Chapter VI

I finally calmed down after mulling over the bad aftertaste for a few moments. I checked my watch and it read ten minutes 'til nine. I thought about what I had at the room and thought that I had everything I needed to last me nine more days. But for some odd reason, I wanted to go to the convenience store and grab a few bags of chips.

It wasn't that far from where I lived, and I had the money I needed so I decided to take quick stop at the local convenience store. The walk felt long and cold. The bright lights didn’t help either. And every bittersweet feeling came rushing back inside me.

There were six to seven people inside the store: four teenagers getting snacks for a sleepover probably, a man in the counter and a guy fixing things, inventory probably. There was also a person behind one shelf that I couldn't quite see.

Upon entering, the store had its temperature below the outside by at least 13 degrees. The scent of the store reminded me of kindergarten snack times and playground food fights. The whooshing of the air-conditioner, the occasional soft giggles, and the light footsteps of the people inside the store; it was like we were trapped inside a fortress, six strangers waiting the night away, strangers inside their own little worlds inside another world connecting them.

It's surprising to see people out at this time.

I went over to the potato chips-shelf and got myself three bags of 'em. I was startled upon hearing a light, "Oh". I turned to look, and I saw her there, standing a few inches beside me, was Joe.

Instinctively, she bowed her head to greet me good evening. Screw that! She was just at the fast food with the others. She went on with selecting the chips she wants and paid me no more attention afterwards.

I pat her slightly on the shoulder and reached my hand out. She took two steps back and hid behind her basket of goods. "Molester, what do you want?" she said accusingly.

I reflexively took a quick look around before I shut her mouth with the palm of my hand. "Ssshhh! What was that for?" I scolded her. "First off, I am not a molester. Second, I asked for the basket. I was going to carry it for you, seeing that carrying that thing doesn't suit your thin arms."

She hands me the basket and puts a hand on her waist. "I thought I already turned you down. You really are persistent, aren't you?"

I put my own bag of chips inside the basket and walked closer to her. "Okay, that was uncalled for and that hurt. This isn't part of me pursuing you. And I am NOT pursuing you." I said as I held my face closer to hers. "I know when to at least retreat for a while. And besides, you didn't turn me down. You just said you weren't interested in that way. You didn't even know what way I was interested in you with."

She gave me a puzzled look and I gave her time to think about it. I smiled at her as I grabbed a chip at the top shelf asking, "Barbeque or Cheese?"

She puffs her cheeks and gets both bags of chips. We headed for the counter and paid for what was ours, respectively. We made our way out of the store to hear a faint crying nearby. We looked at each other, startled and looked around.

We found a young girl, not older than four years old. She was wearing grey overall and a bunny-ear beanie. I was having second thoughts about helping, but Joe didn’t was right beside the kid the next second. She held her hands and tried to calm her down.

“Hey there, dear.” Joe said. “You all alone?”

In between sniffles and sobs, the kid managed to say, “Mama and Dada gone…”

I was about to turn around and walk away but I heard Joe clear her throat with a loud “Ahem”. I looked at her and raised an eyebrow. She looked at me incredulously and said, “Where do you think you’re going? We need to help her.”

I held her stare but caved in after a few moments. “Fine.” I mumbled. “Let’s take her to the police station. We can wait for her parents there.”

“I don’t really trust the police, but okay.” she argued. She turned to the kid and said, “Me and that guy over there are going to the police station, you wanna come with us, sweetie?” The kid gave a slight nod.

Joe helped her to her feet and asked, “What’s your name?”

“Nala.”

“Well, Nala, don’t you worry. I am Jonah and that dude over there is Ted. We are going to stay with you until you meet with your Mom and Dad. How does that sound?”

After a while, the three of us were on our way to the police station, with the kid between me and Joe. I trust myself to say something stupid at times like this but keeping quiet was driving me crazy at the moment. So, I did the most natural thing and said something stupid.

“What made you decide that quick?” I asked

Jonah gave me a puzzled look. “Decide what?”

“This whole thing. What made you think that there was a need for you to go out of your way and help this kid? This could get us sued for kidnapping.” I argued.

“She needed help. What other reason would I need? And besides, only you look sus. I have always had that kind and calm demeanor.”

“Wow, brag much? You aren’t all that calm and poised.”

“But I am pretty though, you gotta give me that.”

And I just stared at her for a bit. Taking in every inch of her existence and burning it through my memory. I couldn’t say anything because I didn’t have a counter argument. But every strand of my consciousness was pulled towards her. She was the best reality I could face in this, or any, lifetime.

I bent down to talk to Nala and forced the best smile I could manage. “Hey, kid. Bet you’re tired of walking. What do you say I give you a ride on my shoulders?” She smiled at me and jumped on. Standing up was awkward and hard but I had to play it off.

“Hey, careful. Make sure you don’t drop her.” scolded Joe.

“Relax, I got her.” I said with a soft laugh.

Joe snuck closer to me, holding to my arm. The night breeze was just as cold, but somehow it felt kinder, gentler. And then I felt it; this weird feeling in my tummy crawling up to my chest up to my throat. It made me nauseous and dizzy. What was that?

We managed to reach the nearest police station, I looked at my watch and read thirty minutes past nine. We answered all the questions asked by the police officers stationed and sat by the receiving area. Jonah was talking to Nala to keep her distracted while we wait for her parents.

“You are lucky, Joe.” said Nala. “Ted is a good guy. You would make a good mama and dada.”

I saw a slight look of panic in Joe’s face, it made me want to laugh. “Oh no, dear. We aren’t like that.” Joe argued calmly. “We are just schoolmates.”

“But you are sweet. And Ted seems to like you a lot.”

“It’s pretty complicated, sweetie.” She looked to me and raised an eyebrow. “A little help, please?”

I could’ve easily said the truth and be done with it. But a part of me, stupidest darn part of me, wanted to see how this plays out. So, I looked at Nala, smiled and winked. This caused her to beam and smile giddily. Joe was about to say something, but two people came rushing into the station and hugged Nala.

“Mama! Dada!” Nala called out. “I was a brave girl. I didn’t even cry. Joe and Ted were with me, you see.”

“Is that so?” said the mom. “That’s wonderful, sweetie. I am so glad you’re okay.”

“How can we ever repay you two?” asked the dad.

“Oh no, we are glad to help sir.” said Joe. “There is no need for that.”

“We could at least offer you a lift to your houses. It’s pretty late.”

This was where I come in. “Thank you, sir. But we’re fine. We can take the time to walk.” We watched as the family got into their car and drove off.

Joe bowed her head once more as she bid me farewell. I insisted on escorting her to at least when she gets a cab and after a minute or two of arguing, I got her to say yes.

I was at my apartment by around half past eleven in the evening. I felt my phone vibrate and I checked the text I got. It was from Joe saying, Thanks for tonight. I meant with Nala.

I had to fight a strong urge to smile to myself. It felt like I had wasps in my tummy because butterflies are too mainstream. What the crud?! She's got me on a string! If this is what it means to get rejected . . .hey, I am not complaining!