Chapter 2

Chapter 2

“I knew you’d be flabbergasted!” Layla shrieked.

“Err… Flabbergasted is too strong a word, babe,” I uttered calmly.

“He may be older than I am, but we clicked instantly, Ami. He liked the same things as I do; music, food, places. Our favourite colour is the same, and we even have the same hobby. He may be forty-four, but he loves video games,” Layla spilt everything out animatedly.

“That is pretty interesting. You have had strings of admirers before, but this is the first time I see a glow in you,” I gazed at my cousin, eyes glinting.

“So, you do understand why Mama and Papa shouldn’t know about him?” Layla insisted.

“No, I absolutely believe they should know how you feel, honey. I will help you out. Once I’m there, let me talk to the both of them,” my tone emphasising.

“Wait, you’re gonna help me out?” Layla asked me with her widened eyes.

“Of course. What are sisters for, love,” I drawled.

“Oh babe, love you, love you, love you to bits!” she practically screamed at the screen.

“Yeah, yeah. I love you too, girl,” I gave her my killer smile. “Let me get some sleep first, all right. We’ll talk more once I’m in New York.”

“Okay. This makes me feel a whole lot better. I know Mama and Papa will listen to you. They always do, Queen,” Layla grinned.

“I hope they still do,” I muttered. “And, stop calling me that.”

“Hehe. Catch you later, babe. Drive safely, you hear. Love you!” Layla chirped.

“Love you more, girl,” I replied with a small smile.

I lay down in bed, thinking about my cousin, who now has a boyfriend. Gosh, she has always been the lucky one. Boys swarmed all over her because she’s a blue-eyed blonde with a body and height of a model. In comparison, I have always been a nerd with mousy brown hair and hazel eyes, not so tall with ample hips and bosom. It’s not like a generous hefty lady kinda body but still ample for a girl my age when I was in high school. Now, as I matured, my boobs were more prominent and my hips even more bountiful.

Undeniably, guys in college did try to get close to me, but only to look at me lustfully at the chest. Somehow, the moment I opened my mouth to have conversations with them, they started dispersing, as if it was a sin for me to have a brain that goes with my body. It’s not a guess, I might add, but a confession from one of the jocks. It was abnormal for me to be smart and yet, have a killer body, they said. That’s misogynistic for you. Ah well, maybe someday I will find someone who could have meaningful conversations with me without feeling threatened by my looks.

Early next morning, I continued my drive, and I drove for another few more hours before stopping for breakfast in one of the diners by the side of the highway. There were not many people, so the service was pretty quick. In my mind, I just wanted to get to Aurora as soon as possible so that I could take a break. No matter how fast I wanted to be there, I still drive within the speed limit. I guess it would be pointless if I get a speeding ticket, and I wouldn’t want to risk that.

At last, I finally arrived in Aurora after multiple stops at the gas station and restroom breaks. Layla was right. This charming village has captured my heart with its quaintness and historical buildings that line the shore. I didn’t see it as being over-populated. The community was just suitable for a place as lovely as its name. Behaving like a tourist as I was, I put on a ‘cruise’ mode and made a sweep of the town. The shop owners went about their daily businesses. Thriving, as a few were unloading packs of boxes, some were chatting on the pavement. Two older women with white hair, wispy, blown by the slight breeze, crossed the street while dragging the wheels on their shopping trolleys. They smiled at a young couple in their jogging suits and waved modestly, and the couple waved and smiled back.

A sturdy man with a slight limp was walking towards a bus stop, about to take a seat, squinting into the sun. The sound of children shrieking and laughing could be heard, mingled with the music that resonated from the shops. The slanted morning, almost afternoon light gave everything a hazy look as it passed through the moist air. A flight of swallows were flying and swooping, the scent of the lake crisp and fresh. Nice. Aurora looked like a nice place to live in.

Beyond the foot of a long driveway wound up to a low, white, cinder-block building with a poorly defined gravel parking area in front. It’s a cinema, but I felt it looked monumental. I decided to stop to see the interior; perhaps it doesn’t look so historical on the inside. I might watch a movie if there was time to spare, I thought. I parked my car and strode inside, only to find a building so spacious and modern. To my surprise, it looked exactly like any other cinemas you see in bigger cities, with at least five counters to buy tickets and a wide range of food stalls. A few couples loitered to see the movie ads scrolling from the board while discussing the suitable choice between them. Impressive set-up.

I used to be a frequent moviegoer but stopped after my parents’ tragedy. Then my eyes were glued to the board when I saw one of the films that happened to be my favourite; The Martian. I haven’t watched the movie, per se, but I have read the novel recommended by a friend from college. Even if you’re not a fan of astronomy, the book was an excellent read, and the plot was perfectly arranged. A must watch.

“Should I or shouldn’t I?” I contemplated, with my index finger in between my teeth.

“Whatever it is, I think you should,” a deep male voice reverberated behind me.

The voice was very soothing to the ear, making me feel all tingly inside, yet, I had not even turned around to see who it belonged to. Then, as I pivoted, our eyes momentarily locked, and I felt my breath swooshing.