Keeper

Tickets to Paris

2. Sorry for the late second part, but here it is...

About a month back...

"French toast and a good cup of strong coffee"

"Nothing else my love?

"Nope!"

"Well. French toast and coffee it is"

I smile as I watch Kal walk towards our small, apartment kitchen covered in destruction from last night's dinner party. It was fun but occasionally awkward with his sister who gives me the look. God just thinking about it makes me squirm. It was his idea to invite his mother and his sister. I didn't object since he was looking forward to it. Nothing makes me smile better than the look he gives me; pleading and making me melt. How does he do it?

I met Kal through my sister. Her fine job status of being an interior designer has her moving here and there and coming across new people all the time. She has always been like a mother to me. I can't really compare to my real mother because, well I was thrown in to care before I could bond with this person who brought me into this world. Ever since it's been hard for me to be forgiving. Never been able to create a soft spot for anyone other than Anthea. But now that changed ever since I met Kal. 

"Since it's your birthday, I thought why not take a whole month off to celebrate in Paris"

"You're joking! I'm not falling for it Kal"

"Yeah? Then why is there two tickets to Paris for tonight under your pillow"

I take a second to think. Is he fooling? He could be. Nah! I flip over on the bed impatiently and scramble for the pillow and like he said, there they are. Two tickets to Paris from Vancouver tonight at 8:00PM by AirCanada. 

"Shit! Shit! You should've told me! I have things to do and people to tell and WOW. SHIT!"

"I wasn't expecting that but you seem happy so yeah" Kal smiled his cheeky look. 

"I'm supposed to be going over my students' papers. What do I do?"

"Nothing. You're taking a break and I've told the university that. You don't have to worry. All is well. Yes, I did think this through"

I giggle at his silly remark. It surprises me a lot now and then that someone could know me so well. It has been more than a year so it shouldn't really be a surprise. Paris has always been the place I've wanted to go. And I couldn't have asked for anyone else better to be going with. 

"Are you sure about this? I mean, we could wait till the summer or.."

I wait for his reply as I watch him bring the tray over and place it on the bedside table and kneel, placing his hands on my knees and looking up, straight into my eyes as if he's trying to figure something out.

"What?"

"You're so.....stupid!"

"Kal!"

I push him so he lands on his back and watch as he laughs hysterically. 

"You should've seen your face Carmen, you looked so impatient and eager for me to say beautiful"

"Go away", I say and chuck a pillow at him and fall back to face the ceiling and smile as his childish laugh continues. When he's stopped, he climbs the bed slowly as if he's creeping up on his prey and slumps next to me, placing his hands on his stomach and looking up as if we're both admiring the stars. He turns and talks quitely..

"Aww..you know you're beautiful. I haven't got to say it to remind you love. This trip is hopefully going to bring us together even more. I just thought it would be a great time since it's your birthday and it's Spring which is even better. I just want you to know I'm happy with you. I've changed for the better and it's because of you. God knows Carmen. Maybe I have a place in heaven with you after all. I've always thought the Devil was anticipating my entrance into hell"

He smiles at me as I realise I'm laughing at his statement of heaven and hell. 

"God what would I do without you silly?"

"I don't know but if i hadn't had you by now, I would've been lost Carmen ...stay with me always" he pleads quietly as he holds my hand. 

"Always"..