"Finally!" I sighed deeply and crashed in the breakroom.
After that day, I needed two glucose bottles to regain my strength. I started scrolling through my phone, replying to messages. That's when I heard the door open.
"Are you taking care of yourself, love?" It was Marlene with her usual teasing grin. She saw that awkward exchange, great!
"What else can you say at that moment?" I tried to reason.
"Right! I did see him walk around the store aimlessly, and he left buying a pack of gum!" Marlene did NOT relent. I should give this woman some credit for playing along with my delusions.
"Now it is YOU following him around!" I said, trying to pin it on her.
" I am just a good friend trying to see if Jack is any good for you!" She defended herself, moving to the microwave to make a cup of coffee.
Wait a minute!
"Jack!?" I looked at her, stunned.
"He wears a leather jacket every day. So Jack, Duh!" She stated like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"NO, Not Jack!, I am sure he has a stylish name!" I refused to accept her logic.
"You are obsessed, love," she looked at me, eyebrows raised with a teasing smirk.
My bad! I fell for her provocation!
"I am just saying. I am a Lit student, remember, it's my intuition!" I should learn to give up.
"You have names made up for him?" Marlene was grinning ear-to-ear at this point.
I really should learn to shut up!
Just like that, the day ended, and I finished my grocery shopping for the week. I pulled my bag and walked out of the store to the bus stand.
The street lights were flickering, and I was suddenly embraced by a cold wind, which sent shivers down my spine.
I really hope it doesn't rain today!
I saw a shadow of a tall figure leaning on the lamp post, casually looking at the bus schedules while taking a puff from his cigarette.
I went closer to stand inside the bus stand to avoid the chilly winds.
The figure felt familiar as I walked closer. It was HIM!
Lucky me! I am getting more than five minutes today!
TRSHHHH
I slipped and fell, and spilled the contents of my grocery bag for the entire world to see.
Yes, and it must be in front of HIM!
I blame the day! At this point, I am sure I crossed a black cat or two on my way to work. That must be it!
I plopped on my knees to pick up my stuff to put it back in my bag. I was contemplating my choice of buying eggs today, that's when I heard someone walk up to me and plop themselves next to me to help.
"That was quite a fall, you alright, love?" he asked me with a look of concern.
So.... I should reply. What do I say? He IS so good-looking!
NO! Say something!
"Yeah, not my day today," I replied, giving him an awkward smile.
I got a good look at him from the corner of my eye, his dark brown hair appeared lighter under the yellow light, his long eyelashes casting a shadow on his golden eyes. I got a whiff of his musky scent mixed with cigarettes as the wind blew. I could hear my heartbeat. I was low-key scared of him hearing it.
"Day is going to worsen, I am afraid," he said, looking at the sky, which had laces of lightning.
I was too caught up with this man to care!
"I am sure it won't rain!" I tried being optimistic.
RUMBLEEEE
Yet again, I spoke too soon!
"You sure, love?" he chuckled, looking at me amused.
I looked away, I could feel the heat seeping to my face.
We packed the bags quickly. He stood up before I could properly thank him and started to walk towards the bus stand.
I have to stop him. I want to thank him!
"Jack!" I called out without a second thought. That moment, I felt instant regret like I had never felt before.
MARLENE! Why did you say that?!
He turned and looked at me with confusion written on his face in bold letters.
"Uh... You always wear jackets.... So.. Jack... Get it?" I explained awkwardly, trying to find a hole to bury myself in.
HAHAHA
He started laughing. His eyes crinkled as he held his forehead, trying to control himself. I don't think I regret my choices any longer. I should probably thank Marlene.
"Thank you," I quietly said, speed-walking to the bus that just rolled in.
I got in and saw that the bus was empty except for a couple of people on the back seats. I sat in one of the middle seats, near the window, and Mr. Leather Jacket got in after me, with a grin still on his face, and sat in the row behind me.
I kept telling myself NOT to look back, but I involuntarily turned back to steal a glance, and there he was, looking at me with amusement. I quickly turned my head back to look at my phone, like that would make him forget what happened.
He got up from his slouched position to lean forward to talk to me.
"Never knew I looked like a Jack," he said, tilting his head, trying to meet my eyes.
He does not look like a Jack. NO! That's not important now!
UGH! What do I say!!!
"I mean, I had to come up with something. I don't know your name!" I went to my default defense mode.
"I assume you have names for all the customers based on their clothes," he said, still amused.
NO! I blame Marlene for this!
"It's not like that!" I fumbled with my words.
"So, is it because I am memorable or because I wear the same clothes every day?" he asked, his grin turning into a smirk. Something told me he is really enjoying this.
I have to sound smart! Come on, think!!!
"Clothes, I guess," I mentally facepalmed after saying that.
DING
My stop came
"Bye!" I said, happy that I can escape from the embarrassment, and sad that this moment has to end.
"Cya love!" he gave me his signature smile with a short wave, slouching back into his seat.
Thinking back, the day was not completely bad after all!