Now as an adult, working fulltime in a city, I don't have the time anymore and carry at all times an umbrella. The past memories make me smile to my happiness and sighed deeply in content. Oh, how I've changed and even now as it rains I have my yellow umbrella spun open. Trying to hold it right against the wind, trying to protect myself from the force and rain as I'm heading for the subway. Suddenly a forceful gust of cold wet wind ripped my umbrella from my hands. I gasped to its sudden force and ran after the umbrella. Trying to run past multiple people and my eyes fixed on the umbrella swaying few meters above, almost dancing to the wind as if its been liberated from my clutches. As the umbrella finally came down, it smash-landed in front of a stand right beside the entrance of a park. Of all sort of stands close before Christmas it was an umbrella stand. I sighed and realized from my heavy breathing that I've been running quite a while. Quickly took hold of my broken umbrella before the wind gets another chance, held it up to protect me from the rain however possible without thinking that I am wet almost to the bone. Luckily I am warmed-up from running.
"Well, that was spectacular." Noted a man's voice. I blinked and noticed at the stand stood a young man grinning or rather smirking at me. "Going that far for a broken umbrella."
"You-you saw that?" I blinked in disbelief.
"Yep, you're not like the others. Obviously your umbrella says a lot with its bright sunny yellow. Everyone else has a cheap black umbrella and wouldn't go as far as you do for an umbrella."
"You don't say? I wish you a good evening." I turned away.
"You used to love the rain, don't you?"
I turned around. "It's none of your business!"
"Well as an umbrella seller I guess it is, especially when using such a unique umbrella like yours. And the reaction says it all, to be honest." He remained calm with his same smirk and crossed his arms.
"Your honesty as a seller is annoying."
"Yeah, I get that a lot. Many want the truth but not honesty. You tell me how is that possible? When half lies are lies anyway. Please buy an umbrella to avoid yourself from the cold rain and wind until you get home."
"Why should I buy an umbrella when you say I used to loved the rain?"
"Caring for yourself has its priorites, wishes and dreams come second."
I bit my lip and looked away. Knowing some of my words must have stung him although I didn't mean it and yet he is still caring after what I've said. Knowing I need an umbrella to prevent the cold until I get home, plus good business is one of his last reasons. I took a deep breath and faced him. I can see it in those dark amber brown eyes, reflecting with warmth and concern. "You're right and I'm sorry for the harsh words I've said earlier."
"It's ok, I get it. I got too close to you, me a stranger just standing here and selling umbrellas in this weather."
"Which umbrella would you suggest me to buy?" I grinned to his understanding and pulled out my wallet.
"Hmm, let me see." He placed a finger to his lips in thought as his eyes scanned across the table and plastic curtains where further umbrellas hung. I tried to follow his glance but my eyes always wandered back to him. Noticing now that he is tall, dark, handsome, smart and honest. My perfect match but ... what if it's just me seeing this? I guess it's just me; dreaming about as always.
"Aha! There it is, I've placed it aside since I've thought no one would buy it. Here it is." He presented it on the table. One made completely out of invisible plastic. "You look like the rain lover so I think this will do." He smiled.
"How much-"
"It's on me. Oh, and before you head on your way. Take this to keep you warm." He took off his duffle coat and handed it to me.
"No, no! I couldn't. You'll freeze! The umbrella is enough. I'm heading the subway where it's a bit heated. I'll be fine."
"No worries." He waved a hand. "I live few blocks away from here. The rain and cold never bothered me."
Hesitantly I took his coat. "What is your name?"
"Jeffrey, Jeffrey Malcolm"
"Thank you very much for your generousity, Jeffrey Malcolm." I smiled and wore on his duffle coat. I noticed then how my body was shivering of the cold and the coat providing warmth. My mind was set that tomorrow I shall return his duffle coat. "See you tomorrow." I waved and spun open my new umbrella. He waved back with a contented smile.
On the next day after work I headed immediately to his stand by the park. He was there like yesterday and started to smile as he saw me approaching. "Evening Jeffrey, here's your coat."
He chuckled softly. "I didn't doubt a moment. By the by, I forgot to ask your name."
I laughed surprised that he has an interest in me. "W-Wendy."
"Well Wendy, thanks for handing back my best coat."
Now's the moment to ask! Especially when he shows interest in me and to repay his generousity. "Erm... Jeffery? Would you..." I stuttered away at a loss of words. I'm such a coward and what am I thinking? It's just me who has that impression. Don't go for those foolish hopes. "It's nothing."
"To hell with nothing, Wendy. It looked like you were trying to ask me out, am I right?"
I blinked amazed at him. Am I that open with my expressions?
"Your rosy cheeks grew redder as you approached." He smiled. I sensed in his tone and smile saying indirectly 'You're cute with those rosy cheeks.'
I was speechless and blinked at him. He made a quick gesture to wait for a second. Suddenly he stood beside me with a large umbrella at hand made of the same plastic like mine. "Well where do you have in mind to go out?"
"Wait, wait! Slow down, Jeffery. I-I need some time to process this." I made some space from him.
He tilted his head to the side with a grin like a cat's. "You've never done this before have you?"
I nodded. "I-I'm a nobody." Was all I could say as I looked to the ground in shame.
"Not to me, Wendy. You love the rain like I do. Ever since I can remember and I always loved to sing and dance in the rain like Gene Kelly in the movie 'Singing in the Rain'."
I gasped surprised and looked up to him. "I love that movie!"
He laughed content to my reaction "Then shall we dance together, Wendy?" Jeffrey smiled and offered his hand.
I smiled and took his hand.917Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqLs2fxYcb
