"Actions speak louder than words. Hints are always available to bring to surface the truth, when words only arouse doubts."

Alicia... It was Daniel's birthday. After the stunt he pulled the last time with her course mate, Alicia was very careful not to bring matters regarding the guy up during her time together with Daniel. What was the use in getting her friend jealous, she thought! After all, she too would have been jealous if her friend suddenly starts keeping company with another girl (even if she's his girlfriend) while giving her less attention. But then, she knew that things would not always remain the way they are. They were bound to get married to separate people, so the earlier they got used to it, the better for them. These were her thoughts as she packaged the cookies she baked for Daniel to celebrate his birthday, meaning to take it over to his place when her phone rang. It was her course mate. Well, the fact that she promised to stop bringing him up in conversations with her bestie, doesn't mean she has been ignoring him. She now sees him as her friend too. Picking up the call, they exchanged pleasantries, then Alicia informed him that she was just about leaving the house to go celebrate the birthday of her best friend with him. That was when Daniel (her course mate) said something.

"I think your friend loves you." That was what her course mate said to her. But Alicia laughed unperturbed saying, "why wouldn't he love me, he is my best friend after all. I love him too. That's what friends do". "Alicia, you don't get me. I'm not talking about that kind of love. I mean the kind of love that would make him want to marry you." Daniel continued, trying to buttress his point. At that statement, Alicia was confused, but she didn't want to think about it, so she simply told him, "If you are saying this because of the incident last time, I already explained to you that Daniel sometimes gets overprotective when it comes to me. He just doesn't want me around the wrong people." She said it with so much conviction that her friend couldn't help but smile and leave the issue to rest. "Well, have a nice day, and don't forget to wish Daniel a happy birthday for me", he said. "I will do just that. Enjoy your day too", was Alicia's reply, after which the call ended and she picked up the packaged cookies and started her journey to Daniel's house.

Daniel... He felt restless. He knew Alicia was coming over to celebrate his birthday with him, and he had also resolved to express his feelings to her, without thinking of the repercussions for now, but he didn't just know how. As far as he knew, he had been dropping hints for her for sometime now, but his friend has so friendzoned him that she didn't see his actions as anything. "Hmm, Alicia, I want you to know I have feelings for you", "Alicia, I want us to be together", "Ehm, Alicia, I think of you everyday". Haaa, he was so frustrated. None of the rehearsals would work. He had no idea what to say, except the nonsense that was entering his mind. Just then, he heard a knock on the door and the door opened. Well, Alicia has finally arrived. It's now or never.

Alicia was looking so beautiful in her short blue dress. She walked over to Daniel with so much enthusiasm, hugged him, and shouted "Happy birthday Daniel". Daniel could only smile. She then brought out the cookies and said, "I brought a little something for you". Seeing the cookies, Daniel hugged her again and whispered, "I love you so much Alicia". Alicia was happy that her friend appreciated her little gift, "I love you too", she replied. Daniel released her from the hug, but both of them just stood there looking into each others eyes. Alicia, wondering why her friend was suddenly acting emotional and Daniel, not able to stop staring at her. He planned giving her a peck on the cheek, so he bent forward, pecked her on the cheek, and was about leaving when his gaze got drawn to her lips. He wondered if her lips would be as soft as her skin, and wondered how it would feel against his, and before he knew what was happening, he kissed her. Her lips felt so soft against his and he couldn't help pouring all his emotions into the kiss,, only to feel Alicia stiffen. That was when he remembered. He just kissed his best friend. It was supposed to be a peck. Oh God! What has he done! That was his lament.

Alicia was shocked. After the hug, she saw Daniel leaning towards her and assumed he wanted to give her a peck as usual, which he actually did. But the next thing she knew was that his lips were suddenly on her lips. Her eyes widened in surprise. Her brain suddenly went blank. She wanted to push him away, but she found out that she didn't have any strength to. It seemed her heart suddenly stopped beating. What is this new feeling that's trying to overwhelm her? Trying to digest everything that was going on, she felt Daniel withdraw from her, standing straight to look into her eyes. When their eyes met, he said, "I'm sorry Alicia, but I'm in love with you. I can't bear seeing you with another guy!" It seemed at that moment, the scales dropped from Alicia's eyes because she picked up her bag and left Daniel's house, without looking back!

The series continues tomorrow!!!

© Xenia

#Friendships, #Relationships, #Love