Chapter 13: First college boyfriend

Its been two months since resumption and exactly three weeks since the issue with Issy came up and I'm happy to say I've been relieved of any bad encounter with her.

I haven't been bullied by her but I have been getting bad looks from her of which I'm not in any way surprised; that's Issy for you.

The truth is, Issy hasn't been the only one giving me looks, Steven or better known as Steve; has been giving me weird looks lately.

At times during lectures, I do have a feeling that I'm been watched, whenever I look around, I always find him staring.

His stares aren't just stares like 'stares...', this particular stares from Steve is filled with a lot of emotions and admiration.

A hidden language or word I just can't seem to interpret. Moreover, he has been so nice to me lately, since resumption though but I have to confess that he's a really good guy.

For now please, which of cause is a conclusion by the judgement of all I've known of him since I met him.

"Maya....", I heard Ann called and I came out of my daze.

" I'm here Ann", I said, packing my things in my bag.

"Of course you're always here in flesh but not in concentration", she said, rolling her eyes.

"Let's go babe", I said, trying to change the subject and we went out of the lecture room.

Forgetting Ann knows me too well, she said; "don't change the subject girl, what has been distracting your attention this days...?. I'm so sure its not Issy though she has been behaving kind of stupid lately but I know you're used to that already so its time to..."

"...SPIT IT OUT GIRL !!!"

She said and it felt like she used a megaphone to say the last sentence.

Giving up already, I responded;

"fine...! fine...!, I'll talk"

"Its better you get to it right now", Ann said, opening the car door as I got into the drivers seat.

Igniting the car with its key, I started; " I've been noticing something since we resumed and i got to know Steve...". "And what is that...?", Ann asked curiously.

"I've been noticing how he looks at me with some kind of admiration, sometimes in a way I can't seem to pin point at all and I wonder why. This act of his has been making me wonder and also distracting me. Sometimes, I just feel like I should go ask him but then I later forget about it".

"I'm not surprised though, I mean, you're a very beautiful person who and also has a beautiful soul so tell me what guy in his right senses wouldn't want to admire you or strip you naked in his imaginations and do naughty things to you...?", Ann said making me blush.

"C'mon Annie, you shouldn't spell it out like that. Anyone hearing us talk dirty wouldn't even believe we're virgins", I said and Ann chuckled.

"Let's still hold on and keep on watching him for sometime, like a week or so before we confront him. I wouldn't want us to look desperate or stupid after coming up with stupid assumptions which might later turn out not to be true", Ann said and I agreed because they're really nice thoughts and vital things to consider in her opinion.

"For now, I wouldn't want you to think about all that. Don't get distracted and focus on class baby, I wouldn't want to see you at the bottom of the class because you have such though in mind", said Ann.

"Sure...", I nodded and parked the car. We got out the car, and went inside, our favorite program begins at 5:00pm so we prepared for it after freshening up.

ONE WEEK LATER....

We drove to school in my car and I parked at the school garage. After making sure the car was secured as always, I and Ann walked to the direction where our first class for the week will be held.

After walking some distance, I heard someone called my name.

"Maya..!!! Maya...!!!"

Turning around, who I saw called me was Steve. I and Ann saw him running over with his hands in the air, waving at us.

After waiting for few minutes, he finally came over and stopped to catch his breath.

"Hi Ann, Maya...", he greeted and we exchanged pleasantries.

"So what's the emergency about...? You did stop us for a reason right?", I asked.

"Yes I did stop you for a reason Maya, I want to tell you something very important but I would love Ann to please excuse us for a minute".

"I'm sorry Steve but you are free to say anything you want to say right in front of my sister. I'm sure you're aware of how close we both are".

Giving up, he finally agreed, "yeah I know how close you both are so its not a problem anyway".

" I've been watching you for sometime now and I've come to a conclusion that I like you Maya, apart from the fact that you're beautiful, you're also intelligent, sweet and kind. I've been trying to find a way to come to you but I've been scared of rejection. What if she rejects me?, What if she says I'm not good enough?. This questions and other ones have been coming to my mind that I don't even know how to confess my feelings to you. After much thought throughout the night, I finally decided to come to you and express myself first before thinking of the negative sides. Just in one sentence and not to confuse you Maya...

'....I like you and I want you to be my girlfriend."

Steve last sentences rang in my ear several times. Wow!, my wish before college has finally become a reality.

I'd soon be someone's girlfriend. Now Ann would stop teasing me about having a loveless life.

Loving at the fellow right in front of me, I studied his physical apprearance and features.

Of course, Steve is a cute rich guy, though I'm not after his money but with all I've seen lately, he's not a bad choice either but he's not what I want.

Waiting to get my response, Steve said again without getting none, "I'm sorry if this seem like a shock to you but I'd love you to think about it. I'm not expecting your response now but I'd really love you to give a positive response to my request".

"You did render me speechless Steve. Alright, I'd think about it", I said.

"Thank you Maya, I won't disappoint you", he said and we exchanged contacts just in case I was ready to give him a response.

Ann stood all the way with us watching the whole drama as it unfolded without making a sound.

"There's no need to walk us to the lecture room Steve", I said since he was starting to work side by side with us because we were heading to the same destination.

Scratching the back of his head, he replied; "alright ladies, see you in class", and he walked away, winking at me.

"Wooh, that was unexpected", Ann who has been silent all the way finally said.

Chuckling, I nodded my head, "but why were you silent?, you didn't say anything all the way", I queried.

"Hmm...", Ann sighed.

"... It's not that I didn't want to say anything Maya, I just wanted you to decide for yourself. At least you've seen someone so its now left to you to decide if you want to be an old maid or not", Ann said and I finally understood the reason behind her silence.

"Yeah, you're right", I said.

"So what's it gonna be now Maya?, will you date him or not?", Ann asked, winking.

"I don't know yet baby but I'll think about it".

"Poor boy...", Ann said laughing.

TWO DAYS LATER....

"Babe you have a call", I heard Ann call from the kitchen. "I'm coming", I replied from the living room. I could also hear my phone ring from here and I wonder who would be calling by 7:00am Wednesday morning.

Its a good thing today is lecture free for I and Ann. Before getting to the kitchen where I dropped it while assisting and to prepare breakfast, the ringing had stopped.

Unlocking my phone, I saw whose call I missed. "Who called ?", Ann asked.

"Steve", I replied dialing his line.

"Hello Maya", I heard Steve called from the other line.

"Hi Steve, i missed your call. I hope all is well?", I asked.

"All is well Maya, I'm just starting to get anxious because Its been over three days since I asked you out but you haven't given me an answer yet", i heard jim say from the other line and I sighed.

"Hmm, I'm sorry about that Steve, I haven't had time to think about it because i've been busy. This is why i asked you to give me a week Steve". I replied.

"No problem Maya, I'm willing to wait but do you have time today?, I want us to hang out. Everywhere seems kind of boring here, your friend can also come along".

Hearing him this, I looked at Ann for an answer since she can also hear him because the phone was on speaker.

"Yes, tell him yes", Ann whispered and gestured by nodding her head. Looking at her, I rolled my eyes...

...she must be really happy she's finally going out with someone apart from me; I thought.

"Hello...? Maya...?", I heard Steve called again from the other side of the call.

"Pardon my manners Steve, we're free today of course. You can come pick us at one", I said and we chatted for sometime before hanging up the call.

"So, yes it is....", Ann asked referring to Steve's proposal.

"I still need sometime Ann", I replied.

"C'mon Maya, this is all you've been saying whenever it comes to relationship. You've never even gone on a second date with your blind dates because you've been busy looking for someone who can make your heart palpitate or skip a beat", Ann nagged.

"Stop the nag Ann, I just haven't seen someone I want yet".

"That someone my friend is in the imaginary world. Your imaginary world Maya", Ann said, pointing to me.

"Are you now starting to get upset over my love life...?", I asked, taking the cocktail to the dinning room.

"Yes Maya, I'm starting to get worried over you, I don't want you dying an old maid because its me Aunty is going to put the blame on. Remember we're friends and friends needs to tell themselves the truth. I'm just watching out for you baby", Ann said and I felt touched.

I suddenly hugged her.

"Thanks baby, that's why I love you".

"Well, I do love you more", Ann said and I chuckled.

"Think about it Maya, I'm not pressurizing you, i just want you to have a good thought and concluded based on what your heart tells you rather than waiting for an imaginary man".

"I understand Ann and I'll give a good thought. Moreover, Steve has been a nice guy and I haven't seen anything bad or heard anything bad about him in the whole campus".

"You see, now you can admit he's a good guy. That's why you need to give it good thought Maya", Ann said and we went into the dinning to eat our simple breakfast made by Chef Ann.

* * *

FEW HOURS LATER...

Today has been so stressful yet fun...

Maya thought lying down on her bed and reminiscing about how her day went.

Steve is really a sweet and nice guy; she thought again, laughing and giggling to herself.

She took her phone and stared on the one pic she has been staring on since she got back home.

The picture consist of she and Steve. They were smiling brighthly in the picture because Steve suddenly smudged a cotton candy on her face.

Steve took Maya and Ann to an amusement park and after that enjoyed their day by touring to the places they haven't been to in town.

Still having a bright smile on her face, Maya drifted to sleep.

THE FOLLOWING MORNING...

"Annabelle my love, good morning to you", Maya greeted rushing down the stairs.

"Watch your steps Maya and good morning to you too", Ann replied.

"What's for breakfast this morning?", Maya asked the maid still smiling.

"Waffles ma'am, waffles, cheese croissant, orange and apple juice", the maid answered placing the breakfasts on the table.

"And what's the occasion for the smile this morning Amaya", Ann asked noticing the smile on her friend's face.

"I've finally decided to date Steve Ann", Maya announced giggling.

"Wow, that's nice. I'm happy for you Maya. Steve is really intelligent and I really applaud his intelligence. He sure knows how to elevate things to his benefit", Ann commented and congratulated Maya.

"Just that...", Maya said and pursed, the smile on her face suddenly disappearing.

"That...?", Ann asked, with a worried look.

"I don't want you lonely Ann, there's a high probability that I and Steve would have to go on dates a lot thereby leaving you behind. I won't want you sad and lonely baby", Maya said.

"I can't deprive you of your happiness Maya and I would never do that. Be happy and live life to the fullest baby. You Only Live Once remember...?", Ann said, placing a hand on Maya's and giving her an assuring smile.

"Thanks baby, you're the best", Maya said hugging Ann.

"I'll inform Steve of my decision tomorrow", Maya said and Ann nodded.

THE NEXT DAY....

Maya called Steve the next day to break the news to him.

"What...?, I can't believe this Maya, please don't joke with me if this is a joke", Steve said, happiness could be heard in his voice.

He has loved Maya since he met her, to him, it was love at first sight. Though it took him a semester to admit his love to her and ask her out, words can't explain how happy and joyous he is to finally date the girl of his dreams.

"Thank you Maya, thank you for accepting me, thank you for deciding to be my girlfriend. I won't let you down Maya, I promise", Steve said excitedly.

"You're welcome Steve", Maya said, chuckling.

"First date tomorrow night Maya, just to celebrate this day. Today is the 8th of August, a day to always remember that the beautiful lady I asked out finally said yes!", Steve said, laughing.

The joy in him knew no bound. "Alright Steve, I'll be looking forward to it", Maya said and they hanged up.

"I'm happy for you baby", Ann said, congratulating her friend again.

"Thanks Ann, thanks for been there all the way, you're not just a friend but a sister, you're my family. Thank you", Maya said and they both hugged, each of them feeling sentimental.

Maya called her mom and told her mom about the new changes occuring in her life.

"I'm happy for you princess, I hope he's the one this time around", her mom teased.

"Mom...", Maya called with a frown.

"What...?, I'm just stating the obvious. Moreover, you still have a long way to go but that is not a problem at all. All I'm after is your happiness Maya, I just want you to be happy and have fun. I hope he's the perfect person for that", Victoria said.

"He's doing great for now mom, I also hope too", Maya replied.