CHAPTER TWENTY
ERIS
Back To The Future
†
“ORDER NUMBER SIX-ONE-four!” Mr. Wu shouted for the second time.
I jumped up to take the brown paper bag from him, slipping my mobile into my jean’s pocket while giving him an apologetic smile for not hearing him the first time.
“Thank you, Mr. Wu!” I smiled, his narrow eyes squinting as he returned my smile from the other side of the counter, flashing his yellow teeth.
“No problem, Xiao guniang” he said while bobbing his head up and down.
I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of guilt as I took the bag, the paper crinkling beneath my fingers. I knew full well that Kyle wouldn’t be happy with my meal choice, but he was out of town on business for a couple of days, so no need to reveal that little titbit at all.
“Good, you’re done! I got it!” Lisa shouted as she trotted towards me, waving the two take-away coffee cups in the air. “Nothing like a sweet Spanish latte with my bestie!” I took the thick paper cup from her, the contents warming my fingers.
Gosh, I missed Lisa and was grateful to spend some time with her again. I’ve now practically moved into Kyle’s place and didn’t see too much of her, only catching up here and there in passing mostly when making a quick stop at the dorm room to fetch some clothes.
“Now, Eris…” Lisa started, her voice bubbling with excitement. “Who is he?”
“Can’t you just wait till we’re back at the dorm?” I teased, having fun at her expense. Her excitement turned to faux irritation.
“Stop joking, Eris!” she giggled. “You promised me a tell-all and I cannot be patient anymore. Hell, you stripping the patients off the Pope here! Tell me who this man is! It’s been long enough!”
“Okay, okay! I’ll tell you,” I chuckled, taking a sip of coffee.
I started out telling her the whole story of how I knew Kyle since my early teens, about my teenage crush and how I thought that there was none other for me but him alone; how he moved away after he finished college and how crushed I was at the thought of never seeing him again. That summer was the longest and saddest summer I’ve ever had, having both Alex and Kyle move away at the same time. I felt so alone and scared, locking myself away in my room listening to sad music and took up writing dark poetry for most of the holiday.
“So you can imagine my surprise when I ran into him at BU of all places!”
I continued to tell her of the times we spent together, the amazing conversations we had and of his offer to help me with my assignment.
Lisa nearly spilled her coffee all over me as she grabbed me, giving me a warm hug once I finished telling her of what happened that dreadful night at the club; how he saved me from what could’ve been the worst night of my life, and how caring he was afterward.
“Oh, thank God for this man. Saving you like that! A real-life knight in shining armor!” she exclaimed dramatically, but I knew that she couldn’t be more sincere at showing her concern.
We were nearing the stairway leading up to our dorm room. I chatted away, telling her about the wonderful times we have spent together since that night. Of how he made me laugh, how silly we were together and what a great cook he was.
“Oh, okay. So the man clearly has some skills… and does his superior cooking skills extend all the way to the bedroom?” Lisa smirked, eyes flared and head tilted to the side.
I had to laugh. It just wouldn’t be Lisa if she skipped that question!
“It’s even better,” I chuckled, blushing. “And what’s more, he’s an excellent teacher!”
“Oh, you little hussy!” Lisa cried, we both laughed aloud at our own silliness.
“Do you have a pic so I can see what he looks like?”
“No need for that,” I said, looking at the confused expression on Lisa’s face. “You know him already. It’s Kyle Hampton. The guest Business Studies lecturer.”
She froze - her hand on the door handle.
“What! You mean Mr. Hottie! Oh, my God, Eris. No wonder you’re never home!” she squealed, as she flung around, her eyes almost as wide open as her mouth.
“I remember we saw him at the Pavement that one night as well before we even knew who he was…well, before I knew who he was. Why didn’t you say anything then?” she scowled, opening the door and stepping into our room.
I shrugged. “I don’t really now. I just didn’t think it would go anywhere and I didn’t even think I’d see him again. Anyway, he was with another woman, remember?” My answer seemed to satisfy.
We settled down on the floor between our beds and started eating, chatting and giggling as we went along, Lisa asking more questions while I answered.
“Well, my friend. I can see you are happy and in love. So… does he feel the same?” Lisa’s question threw me a little more than I’d have liked to admit.
Seeing my expression change at her asking, Lisa’s voice turned serious. “Eris, has he said anything to you at all whether he has feelings for you?”
“Well, if you’re asking me whether he’s declared his love for me… then no. I know that he is mad about me and extremely caring… God, he cannot keep his hands off me and we get along so well. So all of this has to count for something,” I explained, keeping my tone light and as matter-of-factually as possible.
Lisa stood up, reaching to put the half-eaten paperboard container on her desk before turning to look at me, her expression earnest as she crossed her arms in front of her chest.
“Look, Eris. You know that I love you dearly, and I am so happy and excited for you and Kyle. God, I can see how much you have changed… how extremely happy you are, more confident and there is no denying that he is clearly good for you. But…”
Oh no, there’s a BUT!
“But, I wouldn’t be a very good friend to you if I didn’t ask you whether you aren’t letting yourself fall a bit too hard too fast?” she paused before continuing. “Have you told him you’re in love with him at all?”
I didn’t feel like eating anymore either. I pushed the chopsticks into the remaining chow-mein before placing the box on the floor next to me. I stood up and flopped onto the side of my bed.
“No. I haven’t told him. Not yet, but I’m pretty sure that he has some idea that I do.”
“Well, honey. Just make sure that before you do say those words that he feels the same. And maybe you need to just be a little more cautious… don’t go making any grand declaration before he does, you know. Just take your time. I don’t want to see you hurt. Promise?”
“Yes,” I said in agreement, shaking my head slightly. “I promise.”
I knew Lisa was just a concerned friend, but she was right. I haven’t given much thought to where this relationship was going. We didn’t really discuss our future in that much detail as it just hadn’t come up yet. I’d finish college the end of the year and Kyle… well, he did mention that he was seriously thinking of settling down in Boston. Nothing was definite. We seem to just enjoy now and that seemed enough. Besides, we’ve only been together for a short time.
Lisa and I talked for a short while longer, me asking her questions this time, grateful to steer the conversation away from me and Kyle.
Did he love me? Was there a future for us or was this just something fleeting, happening in the moment? Was this all going to fade once the fog of the dream I was so happily living in cleared and reality set in?
I didn’t have the answer.