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I was enjoying the view. The park, the people, and the kids playing around. It wasn't until a certain kid started crying that I wanted to bang my head on the bench I was sitting on. Kids are nice until they are NOT. Just like how a person looks amazing when they are silent, but once they talk, THAT'S IT TO IT.

The crying was already giving me migraine

I got up from the bench to go get ice cream. It was my reward. The reward that I was giving myself for being strong every day, for being independent, for walking towards the path of being who I want to be.

I settled for a simple chocolate one since I wasn't much in the mood for other flavors. Coming back I saw a whole family was sitting where I was sitting first. I took a deep breath to calm myself and I examined the rest of the park and found a bench and a guy was sitting alone.

I went there and kept my purse on my lap, took out the Air Pods, and started the podcast. I was halfway through my ice cream when I felt the intense glare of a certain someone.

Turning around I held his glare. Okay, so he wanted to do a staring competition, I was up for it.

We held our gazes until he rubbed his eyes.

I always win these. Is there any Olympic competition for this? 

"Hello, I'm Ahava." I held out my hand.

He didn't shake it. His all-black attire was sexy, but where were his hands?

"Okay. So we'll do this without touching each other. What's your name?" I asked again.

He didn't answer, again.

"Ice-cream?" I asked.

No reply.

"Can you talk? Hear? Sign language" I tried not to offend him.

He looked at me and that was the first time I saw him completely.

Dark brown eyes, clenched jaw, and a frown etched on his face. Damn, someone be hitting the gym. I'm sure, god took extra time and care to make him. And then there's me, No gym body, and extra time? I don't even think I was made with care or attention. 

Shh Ahava, you're beautiful and strong. I tried to block out things.

I touched my clavicle and closed my eyes. Took a deep breath and looked at him. This time he had no frown. He was looking at me, more like examining me.

"Can you hear me?" I tried to do some hand gestures, in case he couldn't. Why don't they teach ASL in schools? They should. It would be easier for people with disabilities to communicate with others.

He rolled his eyes. He could hear me then. I guess. Maybe.

"I guess you can hear me. Talk?"

"Shut up" he sternly said. I flinched. 

Deep voice. Told ya. Made with care and attention. I think he comes with that label 'Handle with care,' like those parcels.

Why so rude cap guy?

"Ayy, you can talk. Good. So, what's your name?" Come on boy talk to me.

It gets lonely when you just talk to yourself or your clients.

"Carwyn" He looked at me. 

I'm jealous of this guy. He's sooo beautiful.

"Carwyn. Wow. So beautiful" I said. It indeed was an amazing name. His voice was amazing too.

"Hello there Carwyn. Are you from here? Native?" I asked.

He hummed. Woah, dude! You have to ask that back. The conversation is two ways. See, this is why I think I don't have friends. I feel like I force myself on people and they aren't interested and I'm alone at the end.

I'm not overthinking, but you just can't handle it when people you're talking to aren't responding.

After a minute or two of me looking here and there, I heard him say something.

"You?"

"Huh?"

"Native?" he sighed.

"I guess you could say that. I wasn't born here, but I was a kid when we shifted here" I've come to know one thing: do not ask strangers about their family and all. It can be a sensitive topic. Don't try to ask a lot about their lives either.

Awkward. Awkward. Awkward.

"Tell me about yourself. How are you and all that shit" He asked? HE ASKED. Someone's trying to talk to me. Oh my- am I dreaming? I hope not.

"Well, I'm Ahava as I already told you. And I'm an assistant to an amazing designer. I'm 22 and having chocolate ice cream now. You?" His lips twitched at my last sentence.

"I'm Carwyn as I too already told you. And I'm talking to you now."

Aiiii, he has dimples. He tried to control his smile, but I saw them- his dimples

I think I'm gonna fall, ladies.

He's smiling with me, not AT me. I mean kind of smiling. Whatever it is.

His phone rang. I don't know what the person on the other side was saying, but Mr. Dimples here just hummed. He hung up the call, turned to me, and said.

"I'll meet you later Ahava. Your name is beautiful, just like you" And then he was gone. I didn't miss his eyes softening.

Holy moly Angelina Jolie.

I squealed. Someone called me beautiful, talked to me, and gave me their time. This bench is lucky. I patted the bench like a kid and continued eating the remaining melted ice cream.

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Byee fuckers.