CATCHING FEELINGS.

Michael

We arrived fashionably late at the venue. As I parked at the lot, we both sat in silence. I don't know if it was because we were short of words, or we were just comfortable in each other's silence. During the drive, she asked about who I really am, inwardly. She says it's because she wants my opinion and not that of pesky journalists. Well she didn't exactly say pesky, but I'm glad she's willing to believe in my version of my story. Throughout my talking she only nodded and took down notes when necessary. I take it she really isn't the talkative type and is very much of a nerd. She talks only when necessary. Even after I finished, she sat quiet. Something I'm not use to with Molly.

When she evaded taking my hand back then, I don't know why but I felt a pang of hurt. Not that it's my first, or that I'm seeking for affection, but I felt sort of rejected. I guess she really was offended about my remark earlier. But what did I say? I said she's fine. Isn't that a positive remark? Truth is, she is breathtaking. When I met her the previous day, she was nothing like now. Everything she wore looked like the designer created that special piece for her alone. I'm sure she went through a lot of pain to look presentable before me and all I could manage to get out of my lips was a pathetic you're fine. I suppose she really is upset.

What do you care? Wake up man.

I barely know her and I already feel rejected when she refuses what I give to her or when she averts her gaze or don't look at me. This is getting crazier with time.

"I hope you can remember all what I said to you." I said.

"Yeah." she said not looking at me.

Why is she doing that?

"Are you .... ok?" I asked a little awkwardly.

"Yeah I'm fine. Why? do I look pale?" She asked worriedly as she touched her cheek.

"I don't know. You've been .... acting like you're uncomfortable." I said.

Shit! I almost asked her why she's avoiding my gaze.

She looked at my face without meeting my eyes and smiled looking away. Again. I could see a faint blush to her cheeks.

"You'll get used to it." she replied straightened her dress.

"Shall we go? We won't attend it in here right?" She said.

"Right." I replied.

I didn't even notice I had been staring at her for long. I stepped out of the car and moved fast to open the door for her. She smiled at my gesture as she moved leg to step out. The slit on her dress opened giving me a view of her thigh. I inhaled sharply at the sight of it hoping she had move faster so the slit can move back.

"Oh no! give me a minute my phone dropped down.” she said as she tried retrieving her phone with the slit wide open now as her right leg was out of the car.

Is this woman trying to drive me crazy?

I turned away because I don't think I could continue looking.

"I got it." She said holding the phone and stepping out of the car.

Thank goodness. I don't think I could bare it any more.

When she looked at me, she narrowed her eyes. God what's on my face now?

"Are you cold? You're flustered." she asked worried.

"Ehm no never mind I'm fine." I replied.

"Ok." she said without further questioning.

When I offered my hand this time, she took it without hesitation and we moved to the entrance hand in hand.

Once we got to the entrance we check in before entering. Sure enough many eyes turned on me once I got in, but this time I don't think it’s because of my presence but because of the living work of art I was holding in my hand. I could already see some men with hungry eyes as they devoured her in their minds. And that damn slit on her gown didn't help either.

Why did she have to wear this dress?

I saw Nate at one side of the room and proceeded to him - occasionally greeting some people on my way but having a firm grip on Aisha's arm. I don't know why but I had turn to develop this protective instinct when it comes to her.

Once I met Nate, I could finally loosen my hold. And of course, he was in the company of a new woman. One which is completely unfamiliar to me. And I saw his eyes glint with mischief as he looked at Aisha with a smirk on his face that I wanted to slap off. But I brushed it aside.

"Hey man." I said as we hugged and patted each other on the back.

"Hey bro. Man you never told me she was this beautiful." he said moving close to her. I don't know why but I felt somewhat possessive over her. However, I didn't want to show it because it was plain ridiculous.

"Hey. I'm Nathan. Please to meet you." he said taking her hand and placing a soft kiss on her knuckles as he rubbed circles and she smiled at his gesture. Or rather blushed. The flirt. "and you are... beautiful?" he asked, referring to her name.

"Aisha." she replied still with the smile on.

I needed to do a whole lot to earn a 2 seconds smile from her but, he. he just needs to do that and she's all smiles.

"Hmm please to meet you Aisha. You see my best friend here is very secretive. I thought we were far past that stage but it seems we're not." He replied glancing at me then back at her.

The lady behind Nate cleared her throat and with her eyes sending daggers to Aisha. I won't blame her. I would do same if I were in her position. With all men's eyes on her and now Nate's. He turned and pulled her gently towards us.

"Of course, darling." He said to her. "Mike, Aisha. This is Laraine. My companion tonight." he said emphasizing on his last sentence.

"Hey." she said waiving to us.

"Nice meeting you. Laraine.” I said extending my hand and greeting her which she received. The look on her eyes told a lot as she smiled lasciviously at me and probably undressing me in her mind. Unbelievable.

"Hey Laraine." Aisha said without extending her hand. I guess the message was pretty clear they don't appreciate either one's presence. Oh girls! Always like that.

"Hey, have you seen my parents I think I missed them." I said.

"Don't border they'll find you when they need to. They're just around." He replied nonchalantly while taking a sip of his Champaign from his flute.

"I just want to greet them before serious things begin." I replied.

"Like them asking about her?" He said pointing to Aisha.

"No, of course not." I replied" I'll just move around while waiting for them to find me." I said and he laughed richly.

"Ok. whatever you say man." he replied.

I walked off with Aisha. It's not like she's some shameful thing to walk with but I just wasn't ready for any absurd questions I won't be able to answer- especially from my oh- so judgmental and stereotypical mother nor my father's stern glances. I don't want her to be embarrassed or feel bad or uncomfortable around them.

"Just look for a place to suit yourself - feel free to have anything. I'll be looking for my parents to discuss some things. Remember what I said and how you're to reply to certain questions. Ok?" I asked and she nodded. "Don't roam too far so I can easily trace your whereabouts. I won't be long but just get yourself busy in the meantime. Talk with people and relax." I said before I finally left her.

All she did was nod at me in response but when it was Nate, she was all smiles. One can hardly understand women these days....