Chapter Forty-Three: Jelly Avery Pt 2
"Off to somewhere, Avery?" Mother peered from the pantry with those fresh and sizzling tempuras on a plate surrounded by tissues. The delicious smell wafted the entire room and I was reminded of my hunger, my stomach letting out a soft growl.
I pursed my lips, contemplating whether to take a bite or dash off without another mutter. The soft ticking of the clock and its arms moving in a beat caught me off guard.
But with tempura being my favourite, I shook my head and decided to take a seat by the dining table.
'He can wait.' I say to myself, before forgetting the ordeal and mused myself with the fried and well-seasoned tempura.
. . .
"I thought you were going to ditch me," it was the first thing that flew out of Oskar's mouth with a smile plastered on his lips. “—you really like to keep me waiting, don’t you?”
I rolled my eyes. "I keep my promises."
Maybe it was the truth, and a lie as well. I was considering skipping it and calling him to tell it was off, then I realized I didn't have his number nor would he not wait at the station until the wee hours of the night.
I’m an ass sometimes—well most of the times, but I don’t want to hurt him by making him wait only to find out I ditched him. That’s just a shitty move, even for me.
I should keep that to myself. With a slight step, I eyed him. "What are you waiting for?"
He stared at me, a bit star-struck, then blinked and smiled sheepishly, eyeing me from head to toe. I sighed, squirming in my stance. "You're dressed up today."
"Well yeah," I groaned, rolling my eyes. "---my mother forced me into it. It took me a couple of arguments to not let me wear those frilly skirts."
"Yikes," he winched, then grinned. "--but still, you look pretty."
I opened my mouth to retort something clever or sarcastic, but I couldn't. It would be rude to discredit Oskar's genuine compliment. I blushed, trying to play it off coolly. "Yeah, well--it's just for today."
Oskar started walking and I followed, passing through the sidewalk with people passing by and cars drifting to the speed of light. The weather wasn't too hot and it looked like a good time to be out.
I took this time to realize that me and Oskar didn't have a lot of shared interests. If anything, we'd only talk about his music or how he'd pry into my non-existent love life. It didn't help that I didn't knew Oskar much.
He's nice, and out-going—yet I feel like there's a wall separating him and me.
Shrugging off those thoughts, I asked. "Are you going to be a ghost on the booth?"
He glanced at me. "Well, not really. I'm more like in charge of the front desk. It's just my style."
"You mean being lazy?" I snickered, teasing him.
"That too," he grinned. "---I'm too cool to be playing a ghost."
"Right, now stop rubbing your arrogance off me," I scrunched my nose. "—it stinks."
He gave me a glance that screamed like he’s a know it all. "It's called self-confidence, Avery."
“Well, I don’t have that,” I snorted.
“Doubt that,” he replied, gazing at me intently.
I stared at him in disbelief and decided to shrug it off.
"How about you? Excited to play your main role, miss witch?" he says in amusement, eyes slightly squinted from smiling.
I huffed, crossing my arms. "Like I would. I can't cast curses or spells, so seeing people disappointed when they realized that is sad---for their part at least."
"It doesn't help that you're not good with advices yourself," he chuckled. "--but I'm sure you'll be fine. Just say things with confidence and people will believe it."
I narrowed my eyes at him. "Are you encouraging me to be a con artist?"
He pretended to think, a mischievous grin etched on his lips, then he turns to look at me.
"Maybe."
Our small conversation comes to a stop when we were a few steps away from Han's Ice cream---everyone's childhood treat.
The mascot stared at us with the overly bright and enthusiastic colors on the brand 'Han's Ice cream' that hang on top of the store. As far as I've known, there were currently fifty flavours and one of that was Double Dutch--which is my favourite to get whenever I come here.
With one last step, Oskar pushed the door open and the bell that hang on top chimed, signaling new costumers.
My eyes roamed around the childish and yet warm ambience with a few seats vacant and bright, appealing murals on the walls with the mascot beaming brightly like no one could ever ruin his day.
"Have you decided on what you want?" Oskar spoke from beside me, face focused on the menu plastered on top of the counter.
"Yeah," I stared at the list of different ice cream flavors. They’re too many that it feels so overwhelming on what to buy. A kid, on the other hand, would be thrilled to see the various flavors and toppings.
"I want the Double Dutch and Cookies and Cream," I say aloud, deciding to add another flavor since we'd probably take a while.
I’m also in the mood to eat something sweet right now, considering I just ate something savory a while ago.
"Alright," he responded, glancing at me. "---I'll order now, so take a seat, Avery."
I nod in compliance, finding a seat on the far corner where it's far from the air conditioner. Sometimes it gets too cold, not to mention my attire is rather showy than normal--exposing my bare skin.
I don't get why girls like wearing these clothes. It makes me uncomfortable, having my skin be more revealing, but I guess it's because all I've worn are mostly hoodies and jeans. I feel more comfortable wearing those anyway.
Not a minute later, Oskar arrives with two large cups mixed with the flavors we wanted and some bottled water. He hands me mine and I thanked him, staring at the cold, freezing ice cream.
My eyes shifted from mine to his cup and the flavor he chose is matcha. My nose immediately made a wrinkle. Matcha--tastes like medicine, or so what it tasted to me.
I've heard of it when Lance kept on watching those animes where they drank it and tasting it for the first time, was not pleasant.
Oskar sees my expression and chuckled. "I see you're one of those people who despise matcha.”
"It's just not my taste," I reasoned out, not wanting to get mobbed by matcha fanatics. "--plus, I assumed you’d be more of a Mint or Vanilla type of guy."
"Well, Matcha is healthy for you," he responded, digging his plastic spoon onto his cup, scooping a generous amount. Then I made a frown when I see that glob entered his mouth.
He paused, then burst into fits of laughter. "Avery, stop staring. It's like you haven't seen someone eat ice cream before."
My cheeks slightly flushed. "I wasn't staring! I was observing. Observing I tell you."
But this made him laugh even more. I frowned, digging into my spoon, and taking a large bite of my double dutch infused with cookies and cream. The cream melted in my tongue and the sugary taste made me pleased.
Ice creams are the best. Especially when you’re low on energy.
"So, what's your motive of inviting me to ice cream?" I spoke after a few bites.
Oskar responds, fiddling with his spoon. "Well, you were down so I decided ice cream might cheer you up.”
“Like a kid?”
“Hey,” he playfully scowled. “—ice creams are for everyone.”
"Hm," I murmured, staring at the slightly melted fused of flavors on my cup. "--but thanks. For the thought I guess."
"That's rare coming from you," he says in awed, like I'm someone who can only be a douche bag to others. Is that how he sees me? A person uncapable of gratitude? Ouch.
I huffed. "I know when to be grateful, just so you know."
"Then, will you come watch us play?" he shifted the topic like it was nothing.
I flickered my eyes to see him watching me expectantly. "If it doesn't overlap with my shift at the booth, then okay."
His lips curved into a small smile, almost too warm and affectionate with his eyes hinting something. "That really means a lot to me, Avery."
"I'm just returning the favor," I waved a hand. "---plus, I think you shine more on stage. I’m sure you’d have your own fan club in no time."
"I guess I have that aura," he says in confidence and he's right. He has one. “—it’s the only thing I’m good at anyway.”
"Oskar------"
My words get cut off by the chime on the front door, signaling a new costumer for the day. For some reasons, my eyes stayed glue to door to find out who will enter.
As if this was some cruel coincidence that someone had planned, the guy steps in with the girl right beside him and my eyes stare icily at the two of them. For some reason, my heart starts to wrench, like someone’s pinching it.
Oskar sees my indifferent reaction and he turns his head to the front too. His face contorts from a smile to a blank one, neither angry nor happy, but it looks threatening.
"What should I get, Thomas?" the girl giggled, eyes darted to the different choices to pick from.
The guy smiled, chuckling as he patted her hair affectionately. "Isn't it obvious? I know you love strawberries."
"But I want to try a new one!" she beamed, then closes her eyes for a split second before flickering them open and pointing to a random one. "Raw Cookie Dough it is!"
"Then I'll have the Bubble gum," Tom says after and heads towards the counter with the girl interlocking her hand to his arm.
Why does it make me angry? What's this? This is so unfair.
"Avery---"
I shake my head, feeling bitterness crept onto me. I don’t want to finish this delicious ice cream anymore. I just want to go home. "Just let it be. After all, we're here to enjoy the ice-cream, aren't we?"
But I was lying to myself. I needed answers. I wanted to know.
And yet the only thing I could do was engulf myself with the taste of the sugary treat onto my mouth. Oskar doesn't say anything and I was grateful for that.
It doesn't matter anymore. I knew it. All his words, were just lies.
"There's a sea----"
He faltered and although our eyes didn't meet, I could feel his gaze pierce onto me and to Oskar who stared at the windows with a stoic expression, as if ready to pounce on someone.
"What's the matter, Thomas?" the girl who clutched to his arm asked, confused by the sudden silence and tension that was brewing in this shop.
"Avery----"
"Oskar, I, uh, gotta take a call," I grit through my teeth, my heart racing to the speed of light before I could even comprehend what I said.
I feel so suffocated. I want to be away from him right now.
Before I knew it, my shaking legs made its way past through them in a hurried paced. I don't want to see you. Not now. Not when I feel so confused. Not when I'm angry.
I pushed the doors open, blood coursing through my veins as I finally made it outside with the heat whipping on my recently humid skin.
I could hear footsteps follow and it was too obvious that I wasn't surprised.
“Avery."
I clenched my fists.
"What are you doing here with Oskar?"
I could hear the heaviness in tone. “Are you on a date with him right now?”
My back was turned against him, but I could just about feel and imagine what he could look right now or how his eyes would be seething in jealousy. But he doesn't have the right to. He’s with someone else.
Who am I to him anyway? Why bother with me?
"Avery," he clutched on my arm and I hate how it makes me feel weird. "you're not dating Oskar, right?"
"Hey Avery, please answer me."
That's it. I yanked my arm from him and faced him with seething anger, with every emotion that I felt in that split moment; with myself wanting to break into pieces and hurt him. “So what?! What's it to you?!"
His face fell but I grit through it. "You have no right to say or get angry at me! It's none of your business."
"But I---"
"Don't say that word!" I screeched, taking a step back from him. "---don't you dare. Not when you have a girlfriend."
"You can't fool me," I chuckled sourly, feeling ashamed for causing such a commotion. "--you can't two time us. You...!"
"Girlfriend?" he tilts his head. "---I don't have o---"
"Stop lying!" I screamed in frustration, pulling my hair. "--who was that girl at the store then? Calling you 'Thomas' and wrapping her arms around you?”
"You think I'm blind? That I'm stu---"
He laughed. The guy laughed.
Is he mocking me? This guy is! The nerve!
"Why the fuck are you laughing?! Was it fun fooling with me?" I screamed, but he cheekily grinned even though I was fuming mad here and could attack him.
"She's not my girlfriend."
"Oh for the love of cheesecakes!" I threw my hands up in the air. "---what kind of a fool do you think I am?"
"Avery," he shakes his head, then takes a step forward. I take a step back and we continued until I was near to the road and I wouldn't risk getting run over. I wasn't that stupid.
"She's my cousin."
"You think you can---what?" my voice faltered, staring at him with confusion. "---what do you mean, cousin?"
"Like I said, she's my cousin," he repeated, a small smile etched his lips. "--she went over to visit so I gave her a tour to the town."
"But Lance said---" I said in a small whisper, unsure of what to say. He said Tom was seeing someone. It’s obviously her…but..
"Lance even met her," he stated, tilting his head at me. "--what about Lance?"
Then everything clicked. The way that little runt smiled in mischief when he said that. That little rascal lied to me! He did this to purposely humiliate myself.
I stared at him, and it took me a few seconds for embarrassment to come washing over me. My entire face turned beet red by the realization, looking like someone slapped me.
Please burry me into an abyss. Right now.
"Lance said..." I trailed off, my voice softer. "---that he said you were seeing someone."
He blinked, then let out a small chuckle, as if amused by my dilemma. "Really?"
"Don't laugh, idiot!" I scowled, my cheeks still flushed red.
"Were you jealous, Avery?" he says with no hesitation.
"I'm not jealous!" I hissed but he wasn't believing it.
"So Avery, are you really seeing Oskar?" he leaned forward and reluctantly poked my nose.
I looked away, a tinge of red still apparent on my cheeks.
"No."
He heaved a sigh, then I could see that lips of his curved into a smile. "That's good."
"Shut u---"
I paused when he grabbed a lock of my hair tucked behind my ears and then presses them to his lips. He's so weird. "It felt like my heart was going to stop when you would say yes."
"What are you doing with Oskar here anyway?" he murmured.
"He invited me for ice cream," I don't even know why I need to explain myself to him. He’s not my boyfriend, or anything in that matter.
"I see. And that dress?"
"My mother forced me to it," I mumbled, still not looking at him out of timidness.
"Okay."
"How about you?" I sheepishly muttered. "---why didn't you tell me you had a cousin coming over?"
"Because I know you wouldn't be interested."
Good point.
"Why did she call you Thomas?" I inquired.
"That's what my relatives mostly call me," he smiled, removing the strands of hair on his fingertips, letting them sway back to my shoulders.
"You're really cute when you're jealous, Avery," he grinned, eyes squinted while he looked like a child who had the greatest day.
"I told you that I'm not jealous!" I screeched but he only smiled at me.
And maybe...maybe I was lying to myself when I said that I wasn't relieved at all.