Not in the same context

That afternoon, Gemma went back to the apartment to get some of her things since she planned to stay with James for the entire week. While waiting for James to come back to pick her up, we decided to hang out at the apartment.

"I'm gonna prepare us some snacks." She said. After a while, we played various songs on our phone, connecting it with a speaker, ending up twirling and prancing around the room. I was going to miss my friend when she eventually moved in with James. I was not looking forward to being alone in this apartment soon.

"Hi, girls!" He greeted, more like shouted against the loud music. We were busy dancing and singing along with the song that we did not notice him came in.

"Hey!" I waved to him, slightly startled to see him standing behind me, as Gemma turned off the music.

"I knocked, but I don't think you heard it." He apologized with a sweet smile. "Hope you don't mind if I crashed in your private party."

Showing his smile and waving his hands. "I brought wine." I welcomed him with a light hug and took the bottle from him. I knew a hug was not the proper response to greet my boyfriend, but I was still surprised that he was here.

"When did you get back?" Gemma asked as she took two glasses and a glass of juice.

"You didn't mention last night that you'll be back today." I followed up, recalling our conversation in my head.

"Early this morning. It was a last-minute decision. Something came up." He grabbed a piece of cookie on the table and nibbled on it.

"I'll be flying back tomorrow night, so I want to spend some time with you before I leave again," Daniel said. Taking the wine and glasses as he poured for the two of us. Gemma drank her juice instead. No alcohol for her.

We settled on the sofa, chatting about his unexpected return and the reason for it. The development of his project was going into its final phase of preparation. He was so excited that construction was on its way.

"Why don't we go out for dinner? My treat. You and James can join us." He directed his invitation to Gemma. However, she declined because they had dinner plans with James' parents.

"Why don't you two celebrate? Both of you should use this time to enjoy while you're here." Gemma suggested instead. Her beaming eyes indicated something more than a meal. Expect my friend to work on her matchmaking skills again. I hope Daniel was too busy to notice her antics.

As soon as James picked up Gemma, Daniel and I decided to have dinner out instead of cooking in. With the short notice, there was no time to prepare for more, which I was glad. I wore a plain shirt, blue denim jeans with my converse for comfort to match Daniel's casual outfit.

Being alone with Daniel brought back my apprehension about the questions behind his stare. Maybe I was reading too much from it since I was burden with my guilt.

"Do you want to walk? There's a burger house, walking distance from here." I inquired as we exit the house. To be confined in the small space of his car was a bit nerve-racking. A stroll would ease up the tension she was feeling and gave her time to compose herself.

"Sure, lead the way." He answered back as he started walking silently beside me.

"How was your flight?" Making light conversation. We stopped at an intersection, and he glanced my way. "It was fine."

"What about work?" As usual, I answered with the same routine. We ended up eating in a local diner just two blocks away. I knew he had questions regarding the other night. Was I ready to answer him honestly?

I ordered two sets of a large double cheeseburger and extra-large fries with a large coke. We settled at a cornered table away from the other patrons. I wanted to act as normal as possible if that meant that I had to shove a big piece of burger in my mouth even when I was not particularly in the mood for food.

"How are you?" He asked concernedly. I was not expecting that. I was mentally preparing myself for him to demand answers. Well, guilt could make one think and act crazy.

"I'm good." I was lying again, and it was not something I like to do. I dug into my food, hoping to delay the inevitable. He took a bite on his burger too. I chewed on my food as if I was having a bunch of papers in my mouth. When I swallowed, my stomach started churning, and it took everything in me not to spew it all out.

After a few more bites, he put down his burger and cleared his throat. "I have something to tell you."

Looking at him, I felt cold sweats on my nape. I should have told Daniel the truth. Instead of being a coward, living with my lies. "I wanted to talk to you about something too, but you go first." Maybe it was better if he went first. I still needed a few minutes to gather my nerves.

It appeared that his project was going ahead of schedule, and construction was proceeding with the next phase. This development would mean that it would require him to remain on site for the next three months. In other words, it would be difficult for us to see each other.

It was big news to me since it would mean that I would be alone with him gone and Gemma moving in with James. I guessed I was not expecting that. He also expressed his concern about being away for that long.

"Don't worry about me. I'm more than capable of taking care of myself," I confidently said, thinking that I was becoming a burden to Daniel and even Gemma.

"But Scarlet, I do worry, just like the other night when I could not reach you." He stated worriedly.

"Daniel, I'm ok, as you can see." I tried to assure him, but I could still see the doubt in his eyes. We finished the remaining of our food in silence. I wanted to make him believe that I was ok, but I still had to convince myself first.

"Would you like a chocolate sundae?" He asked. I appreciated what he was trying to do, but I could not take any more food. I just wanted to go home, so I declined his offer.

"Shall we go?" wanting nothing else but to put a hold on our pending conversation. My initial instinct to confess could wait later.

On our way back, strolling on the pavement under the dim streetlights, he intertwined our fingers together. There were a few pedestrians and several vehicles on the street. Other than that, it was quiet. The only noise I could hear was my own heart beating wildly.

"I missed you." He expressed in his low tone while squeezing my hand gently. I waited for something to happen. The spark. The electricity. The reaction that my body was supposed to experience as our skin touched. Unfortunately, those were still missing.

I wished that my mind and body would find a way to work together and recognized Daniel as my boyfriend. "I missed you too." Not a lie, but not in the same context as his.