The ride to the mall was fairly short. They got a parking space then went inside the mall. Al picked the restaurant but Jessie preferred something budget-friendly. So they headed to a fast food chain that offers student's meal. It was lunch time so naturally the place was packed. Fortunately there were tables still available outside.
"This is nice. Outdoor meal. I haven't had this since grade school. " Al said.
"Shut up and eat your food, bro." Jessie told Al.
Before Jessie could even take a second bite on his chicken meat, clouds began to loom over the sky, covering the sun.
"Look at that, see how quickly weather shifts nowadays?" Jessie commented.
"Don't worry," Al swallows his food and clears his throat, "we won't get wet in here."
They both continued to indulge in their meal. The sky gets darker. Then the first few drops of rain began to fall. They were both unfazed by the droplets, but in a minute the rain was pouring dogs and cats. So Jessie and Al moved their table to an area with lesser drizzle. Then finished their plate.
"Hey Al, notice all the couples in this area."
"Yeah?"
"We're the only same sex couple here..." Jessie lowered his voice.
"So? "
"Doesn't it bother you? Or make you feel awkward, at least?"
"Why? Why would it bother me. Look, if you are truly secure about your masculinity, you shouldn't worry about it. Let people think what they want to think, and don't give a crap. Now let me ask you, are you totally and completely secure about your sexuality?"
"Yes. Of course!" Jessie quickly answered.
"Are you sure?" Al let out a smirk.
"Yes!"
"Can I get a little kiss right here" Al pointed to his cheek.
"Your crazy." Jessie said, smiling, as he consumed what's left of his iced tea.
"Let's go?" Al invited.
"No. Wait. Just a couple of minutes." Jessie said.
"You're done with your food right? What's the hold up?"
"Nothing. I just like to watch the rain a bit, feel the cold, and wait for this chicken to settle." Jessie said rubbing his stomach.
The rain was still pouring. Moist began to form against the glass door. The smell of grass intensified a bit as the rain repeatedly touches the soil. It was already cold enough to don on another long sleeved shirt. The day was painting a gloomy Saturday noon.
Just then, a girl entered the outdoor area of the restaurant, clearly on haste seeking an escape from the downpour. Jessie turned to the girl. Her hair was wet, her dress was soaked. Her feet was partially covered with black soil (her flip flops made way for the mud to her feet) Her books were still dripping after covering herself with it. She places her shoulder bag on an empty table then shakes off her arms to remove the excess water on her skin. She then fixes her hair with a scrunchie. That's when Jessie's eyes widen.
"Easy there dude. Don't underss her just yet." Al pat Jessie's back.
"She's from our school. She's the one I told you about, remember? In the escalator, the other day?" Jessie calmly said.
"Oh... she's the cute chinita you were bragging about. She's fine alright. Go talk to her."
"Well, what am I gonna say to her?"
"Whatever is it that you've been dying to say to her."
"I just wanna know her name."
"Then go ask her name."
"I dunno...."
"Com'on, just do it. If she blows you away, so what? Who cares?"
"Wow, you sound really arrogant. But you're right. What the heck."
"Good luck, bud!" Al said, giving Jessie a two fingered salute.
"Here goes nothing..."
to be continued...
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