Project: LOVE [Chapter 8 - Edited]

“So,” I whistled, looking at him from the corner of my eye. “What kind of flowers are they selling at the greenhouse?”

“I’m not sure. I just heard they were,” he said as he sipped his drink. “We’ll find out soon.”

“I guess so.”

It didn’t take long for us to reach the greenhouse. We walked on a cobble stone path, which was sandwiched between flower bushes, to the glass door. Miguel pushed it open, allowed me to enter first, and followed soon after. I surveyed the area, surprised to find it looking like a mini park inside. There were benches placed all around at different parts, as the greenhouse itself was huge, and a koi pond sat at the center. Butterflies were fluttering about, resting their wings as they landed on flowers and leaves.

“It’s beautiful here, Miguel,” I turned around to face him. “It really gives off a calming vibe. Do you want to look around together?”

He pointed to the left side of the room. “Okay, but can I check at what’s over there first? You can go around by yourself for now. I’ll find you afterwards.”

I stared at him, a little shocked. “I can go with you.”

“N-no,” he gave a shy smile. “It’s fine. Go ahead. I promise I’ll be quick.”

Huh? Aren’t people on dates supposed to do things together?

…wait a minute – what am I thinking? This isn’t a real date! Come on, Lara.

“Uhm, okay,” I glanced to the right where most of the butterflies were. “I’ll just be there.”

He nodded and we both began to walk our separate ways.

Well, this is a bit different from what I thought it’d be like.

I lifted my finger and a blue Morpho sat on it. Its color reminded me of the sky. I bent down and let the small insect move over to a fully bloomed flower. It flapped its wings lightly. Now, as I watched the Morpho rest, something else caught my attention. That was the blossom on which it rested on – a red rose. It looked so fragile, yet so beautiful. I cradled one of its petals with my fingers.

“I’ll give you one next year!” I remembered Liam say as we strolled around. It was that time of the year when students held a flower sale inside the campus. We watched as fellow undergraduates delivered flowers from one person to the next, almost as if they never grew tired. From what we knew, should a customer request them to, a person from the booth would send their gift and message for them, in case they were shy to do so personally.

“Hmph, don’t say things you’d forget later on.” I told him, but in my heart, I was hoping he’d do as he said he would. The thought of receiving something from him during romance driven events made my heart beat quickly.

“I promise, I will. I’ll give it to you personally too, so just you wait.”

“We’ll see. A free lunch says that you’d forget all about it.”

At that moment, I really thought he’d treat me whatever food I wanted, because I knew things like those tended to drift away from his mind. I was wrong. The next year came and he did give me one as we were headed to class. I couldn’t forget that smug look on his face as he handed it to me. My cheeks felt like they were burning the moment I accepted his gift.

“I told you I’d give you one. Are you surprised? You didn’t forget that you’d treat me lunch, did you?”

I was at a loss for words as I stared at it. He gave me a long stemmed, dark red rose. I was glad – very glad, that he stuck to his promise. Now, however, I wish he didn’t. What was once a fond memory turned to one of the saddest ones I have yet.

“Lara?”

My thoughts snapped back to the present. I realized I must have been bent over for a while, for not only were my limbs starting to get numb, but the butterfly that was once in front of me was gone – and I didn’t even notice it leave. I turned around to face Miguel, but instead of him as the first thing my eyes landed upon, it was what he held between us. A yellow rose. I stared at it.

“I bought it from the stall they set up. I wanted to give it to you,” he smiled, waiting for me to take it. “I hope you accept it.”

Slowly, I brought my hands forward and gently took it from him. I studied its appearance. It was fully bloomed – it reminded me a bit of a child’s biggest smile, since the color was cheery. I sniffed its fragrant smell. Miguel extended his hand and I grabbed on to it. He helped me up.

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

Part of me found it ironic how the two close friends gave me the same kind of flower; however, I still felt different towards both presents. If Liam’s rose made my mind wander towards mysterious and nerve-wracking places, as his actions made me unsure of how he felt, Miguel’s was like the gentle sunlight that peeks into my room, which helps brighten up my day.

“I… really needed it.” I said, looking away. I felt a bit shy as I knew my ears were starting to get hot, but that moment, Miguel gave me the distraction I needed to keep my head in the right place.

“Uh, well… I wanted to tell you something,” he said. “So, can you look at me?”

Tell me something?

I turned my head to face him. He looked at me seriously, but with some sort of tenderness behind his eyes.

“I wanted to say thank you, Lara.”

I stared at him. What was he saying thank you for?

“I know you didn’t really want to do this, but you gave it a go, and I appreciate that you did,” he rubbed his cheek. “The truth is, I was happy when you said ‘okay’, because I want to get to know you, Lara.”

I squinted my eyes, trying to comprehend what he was telling me.

“You were always so mysterious. You kept blending yourself to the background and I wanted to know why. You must have your reasons and as nosy as it is… I want to understand. You really felt distant to me, and the only times I got to talk to you even for a little while was during events. I used to struggle with myself, thinking of the right ways to approach you, then this bonus came.”

He coughed. I didn’t stir from where I stood.

“Kasey and Oliver were pushing for both of us to be partners, and I realized that this could be my chance to learn a lot about you. I thought that if everything goes well, then we both have enough time to know and understand each other,” he fixed his gaze on the rose in my hands. “I’m sorry if it feels like you’re being forced. I’d understand if you’re going to shove this mascot business to them.”

…so, that’s why he was being serious.

I let all the things he confessed sink into my mind before I opened my mouth to speak.

“What are you talking about?”

His face dropped, as if he was defeated.

“The date’s not over yet. Do you want me to decide right now if I want to give these chances to Kasey and Oliver?”

He stared at me. I could see he was comprehending what I was saying.

“You want to get to know me, right? So don’t think of what my decision would be and focus,” I smiled, twirling the rose slowly. “The same goes for me. I’ve got to focus. I’ll try and get to know you during these moments we have, Miguel.”

He grinned. “That rose I gave you, it means friendship and the promise of a new beginning, right? So, here’s to a promise of a new friendship.”

I rolled my eyes. He did do his homework.

“To a new friendship.” I repeated.

********

Time passed quickly as we proceeded with our date. After what happened in the greenhouse, we kept asking each other slam book questions as we went around, to break the ice and know what we thought friends should know. Favorite color, favorite food – things like that. We laughed at some stories we told one another and cringed at others, like tales of stupid childhood acts. At times though, I couldn’t help but see that just like Oliver last Thursday, Miguel kept looking at his phone. He wasn’t as obvious as Oliver, but still, I noticed – I shrugged it off anyway.

It was night when we finished going through the garden light show. The staff made the area look amazing, making some flowers seem as if they were emitting light. The ponds mixed the different colors beautifully, at times even seeming to reflect starlight, though all it was really were just the small bulbs scattered around. We were at the end of the wooden bridge when I faced Miguel.

“I’m really glad you took me out here today, Miguel. Everything looks so wonderful: the flowers, the light,” I smiled. “Should we go to the open-air theatre now? I think the concert is starting soon.”

“Actually, I was thinking that we eat dinner.”

“To the food courts then?” I started walking when he put his hand on my shoulder.

“No, not there again,” his eyes wandered to a spot on the large lawn next to us. “Just here.”

I followed his sight and chuckled at what I saw. On the lawn, which was surrounded by trees and shrubs decorated with lanterns and fairy lights, was a backpack.

“Hm, lucky that we just so happened to stroll by a picnic,” I rolled my eyes, making myself sound even more sarcastic. “Too bad for the folks who left it.”

Miguel chuckled as he saw me smirk. As we walked on the grass, making our way to the treats, I kept my eyes on the bushes. It made sense to me now, what the trio were supposed to do that day I spotted them. No way could Miguel have safely set this dinner up by himself. Not only was there the threat that someone would steal the bag, but there was also the chance that it could have suddenly rained and drenched the food. Besides, the only time he was away from me was when he bought the rose. He needed to have help to pull off this surprise.

Kasey and Oliver must be hiding around here somewhere. Had they been spying on us this whole time?

I found it almost funny, despite the possible intrusion of privacy. I wondered what else he asked their help on. They did a good job hiding too, should they have been watching us.

When we reached the bag, Miguel opened it, took a blanket, and spread it out. We sat down and I stretched my arms.

“What’s for dinner? What did they,” I snickered. “I mean, you, cook?”

I don’t recognize the design. It must be Oliver’s.

He chuckled and turned his attention to the contents inside. I touched the containers which he began to take out one by one. As expected, the food was warm. It must have been cooked recently, minutes ago while we were going around maybe.

“There’s some chicken, potato salad, sandwiches, and caramel bars,” Miguel listed as he handed me a plate with the utensils placed on top. “There’s also ketchup and gravy.”

They worked hard with the cooking, didn’t they? Did they make enough for themselves too?

“I guess we better hurry, so that we can make it to the concert on time.” I said, taking the breast part and scooping some gravy.

“Don’t worry about that,” he smiled, bringing a serving of salad to his mouth. “I think you’ll like this spot just fine.”

I raised my brows then heard some distant sound. Gradually, it became louder – not as if it was near. It was just loud enough to enjoy. I realized then that it was the music playing at the concert.

So, there’s a reason they chose this lawn.

“Smart.” I chuckled. Miguel waggled his eyebrows.

“I told you that you’d like this spot.”

As the night continued with us talking, eating, and listening to music, Miguel and I found out a bit more about each other, things that slam book questions couldn’t cover. He told me the story of his first pet and he listened as I shared my elementary school experiences. That way, I hoped, the distance he felt between us would close in, even by just a little. I was honestly surprised when he spilled the beans. Still, as farfetched as it was in my mind, as I didn’t think anyone would say things like that to me, it made me feel happy.

Now seems like a good time.

“Miguel, you were with Kasey last Thursday, right? Did she tell you… anything about me?” I asked, keeping my eyes on the potato salad I was eating. “Things she could be mad at me for?”

“No, not that I recall,” he said as he drank some soda.

“I see.”

I know now that they were preparing for the date, but still, was that really the reason she gave me the cold shoulder? Isn’t there something else?

“Lara?”

“Y-yes?” I blinked, setting my gaze on him.

“You look troubled by –“

Before he could finish his sentence, a bright light decorated the sky. As we looked up, multiple streams of smoke flew and burst into different shapes, turning the rather dark canvas above into a bright masterpiece. I stared at it, enthralled by the fireworks, until Miguel called my attention once again. When I looked at him, he had a thin, rectangular box in his hands. It was wrapped in fancy looking paper.

“It’s a gift for you.” He smiled, sliding it to my side.

“But you already gave me something,” I showed him the yellow rose I kept beside me. “Aren’t you spending a lot? You paid for snacks and drinks too.”

“No, it isn’t a lot. I prepared money for today. Take it. I wouldn’t know what to do with it otherwise.”

After a moment’s hesitation, I took the box and opened it. I was surprised with what was inside.

“Kasey told us what happened the other day – from the prank to the grocery incident. She also showed us pictures of you in her clothes, and… well, she helped me pick that out.”

Inside was the same kind of hair stick Kasey and I used to keep my hair up. The only difference was that instead of the flowers being blue, they were white.

“You looked really nice, Lara – not that you don’t look good right now! Oliver and I just wished we saw it with our own eyes,” he gave me a faint smile.

What is up with all this…? They really prepared well.

“Well, I can’t really do much about that now, since I’m not wearing her clothes,” I started, taking out the hair stick from its box and placing it on my lap. “But I can try.”

I was wearing a sleeveless chambray shirt, skinny jeans with the bottom folded up until about the middle of my calves, and beige topsiders. It was way different from the formal get-up I wore before, but he gave me a part of my outfit that day. I could at least try.

I removed my hair tie, as I had my hair in a ponytail, and styled it in a bun, fixing it in place using the gift he gave me.

“It isn’t much, but at least you can see how I wore my hair.”

He was silent for a while and I looked back up at the sky. The fireworks still hadn’t stopped.

“You look good, Lara.” I heard him murmur. I turned my attention back to him again.

“Thank you.”

As we remained quiet, enjoying the music and fireworks show, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I took it out and checked the screen. I had a message from Kasey.

Kasey?

I quickly opened it and read.

What the…

Miguel stared at me as I laughed uncontrollably. He didn’t understand what caused me so much amusement and I didn’t tell him why either. It might have been funny for me, but it could be embarrassing for him. I slid the phone back into my pocket and shook my head as he questioned more on what all that was about. I didn’t think it was the apt time to say it.

Way to go, Kase.

“Hey, come on. Tell me!” He continued, egging me on for details. It made me laugh some more.

“No! Not tonight, anyway. All in good time, Miguel, and tonight isn’t that time,” I brushed away a tear that formed in my eye. “Oh man… I can’t believe it. Pfft.”

Miguel scrunched his eyebrows. I couldn’t blame him. I must have looked pretty silly because I couldn’t stop.

“Oh come on, stop looking. You’re making me feel weird,” I playfully pushed his head to turn his gaze away. “Just give me a few minutes.”

From the corner of my eye, despite both of us looking back up the sky, I could see him steal glances at me. I didn’t know why, but maybe it was the hair stick. We remained quiet after my fit, watching the fireworks continue their show, and waiting for them to die down. I felt the night breeze brush past us and the flowers dangling on my hair dance, following the wind’s lead.

We were quiet, but I knew – I knew that we both enjoyed each other’s company.

********

We were in front of my house when Miguel stopped the car so that we could get out. We left the botanical gardens moments ago, a few minutes after dinner. There wasn’t much that we could do there after eating except watch the concert. He asked me if I still wanted to see it, and I shook my head. I told him that we didn’t need to, since I heard the music just fine from when we were at the lawn.

There is a few other reasons though.

I chuckled and turned to face him. “I know I said it a lot today, but thanks. I had a great time.”

“You’re welcome. Do you want me to walk you to the door?”

“No, just here is fine,” I smiled. “Oh, tell your cohorts I said thank you as well. Tell them to be more careful next time too.”

“Next time?” He stared at me. I grinned.

“Looks like we have more time to spend together like this. You, sir, passed the screening.”

I saw a hint of a smile begin to crawl up his lips. I couldn’t help but raise my fist. He looked at me confusedly.

Well, this is awkward.

I gazed at the car hood, then back to him. “Uhm, good night?”

I spotted some sort of sparkle in his eyes as he raised his fist too and bumped mine.

“Good night.”

I saw him off, watching him drive away until I couldn’t any hint of his car on my street. That’s when I turned around, made my way to the door, and entered the house.

“Nate? What the heck are you doing by the window?” I blinked, staring at my brother as he slowly clapped.

“Ten over ten, little sister. You gave him a fist bump instead of a good night kiss. I’m proud of you! Let him keep dreaming.”

“What – why were you even spying on us,” I asked, locking the door behind me. “And of course I wouldn’t kiss him. I told you that we were just going out.”

“Just to make sure he wouldn’t try anything on you,” he snickered. “I guess there really is nothing between you two.”

I climbed up stairs. “What? You didn’t believe me? Well, whatever. Good night!”

“Good night, Lara.”

I entered my room, closed the door, took off my shoes, and placed it on the rack. I headed over to my desk and placed the rose on an empty spot, as I thought back on today until I noticed the video cam sitting there, near the monitor.

Should I…?

I picked up the camera and turned it on. It was fully charged. It wouldn’t hurt anyone.

I rotated the screen, focused it on me, and pressed record.

“Well, I just came back home from my…,” I paused. What should I call it? I thought about it for a while. “First unofficial date with Miguel.”

I felt weird saying that, but I didn’t think there was any other way to address it.

“It was a nice surprise, to be honest. He really managed to exceed my expectations. The guy put in lots of effort, and I’m grateful for that.”

I leaned back on my chair and wracked my brain for what else to say. My eyes landed on the rose. A faint smile lit up my face as I picked it up and held it in my free hand.

“And I guess… what really occurred to me today is that, no matter what sad thought enters my mind,” I played around with the rose. “There’d always be something. Something in whatever shape or form, which would touch me and make me happy.”

I stopped the recording and searched my room. There should be a vase somewhere.

After I found the vase, which was at the back of the bottom part of my closet, I cleaned it up and filled it with water. I put the rose in and carried it to my bedside drawer. I watched as it leaned on its glass vessel.

“You must have your reasons and as nosy as it is… I want to understand.”

Once I finished showering and putting on fresh clothes, I turned off the lights, preparing to go to sleep as I snuggled under the sheets.

“…because I want to get to know you, Lara.”