Winning My Ex-Crush

Fenella’s POV

Initially, I thought it would be boring, but it wasn’t. Lloyd challenged me in every arcade game. We even bet our tickets every time we win a game. Starting from the dancing machine game-even though I was the only one playing this game-skee ball, basketball, pinball, fighting games, and various other games.

We also played bowling, even though we weren’t very good at it. No one managed to make a strike. Especially me, who ended up putting more balls into the gutter than knocking down pins.

Almost two full hours passed as we played games, then Lloyd took me out for lunch. He said the food there was bad, so he took me to another restaurant within walking distance.

We shared a burger for two because I knew I wouldn’t be able to finish one portion alone. I ordered a S’mores shake, while Lloyd ordered a chocolate milkshake.

After I thought we were stuffed with all the delicious food, Lloyd dragged me to an ice cream shop right next to the burger restaurant. We both agreed that there’s always room for dessert.

Our conversations throughout the day were quite enjoyable. Mostly about school subjects, gossip about seniors or juniors, embarrassing moments of teachers, and our hobbies. For some reason, it seems we avoid the topic of Laird.All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

Around 2:30 PM, we both walked home from the train station, passing the park again. I thought we would go straight home, but Lloyd took me to an area near the baseball field.

We sat on a park bench under a shady tree. I could see the baseball field quite closely; I used to attend almost every Saturday to watch Laird’s Little League games.

“Do you watch Laird often?” Lloyd asked.

“Yes. Almost every week. Did you really never watch him?” I asked Lloyd to confirm Laird’s complaints about his brother.

“Yeah. I prefer to read books, and Dad wouldn’t be happy if I followed in my brother’s footsteps to play baseball.” He replied, still staring at the field.

“Does Mr. Evans really hate baseball?”

“He hated everything he considered useless. If he knew I read novels or went on dates, he would definitely be angry. Lately, his temper has been getting worse.” He narrowed his eyes momentarily.

“What about Mr. Baxter? Did he get angry about us going out today?” He turned to me.

“No. He’s strict about behavioral habits, but he never screens who I go out with.” I chuckled and shook my head.

“Thank goodness. Then I’ll just wait for your answer to accept the invitation to go steady with me.” He smiled sweetly, and I responded with laughter again.

“You’re so cute; do you know that?” I teased him.

“I know.” He smiled confidently.

I then fell silent, staring at the small bouquet of flowers in my hand. I’ve been carrying it around all day, tucking it into my bag.

“Thank you, Lloyd. You’re very kind and friendly. You even let me spend almost all of your savings to take me out on a date today.”

It seems everyone has their struggles. Lloyd struggles to treat me entirely, even though I insist on paying half of every game and meal. It reminded me of when I used to save money to buy an expensive game for a boy I liked in elementary school.

Although I’m confused, I have to face Lloyd. He’s serious as a boy, so I’ve got to respond seriously as a girl. I stared intently at him, then turned my seat towards him.

“Girls will surely be crazy about you, but, anyway, I-” I trailed off, becoming clearer.

“I’ll give it to you until tomorrow. Don’t answer now.” He suddenly got up from his chair.

He stared at me for a long time, and it made me nervous again. I lowered my head, looked away, and let him look at me, which must have looked strange.

“Sooner or later, you’ll hear it. Shouldn’t you hear my answer now? I’m an impatient girl.” I said to him. I finally dared to look up and stare at Lloyd again.

“I know you’re impulsive. You’re impatient, while I’m a planning and calculating person. I like to prepare for things. That’s why I want to prepare myself after striving for so long.”

Lloyd looked at me closely and then slowly stepped back. It seems he really didn’t want to hear it now. According to my experience, forcing something never works out well for me.

“I want to prepare myself before hearing your answer, whatever it is.” He spoke slowly.

“I just want today to end here. I want my first date to end smoothly.” This time he laughed, and it made me understand his wish a little.

“Yes, Lloyd. See you later.” I said it with a small smile.

He nodded and then turned away. He walked alone through Boston Park. While I didn’t know where to go, I remained seated in the park chair, watching the baseball field become more golden under the sunset.

I stood up and walked towards the baseball field fence. My hand grabbed the fence in between as memories of every Laird’s game there during Little League flooded back. Now he’s joined the Senior League to prepare for pre-MLB selection, so the field he uses is no longer this small field.

“Why are you alone there? Where’s your date?”

I turned around and saw Laird standing near me. Close enough that I could recognize his face even though he was wearing a baseball cap. He carried a baseball equipment bag and walked closer.

Damn it! Why did we have to run into each other today?! I was stuck by the fence, so I couldn’t run anymore.

***

We chose to sit under the big tree, but without any mats at all. When we were kids, our teacher would bring us here to sit without mats during class hours. We also often sat under this tree after Saturday matches. Then we listened to Laird’s laughter every time he won a match or his disappointment every time he lost.

“So, has he gone home?” Laird asked again.

“He’s gone home,” I replied, still looking intently at Laird.

“Don’t you two commit to dating right away?” he asked again.

“No.” I shook my head. “He wants today to remain a memory of a fun first date.”