Chapter 6

Matt's POV

I woke up to the sound of two boys playing in my garden and I realized we have visitors. My uncle Thomas. My dad's brother. We used to do this family gathering sometimes and I guess I forgot they were coming today. I can hear my parents, Uncle Thomas and his wife laughing in the living room while I walk downstairs.

"What am I missing?" I asked.

"Oh, Matt. How are you mate?" Uncle Thomas asked.

"I'm good, Uncle Thomas. How are you doing? And Aunt Carol?" I looked at my aunt.

"We both are fine, love" replied Aunt Carol and gave me an air kiss.

"That's great! I'll go meet the boys" I left the living room and went to the garden.

"Brother Matt!!!" The boys sounded excited as they see me walking toward them. Uncle Thomas has 2 boys. 2 smart teenagers I'd say.

"Hey, buddies!" I fist-bumped them and joined them in playing basketball for a while.

"Alright, buddies. Let me go freshen up. You guys watch some movies if the elder's topics are boring" I said to them and went upstairs.

When I was in the shower, I was thinking about what happened last night. I kissed her. YES. I did. And I've never felt this much happiness in these few years. Not even when my products made great profits in markets. Lara is someone who never goes out of my mind. Her lips were so soft like velvet. When she trembled, I wanted to hug her tight and show her that she is protected. I want to protect this woman. A man should protect his lady with loyalty and honesty. When I kissed Lara, I strongly felt that she is the one for me. I know this is too soon. Yet, that is what I feel about her. You will come across many people in your daily life. But, only a few smile at you. Only a few ask how are you doing. Why though? They have no real reason. They just do it. That might be a temporary gesture that only lasts for 1 or 2 min. But, whatever I feel about Lara right now isn't temporary. You just know when you meet that special someone. Right?

After the shower, I dressed up in a casual t-shirt and short pants. I took my phone and texted Lara.

Me: Hey Lara! Are you free tonight?

Uncle Thomas usually doesn't stay till night. He is just 10 miles away from us. We all had our family fun time and had good conversations. I realized it was almost evening when Uncle Thomas decided to leave. I had a great time with them. I checked my phone after Uncle Thomas and his family left and Lara's message was on top of the list.

Lara: Hey Matt. Yes, I am.

My face lit up. I quickly started to type.

Me: Shall we go to a movie later?

Lara: Yeah! Sure.

Me: Perfect! I'll send you the details once I booked the tickets. And I would like to pick you up tonight. So please send me your address.

Lara: Sure.

"I gotta feeling that tonight's gonna be a good night. That tonight's gonna be a good night. That tonight's gonna be a good, good night" I can't stop singing.

I'm glad that Lara agreed to a movie night. Thinking of her makes my heart skip a beat. I decided to wear a casual outfit tonight.

At 7 pm, I started my car engine and saw Lara's house address again on my phone screen. I opened the map and then tapped 'Navigate'. "You will reach your destination by 7.22," says the map. Cool...

I reached Lara's house around 7.20 pm and texted her to inform her that I'm there and she replied that she is coming. I stepped out of the car and waited eagerly to see her.

"Hi!" She said.

I turned to see her. God damn. She is beautiful.

"Matt.." her voice made me realize that I'm looking at her for too long.

"Sorry, I was just... You look so beautiful" I told her.

"Thanks" she smiled shyly. I opened the car door for her and closed the door after she got in. I felt so different and amazing when I sit beside her.

I started the car engine and pulled out from Lara's house.

"So how was your day today?" I asked her.

"Was great. Spent at the cafe." She replied. "How was yours?"

"Mine was good. Spent quality time with my uncle's family. They came over." I said.

"That's great." was all she said.

We talked about some random things till we reach the cinema. We watched Jumanji's The Next Level. I loved how Lara laughed throughout the movie. I fell in love with her laughter. After the movie, I decided to bring Lara to my favourite place. You know where.

"Lara! I would like to bring you to one of my favourite places. I want you to see the place. Are you ok with that?" I asked her.

She checked her watch. It showed 10 pm.

She took a few seconds to reply. "Yeah! Sure"

"Great!" I said.

Lara's POV

When we were about to reach the place that Matt mentioned earlier, he asked me to close my eyes.

"Not yet," he said while he stopped the car.

"Okay" I laughed

He got out of his seat and opened the door for me. He took my hand to help me get out of the car then he covered my eyes with his both hands. We walked a bit further. I can feel that I'm walking on stones. I now hear the sound of the peaceful wind.

"We're here" He slowly removed his hands.

I opened my eyes.

"Oh my god!" I was astonished by the beauty of the place I'm standing right now. And it looks familiar.

"This is where I spent most of my happy and sad days. I thought you'd like it and I wanted you to see this place" Said Matt

"Oh come on! I love this place. I have always been fond of nature and my heart is full of peace and calm right now. Matt, this is cool." I said in excitement.

I can't believe this. This place is the place I always see in my dream. I even told Barbara about it.

We sat on the bench there and admired the river. It's beautiful at the night and the lights along the riverside added more beauty to the place. Matt and I decided to take a walk along the riverside. The serenity of the river, with the quiet stillness all around. I'm pretty sure I'm at holy peace right now.

Matt's POV

I can't believe Lara is beside me at my favourite place. I stopped walking. So did she. I looked into her eyes. Her eyes are cute like innocent puppies. Her full lips. Omg. I want to kiss her. When she tried to avert her eyes, I placed my hand on her cheek. I didn't take much time. I kissed her and to my surprise, she kissed me back. I wrapped the other hand around her waist and she placed one hand on my chest and the other on my face. I deepened the kiss. The sound of the river sent us some calmness and just when I thought this moment should never end, Lara's phone rang. We both broke the kiss and she took out her phone from her handbag.

"Damn. It's my dad" she said and then answered the call.

"Hey, Dad. Yeah! I'm on my way. Yeap. Ha ha. I know. Bye!" She hung up.

"I'm sorry, he is just worried," she said.

"No. That's fine. I should say that. Sorry for bringing you here" I said.

"Are you serious? I love this place. It's ok Matt. Shall we go?" She asked.

"That sounds compromising. Let's go" I said knowing that she loves this place as I do.

We left the river. There was an awkward silence between us. Everything moved so slowly, and my stomach fell to my feet. We reached Lara's house by 11.30 pm. She got out of the car and walked to my side.

"I'm sorry for what happened just now" I meant the kiss.

"Shhhh! You don't have to. Thank you so much, Matt. That place was beautiful and do you wanna hear something that I wanted to tell you right after the moment I opened my eyes at the river?" She asked

"I do. What's that?" I asked

"I know this will sound crazy. I always had dreams about myself sitting on those benches at night and admiring the river. Sometimes, I feel like it's so real. But when I woke up, I just think that it's just a dream and it's never gonna happen in real. I don't know how but you made that happen tonight. This will be one of the most beautiful memories in my life. Good night, Matt" With that she went inside.

Whatttt????