•SALOME ALAN•

I am already striping my clothes off before I can think twice. There's actually nothing to think about, because you all know how I've been waiting and wanting this.

I figured why Mr. Alex included if I would be chanced. He probably thought bunch of people would be at my place and we'd all be dancing to some loud music, and drinking soda mixed with alcohol, grinding on each other and making fake promises to be together forever. Nope.

And that's why I was quick to reply with a big bright 'yes.' You may probably be thinking things like, Oh, aren't you actually cheap and easy, you shouldn't just bend to a man's demand, blah blah blah...

I'd have just one question for you if you ever have that thought in your head. Have you fucking seen this man??? Exactly, so let me do me.

My heart bubble beyond excitement as I wave my hanged clothes here and there, searching for the perfect outfit suitable for a date. I smile at the thought of me and him been on an actual date, but then something hard hit my chest. No matter how much I like him, I don't know if it's something people would be proud to hear. My dad too.

I gulp down the thought, and continue checking for an outfit. The moment is what matters in a long run, and I would grab it while I can.

I squint my eyes at an unfamiliar lilac plain dress peeping out of my white wardrobe, slowly taking it out. I don't think I've seen...

"Oh my God!" I gasp at the beauty of the chiffon material, running my hands through the thin hand straps, down the waist line, till my fingers grease the brand label. Or more like an attached note with those cute sticky colored paper. This one is blue, in love shape.

I gently peel it out, holding the dress in one hand and reading the note with my left hand.

A cute dress for the birthday day! Figured you might have a special outing so... here you go ;)

"Aww aunt Jenny..." I squeal childishly, hugging the note and the dress to my chest. This is so lovely... How did she even know I'd have an outing?

I sniff in the newly scent aura of the dress, taking a proper look at it. It has these spilt cut at both sides, giving this elegantly modest look.

"I'm so going to wear this." I tell myself, bouncing to my full sized mirror to put it on, my heart racing for a reason I don't know.

•••

I think growing older comes with a price. To some people, the growth might be something they can't handle, but would need to adapt to as time goes by. Mine, I honestly do not know yet.

The dress didn't completely hug my curves, but fitted like it was made just for me. The weather is a bit chilly, so I put on a light turtle neck white top before the gown, giving nothing but a baddie insta girl.

"And there you go..." I mutter, laying my edges to the side, making my baby hair more prominent. "Cute." I smile, puffing out my curls since I decided to let it fall down my shoulders, leaving it in middle parting. I adjust the gown and I step back to see my full potential in my full size mirror, smiling cheeky.

My phone begins to ring, prompting my eyes away to the device laying on my pitch duvet. My smile widen to a grin, as I pick it excitingly, pressing it against my ear and walking back to the mirror.

"Dad..." I draw, my voice sounding like that of a toodler. "I thought you weren't going to call me." I make sure he sense my slight disappointment in him. Although I saw the text he sent in the morning, but hearing his voice hits different. He hasn't been home for almost three weeks now, which I totally understand but still...

"I'm so sorry baby girl, giving work excuses on why I haven't called isn't the best, but I want you to know that it's all for you." He says, tapping sounds of typing under his voice. I sigh softly, dragging my eyes up to my reflection in the mirror. "But I promise you that we would have the most amazing time the day I return."

I almost smile at his last words. "Okay... when would that be though?" I murmur.

He hesitates for awhile, while I turn around to pick up my portable black shoulder bag, my phone still pressed to my ear.

"In few days time." He replies, tone dropping. "I don't know the exact day but roughly a week, I'm so sorry darling."

I nod slowly like he's in front of me, sighing heavily. He sure knows how to talk me through everything, and also make me feel better. "It's okay, dad. I'd be here."

"I love you so much."

I smile, taking some hair from my face. "Love you too, dad."

"So... are you going out with your friends?"

I open my mouth but shut it again, smiling. I'm not exactly going out with my friends, but my teacher. How do I tell him that though?

"I'm... yes, my friends." I tell him instead. Since he's not absent, he probably won't be comfortable agreeing with me going out with Mr. Alex.

"Oh okay, that's amazing! Let me leave you to go have fun, bye..."

I smacked my lips, parting them to answer. "Bye..."

He cut the call from his end, and I withdraw my phone from my ear, wondering when I started lying to my dad. But well, I could tell him when he gets back, would be more rational.

I glance around my semi scattered room, scanning to see if there's anything I forgot to put in my bag.

"Nope, nothing." I walk to the door, stylishly stuff my legs in my black slippers heels and trying to adjust my legs as I walk out of the door.

I'm not used to wearing heels, but when I do, I somehow manage to rock it like I wear them everyday. Obviously gotten that from my aunt.

I step down from the last stairs, just as my phone dings in my hand. With smiles all over, I swipe open.

Mr. Alex; Hey birthday girl, heard you called an Uber?

My entire features smile at his cute text, stretching into a grin as I make my way to the door, tucking my phone in my purse. I reach for the door knob, fixing my grin to turn back to a charming smile. I draw in a breath, and instantly pull the door open.

I am met with the harsh sun the second I step out, my eyes subconsciously darting around, and of course, it doesn't take me two seconds to spot a wine Lexus beside our bloomy small garden.

The grin comes back as the car door crack open, and I quickly close the brown door with a thud, turning around to lock it with the key in my hand, while my legs becoming jelly in my heels.

My hand slowly twist the key into the small hole, just as it click locked immediately, then fully turn around.

Okay, wow...

I momentarily exhale, my eyes gridding the young man in a white button down shirt, and deep blue pants. He begins to walk closer, and that's when I realise I'm still standing on my threshold, drowning in awe to meet him.

My face stretch in a bright smile as he get closer, while his honey eyes trails down my whole self. I part my lips to say a word, just for him to squat low to my knees. A whiff of his cologne bless my face at his sudden movement, so as my eyes trail down to see him fiddling with the strap of my heels. I blink my eyes surprisingly, staring at his thick shiny curly hair.

"And... done." He gets up to his full height, completely seizing my breath away. Like he can see how shocked I must have been, he points to my legs. "Your shoe strap was a bit loose."

"Oh," I glance down at it, smiling softly. "Thank you, I had no idea."

I really did have no idea. But why does he look so...

"You look really beautiful, Salome." His stare bore into mine as he talks, and I gulp down like it's the first time I heard such.

"T-thanks." I almost stutter, his appearance alone making my head swell with pride.

I mean, do I really deserve this man?

"You too Mr. Alex, you look really good." I comment, smile still intact. That make him grin, his broad chest vibrating a bit.

"Thank you, now I think I have one request from you." He squints his honey eyes at me, shoving his hands in his pocket. I try to keep my stance since I already can't feel my legs.

"Hmm?" I hum in form of question, searching his eyes like it can tell me what exactly.

"Can you tune down your formality a bit?" He ask, my mouth curving to an instant 'o.'

I hum nonchalantly, shrugging as I nod. "Oh yes, yeah I could. I just..." I mute down, this is the second he's asking me this. To be informal with him. "Okay, I will."

His eyes glister as he smiles, making way for me to pass. I slowly step down the little stairs, down to the carpet grass and over to the passenger's spot, just for a hand to stretch from beside me and pull the door open. I trace his hand on the opened door to his face.

"Come on, get in." He ducks his head for me to climb in. I have to blow out air as I do so, my chest swelling in the most unsual way. I only see this in movies!

I watch him walk over to the driver's side, pull the door open and climb in effortlessly. I drag in a breath, taking some hair behind my ears.

Am I dreaming?

"Happy birthday Salome Alan."

I glanced sideways to Mr. Alex's deep voice. He gives me another dose of that charming eye smile, before stretching over to the back seat to carry something. I chew the insides of my mouth, I can't even stop myself from smiling so much.

"Here." He stretch a pink gift bag to me. I look down at it, then up to his face. "It's for you."

"Oh," I gently take it from his fingers, blushing non-stop. "Thank you..." I glance at the outset of the bag, running my fingers on it. "I really appreciate."

He ingnite the car, adjusting to clip in his seatbelt. "You're welcome, always."

Curiosity floods me as the vehicle begin to move down the road, and I just can't get enough of the color of the bag. Pink. I just can't get enough of everything, of been here with him.

My eyes lit up the second I see the brand name on the label peeping out of the bag.

He got me Louis Vuitton, Oh my God!

"Thank you Mr- Alex," I quickly try to correct, looking at him to check if he noticed me been formal. "I love it!" I squeal lowly.

He chuckles, throwing me a look. "Without seeing what's inside yet?"

I press my glossy lips, nodding. "Hmm yes."

Mr. Alex snacks his pink lips together, smiling cutely. I think he's trying not to smile, but his lips are failing, just like mine. I never knew he can be this sweet, caring, or admirable. While, he has always been the last to other girls but me? We all know how much I refused myself warming up to him.

"You are worth more Salome, and I'm not just saying it for words sake, you'd see for yourself." He assures, voice stern in finality. I can't help the heavy thud my heart banged at his voice.

I blink up at him, smiling.

How could someone be this perfect...

•••

"Wow," I mutter under my breath as we step into the reception side of the cinema. I didn't know it was a cinema until now, and trust me, I have never seen one this glamorous. Latest movies adverts are displayed on the rolled down banners, the florescent lights giving the arena an inviting look.

My eyes graze the various banners beside me, intently staring at the horrific looking creatures. I find my eyes a bit, tearing my eyes away so my brain won't copy and paste the images in my head, and it begin to appear in my dreams.

I blink forward to see my teacher staring at me with a small smirk on his lips. Pulling out a tight smile, I move closer to where he's standing at the counter.

"Scary right?" He bend a bit to my height to ask. I am putting on heels but he's still a good amount taller.

"Yes..." I draw, taking one more glance at the image. "There's no way I'll watch that."

Mr. Alex chuckles under his breath. I turn to see him smiling. "Oh really? Let's see." He tells me, turn around to collect our tickets and the two portion of popcorns. I carefully take the soda drinks on the desk, following behind.

He sounded kind of suspicious though.

"Are you maybe planning for us to watch horror?" I ask from behind him as we walk towards the entrance and into the soundproof compartment of the cinema.

"I'm not supposed to tell you anything, Salome. I just hope you like it." He replies, making way for me to go the front. I do so, trying not to smile.

He's so cute!

We enter the partially filled cinema, Mr. Alex eye scanning for empty seats. Few eyes turn their backs to the fine young man who obviously doesn't look bothered. He walk back up to where I'm standing.

"I think the front rolls are filled, would you like to seat at the back?" He ask, facing me with all attention. I nod fast, smiling.

"Yes, sure!" I answer, my insides tingling with bliss.

We make our way to the second to the last roll, carefully passing by the few people already seated. I take my seat at the extreme, and Mr. Alex settle beside me, his scent taking over our space. The lights are still on.

"Here you go, birthday girl." He gently pass me a bag of popcorn which I accept immediately, mouthing a 'thank you.' Holding unto it, I let my eyes waver around the cinema as people keep trouping in. I bet it would be an anticipated movie or something.

"Are you comfortable?"

I turn to my side at the voice of Mr. Alex. His stare is that of mild concern, and doubt. I must have looked discomforted gawking around like that. I nod, smiling.

"Hmm yes I am, it's been awhile I came here." Also, I've never been in a cinema with no other than my aunt. "It feels nice."

He mirrors my smiling expression, adjusting in his seat. "Okay, I'm glad."

It doesn't take long for the white lights to go off, serving the whole place with darkness and cold. I take in a deep breath, absorbing the atmosphere and letting my body relax to the sensation.

My body suddenly grow hot the second I sense warmth above my hand on my thigh. It's still dark yet I blink my eyes down to it. You know that feeling when all your features is alerted but you don't know the cause? That's how it feels.

My hand melt as a warm hand softly place on mine. My once relaxed body picked up again in faster pace, my eyes widen. I gulp, dragging my eyes to Mr. Alex just as the big screen comes on.

The blue light flashes on, creating a dime source of light as the names credit rolls up with soft music underneath. My heart race higher as I become fully aware that his hand is on mine. His eyes are focused on the screen, while I keep looking from his hand to his face.

"Your hand is cold." He says, slowly tearing his gaze to me. My mouth drop open, no words able to spill out. "Are you cold?"

I shake my head once, then twice. "No..."

Mr. Alex ducks his head a bit, a small smirk raising at the corner of his mouth. "Really? Or should I leave your-"

"No," I quickly cut through, biting down my lips. "I was kidding."

He breathe down, smiling away to the screen. "I know..." He properly hold into my right hand, gently squeezing it a bit. I almost gasp at the interaction, blowing out air from my mouth.

His hand is heaven... so smooth yet firm.

"Wow..." I mutter under my breath, my body falling in utmost relaxation. It's not the first we're holding hands but it feels surreal. He sinks his fingers in mine, tenderly gripping it in place while I rub my toes in my heels, blushing my face off.

The movie kicks start in less than a minute, the whole place suddenly dying down in silence. The soft echoing of the voices of the actors, via the serene atmosphere make it seem like we're the only ones present. Delicately, I stir my eyes to the young man beside me, watching how he calmly blink at the screen.

Peaceful.

I smile down, turning to face the screen, just as he gives my hand a light rub, enough to inflame my insides all over again. I try to fight the ignition by taking a popcorn to my mouth with my left hand, chewing slowly.

Calm down Salome, be still...

Something begin to crawl up my throat, but before I can beat my chest to calm down, I am already coughing out loud, my shoulders quivering.

Damn you popcorn!

"Hey... are you okay?"

I quickly cover my mouth to reduce the noise coming from my insides, all the while hearing Mr. Alex's voice.

"Y-yes, I'm-" cough, "I'm f-fine." My voice break as I try to answer.

My back become warm as he place his hand there, giving it long rubs.

"You sure? You need water?"

I glance around, hoping not to draw attention to us. "N-no."

Mr. Alex stare at me with furrowed brows, while I try to keep my coughs low. He adjust to get up. "Be right back, I'll get you water."

I keep his worried gaze, nodding. "O-okay."

He gets up, maneuver his way through and exist the place. I place my hand on my chest, letting out the ruminate cough. My eyes catch the huge bag of popcorn beside me, and I blow out air. Really?

I clear my throat, breathing from my mouth. I don't understand, am I all of a sudden allergic to popcorn or what?

It didn't take long that Mr. Alex came back with a bottled water, uncap the lid and hand it to me.

"Here, drink some."

Obediently, I receive it and gulp down the liquid, feeling a lot better. He takes it back from me, intently staring at me.

"How do you feel?" He ask, concern marring his face.

I nod, smiling as I look in his eyes. "A lot better, thank you."

•••

Apparently, the movie wasn't as scary as I said, or horrific at all. It was a transition movie of the eighteen century, down to the twenty first. It appeared boring at first, watching the way people used to talk, and dress but then getting to understand the plot hit different. Same characters revolving down the centuries, and rapidly trying to adapt to change. Quite funny at some point too.

I munch on the last popcorn, taking a sip of my soda as the name credit rolls up. People begin to whisper to themselves on their view of the movie.

"So... How was it?"

I hum, nodding at my teacher beside me. I smile cheekily as I raise a thumb at him.

"Perfect!" I grin from ear to ear. "I never expected that great outcome. I mean, where do there even get to find those ancient buildings?"

Mr. Alex seems to be enjoying my jovial reactions as he just gaze at me, honey eyes glistening with excitement. He drags in a breath, humming in thought.

"France? Or Egypt?" He sound skeptical, while I nod rapidly. He's so smart!

"Yes! Would definitely be one of them." I add, giggling.

The bright lights suddenly comes up, just as people begin to get up from their seats and I'm blessed with the alluring face of Mr. Alex. I blink my eyes due to the brightness of the place, heaving a satisfying breath.

"Come on, let's go." Mr. Alex gets on his full height. I grab my bag strap, standing behind him as we wait for the people in front to leave first. I peep above his head to get a view, but he's just so tall!

Pursing my lips, I tuck some hair behind my ears, glancing at our seats. I would never forget today, this moment, this mood. It was most of the time dark, but seem to be the clearest heartwarming time spent with him.

Raising my head, I realized his hand is stretched behind me.

I stare in awe, my mouth almost dropping open. Mr. Alex look over his shoulders at me, into my confused eyes, before carefully slipping his hand in mine, smiling.

"Let's go." He says, slowly walking out the seats roll with me tailing behind, his warm hand in mine affecting every pore in me.

I continue to blow out air from my mouth as we finally get to the opened doors. Few people are still going out at the time, making side talks on how interesting the movie was. Some even try imitating how the people of the eighteen century talked, laughing their faces away.

Overhearing them, I can't help but chuckle at their opinions, my eyes moving around to see the faces of the people making such funny gestures.

My body freezes at the sight of them, my heart thundering against my chest. My hold on my teacher's hand tighten just as he is about to exist the door. The people are right in front of us, and their faces...

Shit...

Skillfully, I pull him back into the cinema with me, making him stagger in his footings. The very last set of people walk out while I keep ducking my head over them to check if they've left.

"Salome, what's wrong?" Mr. Alex tries to catch my eyes, while all my senses keep lingering at the door area. "Hey, look at me... what did you see?"

I open my mouth to talk, all the whole watching their heads move as they keep chattering, their steps slow as snails. My heart race increase.

"Uh, they were..." I start to say but then trail off when I feel his hand on my chin, rasing it to meet his face. I gulp, my feet turning to stand at the intensity of his eyes.

"What is wrong? Did you see something?" He questions again, eyes not leaving mine. I open my mouth to talk and boom, all the lights goes off.

I stiffen, blinking up and around. Were they waiting for everyone to leave before they switch off the lights?

I look up at Mr. Alex, not seeing him but darkness.

"Oh wow, let me quickly..." He drawls, and something tells me he's about to take out his phone. I quickly stretch my hand and successfully hold it.

"No..." I whisper, shaking my head. "I saw-"

"Your classmates?"

My eyes widened, but he can't see my expressions so I mutter;

"Yes, how did you..."

"Hmm, I saw them." He answers, voice relaxed with certainty.

HE SAW THEM?!

"R-really?" My brows snitch, straining my eyes like I can see him if I do. I slowly drop my hand from his.

"Yes, was that why you pulled me back? Because you were scared they'd see us together?"

I breathe down, swallowing. He had even seen them before I did, yet didn't react in the slightest.

"Y-yes... you didn't seem fazed though."

I hear him drag in a breath. "I was, I just hoped you didn't."

"Oh..." I drag, biting my lips, embarrassment beginning to drown me. "Uh, we should go..." I trail off, hearing his footsteps drawing closer.

"You really want to?" His voice appears closer than before, and I didn't know when I begin to move backwards, my back coming in contact with the door. "Hmm?"

"Y-yes," I have no idea what my voice sounded like, I just hope he doesn't hear how fast my heart is beating right now. Why does he keep coming close?

Mr. Alex's cologne fills my face before I could calculate my blurry thoughts, I slowly raise my hands to see how close he is, just for them to plaster on his heaving chest. He is literally two inches away! Or even closer... I place my hands there, feeling his heart beat in my hands.

"I didn't know how to feel at first Salome, I mean, seeing how uncomfortable it might get if people you're familiar with see you with me," His tone drops to that of deep concern, and I wonder how his facial expressions would be like.

"Hmm, like the way I reacted just now right?" It's dark but the rush of fear I faced made me drop my head at my own voice.

"It was expected, but it's all going to be fine." He assures.

I hum, letting this moment sink in. My hands on his chest, him been this close to me, hearing him say these...

"Very soon," I add, forcing out a smile. Something in me aches to know when it wouldn't be an abomination if people see us together, but I think it's all worth it at the end.

His warmer hands covers mine on his chest, taking another Chuck of stamina from me. He holds unto my hands, not taking it off his chest. My heart sinks deeper and deeper to places I never knew excited in me, and I find myself wanting him for myself.

I shut my drowsy eyes, heaving a deep breath. My body is calm, but something inside me keeps unfolding and awakening. I open my eyes, my breath coming out in louder thuds. I withdraw my hands from his, blindly placing them on his shoulders, drawing my face in.

I can taste his lips, and it ignites the unusual urge to press my lips on his. My grip tighten a bit around his shoulders as I keep allowing myself to bask in his lips, even before mine touches.

My eyes flutter close as I finally-

"Salome," He whispers, gently taking my hands from his shoulders, withdrawing from me. My chest drops as I blink up at him, trying my hardest to imagine his facial expression at the moment. My eyes all of a sudden begin to water for a reason I don't know. I gulp, blinking away the tears almost dropping from my eyes.

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A/N~
Aww seems like Salome's emotions
is trying to toy with her :')

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