Chapter
13
I dragged my feet towards the lift and reluctantly hit the ground
level button. Every descending level accelerated my pulse
proportionately - I could almost feel my heart bashing itself out
of my ribcage.
I have so much to tell him, but from where I am positioned, I
didnt know if I should still continue to hang around him or should
I just hypnotize myself to move on with life and concentrate on
school and work.
And as the lift door screeched opened; I saw him stood just right
in front of me.
I did not know why; I rush forth and wrapped myself around
him.
From the pugnacious and extremely strong-willed woman, I have
transformed into a little girl, completely feeble and vulnerable.
Rick compassionately received me; I could hear his gentle breath
breezing above me. Then I started weeping a little and I felt the
warmth of his hand bringing me closer to his chest, before patting
my shoulder a couple of times.
Then, I could feel his same hand at the back of my head, probing
through layers of my hair with his fingers, like curious children
combing through tall grasses in a game of hide and seek. It felt so
comforting that I wished that time could freeze at this moment
forever.
Why are you crying? Rick asked.
Why are you apologizing? I replied, with the left side of my face
buried deep into his embrace, refusing to look up.
We stood there in silence for a good ten minutes. Some people
walked pass and I felt the aura of some erratic stares, but all
that malicious energy coming from my neighbors disapproving stares
seemed to deflect away harmlessly.
We had transcended our consciousness out of this world a world of
our own.
Never had I felt so protected and loved.
Come
follow me
I said, as I grabbed his hands and heeded for the
stairs.
We ran steps after steps
level after level and all these while, I
grasped tightly onto his hands. I caught his smile every time I
turned around to steal a glance at Rick. Somehow, I seemed to run
out of breath after the level six (probably because the mucus in my
nose is blocking my respiration), while Rick still has cheers on
his face.
Where are you going?
I want to go to the roof.
Why not we take the lift?
Dont want!
You are out of breath Ivy, said Rick with concerns in his
tone.
Out of breath? You must be crazy; back then in primary school, I
ran for my class.
Oh really?
Ok, lets play a game; I give you a three second head-start before
I start chasing you. If I can catch you before you reach the top
level, you are going to owe me another favor.
Without hesitation, Rick started sprinting along the flight of
stairs and seeing how fast he reacted, I started pursing him
without the countdown.
Thats cheating Ivy!
I dont care!
I drew every single ounce of my innate strength and started
hounding him like a hunting dog, but Ricks speed and agility is
beyond my animalistic pursue. There was laughter echoing along the
stairs, amid several running footfalls, as Rick started taunting
me. I was semi-disabled from the humor he cracked, but adamantly, I
continued racing after him.
However no matter how fast I ran, the distance never close up. He
was too fast for me.
And finally, Rick reached the top first, emerging as champion of
our little game.
Ok, that was fast. I think we came up faster than the lift.
Fatigued and slightly disappointed, I grudgingly pointed to the
ladder, imbued into the west wall.
How come it wasnt locked? asked Rick as he climbed up to the
roof cautiously.
I did not answer him; just gave him a smirk.
(To be continued...)
