Our Blessings: Ch. 01

His obsidian eyes harden as he faces the girl giggling wildly across our bench. She is not alone, accompanied by a man I presume to be her boyfriend. Her fingers lace around his arm as she caresses his tanned skin. She looks like a penguin cuddling its father for warmth. I turn to my right to observe Zac. His jesting grin has disappeared, now replaced by a blank cast. Assessing the situation, I mentally prepare myself for the worst-case scenario.

They are too preoccupied with their public display of affection to notice us. But with two prominent men staring down at them, it is only a matter of time before they recognise us as well.

“What’s the matter, Zachary?” one of our female friends, Brenda, queries.

“It’s nothing much. Best to let sleeping dogs lie,” he replies coolly.

I guess my worry is redundant after all. For as long as I have known Zac, he has never been fond of getting himself into complicated situations. He is analytical, cool-headed and decisive, as expected from a medical student placed in the dean’s list for three consecutive years. Yet, as much as he does not want to, he finds himself incapable of shifting his focus away from that pair of lovebirds.

“It’s not good to stare…” I prompt him.

It is uncommon for Zachary to become so silent when surrounded by friends. In fact, this is his first time showing this side of his to them. Calista tugs the side of my shirt lightly and Amanda fidgets with her legs, her knees now pointing towards me. Brenda stares at Zachary.  ”You’re scaring them…” I alert him softly.

He realises. His eyes soften, and he looks away, regaining his composure. The tensed atmosphere dissipates.

Shortly after, those two are no where in sight. I assume they have vacated their seats, without noticing us.

How long has it been since we’ve heard that unique giggle..?