Messages

The next day, a Tuesday, we had a class presentation and I was very nervous. But rather than being nervous to talk in front of the lecturer, I was worried of Dave's gaze. I knew that I would feel self-conscious.

I took more care with my appearance, hoping it would boost my morale. When I reached class, there was the drawing of lots to see who would present first and I was chosen to go second. When it was my turn, I looked around and saw that Dave had not yet come. Relief surged within me, though I was also disappointed, which I couldn't understand. I smiled and began with confidence, only stopping with the applause at the end. It went quite well, I thought.

'Good job,' Gaya whispered to me. She was looking better today and I hoped that it meant that she had been able to solve the problem she had been facing. I beamed with pride. Though stressful, I liked doing presentations and I got good marks each time. I wished that Dave could have been here to see me being so fluent and eloquent as opposed to the babbling and stammering girl he was used to.

Dave finally reached class a mere 2 minutes after my presentation and he was accompanied by some of his friends. He also had his presentation and during the whole performance I was mesmerised and captivated. But if you were to ask me what his presentation talked about, I would be unable to reply.

At night I sent Dave a text message congratulating him for his presentation.

'Congrats for your presentation.'

'Thanks. I missed yours. How was it?'

'It was ok.'

'Did you complete your assignment?'

'Not yet. What about you?'

'I'll complete it tomorrow.'

Each message gave me so much joy and temporarily made me forget the regular nausea I had been a victim of since the past week. We finally bid each other good night, and that night I went to sleep with a big smile.