MIKE

 

I couldn't get Aom off my mind. She loves me? When did this happen? How did I not notice? I found it hard to call her after that. What was I suppose to say after a confession like that? Besides I can't return her feelings..I love Margie afterall.. I have no idea how to comfort her.

 

After a week of not speaking to my best friend, I met up with Margie on a Saturday night. We had been texting each other back and forth nonstop. Finally after flirting it up, we agreed to go on a dinner date. She was everything that I had dreamed her to be: cute, fun and a little wild. I couldn't keep my eyes off her as she applied an extra coat of red lipstick on her lips. She was a little fireball tonight in her red mini dress. I could see other guys stealing glances at us as we sat at our table deciding what to order.

 

If I had been with Aom she'd probably wear something cute and frilly or maybe even a simple top and jeans; depending on her mood.

 

“I'll have a salad.” she told the waiter.

 

I couldn't help but to think of Aom who would had probably ordered something much larger and meatier. She was never afraid to eat as she pleased. No diet for her at all.

 

Gah...I need to stop thinking about her.

 

I couldn't remember what I picked with my mind all distracted but whatever it was I hope I liked it.

 

“Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?” I flirted with her. She blushed instantly and in a girly tone she flirted back.

 

“Did I tell you how handsome you look in all black?”

 

“No, but tell me more.” I and we both flirted more onward until our food came. I sighed in relief when I saw familiar noodles that I enjoyed were slid in front of me. I watched as she carefully at all proper. Which was so different from Aom who would have food all on her cheeks by now.

 

“Mike, you never told me your hobbies. I want to see what we have in common.”

 

I thought for a bit before responding.

 

“I like to dance.” I do a little jig in my chair which earned me a smile. “I also enjoy doing a little sketching.”

 

“Ohh an artist?” she pulled out an IPad from her purse. “Can you draw me?” she asked as she opened up a drawing app. I took the IPad from her and did just as she requested. I glanced at her once in a while as I slid my fingers across the screen to capture her beauty. In five minutes, I had a masterpiece.

 

“There..I think I did pretty good.” I showed her the picture. I could tell by her expression that she was displeased but she didn't say so. She just smiled and said it was wonderful. Aom would have told me the truth . She never wasted a chance to kill my pride.

 

“Anything else you like to do?”

 

“Uh... I play video games and I am a total fanboy of Supernatural.” I couldn't help but squeal a bit.

 

“I don't really play games..hmm what is Supernatural?”

 

“It's about two brothers named Sam and Dean who follow after their father footsteps to hunt demons. Also other supernatural beings too. It's so cool you'd love it. Aom and I watch it all the time. We even have little marathons together.”

 

“Really?” she asked and I kept going getting absorbed in our conversation.

“Yeah. Usually we crash at one of our houses and stay up all night watching our favorite seasons. One time we even did a cosplay..it was a total fail. Aom makes for the worst looking Sam.” I laugh at the memory. “Hm...we always make it a tradition to watch the new episode each week together.”

 

“Do you think maybe we could watch it together?” she grabbed a hold of my hand. I could tell there was a hint of jealous behind her eyes.

 

For some reason I didn't like the idea of us doing that. Supernatural was an Aom and Mike thing...wait what am I talking about? As if we could go back to that right now with our current dilemma. Heck I even forgot about the new episode that airs tonight.

 

“S-sure.” I say. “Oh. Margie tell me your hobbies too.”

 

As she was speaking I toned her out. I couldn't stop thinking about Aom still. I noticed through our whole date I kept comparing her to Margie. This needed to stop. I only have room for Margie.

 

“Mike, were you listening?' she pouts at me. I been caught in deep thought it seem. I apologized to her.

 

“Sorry, I'm just a little tired is all.” I lied.

 

“Oh Mikey, if you were tired you didn't have to force yourself to come out on a date with me.” she looked concerned which was so sweet.

 

“I couldn't miss the chance to go out with the most beautiful girl in all of Thailand just because I lost a few hours of sleep.” I gave her my signature smile.

 

“You're killing me.” she blew me a kiss. “This is why I love you. There just aren't other guys like you.”

 

“I did it...because I love you.”

 

I jumped up a bit after being remind once again of my last encounter with Aom.

 

 

I love you slipped so easily passed Margie's lips but Aom.. I never ever heard her utter out those words unless she really meant it. She would tell her parents she loved them and her old closest friends. Then finally me for the first time.

 

There I was again comparing them without meaning to. Has Aom always occupied my heart like this? Never had we ever had an argument like this. Yes, we have disliked each other before but usually I'd get nervous of losing her and send her flowers or something. Then she'd always just say. 'I'm ok. I forgive you.' like it was no big deal. This time however she cried. I never seen Aom cry like the way she did that day. Was she okay? I needed to know. I have to see her!

 

It probably was not the most gentleman like to excuse yourself on a date to go check on a friend so I told a small fib. I told Margie that I needed to check up on my mom because she was sick. She of course didn't mind and even gave me a kiss on the cheek before we parted ways. After that I raced into my car and drove all the way to Aom's house. I nearly forgot to put the car in park as I leaped out of it.

 

I have to admit I was nervous. I had no idea how Aom would act when she sees me. She tends to be unpredictable at times to the point of almost being a tad crazy. As expected as I grabbed a hold of her door knob and found it to be unlocked. She had a bad habit of leaving her door unlocked and I lectured her over and over how dangerous that is. Anyone could come in and hurt her. I'd hate for anything to happen to her, I can't imagine life without Aom.

The house was brightly lit, I think she had every freaking light. As usual there was papers all over the floor, filled with notes and random little stories she would write to entertain herself. There was a noise from the living room, and as I got closer I could tell what she was up to. On her flat screen there was Sam and Dean fighting some type of supernatural being. I wasn't sure who since it was a new episode. In front of the TV, I could see Aom sprawled out on the floor wearing on of my favorite T-shirts she stole and sweatpants.

 

“Why didn't you invite me over.” I say as I stood behind her catching her off guard. She screamed and threw a bowl of popcorn at me.

 

“MIKE! WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN HERE! GAH! DID YOU JUST BREAK INTO MY HOUSE?”

she put her hand over her heart and glared at me through dorky black framed glasses.

 

“You left the door unlocked...again.”

 

“Oh...” she ruffled her hair in embarrassment.

 

Things were normal again as if that incident never happened. I sat with her and started watching what was left of the show. I could tell she was staring at me once the credits flashed on the screen.

 

Without looking at her I said. “ You're in love with me?”

 

“Um..er..” she struggled to speak a bit when she finally found her voice she said the craziest thing. “No, I just was joking. I can't believe you fell for it.” she quickly got up and went to the kitchen. I followed her. “So what's with the clothes..you never dress up to watch an episode with me before.” she asked while dodging anymore questions about her feelings towards me.”

 

“ I was on a date with Margie.”

 

She dropped a bottle of soda that she had pulled from her fridge onto the floor. I watched as she scrambled to pick up broken glass, I stopped her halfway though and held her hands.

 

“Are you okay with that?”

 

:Mike..I don't care who you date now let me clean up this mess.” she dodged my gaze as she focused on getting up the glass.

 

“Do you mind if I show her my mammoth?” She nearly fell over at that question and I bit back a chuckle.

 

“You can show the whole world your mammoth for all I care.” she said while wiping up the spill.

 

“I'm hurt. My best friend doesn't care if I e myself.” I pretended to cry.

 

“Mi~” she barely could say my name. I could tell she wanted to laugh. “Stop crying and go make me some money.” she ended up laughing and teasing me. I know it's hard for her to resist.

 

“Shouldn't you test out my mammoth first? To make sure you can make a good profit?” I slowly pull down the zipper on my pant.

 

She screams and grabs a hold of my hands to stop me.

 

“Don't you dare pull that thing out!” she shrieks at me.

 

“What, can you not handle it pimp mama?” I tease more.

 

“Of course I can.” she narrowed her eyes at me. Then I proceed to my pants again and she freaks out all over again.

 

“Ha, I knew you couldn't.” I laugh.

 

“Mike, supernatural is over so you should go home now.” she changes subjects once again.

 

“I wanna stay the night though like I always do. And I want to tell you all about my date.”

 

Aom gives me a long sigh before taking my hands and dragging me to her bedroom. She digs through her closet and pulls out a pair of shorts and T-shirt that belongs to me and throws it at my face. “Change in the bathroom.”

 

“Don't you wanna see my m-” she cuts me off.

 

“If you show me it, it will become extinct.” she threatened. I covered my crotch in fear and ran into the bathroom and changed into the more comfy sleepwear. She was sitting up on her bed hugging a pillow nervously while I returned to the room. I took the usual spot to the right of her.

 

“So how did it go?” she smiled at me.

 

“Great..perfect actually. I took her out to eat at a very romantic restaurant.”

 

“Ohh..go on.” she acted excited.

 

“We flirted back and forth. She also by the way wore the iest red dress I have ever seen.”Aom rolled her eyes. “The food was delicious and talked about the things we love. At the end of the night she even gave me a peck on the cheek.”

 

“Aw how sweet. I'm glad your date went well.” she fell back onto the bed slowly pulling the covers up over her body.

 

“There was one problem though.”

 

Aom's eyes went wide in curiosity. “Did something go wrong? What happened?”

 

“During the whole date, I couldn't stop thinking about you.” I laid up under the covers with her and turned to face her. We were a mere inch apart. I watched as opened up in surprise. “ I found myself comparing everything she did to you. Even worst, I talk about you with her. I think she got jealous a bit.”

 

“Well there aren't other girls who can measure up to me.”she chuckled.

 

“You know what's crazy. I lied to her and told her my mom was sick so I could come here to be with you.”

 

“Supernatural is not that good of a show to skip out on a date for.” she poked my forehead. “Be careful I think you're the one turning into the nerd.”

 

“Aom, I didn't come here for the show.”

 

Her laughter stopped.

 

“Can you please just stop pretending.” I gave her a serious look. “I know you heard me. I said that I couldn't stop thinking about you. That I came here fore you.”

 

She started blinking uncontrollably before she finally allowed the tears I could tell she's been holding back all night.

 

“Mike, what is the point of me saying anything about my feelings? It will not change anything. Please just forget that I said anything that day, okay? You don't have to worry about me I can deal with the fact that you'll never ever love me.”

 

I couldn't stop myself from closing the gap between us with a longing kiss. I broke the kiss for a second already missing the softness of her lips.

 

“You still weren't listening at all. Do I need to spell it out for you? Aom...I think that I'm falling in love with you.” I captured her lips again this time she slowly kissed me back. I knew now why I was so stirred up this whole week. I knew why the previous girls I dated never left a long imprint on my heart. I also knew why Aom was always the one I came too with all my troubles and why she was the only one I'd show my worst side too. I was in love with her this whole time and I didn't realize until she said it first.

 

I hate the fact that she beat me to saying those words...

 

However though I may have slipped up there..I will not allow her to love me more than I love her.

 

THE END