The café was packed.
She arrived a few minutes ahead of time and found a secluded spot in the far corner. There was a cool breeze and for a moment, she regretted not bringing her coat along. As she scanned the sea of people, she wondered whether she is ready. There’s nothing like the excitement of meeting someone new, although this time, she knew better. Just meet and greet. That’s it.
Five minutes had passed by and she spotted him, standing by the door. Not sure how to proceed, she stood up and gathered all the courage she had, painted a smile on her face and finally walked up to him and introduced herself. He gave her a warm smile and asked her if she had any difficulty finding the place. He led her inside, which thankfully is warm, and thoughtfully inquired whether she is a coffee drinker. She said not really but does have a cup every now and then. She looked up the menu and asked him what he recommends. Funny thing is that they were both thinking of ordering the same thing — blended white chocolate hazelnut. Hmmm…. like minds think alike? As they waited for their drinks, she was suprised at how easy the flow of conversation was. From the basics to more insightful stuff. Easy banter back and forth. Plus those eyes. They never wavered. But they didn’t unnerve her either. Those baby blue eyes held her gaze as they talk just about everything and anything. Like nothing else mattered. Like no one else mattered. Only her. Or maybe she’s only a sucker for baby blues……
So as they were finishing their drinks, he asked her whether she has walked around the campus at Stanford. She was caught off guard because just a few days ago she was telling her cousins that they should go to Stanford one of these days because she has never been. She was a little freaked out by his question. Coincidence? Or is the Universe finally telling her something? She gathered her composure and told him no, and he graciously offered to accompany her. It didn’t take her a heartbeat to say Yes! After all if indeed the Universe is conconcting some plan, who is she to go against it? Who is she to contradict what the stars have aligned for her? In the back of her head was a little voice, taunting, ” I thought you didn’t believe in destiny? Ha! “ Well, fate, schmate — she is taking this chance.
They walked to his car and like the gentleman that he is, opened the door for her. They cruised along El Camino and made the turn somewhere to Stanford. She couldn’t help but notice that he was running on empty. Like the needle was on red. And like the I-don’t-let-my-tank-go-past-half kind of girl that she is, it started to make her squeamish. It took all her self-control not to tell him that his tank is empty but thankfully they finally arrived at the parking lot. As she stepped out of the car, her eyes widened. The view took her breath away. Eventhough it was dark, the stars were out, even the moon. They started walking towards the church, with a beautiful mural painted on the outside and that beautiful stained glass window in the midst of it all. The silence between them never felt uncomfortable. In a way, it felt natural. That they didn’t need words to fill in the stillness of the night. They stopped by a parked bench and talked about the little things that seem unimportant, but in more ways than one, it actually is. As time seemed to stand still, the doubt in her mind began to fade away. She knew she is finally ready.
They finally stood up and walked back to the car, retracing their steps, learning more about the other. And as they drove back, him running on empty didn’t bother her one bit. As first dates go, this is definitely one of the most unconventional but most romantic. Coffee, a great guy, a moonlit walk, great conversation — what more could a girl ask for? And if ever the car did stall in the middle of University Avenue? She wouldn’t have mind pushing.
xoxo
