Chapter 5: Ten Years Ago- Part 2

“Excuse me,” The other guy’s voice came into the scene.

She was gazing directly at the handsome man, and when the other guy spoke, it took her few seconds to change her look’s direction. She saw a hidden laugh in the guy’s face, and she felt she he noticed how she was looking directly in a silly way at the tall guy.

“I believe you are waiting for the elevator as well,” The other guy said so with a smile on his face. It was more than just a smile. Jasmine felt that he was struggling to keep his laugh hidden.

“Thanks,” she said, looking away from them, and entered the elevator.

The handsome guy did not enter the elevator with them; ah, so he is my neighbour; she smiled while thinking of this. Then she noticed that the other guy who entered the elevator with her was looking at her with a silly smile on his face.

She ignored him and looked at the elevator door.

“So, you are new here.” He asked.

She did not answer

“It is nice to have you here,” He said.

Again, she did not answer.

“Well, if I were you, I would be kind and act friendly. By the end of the day, I am the friend of that guy.” He winked at her with a wide smile on his face.

She got nervous and did not know how to act or what to say. She looked at the elevator's mirror and adjusted her shirt. She acted as if she did not hear a thing.

The door opened, and he said, “Well, I guess it is nice to meet you. Have a nice evening.”

How come this freak is a friend of that prince charming... unbelievable, she thought. Well, it is exactly like me being a friend of Lilly...she laughed loudly at this thought.

He looked back at her and laughed.

God! I cannot stand him; what is so funny to laugh at. She thought.

“Well, let the adventure begins.” she said and started wandering around.

Their neighbourhood was the finest in the town and close to the coastline. Jasmine walked till she reached the coast, where a lot of cafés and restaurants were alongside the coastline.

The vibe of this little town was charming; everything looked cosy, clean, and lively. Jasmine was afraid she would not enjoy this coastal town, but it seemed she would.

A handsome neighbour, lively neighbourhood, what else do I want? Jasmine smiled while thinking about her handsome neighbour.

The closer Jasmine came to the coast, the amazing the scene would come. Palm trees covered the whole coastline, and the stone beach lies next to the promenade captured Jasmine’s heart.

A tasty baked pastries aroma coming out from one of the coast’s cafes caught her attention. "Ah, this café looks nice, and there is a pleasant smell coming from it." She thought, and she went inside the café.

She took out her phone from her purse and called Lilly.

“Yes,” Lilly answered.

“Stop acting silly and come to this café….it is nice, and we will have fun. I will send you the location, do not be late. I am waiting.” She hung up the phone while entering the cafe. The place was full, and she was looking for a place to sit.

“What a coincident,” A voice came from behind. She turned to look at the voice source and her eyes got wide opened.

“Hello neighbour, it is really nice to have you here.” He said so with a warm smile.

Oh, it is the ugly man. Her phone rang. Thank God. Finally, Lilly is useful, she thought.

“Hi Lilly, the plan has changed; I saw an unpleasant view.” Jasmine said so the moment she answered the call.

Lilly started shouting, “What? Are you kidding me? I am dressed up and ready to go out… you are a crazy, unstable person.”

“Wait, we will…”Jasmine was talking, but Lilly hung up the phone. And the ugly man was standing next to Jasmine. Definitely, he heard Lilly’s voice, and he knew she hung up on my face, Jasmine thought… yet he was looking and smiling.

She was still carrying her mobile phone, looking at the guy next to her from the corner of her eyes. Then, she decided to say, “Okay, Lilly, I am coming now.”

“Lilly is really a tough person to deal with, poor you.” He said.

She ignored him and walked towards the door. At the same time, a person entered the café. He smiled when he saw her. She stopped walking and stood in front of him.

When he saw her standing in front of him, he shook hand with her and said, “hi, it is Rayan, and this is Alex; nice to meet you.”

She kept looking at him without saying any words…God; he is breath-taking, and he is talking to me, he is holding my hand, she thought.

“I believe he needs his hand back,” Alex’s voice again cut her precious moment, and she realized that her hand was still holding his.

“Oh yea, it is nice to meet you too.” She ignored Alex and continued, “I was leaving, so I believe…”

“You just entered,” Alex said.

“Really, then why you are leaving now.” Rayan asked her, and then he said, “We can get you a nice table upstairs; the view is spectacular there.”

“Believe me; her view right now is way more stunning than anything else.” Again Alex’s voice cut the handsome guy’s voice... what did he just said, she tried to remember.

Her mouth was still opened with a stupid smile on her face.... she pulled herself together and said, “Well, in fact, I really have to leave. Thanks for the invitation, and… ” she wanted to talk more, but she was not certain what to say. Especially after Alex’s comment, she felt embarrassed.

“Ok, as you wish, neighbour. By the way, I feel bad to keep calling you neighbour, but you have not told us your name.” Rayan said.

She laughed and said, “Oh, yeah, you too.” Then she left.

Walk fast, very fast, run if possible… she kept telling herself these words while leaving. Why did I act this way? I am so foolish... how will I see him after how I acted today? She placed her hands over her cheeks, trying to cool the heat coming from her face.

She entered her apartment, and Lilly was watching a movie with popcorn and coke. She looked at Jasmine and turned back to her movie.

“Lilly, listen, I am a complete idiot.” Jasmine said entering the TV room.

“I know.” Lily said looking at the movie.

“I didn’t know how to act; I made a fool out of myself.”

“Hush, I am watching a movie. No time for your apology.” Again, Lily spoke without looking at Jasmine.

Jasmine went on “You don’t know…” Then, she realised what Lily just said, “What apology? For what? Ah, you idiot, how dare you hung up the phone?”

“Because I was ready and on my way to you.” Lily answered.

“Ready? I had just ended the call with you.” Jasmine wondered.

“Yes, I was ready and halfway…but as usual selfish Jasmine simply changed her mind.”

“You crazy…” Jasmine was about to start an argument, but then she said. “You know what, I am so happy, so I won’t ruin my evening…. enjoy your movie.” She went to her room.

Popcorn dropped from Lilly’s mouth, and her eyes followed Jasmine who voluntarily cut out an argument, and, even more, she seemed happy. This was not normal, thought Lilly.

“Hey, you, Jasmine… wait … what is going on,” she held her popcorn bowl and walked to Jasmine’s room.