Chapter 16 - Her Many Firsts (8)

When you are in love, the world around you appear to slow down but the time spent with your loved ones will always be short than it seems. Tim and Pam had always found time or even spent night together despite their hectic schedules. They hold hand, hug, kiss and regularly check on each other, pretty much like any other couples do.

A week before Pam's departure, she decided to fly on a Friday and spend weekend in Singapore in time for the Monday conference. As opposed to spending the whole weekday in Singapore it would be more practical to relax earlier and just leave Wednesday night after the last day of the conference. As Tim is leaving Wednesday for Japan then she would only have 2 days to miss him. At least when she arrives in Singapore, she would be preoccupied. The first time to leave the country and spend the day in a foreign land would be exciting, more so the learnings she would receive.

Tim: Baby what you doing? <emoticon with sunglasses>

Pam was packing when she received the message. She hates cramming and would till want to focus with work before leaving. It good timing to complete it this weekend.

Pam: I am packing <smiley emoticon>

Whenever he calls him Pim or baby, Pam would have that fleeting smile on her face. The endearment is certainly felt.

Tim: That busy?

Pam: Why?

Tim: Can I pick you up later?

Pam: I have some errands to do. Not sure what time I will be back.

Tim sent back a sad emoticon. Pam feeling a bit guilty called Tim, "Hey, what's with the sad face?"

"Hmmm"

Sensing the guy is sulking, "I am picking up the hard drive I exchanged last week from Nells store in north then I had to buy some items to bring my college friends I am meeting on Saturday. I don't know what time I will be back; will you join me then?"

"What time do I pick you up?" Tim's world brighten.

Pam lets out a chuckle, "I'd see you downstairs at 1pm."

"Why not 11am so we have lunch together nearby Nells store."

"I want to finish packing so I don't have to worry about over the week."

"Okay, fine! I will see you 1pm. I love you"

"I love you too." It was said in very soft and sweeping manner. Without waiting for any further reaction Pam hit end call. She was too embarrassed, but she feels like reciprocating especially that this is the second time he said these words.

The last 5 seconds of their conversation rendered Tim motionless. 'She just said I love you too…' Tim's heart is full or happiness. He heard I love you from different women too many times before. It probably became a loose phrase for him but today it was especially sweet.

Knowing Tim is always on time, Pam walked towards the main road as her dorm is in a street not reachable by car. To her surprise, she saw Tim's car in park lights. She rushed to the passenger seat.

"Hi! Have you been waiting?"

"Nope, just on time." Fact is he has been there 10 minutes earlier. He was too excited to see her.

After a long afternoon they ended up at Tim's right before dinner time. They had rotisserie chicken and packed salad from the supermarket. They were enjoying their takeout when Pam suddenly had the need to resend a confirmation to the organizer. She borrowed Tim's laptop which was in a smaller room converted to a work area. The area is enclosed but it does not have

Pam has just tapped enter on the keyboard to send the email when Tim entered the room.

"Are you done?"

Pam smiled brightly, "yes, thank you!" She was shutting down the laptop and was about to stand when Tim walked towards the table and half sat on the side. Pam stood and burst into laughter.

"This is funny, even if you slouch in that sitting position, you are still taller than me."

Tim was amused with her laughing over silly things. He tried to control his smile in the effort to look serious. "What's so funny about me being taller than you while sitting? I am 6'2" and you are 5'3…"

"Why so serious?" Pam was still giggling.

Tim continued with his role play and just stared at her face as if memorizing the details.

She covered his face with his small hand like a kid erasing the expression on his face. "Okay fine it's a lame joke." She removed her hand covering his eyes and continued to talk with her head down while pretended to be wiping something from below the waist of the one-piece light yellow sleeveless cotton dress that she is wearing.

Tim was smiling already seeing her reaction but did not utter anything. He continued to observe her as added, "now the big difference is not only in height but in humor." This burst the bubble that Tim is holding in.

He hugged her and continued to laugh. Pam did not react, she just stood still. Tim pulled her out from the hug, "you're so cute! I don't know what to do with you" He pinched her cheeks.

Pam pursed her lips and Tim was still laughing when she said. "you always look down on me."

Tim did not know whether to laugh or cry with what she said. She was acting like a kid…well she's only 21. "I am just playing a prank on you. I almost laughed the moment you burst into laughter." She is his sunshine, just being around her is happiness what more seeing her laugh that way earlier.

"See you don't know how it feels to be inferior, you are always the one looking down. Because your smart, your handsome, your tall" Pam continued to play along, after spending time with him he knows he uses his poker face to play with her. Unknowingly she had declared all the she think is good with Tim.

Tim stopped from laughing and with a naughty smile on his face said, "I am so looking forward the day you will be above me."

Pam this time not getting the word play, just pursed her lips. Tim suddenly felt the urge of sucking those lips. "So now you are mad at me?"

Pam did not answer and avoided his gaze.

"Do you want me to know how it feels to look down on me?"

Pam showed a faint smile. 'You are threading a dangerous path my baby.'

Throughout the time that they were together, in fear that he may shock her, he has exercised full control of his desires. As someone who grew of in the US, matter if you are 18 or 54, sex is an expression of love. Tim understands the cultural differences. He knows the relationship he has this time could be different.

Tim hugged Pam tightly. To his surprise, Pam hugged him back. This appears to be a signal she is now okay and the he is forgiven. However, Tim's temperature is rising. He is certainly not letting go of Pam no matter what, no matter when and that includes this very moment.