The bliss before the storm

For almost a month, she can see the changes in his manner. His eyes took a cheerful glee. He’s starting to smile. Even make fun of her sometimes. He would creep on her, surprise her with a gray insect in his hand. And she’ll scream her heart out, running away from him. But he always ran after her. Tell her it’s just a joke. No need to be scared. He will pat her head. Sometimes hug her closer to his chest. To calm her down.

She can see he’s enjoying it. Playing pranks on her. With the drastic changes of his appearance, his attitude, his playful character, truth be told she’s overjoyed.

Though at times, she can see the despair creeping on his eyes. He blinks them away when they are together. He would smile at her. So brightly she felt she’s melting beneath them.

She can see the need for a companion in his eyes. The way he treats her gently, it’s almost like he’s tending a flower. Showered by sprinkles of water, basked under the patch of sunshine, he let her feel like she was precious, fragile, and need to be protected.

She’s not weak. She never was. But in him, she felt like a small little girl, pampered and treated dearly. She hasn’t felt the same way... Since her parents left her alone.

“Kath? You okay?” he snapped his finger between her eyes. Kath, a pleasant nickname she allowed him to call her. Only him. Always him. She drew back in surprise and chuckled.

A week ago, she managed to convince him to continue his studies. He was reluctant at first, doubtful even. He shook his head so hard it might come off. That’s how bad he doesn’t want to burden her. He doesn’t have money, he got nothing. It’s too much kindness he gets to stay with her. That was enough for him.

But she convinces him otherwise. If he really doesn’t want to burden her, then he got to straighten his life. To become who he was. To pursue his passion again. To sing on stage, release his voice to millions. Katherine was sure many people long to see him perform. And she’s one of them.

For a few minutes, they stayed silent.

“Do you really want that? “ he asked, staring at her straight in the eye.

“ More than you think,” she answered. She can feel the heat behind his eyes. The sparks influence her temperature. She felt herself getting hot, under his intensified gaze. She averts her eyes and chuckled. Trying to shove down the blush threatening to color her cheeks.

“So do me this favor okay? I don’t mind the expenses. I can support us.” she reassured him. At that, he fell silent.

She thought he won’t do what she asked. But got herself a big surprise when she comes with her the next day. Wearing formal sleeves for the entrance exam and for an audition.

“What? You want to hear me sing right?” he grinned.

“Better try signing in to that band I admired a while ago. Maybe I can get back on stage, when that happened, I will sing a song, just for you.” she felt her heart skips a beat. Her insides are melting at his words.

Don’t say those words so casually, or I might fall for you more.

One week after, here they are. Eating a luxurious dinner at their table. Celebrating his acceptance at the university he applied for, and to the band he audition to. Yeah, to celebrate, that’s what it’s all about at first.

But Katherine can feel herself expecting something more. This is like a dinner date. She can imagine the romantic candle lights, the soft background music, it was stupid to think those things. Especially when she’s chewing a half-burnt steak in her teeth.

“Yeah. Of course. You saying something?” she pierced the juicy steak with her fork and use the knife to slice a piece.

“See? You’re not listening. That means you’re not okay. Was there another rat who crawled in your drawers again last night?” he inquired, dangling the fork in his right hand.

“ No. No. No rats. I sleep peacefully last night. Thank you very much.“ she tucked a lock of hair behind her ears and took a bite.

“Liar. Look at that eyes of yours. It’s too droopy. Too dark. More eyebags. Try to lose sleep again and you’ll have the same face as scooby doo. “ he teased. She inclined her head and scowled.

“Don’t you dare compare me to a dog. I’m too pretty to be one.” she taunted. Raising her chin up, daring him to protest. He stares at her, eye to eye, before looking away and smiles smugly.

“ Yeah. Yeah. You’re pretty alright. No one will take away your throne, your princess. “ he pronounced, with a mocking bow of his head. Katherine laughed and turn her attention back to her food.

It lay unfinished. Her stomach is sending signal she’s full, one more bite and she will retch them out. And yet, she doesn’t want to waste it. Michael cook this for her. For them. For the so-called celebration.

“You don’t need to eat it if it’s awful,” he murmured, he did not look at her. But she knows he’s embarrassed. Those strong hands covering his mouth. Looking sideways as if something actually caught his eye - when in fact he’s just looking for an object to use as an excuse to not look at her.

She chuckled. He’s cute alright. Like a toddler even. He insisted to cook today’s dinner. Despite today is his day.

She can guess he’s too bothered to freeloading her house. She didn’t mind, of course. She’s more than willing to let him stay. It doesn’t matter if he’s a guy and she’s a girl.

She trusts him. From the moment she laid her eyes on him, she already knows… He’s someone who will occupy a big place in her heart. It’s like a feeling she can’t explain. A complete feeling of fulfillment whenever he is right by her side. A satisfying easiness whenever she sees him smile.

On the night they met, she planned to ignore him. To walk away and head straight home. She can’t trouble herself with homeless dudes. But each step she takes slowly wavers the resolve to ignore him. She can’t do it. Not when she saw the loneliness in his eyes.

He’s familiar to her. Like a long-lost memory she’s connected to. She can’t explain the force between them. It appears to be something… is connecting them. As if… they are destined to be together. Drawn to each other’s presence, an invincible connection directing their path, letting them meet...on that eventful night.

Oh, she can only put a hand to her beating chest every time an image of him crept up in her mind at night. It reassures her. It’s like he’s there, sleeping beside her. Wrapping his strong arms to her small frame. Telling her it’s okay. No need to fear. I will be here.