Maybe, You Will See Me Now

030

Andrew had been staring at the ceiling since he laid down on his bed that night. A few times, a faint smile would pop up on his face. He was lost. Lost in his own memories, especially the new ones he had made. He turned and laid on his side, staring into space. When he couldn't contain the slight giddy feeling that disrupted his inner peace, he sat up and made his way out of the bedroom.

The first thing he laid eyes on was the umbrella that leaned against the wall, beside the front door. He stood outside his room without drifting his gaze away from it. Her umbrella. The one she had been kind enough to lend him. His smile widened just as he placed a hand on his chest where he had Ijeawele's hand before. That was enough to thrust him back into the memory of that period.

Ijeawele leaned in and shared a light kiss with him. Though surprised, Andrew had physically remained calm even while he feared his heart might jump out of his chest as a result of the excitement. When she pulled away from the kiss, she looked into his eyes. From one orb to the other.

"I want to trust you. In some ways... I think I already do. But... I'm scared. Very scared." Ijeawele's voice was low and slightly shaky.

Andrew could see how much of a courage it took her to admit her true emotions to him. He had always sensed she was scared. Scared of being betrayed again. Scared of loving someone again. Scared of trusting her heart one more time.

"I understand." He held the left side of her face in his right hand, his thumb stroking her cheek. "I won't run away. I'll keep on waiting and someday, I'll earn all of your trust. All I ask... please don't push me away."

This time, the silence between them lasted while neither broke eye contact. Andrew wished for a definite reply from her and hoped she could see the sincerity in him. She, on the other hand, searched again for any foul play. Ijeawele hated it. But she had become that person. Someone whose first instinct was to doubt whatever was told to her. Even greater than that was her desire to feel normal and happy again.

"Okay." Ijeawele replied. With her head and every fibre of reasoning in her body screaming at her decision, her heart felt safe. It felt like a heavy weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She didn't know how desperately she wanted someone to care.

Andrew wore a smile, glad for their progress. She reciprocated with a light smile. He took a step closer and wrapped his arms around her. Ijeawele leaned her head against his shoulder; she wrapped her arms around his waist. That way, they stayed for some time and in that moment, it felt as if they were the only ones that existed.

The rain had subdued and they hadn't noticed when it did. Only light drizzles were left. They walked hand in hand, under the same umbrella to the front of the gate.

"Goodnight." Ijeawele told him.

"Goodnight." He replied and she stepped out from under the umbrella after withdrawing her hand from his. Immediately, he held it over her head again.

She smiled broader than she'd done before, grateful for his gesture. "It's okay. You can walk home with it."

Ijeawele noticed the contemplation on his face. "You can give it back tomorrow."

His face brightened. "Thank you."

Ijeawele nodded. She folded her arms below her chest to battle the chilly air.

"You should go in." Andrew told her the second he recognized the familiar state she was in.

She shook her head. "I'll go in after you've left."

Andrew would've loved to watch her go in instead. He knew arguing about it would only cause her to spend more time outside. So, he gave in.

Wearing a smile on his face, he said to her. "I'll see you tomorrow." Then he turned away to leave. He looked back after a few steps away and waved to her. She waved back.