He woke up with a throbbing head that morning. In fact, he almost did not make it home that night if not for his friends. As far as he can remember, he was able to drink at least half a dozen bottles of beer. Something he has never done before. Perhaps he thought he could drown his loneliness with this kind of stunt.

Looking at his watch, he noticed that it is already 9 in the morning. The glare of the sun is covered completely by his window blind that’s why he is not able to notice that it is already way up there.

Daniel gradually stood up from his water bed. This bed is dear to him as it is his first investment after receiving his initial pay check. Supporting himself by placing his right arm on the bed table, he moved towards the door even as his knees wobbled.

Pouring some water into the coffee maker, he began to make his morning beverage. While waiting, he walked towards the stove to cook some sunny side eggs and toast some bread.

This has been his morning routine, especially during Saturdays. With him weekends are the days when everything around him slows down. He has all day going to the mall or just spend it binging on romance movies with his 48-inch flat screen television.

With no plans for the day, Daniel poured coffee into his mug and spread honey butter on his toasted bread. Setting his muscular behind on the rattan woven chair at the round dining table, he brought his iphone out and started browsing the internet while sipping on his hot brew.

Bored and nothing to do, Daniel sauntered into the living room which is actually just a few meters away from the dining area, quite a cute area if you may add. Slumping into the soft, leather sofa he turned his television on and started searching for a movie to watch on Movieflix, the channel for movie enthusiasts who want to catch up on the latest films or reminisce on old, remastered ones.

“I need you to stay with me. I love you and I don’t want to let you go.”

“The pain that you caused me has made my heart bleed. Although I love you, I chose to forget what we have if that is the only way to get rid of the sufferings. This relationship has to end.”

“Please don’t do this to me. Give me a second chance. I promise, I will do my best to fix things.”

Attracted by what he heard, Daniel click on the remote button and went ahead watching the movie.

“Beep… beep… beep!”

His phone sounded noisily to notify him of a message received. Hastily, he paused the film he was watching and stood up to get hold of his phone.

“Hello” – Sophia

“Hello, too” – Daniel

“Still remember me?” – Sophia

“Of course, you’re the singer from the bar” – Daniel

“Yes. That’s me! Are you busy today?” – Sophia

Daniel thought for a moment before replying. He is thinking about whether to choose to go out with this lady or just stay home.

“Nope. Nothing to do.” – Daniel

“Care to eat out for some lunch or a light snack, maybe?” – Sophia

“Hmmm… okay. Where do you wanna go?” – Daniel

“How about at the Galleria? I’ve heard they got great food there. Do not worry, since I was the one who asked you out, it’s my treat.” – Sophia

“Okay then. What time are we gonna meet?” – Daniel

“Say 3 in the afternoon. Would that be fine with you?” – Sophia

“Ah okay. See you then.” – Daniel

The chat between him and Sophia ended.

At around 1, Daniel got up from the sofa bed and alighted to the bathroom to take a shower. After which he proceeded to his bedroom to search for something casual to wear. He took the time to decide. He wanted his first impression on Sophia to be different than the others. He needs this to work for him. Who knows, this might be the beginning of a relationship.

It has been years. Yes, he has gone out on dates occasionally. None of them ended with a lasting relationship. He never had a serious one. The ladies just started disappearing and getting out of touch after the initial date. Somehow he never understood what’s wrong with him. So he just went on with his life and hoped that someday he will meet the girl of his dreams.

Wearing skinny denim jeans topped by a light blue polo shirt coupled with a pair of sneakers he bought online, he looked like a teenager who just got out of high school.

He stood by the entrance of the Galleria, the most modern and expensive mall in their city, so he could easily see if Sophia is already there. He arrived an hour earlier than their set time. As a gentleman, it is customary for him to do this in each date that he had.

“Beep… beep… beep!” his phone sounded once again.

“Am already here, where are you?” – Sophia

“Right here by the entrance to the Galleria.” – Daniel

“Oh! I can see you now!” – Sophia

Sophia alighted from the taxi she hired going to the mall. She looked gorgeous wearing a red blouse paired with tattered denim jeans and a pink pair of sneakers. Upon catching a glimpse of Daniel, she waved at him.

“How long have you been here?” asked Sophia

“Oh, just a few minutes ago,” replied Daniel.

“So where do you wanna go first?” inquired Sophia

“Let’s just go stroll around the mall then grab something to eat later,” proposed Daniel

“Nice! Let’s go by the shopping center. I wanna see some items on sale,” added Sophia

The two walked towards the shopping center. Sophia roamed around the items marked on sale. She bought some clothes and on their way out Daniel carried the bags for her.

“Hungry, Daniel?”

“Yeah. That shopping made me tired… hahaha!” he answered

“Let’s grab some snacks then.”

Daniel search for a comfortable place for the two of them to sit on. He saw one by the corner for two.

“Sophia just stay here. I’m gonna order some food. What do you wanna eat?” he asked

“Just get me some spaghetti with fries and an 8 oz. soda. I’m on a diet, you know… hahaha” she said laughing.

“Got it!” replied Daniel

They shared stories with each other while munching on the snacks they ordered. Daniel learned a lot about Sophia and as the afternoon turned into night, they became instant buddies.

“Buddies?” his mind said

“Yeah buddies! What’s wrong with that?” he responded.

“Nothing,” his mind again continued

All of these happened in his head. Of course Sophia would think he is crazy if she heard him talking to himself. That would surely ruin this date.

Daniel hollered a taxi and opened the door Sophia.

“Till next time?” he asked

“Sure! I had a great time, Daniel. I’ll get in touch.”

His heart started to pound wildly in his chest as the taxi drove away from him. Although they’re just friends, he feels that their relationship would turn into a serious one someday. Nothing’s wrong with dreaming after all.

Daniel went to the parking area and got into his car. Yes, he has a car, but he doesn’t want Sophia to know, so he didn’t offer her a ride home. This is his way of telling whether a girl would like him because of who he is and not of what he has. He is not being selfish. He is just being careful. He just wants to be sure about everything.