Chapter 1
“Please come to my house.”
As the words come out of his mouth, he realizes how wrong it sounds.
How come the mask didn’t stop him from talking nonsense? He only wants to ask her on a date. Why didn’t he suggest the restaurant, the city park, or the nearby museum? He could even take her to a Jollibee and that is a better place than his apartment. It is as if he is inviting her to something intimate - the last idea he wants to instill in her.
“Stupid! Stupid!” he thought to himself.
The silence stretches forever and he wants to fill it again to defend himself and say what he really means. But he lets the awkwardness prevail. He can’t let himself look stupid for the second time today.
They stand there for a second longer. The electricity of awkwardness prevails and the invitation hangs open. The two shifted a little, trying to decipher the mystery of what to say next.
After she had her bearing back, she answered, “ I’m sorry I wouldn’t make it.”
He nods, afraid to say something dumb again.
