Option

Did you ever felt how the universe stopped? Have you been into a specific situation where you think the time discontinued from ticking. And it seems like you are held by some feeling you just knew that very moment that existed.

And it felt so weird. It felt so foreign.

It's what I felt when I bumped into that man for the second time. The man at the bar.

This time, I'm in the most possible conscious state.

I am not taken off by alcoholic drink.

“I'm sorry” I apologized

I squatted to pick up the books that he was holding that fell when we bumped into each other.

I can't imagine I just helped him! This is not my job! Helping others was never my responsibility!

And this! I've watched scenarios like this on dramas where a man bumped into a woman who is holding books and such. But this is clearly the other way around because he's the one who's carrying books and I'll be the one helping him.

“Don't bother” he insisted

“I really am sorry” I sincerely apologized.

I don't do apologizing! I never felt being sincerely sorry my entire life! Just this time! In front of this man I just knew!

This man! I hate this man! There's something in him that I don't like!

He's attractive, but not my type!

I like nothing else but Edward!

I should be rude with him because that's how I should be, but there were more than ten books that fell. And I am the one at fault. I'd only look pathetic if I would act such attitude.

“Apology accepted, but I really don't need help.” he said

Men usually ask attention from me but this one's not giving me a damn! He should be proud of himself. A gorgeous lady like me offers help to him.

He moved closer to me now, carefully taking the books back.

Now I got to watch him more and even closer. His shirt perfectly fitted his masculine body. His shoulders made him look more manly. He is wearing a white shirt with a print on the right. The print is a logo, it looks familiar. I've probably seen it somewhere.

I looked at his perfectly shaped face. His jawline shouts it all.

Perfection at its finest!

How could a man be this handsome?

And his brows, his eyelashes, his nose and his eyes that captivated me---no! I should not be complimenting him! He's not a friend! He's a complete stranger!

“I might melt. Don't be too captivated. You might drool.” he uttered and chuckled

How could he be so full of himself?! He's just handsome but he isn't even half way to Edward's perfection!

“W-what?” I just realized he's been looking at me for a while now

Thick faced!

The books are now well piled in his side. It was the same book that I was holding lately, the newly published book of Edward.

I'm glad I left it inside my car, it would have caused more trouble if I have it with me. I might lost it and I'll surely have no excuse on meeting my favorite author.

“I can help you carry the books.” I offered

“No, it's fine. I'll be going to put it in the shelves anyway.” he said gently

I looked at him again. How could he be this kind? After all the things that I did, he still got to treat me good. Or is he just acting up?

He is kind, but he is vain.

Edward is kind and humble.

Way far different.

Why am I comparing this man to Edward?! They're clearly not the same!

“What?” he asked me, left brow raised up. “If only stares could kill.” he chuckled. “I'll probably die right now.”

I turn my sight away so It won't feel awkward for the both of us.

Windy!

What is wrong with me?!

“U-uhm just figuring things out. Y-you look f-familiar to me.” I excused, he might think that I find him attractive

Gross!

“I do?” he asked

I don't look familiar to him? H-how?

“Y-yeah. Well, d-do I look familiar t-to you?” I asked shyly

I'm again putting myself at shame! And with this guy!

No!

“I think I've also seen you somewhere.” he said and chuckled

What's so funny about it?

“Why do you laugh?” I asked, and why am I talking to a stranger like him?!

“You look weird” he said and stood up

What the hell?! I look what?! Weird?! How could he!

“W-what?!”

He chuckled again and shook his head.

“S-so you're buying all of that?” I pointed at the pile of book beside us

“You think?” he asked back. How could he? He's the one acting weird here!

I'm seriously asking him and he answered me with a question!

“I think you are.”

“Well, I work here.” he said proudly

What?! He work here?

Oh my gosh! He work here!

“I've been buying books here since I was in middle school. How could I not see you even just once? Are you kidding me?” I asked, confused and excited at the same time.

I am excited because I can now make a way to Edward! If I become close with this man in front of me, I can ask him to approach Edward for me about my book!

Brilliant!

“Well, I've been working for EWBookstore, but not here in New.” he explained

“Oh, I guess that explains it.” I said and nodded

I can't believe it!

Lucky to have this guy!

I looked at his shirt once more and realized that the print in it is the book store's logo! That was why it looked so familiar!

“So, I guess I'll continue what I'm doing now?” he asked, looking at the empty shelf beside us

“O-oh, of course you can. I'll also get going now.” I smiled before turning my back against him

I blew an air out.

I looked for kids' books inside the store for thirty minutes before going home.

It's almost seven in the evening when I got home. I did not even notice the time.

I was kind of weird earlier, I think. I'll agree with that guy. I was weird because I don't usually give compliments to men, unless it's Edward.

And oh! I forgot to ask his name!

Urgh!

Well, I think I'll be going to EWBookstore more often. Now that I'll have my excuse. I will make friends with that guy.

I am having dinner with Daisy right now. The usual quiet meal. I can even hear the crickets from the garden outside.

So quiet!

I feel sad for not being with my parents again.

My heart skipped a beat when my phone rang.

My best friend's name flashed on the screen.

I answered Alice's call.

“Hey, darling.” she started

“Hey, what's up?”

“About your book.”

“Yeah? What about it? I still don't have the chance to meet Edward.” I said, though I have plans to get close to him.

I will not tell her, maybe next time. If the plan works.

“Ella and I planned to comment on Edward's Instagram photos and tweets. As many comments as we can. Just so he could give us attention.”

I don't know where her guts came from but this is not the usual Alice!

Alice Brooks, the famous model.

She does not seek for attention! Rather, attention comes her way! Edward might even idolize her!

“U-uh don't bother. I'll find ways.” I insisted

Edward might give her attention more than me!

That's a big no!

“No, since I have nothing to do, I'll make this as pastime!”

I'm hesitant.

“U-uh sure.” I said, I don't have choice.

I haven't said no to Alice's offer, not even once.

“Okay!” she excitedly ended the call, as if my yes was her cue

I immediately dialed Ella's phone number and called her.

“Yes?” she answered

“Are you sure you're gonna comment on his posts?” I asked

“That's what I'm doing right now! If this works, you owe me a road trip!”

What the hell?! They really did it!

What made them think of doing this?! They're just wasting their time and efforts!

Well, If this works, It'd be better. If this won't, I still have that guy in that store to help me.

“Sure, let's have a trip after this works.” I said “Bye now!” I ended the call

Let's see. I still have two options. I'll surely get close to Edward Walker.