The Other Boy

Ria

I entered and was mesmerised is a second. The name is rightful, the interior does remind you of an ocean. The furniture, wallpaper, uniforms of the workers- all. 

I walk to the reception hoping cooperation. 

'God afternoon, ma'am.' The lady smiled.

'Afternoon to you too, madam. I'm here to look for someone. Actually- know about someone.'

'Yes?'

'Does someone name Patrick Kindle work here?'

'Why, yes. He is a good boy. What did he do?'

'Err, nothing. When does his shift end?'

'Around 6.' The lady gave me a look of suspicion.

'Ah! Well, we have a project from school, and he told me to find him after, so...'

'Oh, I see.' The suspicion left her face. 'Anything while you wait?'

'A cup of strong coffee please. Dark.'

'Take a seat.'

I sat for the next hour The coffee was strong, but I was dozing anyways. Then after some time I actually fell asleep. 

I woke up to a pair of cold hands. I got up to see the owner and to my surprise it was Patrick Kindle. I cleared my throat loudly as he frowned and sat before me. 

'Good....evening, Patrick.' I look outside to confirm the time before greeting him. 'Are you ok? I hope I didn't disturb-.'

'You are Maria, right?' He spoke for the first time.

My entire body twitched as I heard his voice. It was so hot unintentionally. His messy blonde hair and teal eyes stared deep into my soul. Part of me wanted to kiss him, but part of me stopped me.

'Yeah. I go by Ria. Also, I don't remember telling the receptionist my name.' 

He looked down for a second. Then bolted his head on my face. 

'Mom talks a lot about you.' He looked at the wallpaper. 'And she doesn't usually stop.'

'I'm- sorry, Patrick. I didn't realize I was causing you pressure.' Gushes of guilt leave my mouth.

'That's not what she says- nevermind.'

'Huh? Uh? Ok...'

He laughed. Pure laughter. It was so gorgeous I got lost.

'I don't care a thing she say, my mom. I used to try, but I've given up for good. It was never enough.'

'It's easy to be obsessed with numbers, but it isn't as easy to be happy with one.' A smile leaves my lips.

He stares at me again. This time with mixed emotions, it wasn't clear what he wanted. Either he was finding something to say or waiting for something for me to say. Either way, he breaks the silence. 

'What do you mean, Ria?'

He just said my first name. He just freaking call me Ria.

'Start over. This time with a purpose.'

'You came this far to tell me just that?'

'No. I came this far to make you believe in such possibilities.'

'Not sure you can call it possibilities anymore.'

'That's your imagination, boy.'

'You lack sense of reality, Ria.'

'I think you lack a spine, Patrick.' I say with a firm tone but quickly realize. 'Ofc- of course I didn't mean it that way...'

He stays silent. 'You have a point. Somehow.'

My face lights up with hope. 'That's why I'm here Patrick. To implement the spine back so you never have to hide again. From yourself.'

He gets up. I follow him.

'If it gets boring, you'll leave.'

'Yes King!' I hugged him tightly. 

Realization.

'Ye-ah. Yeah. Thanks! Let's go.' I quickly separate myself.

'Right now?'

'Yes sir. Lock the café. I'll wait upon.'

I smile as Patrick faces me after locking the key. He looks stuffed in his jacket. 

'You're not cold?'

'No.'

'Sure?'

'Positive ++.'

''kay.' He stuffed the key back into his jacket. 'Won't your parents worry? I mean it's dark already.'

'My dad can't care less.' 

'That must suck.'

'Not at all! I love the freedom.' I laugh. 'I was gone for four days, and he was unaware!'

He gives me a look of smirk. Not a smug smirk. Rather that's-what-it-is smirk smile. He makes an exhaling sound from his nose that somehow comforts me. His chuckle is so soft and adorable I can't deal with this man right now. And his aura. Oh. My. God. Too hot. Even the sun could not. 

'So where do we start?' He mystified his tone.

'Your least favourite subject?'

'There's plenty.' He squinches.

Even the squinch is hot. Oh, Lord save me.

'Life-death crisis. What'd you say?'

'Physics.'

'Hey!' I halted. 'That's an offense to astronomy!'

'You asked for it.'

We both laugh.

Kind of a heartful laugh it was.

How long since I've laughed like this? And with someone? Shit, I need a scientific calculator. Be right back...