos just realized that Reva is a famous artist in the world of jazz. People cannot see him with Reva. Journalists are bound to take photos and create stories that are not true suddenly. Hopefully, his embrace with Reva isn't too dangerous. Think of it that he just met an old friend. Charlos hopes that this is not just an ordinary friendship.

Charlos took a deep breath and then took the wheelchair. He almost forgot how to drive. Reva's presence at his side made Charlos feel that it was almost like a dream that was too good to be true.

Charlos fastened his seat belt as his hands were still shaking. Reva sees it, so Reva took Charlos's hand. That's making him gasp. Reva's hand felt warm, stinging his cold hand.

"Are you alright?" asked Reva.

"I..."

"You look more handsome than on the video call." Reva smiles.

"Thanks." Charlos's face turned red.

Charlos was at a loss for words to praise Reva in return. His tongue seemed locked. He is confused to think of words like fantastic, for example. It looks like that those words are not enough to describe how extraordinary Reva in his eyes.

So Charlos chose to focus on driving. Occasionally he glanced at Reva. It turned out that Reva was also looking at him with a smile.

The journey to the hotel was swift. Incidentally, the hotel is not too far from the airport. Charlos parked in the basement. He took out Reva's suitcase. When he was about to pull it, he was surprised to see Reva wearing a mask on the face and black glasses. Then Reva put on a hat.

"Does it have to be like that?" asked Charlos.

"I'm sorry, Charl. But I don't want your employees to see my face. Do we have a quick way to get into a room without anyone looking?" asked Reva.

Charlos nodded slowly, and then he took out a card from his shirt pocket.

"Oh, that is good!" exclaimed Reva.

"I've prepared everything, Rev. I hope I can give the best for you."

"Of course, Charl. You're always the best."

Charlos is sure that Reva must be smiling even though he can't get through the sunglasses and mask covering Reva's face.

They walked quickly to the lobby then rushed into the elevator. Charlos was sure that no one was paying attention to them. The receptionist is handling a guest. So they are safe.

Charlos put the suitcase aside, then walked over to the bed and threw himself onto the bed.

"Huufft ... I am very tired. I can not imagine if I become an artist like you, Rev."

Reva smiled amusedly. Reva's warm eyes were sparkling at Charlos. Reva took off the hat, mask, and sunglasses, then approached Charlos, sitting next to him.

"I'm sorry," said Reva, stroking Charlos's cheek.

"It's not your fault, Rev. Don't apologize."

And then, Reva walked around the room. The hotel room is very private. Charlos never opened this room except for the great guests. Reva is too special for him.