I chuckle a bit, trying to relieve some of the tension. Diana believes in this stuff or else she wouldn’t be so determined to get me on board. What a pity! She thought I was special. And as much as I would love to support that notion, I know for sure that I am as ordinary as they come. Nothing special here. Just plain old Jane. I laugh at the thought of me with superpowers and the possibility of superpowers. Gosh, it will be so much fun. I laugh out loud when I finally respond to her, I said
“Sure, sure. You know what? Maybe, I will. One day.”
As I was talking, my bus came through and parked by the stand. I say goodbye to Diana and climb onto the bus.
What a strange conversation I just had. Weird things are happening in this city.
Chapter 7
I sit on the edge of the bed with nail polish in my hand. I had taken my bath an hour ago and after applying my light but deliberately makeup, I still have some time to kill before Mark picks me up for their first date. Gosh, I am so excited. I can’t even hide how giddy I am with joy. Is this what Cinderella felt like when she was on her way to the ball to meet the prince? How Rapunzel felt when she heard the voice of her knight in shining armor for the first time. I wiggled my toes as I started painting it with my favorite nail polish color, baby pink.
My phone beeped and I smile as I see a message from mark. We have been texting for the past two days and it has been fun. He is even funnier and more interesting than I thought. I couldn’t get enough of him. He told me about his crazy escapades with his sister when they were young. And how he learned how to drive even before her and never let her live it down. I can’t wait till we become an official couple and I become a part of his amazing life and his family. A normal family. I miss being part of something. Being important to someone. Loving and being loved in return. I knew I would end up being with someone I deeply love but the death of my father made me realize how alone I was and have been. I deserve to be happy and not living like a broke and lonely 21-year-old in a city of Boston.
I picked the phone and saw a text from him checking in. I gave a watery smile. He did this. Always checking up on you. He texted like he was scared I would stand him up or something.
Just checking in to see if the date is still on. I can’t wait to see you ….
“And I can’t wait to see you too,” I reply to him. “See you in twenty minutes,” I added
I giggled when he sent me a GIF of a kid dancing with excitement. Now, I couldn’t wait to get into my pretty dress. A few minutes later, I am standing in front of my mirror, turning nervously trying to take in how I look from separate angles. I chose a soft cotton burgundy colored dress with lace edges at the arms and neck. I had splurged on it last year in a moment of momentary craziness while at the mall. So even though I berated myself for making such a reckless decision and wasting money that I did not even have to buy an outfit that I don’t even have anywhere to wear it to. Today, as I run my palm through the smooth body-fitting curves, I know I made the right decision to get this dress. It will certainly send my message to Mark, loud and clear. I chose to pair it with some casual boots that I have observed seems to be the culture of everyone here in Boston. Girl’s gotta fit in. And we are probably going to be walking too, well more like taking a stroll through some blocks hopefully. So, it only logical that I am wearing footwear that is going to allow me to walk in comfort. I completed the outfit with my brown leather jacket. I looked at the final look and nodded my head. Yup! Good to go. I stepped out of the room, quickly readjust my throw pillows on the sofa and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. I drank from it and put it back.
‘Time to go, Jane. Don’t be nervous’, I say to myself trying to calm my nerves. Here I was already looking so flustered before going out with someone I liked for the first time.
I lock my door some minutes later and take the elevator to the ground floor. I stepped out into the cool afternoon breeze and made the short walk to the bus station. We had agreed to meet near the library and see how it goes from there. Just going to let the moment decide for us and stuff. Even that made it more intriguing and interesting. The date had not even started yet, but I was already having fun thinking about it and how memorable it will be. Dude even put my bus schedule into consideration. This right here is a keeper. The bus came and I got on it. I shoot him a text to let him know I will be there soon and he replied that he was already there waiting for me. That brought a sweet smile to my face as I tapped my feet lightly in anticipation. It felt like it took the bus hours to get to where I was going when in fact, the trip did not even take up to ten minutes.
I got off the bus and there he was. He stood there looking so handsome and composed. The doctor-to-be brought his A-game with a white button-down shirt, black jean and white sneakers. I start the flutter in my stomach. I could hear my own heart beating so loudly in my chest. Wow! I am doing this. Out on a date with a guy, I am attracted to and like. All I just had to do now is to train my brain to cooperate, so I don’t fall on my face and embarrass myself.
“Hi” He waved and walked towards me.
I return the greeting with a smile and “Hey”
“You look so stunning. It feels like I am seeing a whole different person.”
“And is that a bad thing?” I ask not sure what he meant with that comment. Did he not like my outfit? Is it too clingy? Or Is my make up a bit too much” I was going for subdued nude and it seemed liked it worked well.
“No no-no. You look stunning. Gorgeous, Jane. I just like that I can see in another element and still be blown away. You look incredible, by the way. I’m sorry if I said a wrong.” He must have added that last part because he is not sure whether I am pissed by his earlier comment. I decided to put his mind at ease. This is not a great way to start a date.
“No, you did not say anything wrong. I just wanted to understand what you meant.” I gave a cheeky smile and added. “And a girl should be unpredictable. Changing looks and confusing you guys is one of the greatest pleasures of being a girl.” I poked his chest jokingly.
“So, I was thinking we could just start walking from here and just talk. When we get hungry, we would just find a great spot and pick something up. Is that good?”
“Yeah. I would love that.”
We walked in silence for a while. A companionable silence. At that moment I felt everything. The scent of his aftershave. A musky dry scent that I smelt whenever he moved his head. There was something about him. His face glazed over when he looked at me. I could feel like he wanted to ask some questions, but he probably did not know how. I liked having him beside me. We moved into a nice rhythm. He must have slowed down his pace to match mine. Our bodies were so in tune with each other. It took all my self-control not to pull him down and kiss him right there. Well, I couldn’t do that. Not yet, anyway. The best way out of this is to talk.
“So, tell me, have you decided?”
“On what?”
“What area you want to specialize in.”
“Oh, Yeah, I think I am now more confused than I was two days ago.”
I chuckled at his lost tone and adorable look of confusion.
“Okay. How about this? What made you choose this path in the first place? Why med school?”
He became silent for a while then he just stopped walking abruptly. Then he said in a low tone.
“When I was ten, my dad got sick. He always had a larger-than-life personality. I thought he was a superman. I mean, a real-life hero. He could do anything, fix everything, give great advice, teach you the rudiments of baseball…” His voice drifted away. I could see that he was lost in thought. There seem to be a wealth of beautiful memories there. Just ten years old and he already had more than enough memories to live by. I let him be. Even though I was super curious about his father, I did not push. I know he would continue when he is ready. And he finally did.
“He was amazing. You know back then, his relationship with my mom, was epic to me. They were almost always holding hands. They un
consciously reach out for each other and hold hands. They were life partners. My father and my mother. This love between them just naturally trickled down to us. I used to watch them have conversations with each other with just their eyes and body language. Which is why… which is why when he died, it nearly broke us. We did not understand. After three months of running several tests which turned out to be a waste of time, a resident that suggested we go to a neurosurgeon where they found a tumor in his brain. But it was too late. There was nothing they could do about it. His tumor was not treatable and could not even be surgically removed anymore. So… he died. If we had caught it early, he might still have lived to be here.”
He picked up the pace again and started walking.
“That was when I knew I was going to be a doctor. Cancer tears families apart. My biggest dream is to find a cure for cancer and cure people so that nobody has to die and leave their loved ones with just memories. Everyone deserves a chance to be happy for as long as they want to.”
“Wow. That’s amazing. And I think you have your answer. Even if you don’t want to go into research and biotech, you could still specialize in oncology. Cancer saps the joy and hope of not just the patients but from also friends and family. And if they can have someone as caring and selfless as you in their corner helping them through the journey, it would make a huge difference. Trust me, I know.”
He reached out to squeeze my hand. “I’m sorry. I know your dad died recently and this all must be painful for you talk about.”
“Hey, I’m fine. I mean, you’re right. It is not easy to talk about, but I am learning to understand that he lived, and he loved me. That is all that matters. I will never forget that. He will continue to live in my heart.” I squeezed his hand back to reassure that I am fine.” And why did you not tell me about your dad’s cancer?”
“It happened years ago. I don’t even really remember a lot about him. I just knew the disease that took him away from us. Plus, my grief is not as recent and painful as yours. I wanted to be there for you and just listen.” He smiled into my eyes. “You are so strong. Pulling it all together. Moving into a new town on your own. Braving the city of Boston.”
I laugh. “Yeah, yeah, I am all that.” I gave a mock curtsey and almost fall on my face if Mark had not reached out to steady me. We end up laughing at my silly attempt.
“For real though, you are doing great,” Mark commented again.
I sigh. “I wish it was that easy. You know, just about me working to pay my rent while figuring out what to do with the rest of my life but it is not that simple. I still a huge student loan to pay and the thought of it scares me every day. I this point, I just need to eat beans and live in a tent for about ten years before I can pay off those loans. Like it's just hanging right on my shoulder. “
“I know the feeling. My mom cannot afford med school, so I had to go on bank loans. I am also accumulating loans right now and the payoff system is crazy, but I have no choice. I am going to pay it off when I start practicing.”
“You know I think that is the most painful part of it. I have all this money to pay back for a degree I did not even get. It’s crazy.”
“Please, don’t take any offense but can’t your mom help out? Since its just you guys now.”
I snorted. “Nah. My relationship with my mom is strained. The past year I was with her just seemed to be more damage to our already damaged relationship. And even if I do swallow my pride and try to ask, she doesn’t have anything to give. She’s barely surviving on her own.”
“That’s…”
“Crazy, right?” I suggest.
“Definitely.” He affirms and we both burst out laughing.
“How about we drown our sorrows in good food?” He offered.
“What are you suggesting?”
“World best Tacos. I know a place. It’s not far from here.” He winked at me. His eyes twinkling at me. At this point, even if I was allergic to tacos, I would gladly follow him with that deadly grin he had on his pretty smile directed at me. “So, what do you say? Are your taste buds up for a challenge?”
“Yep. Let’s do this.” And then he did the most adorable thing. He took my hand in his and we walked down the block together. I was smiling contently when we got to the taco spot. He ordered for us and when I reached for my purse to pay for mine, he shook his head.
‘Please, my treat. Repay me with the look of absolute joy on your face when you take a bite of this.” He hands me my taco and pulls out his phone from his pocket to make a video.
“Okay go ahead. Take a bite. I have to record this. I will record it in your folder on firsts in Boston.”
I chuckled. His energy is infectious. “Okay. Might as well do this in style.” I pull my hair behind my ears dramatically. Then he reached out and gently pushes them behind my ears for me. The moment everything froze. It felt like we were the only ones in the world. The way he looked into my eyes made me go hot all over. His hand lingered on my hair and soon he was caressing it. I could have sworn he was going to kiss me. But then he held back.
“You have a very lovely face, Jane. I can almost forget to breathe just to stare at it all day.” His voice was like a whisper sending shivers down my thighs. I starting to get turned on, so I had to break the eye contact before I do something I am not proud of.
“Why, thank you. And you have a lovely face as well.” He laughed out when I returned the compliment with a wink and sly grin. “So, we are doing this or what?” I raised the taco.
He finally drew back and raised his hands. “Whenever you’re ready, missy. Your taste buds are going to be so grateful.”
I rolled my eyes and finally took a bite. I don’t know what I was expecting but it was not what I tasted. This Taco is… soo good. He was right. I even forgot Mark had a phone up when I closed my eyes to savor the exquisite taste.
“I know, right,” Mark said with a satisfactory grin on his face.
I could only nod in response. “hmm hmmm” pointing at the taco. “Hmm mmm.”
“I know the feeling. Let’s grab a seat, Jane.”
We locate a free seat and sit to eat the best taco I have ever had in my life.
“So, how did you find this place?” I asked.
He chuckled. “I am from here, you know.”
I raised my eyebrows in question.
“Okay, fine. I used to come here with my friend, Nate, back in high school when his uncle owned it. But he sold it some few years back and don’t tell Nate this, but this new owner makes even better tacos. So, that why years later, I still love it here.”
“It is really good. You are right.”
He polished off the last bite of his taco and rubbed his hands. “Don’t worry. Just stick with me and I will show the best part of Boston that doesn’t make it to the maps. So, are you in the mood for some ice cream?”
“Are they World best?”
“I will let you be the judge of that.” Mark stood up and stretched his hand for me to take. I could get used to this. I took his hand and we walked across the road while I talked about my favorite movies.
“I don’t have that much time to catch movies as I would like. Med school is tough. But we could take some time to catch a movie this or next week. If you are free, I mean.”
“Are you asking me out on a second date?” I said with the corners of my mouth pulling into a smile as he realized that he was already assuming I would like to hang with him again.
“That’s if you want. If you don’t, I… I would completely understand.” All-day I have seen him in varying states of emotion but this look of vulnerability in his eyes when he asked if I wanted to go on a movie date with him. It was so cute, I couldn’t resist.
“I’ll let you know.”
“Okay. That’s fair enough but since this date is not over yet, let’s get some ice cream.” He pointed at an ice cream shop just ahead.
“Sure.”
“And I didn’t know how to say this earlier but sometimes duri
ng my free time, I write papers for college students and get paid. I don’t have much but I know that living in Boston with your loans and your job is not easy. And...Err… I know its small, but I have a couple of hundred dollars saved up that I could, you know if you want just for these first few months. I will be happy to give you.”
I could see it was coming from a genuine place of concern for me. It was not like he had a lot, but he is still willing to help get settled. He knows that money cannot do much to pay off my loan but it’s the thought that matters and I don’t know why the gesture almost brought tears to my eyes.
“This is one of the sweetest things anyone has ever even offered to do for me. And I appreciate it. Really. But I must do this on my own. For my dad, you know. It would make him proud.”
“We all need help sometimes. I just want to be there for you.”
“And you are. I mean, today is the most fun I’ve had in years. And that’s all thanks to you.” I put my hand on his arm and smile. “Thank you so much for even offering. But I know you need that money too. I will be fine.”
“We won’t have to worry about money anymore. When I become a doctor, you would not have to worry about money for the rest of your life. I promise.” He was doing it again. Infusing me into his lie. To be honest, I love it. A future with him is exactly where I see myself.
“I have to be at work soon, let's grab that ice cream now or my sugar level might get violent.”
He raised his hands in surrender.
“Pull back the claws. Ice cream is coming right up.” He walked forward and pushed the door open for me to enter.
We spent the next ten minutes debating ice cream flavors before deciding on the most absurd combinations.
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