The Chief And The Captain - Chapter 2 Two

Rick was standing by the door first period. Classes would start in a few but he stood there in his school uniform, pressed black slacks and white Polo shirt, his back rested on the wall. He smiled when I passed by and greeted. “Good morning.”

I nodded in response.

He followed me to my seat, although he’s seated three chairs from me, he stopped by my desk, pulled a chair for himself and smiled. I clutched my chest, I could feel my heart tightening.

“Since you’re here, let me do an interview.” I said “let’s do a profile about you and your team.”

“Sure. Ask away.”

I grabbed a pen and pad from my bag and placed it neatly on the table. I tapped my pen lightly at the top of my desk while thinking of what to ask.

“When’s your birthday?” It was Rick who asked.

“December 25th.” I absently answered. It took a few seconds for me to realize I answered. I shot him a look and I felt my cheeks blushing.

Rick suddenly burst out laughing. Eyes turned to us. It was unnatural for Rick to be booming in laughter especially he was with me. I was known to be an ice, dead pan, straight faced. A perfect attribute for a member of the press.

“Sorry. I didn’t expect you to answer.” He reached out to me and touched my right ear. “It’s red.”

He laughed once more. For some reason, it was contagious, I let out a chuckle.

“I finally made you smile.” He whispered and stood up, just in time for the teacher to arrive, and in time for him not to see me blush even more.

I didn’t see him the rest of the afternoon, probably because of his basketball practice. It was almost 6PM when I left the PubRoom, I dragged my feet towards the school entrance and into the setting sun. The faint orange sky slowly fades to black, subtly enveloping everything in darkness. I’ve had always liked the night time, it was more alive to my eyes than morning. The mornings are just pure chaos.

“Why are you still here?” I turned around and found Rick in sweatpants and white shirt, his bag slung on his side.

“I-I, nothing,” I stammered. “I just finished some stuff.,”

He eyed the thick envelope I have tucked under my arm.

“Are you walking home?” He asked.

I nodded. I live so near the school I can wake up at 7:15 and be on time for my 7:30 class, but of course I wouldn’t do that. I hate rushing, cramming, and working out of my time table. Everything should be organized and timely.

“Let’s go?” He put an arm around me and pulled me towards the road.

I looked at him, confused. “Don’t you live the other way?” I pointed to the other direction.

“Uh-huh.” A smile tugged at the side of his face. He walked with me all the way to the house, though he was silent the whole 10 minute walk. When we arrived at the gate, he gently brushed a finger on my cheek and smiled.

He leaned closer which made my heart skip a beat “See you tomorrow” he whispered in my ear.

I was so surprised I stood by the gate for a full minute smiling like a total nut job.

When I finally snapped out of my trance, I ran inside the house and jumped in bed. My heart still aflutter, the feel of Rick’s breath, the warmth emanating from his skin and the faint smell of coffee still lingers. I touched my cheek, the one he slightly caressed.

What the hell am I doing? I mere touch and I’m rolling in my bed? I don’t understand why, of all people, Rick is making me feel this way?

I grabbed a pillow, buried my face and muffle a scream. Although it doesn’t really matter if I scream at the top of my lungs, I’m alone anyway, which I guess is a pretty good thing every now and then.