05 | The Almost Kiss

Aaron isn't home yet. I wonder where he might be or rather with whom he might be? It has been three hours since I returned from school.

After Ryan dropped me, I texted Aaron to check up on him and then called Mom to fill her with the details of my 'first day of high school experience'.

"So, this new guy friend of yours sounds like a potential boyfriend!" Her familiar laugh reverberated through the other side when I told her about the ride Ryan offered.

I smiled closemouthed, a habit I practiced overtime to hide my embarrassment of having the gap in my teeth.

Mom has always been my best friend, holding me back. Considering the fact that I didn't have much of dating life, she always wanted me to put myself forth. But the truth was, Mom was going through a phase where she always posed herself strong for the people she loved. Then how could I have been in the bitter-sweet embroil of relationships!

Once we were done with Mother-Daughter talks, I ended the call and sat with the local newspapers to look for a part-time job vacancy.

"Arrrgh!" I cry out in frustration. After one hour of the intense hunt, I can't find a job of my choice. Not even a single one!

I pick two of the cuttings which include - Library assistant at the local library and a barista at a coffee shop, to consider. The money they offer and working time is amiable, now I just need to locate them.

I stand up, stretch my arms for the next greatest event.

It's dressing time!

I dance while walking upstairs to the inner music and manage to reach my room in a single piece. If Mom were here, she would definitely be scolding me about my drunk walk.

The dressing may be the best part for almost every girl but to me, it's more like scavenging. The moment I need to wear a specific cloth, I'll find everything in my closet except for it- even the dresses I was looking for years ago.

"Have mercy on me!" I cry to God. I miss Mom a thousand times fold by now because she always knows just the place where things are.

I, finally, slip into blue denim jeans and a black crop top with a front tie red bandana look. Ever since I was a kid I had a thing for bows and bandanas. Just a touch of makeup and blood-red lipstick completes the look. I don't want to try too hard, so I opt for a casual look.

I put the winged liner on my feline green eyes, the only best feature of my entire face I inherited from Dad, in just one attempt.

Bravo girl!

Once, I feel confident with my look I snap a few pictures of mine and forward them to Mom.

Pretty young lady, you look absolutely gorgeous. Love. - Mom

I can imagine the proud smile she must be having on her face right now. No matter how much I thank my stars, but it would never be enough to express my gratitude to let me be the daughter of such wonderful parents!

I slide my phone into the pocket of my leather sling bag. While passing the kitchen, my eyes catch sight of a Nutella Jar. While I wait for Ryan maybe I can have a spoonful of chocolate to myself.

I may ignore anyone but for chocolate, I'll always have a soft corner in my heart.

I try to reach the shelf which is out of my reach. The cowboy boots I'm wearing aren't even complimenting my height to get what I aim for.

"Oh come on!" While I am giving my last attempt, a shadow overcast me. Without a doubt, I know it's Aaron. My hands fall down to my sides and I turn around.

Aaron's face is inches away from mine with his warm breath brushing my skin. I am caged in between his long arms and muscular torso. He smells of musk cologne, tempting me to close the distance between us. Why on earth do we need to live so close yet emotionally so far? I am more like a ticking time bomb around him who is afraid of falling prey to this womanizer.

I study his face while his sapphire eyes linger on my lips. I swallow hard when I notice his breath deepening. His gaze makes the temperature of my body rise by a degree and beads of sweat appear on my forehead. This is torturous to stand at such close proximity and not able to hold his face in my hands.

The doorbell rings, bringing both of us to reality and we immediately step away from each other.

"How do I look?" To overcome the awkwardness of the situation, I ask Aaron while taking a swirl as if I'm wearing an imaginary gown.

He studies me for a few seconds, his sight traveling down my body makes me self conscious. His pupil dilates once he's done and I guess he's surprised!

"What?" I raise my eyebrows at him.

"Nothing."

I can't make Ryan wait any longer, so I rush to the main door.

"Well, you look beautiful Madame! I guess you will be hired at once." He winks at me, flashing his perfectly white teeth.

I hold my imaginary gown and do a little curtsy. "Thank you, Monsieur!"

"Hire her for what?" Aaron comes up behind me, taking Ryan back.

"Oh! I am going for a job-hunt and meet my chauffeur, Ryan Jason..." I beam at Ryan trying to eradicate the tension in the air, " and this is Aaron Abner."

"Get her back home on time, Jason." Aaron moves inside closing the door right at our faces.

What's the matter with him?

"Are you guys dating.....?"

"No! No! No! We are just housemates. I don't want to be counted as one of his many conquests." I say, rolling my eyes at him, to diffuse his worries away but I don't know how long I'll be able to stand at the threshold despite knowing the fact that Aaron is a bad call!