Storytelling Saturdays: A Question For Cameron

When I woke up, I had already decided what I would do that particular day. I opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling of my room. My eyes still felt heavy, so I rubbed them and got up. It was a sunny Saturday, perfect for walking to the bookstore. I needed new books, even though I had a lot of unread ones in my bookcase. The important thing was to spend that time buying new books, to be enraptured by their smell and texture. Although it was a beautiful day, that fact contrasted with my mood. I was and felt listless, not in the mood for anything. I just wanted to distract myself, and that was the best plan I had. On the way, I saw beautiful girls; none of them turned their heads in my direction. I thought: “That’s logical since I’m only wearing a sweatshirt and baggy pants.” It was just something to try to change my mood. I grimaced and continued walking to the bookstore. Once there, I delighted in reading the synopses of the books. I accomplished the goal: to distract myself. Time didn’t seem to move forward when I was in a bookstore, and at the same time, it seemed to go very fast. I checked the time and was a little alarmed; it was almost noon. My stomach began to protest. I ignored it and continued scanning the books. When I had already made up my mind about the books I was holding, someone spoke behind my back.

“I’ve already read that one. I don’t recommend it.”-

Her voice caught my attention immediately, and I turned to find out who had said that.

She was an extraordinarily beautiful girl. Her face was youthful, her hair was braided in twists that brushed her shoulders, she wore a light spring dress; her smile encompassed her entire face.

As a rule, I did not accept recommendations from anyone. I liked to forge my own opinion once I’ve finished reading the book in question. However, when I saw her beautiful face, I was speechless. I was shocked. I swallowed hard. She was watching me, waiting for an answer, and I forced myself to say something.

“Are you serious? I found the premise intriguing. I don’t think it could turn out to be a fiasco.” She laughed; it was the prettiest sound. I decided to buy the book just to see what she didn’t like about it.

“Yes, that’s exactly what I thought the first time. On second thought: read it, and then we could both discuss it. I mean, if it’s all right with you… I didn’t mean to be forward. By the way, my name is Cameron.”

Did she had just asked me out? My eyes widened. At that very moment, I wished I was better dressed. I looked down, disappointed in my outfit. I wasted no time and answered yes. Perhaps it was an overzealous “yes.”

She smiled broadly, gave me her number, and we said goodbye at the bookstore entrance. When I got home that afternoon, I felt like I was floating on a cloud. She was so beautiful, and she loved to read. I made a personal promise: the next time I met Cameron, she would see me in nicer clothes and a little more confident. I had only one thing to do, and that was to finish reading that book as quickly as possible.

We chatted all the time via Whatsapp. I was giving her my impressions of the book, although I had not yet read enough. Suddenly I had a doubt: did Cameron like girls? Was she just being friendly with me? Oh no. Why hadn’t I thought of that before? I hadn’t stopped thinking about her since the day I met her. I was terrified at the time; there was no right way to ask that question; however, I couldn’t afford to get my hopes up any longer. I had to finish that book. That was the only way I could muster enough strength to go out with her; since Cameron had come up with the idea of meeting to discuss the book, it was my number one priority at the moment.

The long-awaited day had arrived. I had finished the book, spent several sleepless nights, but it had been worth it. I told Cameron the good news. She agreed to see me without complaint. I was so nervous I couldn’t think straight. I dressed as best I could. I was not good at fashion; but, I thought it was superior to last time. We arranged to meet at a restaurant, and Cameron showed up looking immaculate. Her beautiful hair shone, sparkling when the lights reflected there. We greeted each other, and I was left with my mouth open and my head in doubt: was it a date or not? I was about to find out

Nervous isn’t a strong enough word to describe how I felt waiting for her in front of the agreed-upon restaurant. Every molecule of my being was screaming and tingling. My system was hovering in the space between extremely excited and scared shitless. I began to pace. Then I stopped abruptly. I mean, what would she think if she saw me dashing back and forth like a lunatic. “Calm the fuck down,” I mumbled under my breath.

“Why do you care so much about this girl?” Maybe, I thought, it’s because she’s educated, beautiful, and has interests very similar to my own. I felt the connection growing exponentially.

Cameron turned the corner just as I was about to start pacing again. She was stunningly beautiful in a pink sundress that accentuated her curves.

She smiled brightly when she saw me and quickened her pace.

“I’m so sorry. Were you waiting long?” Her smile dimmed a tiny bet and her eyes were warm and full of concern.

I was dazzled by her eyes. “Is this a date, do you like girls?” The question came out of my mouth before my brain could stop it.

Cameron laughed and her eyes twinkled. It was the prettiest sound I ever heard. She stepped closer to me and smoothed my hair behind my ear. My heart was beating so loudly that I was surprised she couldn’t hear it. Her lips were soft and sweet. I felt faint. My heart skipped a beat. I lost myself in the moment. I fell in love with her during that kiss. It’s now five years after that first date, and I love her still.

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