Chapter 2

The day Mason told me his name, was the day I smiled the most. Whenever I thought about it, him or that moment, a sudden burst of warmth and happiness would enflame, causing me to grin like a giddy, love struck fool.

It’s been a week since I’ve been to the food pantry, and I was itching to see Mason. I didn’t know how often he dined there, so it was next to useless to wait there. Besides, staking out there was just plain desperate—even though that place screamed desperation.

For a moment, it occurred to me that he could’ve been waiting for me, but I shook that thought aside quickly. First off, he didn’t seem like the kind of guy who would wait around for a girl. He seemed too…busy. That wasn’t the word I was looking for, but it worked.

Second, I wasn’t really that special. Sure, he told me his name, but for all I know it could’ve been a fake name. He did warn me about being so friendly. Did he just say it because he wanted to torment me by playing mind games? This was driving me crazy. I bet all the other girls didn’t have these kinds of problems—wondering if their crush told them their real name.

I walked self-consciously down the gum and dirt littered sidewalks, trying to ignore the sour and disgusted looks I got from people. I could see it in their faces; they thought they were so much better than me, superior. And appearance-wise, they were.

My jeans were incredibly stiff, from the dirt, no doubt. My shirt had a distinct stench to it, and it wasn’t pleasant. My skin was filthy. I was itching to just take a shower to wash off the thick layer of dirt just lying on my epidermis.

Whenever I walked by someone, I noticed that they would clench their belongings/child(ren) a little bit tighter, which ticked me off and riled my nerves a bit. Just because I wasn’t as clean cut as you didn’t mean I was some kind of criminal. I would never resort to thievery.

I groaned as my face came into contact with the wall of a graffiti-covered brick building. I winced and rubbed my throbbing, and probably red, nose. I’m sure there was a scrape on it; I just hoped that it wasn’t too bad.

The funny thing was that I was daydreaming about him when I rammed into that wall. I’m sure that when my friends were ranting about guys hurting them, they didn’t mean it like this. But then again, I was a special case. I’m sure they wouldn’t be yearning after a guy if they were away from home like this.

I stumbled backwards, blinking rapidly, causing me to bump into something else—or rather, someone else. I twirled around quickly, ready to fire apologies to my victim, but was left speechless. His shaggy, dark brown hair was unmistakable. I don’t think I could ever forget his beautiful, light brown eyes.

The great thing about eyes is that they’re always untarnished. Even if every other part of your body is covered in grime, the eyes still stay as glassy as they were the day you were born. They stayed clear. They had to; they were the windows to the soul, after all.

“Be careful there, Soph,” he laughed lightly, steadying me.

My heart skipped a beat. He recognized me and gave me a nickname? Granted the nickname wasn’t very original, but it was still a nickname nonetheless. “Mason?” I whispered, my eyes dancing and a small smile crossing my face. The thoughts from before came climbing back, causing my cheeks to flush a rosy tint.

He chuckled softly and nodded. “Yeah, it’s me.”

“I—I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it. So what are you doing in my territory?”

I looked at him dubiously and raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me? Your territory?”

“No one told you the territory rules?”

“I didn’t realize that the public property of San Francisco was yours.”

“Don’t be silly. Only this part is.”

“I’m sorry, oh great master.”

“It’s kind of an unspoken rule, but since I like you, I’ll let you go this time. But don’t let it happen again?”

“You like me?” I responded coolly, even though in the inside I was screaming like a fan girl. I hoped the chill exterior I was putting out actually looked like it did when I pictured it inside my head.

He shrugged nonchalantly. “So what if I do?”

I bit my lip coyly. “Nothing,” I hummed.

“Aren’t you going to do something about it?”

This is the moment when people with more audacity ask him out or even go as far as to kiss him. But I don’t have that kind of courage and boldness, because I’m me. “Like what?” I’m not sure if I seemed clueless or flirty; I hoped it’s the latter.

He smirked. “I don’t know.”

“Well, okay then. If you ever find out, tell me? I guess I’ll be seeing you around. Or not; wouldn’t want to intrude on your territory.”

“Hold on a second, Sophie. You’re not from here, right?”

I shook my head, slightly confused. “Why?”

“How about a tour of the city from a local?”

“Depends.”

“On?”

“Who’s my guide?”

“Me, of course.”

I grinned. “Sure, but won’t we be entering someone else’s territory?”

“On the streets, Soph, I’m kind of a big deal.”

“Okay, Mr. Bigshot.”

***

“Have you been to Westfield yet?”

“No, what is it?”

“It’s only the best mall around.”

“They let the homeless inside?”

“Well they can’t not, and besides, we don’t look that bad.”

My shoulders slumped forward and I made a face. “Mason, we look awful.”

“Who cares?”

“I care!”

“Well stop caring.”

He opened the door like a gentleman for me, even going as far as bowing. I did a small curtsy while giggling, and waltzed inside. I looked around in wonderment.

The floors were made of marble; white and shiny. There were golden, spiral escalators that led up and down to a bazillion floors. The ceiling was way higher than I expected. Now this was retail therapy.

The mall was already being decorated for Christmas. A grand Christmas tree sat in the middle, surrounded by regal, occupied armchairs. There were wreaths and all sorts of festive décor as I looked around. Tinsel and fake snow adorned the windows of most of the stores.

“Am I in Heaven?” I marveled breathlessly.

“Nope, just in a mall where you don’t have any money to blow. It must be Hell.”

I laughed and nodded in agreement. “Must be. Was your plan to bring me here and torture me? Because it’s working.” I wasn’t like my sister or anything, but I could still appreciate a good mall when I see one.

“You can’t just come to San Fran and not come here. That’s a crime.”

“Isn’t that the Golden Gate Bridge?”

“That, too.”

“So are we actually going to go into the stores or are we just going to meander around like geese?”

“Considering people think we’re probably thieves, I think it would be best if we stayed away from the merchandise.”

“Okay.”

So that’s what we did.

I repeatedly poked Mason’s shoulder until he stopped to face me. “What?” Annoyance was evident in his voice.

“I have a question for you.”

“Ask away.”

“Have you ever had a girlfriend?”

“A girlfriend?”

“You know…a girl…more than a friend?”

“No, I’ve never had a girlfriend. What kind of sane girl would go for a homeless guy? Humans don’t work that way; their selfish creatures. They want the best of the best—and that is most certainly not someone who cannot afford to put a roof over their heads.”

“So you’re into sane girls?”

“Why all the questions?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know.” But I did know. And I think he did, too.

We walked around for a bit, but it got boring real quick. Going to the mall was only fun if you could spend money.

We stood on the edge of the sidewalk, waiting with a crowd of people for the light to turn to the white pedestrian symbol. I didn’t mind waiting, but Mason was growing more irritable by the second. “Stupid cars,” he muttered.

“It’s not their fault.”

“Cars are supposed to slow for us, right?”

“Well, yeah, but—”

Before I could get another word in, I found myself being dragged across the crosswalk. Mason was sprinting as fast as humanely possible, gripping my hand and pulling me in jerky movements behind him.

My heart was thumping and the blood was rushing to my ears. My hands felt sweaty, which I hoped Mason didn’t notice. It was just so exhilarating, so dangerous. The combination of Mason holding my hand and running to save my life was a little addicting. I would never do the second one again, at least not on my freewill. Not that this time was on my own freewill…But the first option I would do time and time again.

When we got onto safe ground, I reluctantly let go of his hand and whacked his chest. “What is wrong with you? We could’ve died!”

He grinned mysteriously. “But we didn’t’.”

“Don’t pull that stunt again, Mister.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

Cars were still honking their horns furiously. The people we had just left still looked openly shocked. Yes, people, we’re crazy.

“Now that your punishment is out of the way…” He threw me a questioning look as I started to laugh hysterically. “I cannot believe that just happened!” I took a deep breath before continuing my laugh attack. Perhaps this wasn’t the right way to handle a near-death situation, but then again, was there a right way?

As we walked, our arms were swinging like pendulums. I kept wishing that he’d grab my hand, but he never did. I wasn’t sure if he liked me like I liked him, or if he was just shy.

Luckily, fate was on my side, so they magically intertwined. As soon as they connected, I couldn’t help the dimples that began to indent my face.

We were holding hands like a normal couple. Could we even be referred to as a couple? It wasn’t really official since he didn’t ask me, but it’s not like we were seeing anybody else. So I bet that this was a sight to see; a young, hobo couple. How disgustingly cute, literally.

“Do you believe in love?”

“What’s with all the mushy questions?”

“Just answer it, will you?”

“No, next question.”

“Why won’t you answer it?” I demanded.

“Because I don’t have an answer!”
“How do you not know?”

“I don’t know, firsthand, if it exists or not,” he replied simply. “I’ve never had parents who’ve loved me. I’ve never been in an actual relationship. Sure, I’ve seen couples look like they’re in love, but how do I know it’s not infatuation or lust?”

“Oh.”

“What about you?”

“Me?”

“Do you believe in love?”

“I…”

I don’t know, did I? My parents never really showed any affection towards each other, besides the mandatory kisses on the cheeks every once in awhile. I’ve never really been around my grandparents much, so I wouldn’t know if they were still madly in love. I’ve heard stories, but who knows if they were made up and embellished?

“Yes,” I decided.

“Why?” he asked.

I wasn’t expecting him to question me. “Well,” I stalled, smiling weakly. “Love makes the world go round.”

“I’m pretty sure Earth spinning has nothing to do with ‘love.’ And besides, I thought the saying was ‘money makes the world go around?’”

“People love money.”

He scoffed. “Way too much.”

“Can I ask you another question?”

He sighed. “Is it about love?” I nodded feebly. “Sure.”

“Would you ever want to experience love?”

He prodded my side, making me jump and squeal. “You’re sweet,” he commented, making me blush.

“Thanks,” I mumbled, staring at the pavement flashing slowly below us.

“And as for your question, is this you asking me to be your lover?”

My cheeks turned an even more intense color. “No,” I stammered.

“Are you sure?” he whispered in my ear, slinking his arm around me and pulling me closer. His eyes had sort of a mysterious glint in it, the corners of his lips turning up mischievously.

I nodded shakily. “I’m sure.”

He bent down closer, his breath tickling my ear. “I’m sure.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to change your mind?”

I opened my mouth to say ‘no’ again, but decided to say something a bit cleverer than that. “Why do you even care? Do you want to be my lover?”

His lips pulled up into a smirk. “I thought you’d never ask.”