"You are silent. Do you find the sky that mesmerizing?"
I looked up to the sky again. It was already dark now, and I moved away from the window.
"It must be really hard...and lonely. Isn't it?"
He chuckled. "At least, I have you to call now. It used to be much worse." His voice went down an octave, and then he let out a sigh. "Maybe I should let you rest now."
"Luke."
"Yes?" He answered and I could hear a slight shuffle. It was like he had already removed the phone from his ear and only returned it when he heard my voice.
"Would you like it if I came over?"
There was a moment of silence. "Do you want to?"
I nodded, a little absent mindedly. My future self was probably laughing hard at my fickle decisions now, after she had sworn to not like Luke.
"Yes, I want to."
There was another moment of silence. "Would you like to?" His voice dripped with uncertainty this time around.
"Just give me the address." I laughed. "Tell me if there is something you want and I will bring it to you."
He was still silent for a few seconds. "You know...gummy bears?"
I burst into laughter. "Fine. If that's what you want."
I could almost hear his smile as I dropped the phone, and his text came in some seconds later.
I took a quick shower and changed into a black kneelength high waist skirt and pink shirt, then took my sling bag with my phone and credit card.
The reality didn't hit me till I was in the car, smoothening my hair with my fingers. I had just offered to go to Luke. Was it just pity? Why am I doing this, disrupting so many timelines just because I want to?
I swallowed and looked at ny phone. Should I tell him I wouldn't be able to come anymore? Would that not hurt him?
I closed my eyes and settled in the car. I already made this decision, of my own voalition back at home. I can't back out of it now. And to be honest, I don't even want to.
I recognized the neighborhood from the day his father died, and I had brought him here in a taxi. I stilled as the wave of familiarity hit me. It was crazy just how fast things between us had changed and how much I am willing to do now.
I swallowed as the car came to a brief stop in front of a store. I got out and got two large jars of gummy bears, and a two bars of toblerone. I headed back to the car and sat in, finally able to let go of the uncertainties I felt. The late evening breeze helped me realize I got another chance and this time I wouldn't let my own insecurities mess everything up.
Luke was standing outside, his hands in his pockets, his eyes searching when we got to the house. I could see how much his eyes brightened, and his smile widened as he ran to the side of the car where I was sitting, and helped me open the door.
"Hey," he said once I stepped out, his voice laced heavily with excitement.
"Are you that excited because of me or is it the gummy bears?"
He laughed heartily, then slipped his hand into mine. "I can't say it's not the gummy bears."
I rolled my eyes playfully, and walked in front of him, while he followed behind me. When we got to the door, he went to it and opened, ushering me in with one of his biggest smiles yet again.
We walked past the garden and then to the front porch.
"Here," he said and opened up the door. I walked in, and he came after me to turn the lights all on.
It was a beautiful cozy home, compared with large up to down windows, and a rocking chair by one of them. I could almost imagine him sitting on that earlier, his phone pressed to his ear as he watched the sunset.
"It's beautiful." I said. Large pots of flowers graced the place and apart from the large TV and modern style cushions, it seemed more antique and peaceful, like a greenhouse.
"Glad you liked it. I really wanted to make something up for you, but didn't know how fast you'll get here. So I will just do it now."
I laughed and pushed the bag to him. "Your gummy bears."
His smile got even wider as he opened it up and took a jar out. I walked to the couch and sat, my eyes roaming around the house.
"You can look around. I bet that will be good while I make something. What would you like?"
I looked up at him. We were both friendly and close, but the slight awkwardness till hung. I could almost feel him wanting to please me hard, and I could feel just how stiff I was.
"I will do that." I said, walking past him to take a look around the house.
"Karla." He said, and I turned to him. He slowly dropped the jars on the couch, then walked to me.
I blinked. "Yes?"
He didn't reply it, just leaned to my height and came closer, holding my gaze. I almost stopped breathing. I have never had him so close before and coupled with the fact that I was in his home...
He smiled and pecked my cheek, then leaned away. "Thanks for coming over. I wasn't sure how much I needed it till you actually came."
I swallowed, blinking back emotions I couldn't exactly place right now. "You don't...need to mention that."
He smiled again and walked away, presumably to the kitchen, leaving me alone, a little blank, and yet so filled up.