The Game of Love

The Game of Love Chapter 31

Leon:

 

The recurring sound of alarm jolted me awake as always. It’s six-thirty in the morning, and I let out a dazed groan of aggravation. Time for work, I told myself, tugging myself out the bed and into the bathroom. After changing into a blue collard shirt and black jeans, I sneaked into Sarah’s room, fast asleep on her bed. Her body was sprawled all over, the covers in a bunch down by the footrest. I stifled a laugh at the image right before me. The look on her face was peaceful, content, and gentle. Smiling at the sight of her, I leaned down to give her a kiss on the forehead before heading downstairs and out the driveway.

By noon, the mall was crowded with women who were eager to get their hands on whatever apparel they find is eye-catching and on sale. I was in that particular store; the looks on the men’s faces (the women’s boyfriends, fiancés, or husbands) mostly held annoyed faces. I caught on man’s expression that said two words, “Help. Me.” I only smirked as I rang up dresses, blouses, and jeans at my register.

What annoyed me the most, were the women who wouldn’t stop ogling me—especially the single women. No surprise there. As I’d ring up their clothes, they’d lean over the counter, complimenting me with words, throwing themselves at me. For the most part, I ignored them; if they’re persistent, I’d just smirk at their comments and pull a sarcastic laugh. Even some stranger asked if we should go out. My answer: No. It was straight up—no exceptions. She only frowned, snatching the bag out of my hands, storming out the store.

When a pile of men’s clothes is thrown at my counter, I looked up to find Seth with a dejected—and challenging—look. “Oh. What are you doing here?” I asked flatly. No response. I tried again, “What’s with all the clothes, Seth?”

“It’s none of your damn business,” he snapped. After a moment, he folded his arms impatiently, asking in an irritated voice, “Well, are you going to ring up my clothes or not?”

“Grouchy one, aren’t you?” I teased, trying to get on his nerves. When he glared, I smirked, asking, “Does it have to do with…Sarah?” The whites of his knuckles as he clenched his fists gave away his answer completely.

“Not entirely,” he finally said. “It’s personal…”

Ringing up his mound of jeans, I ask, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Seth sighed, resting his arm on the counter, saying in a hushed tone, “If I tell you, promise me that you won’t tell Sarah until the time is right.”

I shrugged, “Yeah, sure. I promise. So what’s up?” I leaned closer as he whispered his answer.

Sarah:

 

It’s a Saturday morning, and I’m not surprised that Leon’s gone…again. Where has he been? I heaved a sigh as I flopped on the couch, flipping through channels until I found Spongebob—the child in me hasn’t died down just yet.

Pouring myself a cup of strawberry smoothie Leon and I made yesterday, I heard the vibration of my phone. It’s Sophia. Picking up the phone, I said my usual greeting, “Hey. What’s up?”

“Do you think you can hang out with Leanne, Jake, Jack, and me?” she requested.

“Why?” I asked slowly.

“Well, if Seth and Leon aren’t around, then we feel that you should hang out with us,” she chirped.

After a good minute of pondering over my decision, I answer simply, “Sorry. I’d rather spend my day at home.”