22 Acquisition (1/2)

Carl continued to tour the city in a bus until the skies darkened. It wasn't much of a tour as he wasn't paying attention to the streets and the various hotspots. He returned home quite late. He wondered if he should explain himself to Kim or leave things as they are.

He got into the house, she was lying on the couch with a bored expression on her face as she watched TV. She was dressed in her pjs, her hair in a high bun, looking like a child. She looked up at him, without a word, she faced the TV again.

He stood by the door for a few minutes, lost in thoughts. What should he do? No doubt he enjoys her company. He likes her too. He can't possibly live without interacting with her and he doesn't want things to get any more awkward. If only he had not said that. May be he should act like it never happened.

”What are you standing there for?” She questioned in an irritated voice. Ever since he entered, she had been distracted. Though her eyes were glued to the TV, her senses were focused on him.

Contemplating if he should come forward with his feelings or brush things aside, he remained quiet. Not hearing his reply, she looked up at him. ”Any problem?” Seeing the curiosity in her huge doe eyes, he forgot the question as he kept staring at her.

Her face became flushed so she looked away. ”Why.. why are you looking at me like that?” She asked in a shaky voice, stuttering. She totally forgot she was mad at him. All her defences came crashing down, she forgot her earlier resolve to give him space as her heart began thumping.

Her question brought him out of his thoughts, he suddenly shook his head, pushing all his thoughts out of his head. He raised his hand in greeting, giving her a fawning smile. He moved hurriedly to the couch, raised her legs and sat down, placing her legs on his thighs.

”What are you watching?” He decided to act like nothing happened earlier. Noticing his act, she decided to play along and not bring up the matter anymore.

”You know that already. Eaten?” She asked in a sweet voice.

”No.”

She was about getting up when he held her legs. ”Don't bother, I'm not hungry.”

~~~