14: Tell Me How To Feel Like We Did
[Maya's POV]
I liked walking alone, with just my music as company. It gave me time to think through things.
I didn't go directly to the shops. I just aimlessly walked around for a bit, walking through a park then down a small alley with a cobblestone paving. Finally, I figured I might as well get done with what I came out for.
Before stepping in to the convenience store, I decided to pop into the music shop for a bit, maybe check out their ukuleles or something.
As I walked in, I heard someone giggling, and turned my head to see who was being annoying.
My heart dropped at the sight. I had to force myself to look away.
But as I walked towards the CD aisle, I couldn't help but turn back around.
Big mistake. Phil's gaze and mine connected, and the seconds until we turned away seemed to drag on and on.
I shook my head. I couldn't stay here. Hastily, I left the shop, picked up a few things to eat and hurried back home. I didn't need to see the two of them outside of school as well.
"I'm back!" I announced as I clicked the door shut behind me.
The three of them were in the living room, watching some tv show or the other.
"Nancy isn't home yet?" I inquired, sitting down across the room from Dan. Lizzy was sitting on the floor with Holly.
"Nope," he shook his head. "What did you get?"
I fished inside the bag and threw him a red, rectangular shaped box.
"Maltesers! Thanks!"
"Not a problem," I chuckled. "Lizzy, I grabbed whatever I could find for you."
I chucked the packet of Skittles at her and she grinned.
"And these are for Holly," I added, throwing gummy worms at her, too.
"Maya, she's five months old," Lizzy answered, giving me a look.
"So?"
"She's barely got teeth!"
"Well, she'll appreciate my lovely gummy worms when she actually does get teeth."
Dan and Lizzy rolled my head as I giggled.
"Can we watch Doctor Who?" I asked.
"No," came their answers.
"Soul Eater?"
"Not with Holly around."
"She won't even understand half of it! Okay then... How about Winnie The Pooh?"
They just stared at me, and I raised my hands in surrender. "Alright! Alright, I'm gonna go have these not-so-spicy chips in my room along with the Doctor. Don't mind me."
I went up to my bedroom and closed the door softly. I pulled off my jacket, dropping my phone in the process. I picked it up, and just as I was going to put it down on my cabinet, I noticed I had a new message.
From: Phil
Hey..
From: Maya
Uh, hey?
From: Phil
How are you?
From: Maya
Why are you messaging me?
From: Phil
I just want to talk. I miss talking to you.
I didn't answer. I didn't know what to say to him. I had a sarcastic answer to that but I didn't want to use it.
I sighed and sat down on my bed. I didn't want to face this right now.
So, I did what I do best. Started my computer, put on Doctor Who and decided to ignore the problem.
-----
But I couldn't stop thinking about the message. I wasn't going to answer. He wanted to talk. Just to talk. Nothing more. And I wasn't sure if I could limit myself to just that.
I shook my head and rolled my eyes. This was all so over-dramatic, like an old Bollywood movie. And trust me, I know what I'm talking about when I make that comparision.
“Screw it,” I mumbled, grabbing my phone and texting him a reply.
From: Maya
Yeah, I miss talking to you, too.
He replied in the following three minutes. Was he really so eager?
From: Phil
Can I talk to you face-to-face?
From: Maya
You're with that girl.
From: Phil
Heather? No, she left. So, is that a yes?
From: Maya
.. I suppose. Where do you want to meet?