She's One in a Million

Twenty-seven

Years ago-back when things were still wild and young for Max, she remembered one time when Justin took her to an art museum. She remembered she didn't like it because she has to wear a dress.

Justin has always been passionate about arts and music but he doesn't have the talent for it. But, nevertheless, he still love it. He always dragged Max to come with him and Max would often decline him.

Although that night, Max couldn't decline. It was Justin's birthday. She kept on growling and groaning that night. But, amidst of the discomfort, a certain oil painting caught her eyes. It didn't level up with Leonardo Da Vinci nor Michaelangelo or any Renaissance artists Max could mention. But there was something about it that just took her breath away. Maybe it was the burst of colors. Maybe it was the strokes of a flat brush. Or the trees. Or how the lamp posts reflected on the path. Or the serenity of the whole picture. Or just those two people-a man and a woman-walking alone together.

She was just thankful that Justin took her that night.

"Well, this is different." Ian said, looking at the quiet street with rows of lamp posts by the sides and each one had a bench beside it.

"I like long walks." Max smiled, it wasn't exactly the same from the painting, but the lamp posts alone gave off an intimacy feeling to a quiet street. As of the colors, she displayed it through her dress-a white A-line that ended 2 inches above her knees with a splash of colors in a watery effect. 

Ian gave her a smile and held her hands. "Then shall we?"

"So, you didn't mention that you were the awkward boy of a teenage film." Max spoke, as they began their walk.

Ian's eyes widen, much to Max's amusement. "How did you know that?"

"I got my own research."

"Casey told you, didn't she?" Ian said in a dry manner.

Max grinned. "Yeah. I asked."

"Oh? So, you're asking things about me. How much did you know?"

"Quite a lot. You were this awkward kid who had an unrequited crush at this popular girl in school. But then, you did some self-enhancements and the girl finally noticed you. Must've been a dream come true, right?"

Ian was no longer looking at Max nor was he even smiling and that is what Max was hoping for. This night wasn't just any other night. Max was determined to know who this Ian Montgomery really is.

"Casey told you quite a lot, alright." Ian said, a hint of seriousness was in his voice. "Well, no need to hide some skeletons in my closet anymore then."

" Yes. I was the awkward kid by the lockers. Girls would normally ignore boys like me and sometimes would get laugh at. But, not that girl you just talk about. She would stop them when her friends began to make fun of me. She would often shield me against them. Yes, it was silly to fall for such things but it was sincere and I appreciated it. Yes, it was an unrequited crush because I know where I stood-she's above, I'm below. She's heaven and I was just the earth. She was the rose while I was just the thorns."

Ian sighed first before he continued. "Casey was right again when I did some self-enhancement on myself for two reasons: for myself and for her. She was right again when she told you that girl finally noticed me. You could just imagine the joy I felt when she began to smile at me, talk to me, went out with me, kiss me and made love with me."

Max exhaled and looked away. She felt a strong sting in her chest when Ian let go of the words. She wanted to let go of his hand.

"Maybe Casey also told you that that dream ended too, right? After years of dating, the fairy tale story that I wanted to completely sealed with a vow unfortunately ended when she decided to go to Europe and leave the life she had here and that included me. You can imagine how I almost lost my insanity because that is how much I was in love her." Max could feel Ian gripped her hand harder.

"But, I eventually woke up and continued to live my life. But, you know what? I've learned to love the people that has been there for me even more. I've never been so grateful for that." Ian finished with an exhale. He looked at Max who avoided his eyes. "Max?"

The call of her name made her looked at those warm blue eyes with a sparkle of the yellow lights on them. "What?"

"Remember I told you that I wasn't perfect? That was one of my scars."

Ian's word made Max's eyebrows met each other. "Seriously? It's what's making you even more perfect. All I see is a man who can whole heart idly give everything of what he has and that is a strong point. It's very beautiful. I-I can never do the same." Max pulled her hand out of Ian's grip and walked slowly ahead of him. Ian followed her, walking in the same speed with Max. "Not all people can do such things. You're brave. You should be envied that you could love that big. I'm even surprised why you joined this show when you really have no problem finding someone you can love."

"Aren't you brave too?" Ian called out, making Max turned to him.

"What?"

"You're brave enough to come here, not knowing what chances are you going to have."

"I have my reasons." She began to look away.

"What is it?"

"Never mind, Ian." She shuts him up with a firm voice. I couldn't tell you, Ian. I couldn't. She began to walk fast and when she realized that she no longer heard Ian's foot steps she stopped. She saw him sitting by the bench, looking at the darken night sky.

"You won't find any stars tonight." Max said, coming closer to Ian.

"You maybe right." Ian smiled at her, calmly sitting on the bench. Max sat beside him, looking around and admired the simple beauty of the lamp post that lights above them. They just sat there silently, admiring the silence even though seeing the video camera almost destroyed the calming nature of the place. But, nevertheless, Max couldn't help but sighed and just admire everything,

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Max said, smiling.

"Which one?" Ian said. Max looked at him, puzzled and when he smiled at her, she understood what he just meant.

"Haha. Again with your charms."

Ian smile went wider. "You're charmed?"

"Always." Max admitted which made Ian laughed softly.

"Well, same goes for me."

"More than the girl you just talked about?" Max asked Ian, almost like a whisper. She looked deeply into his eyes once again, and trailed down to his lips. The beating of her heart was no longer calm as it went rapidly the moment Ian slowly leaned towards her and felt his lips on her lips.