Silence Glasses
By Ree Yumee
Date: August 16, 2024
Ch. 35Zed and the right time


Avril walked with Zed to the parking lot. It was 3:07 pm and Zed thought he and Avril still had plenty of time. Avril had taken her bag earlier and of course, Zed was patiently waiting. One second too late, and Ed would have been ahead of Zed. Zed was also thankful that Evan couldn't drive Avril earlier.

"So?" Avril said. "Since when do you like eating ice cream?"

Zed didn't like ice cream but he didn't hate it either. Back in middle school, Zed made fun of Avril for buying ice cream almost daily. But, yes, Avril had promised to treat Zed. The boy collected it when Avril had some free time.

"Not really. I'm just taking advantage of the opportunity," Zed said bluntly.

"You're as blunt as ever, Zed!" said Avril.

Zed shrugged his shoulders. "Well, keeping my feelings to myself isn't my style either."

Avril nodded stiffly. They stood beside the motorcycle. Sometimes, Avril felt cruel for not being able to reciprocate Zed's feelings while they were still friends and kept seeing each other. Although yes, Zed said he was ready to have his heart broken, Avril didn't think having her heart broken was a good experience. Avril Marie Miller should have been able to take care of Zed's feelings especially since he was Avril's best friend.

Zed saw the faint look in Avril's eyes. Of course! Zed knew the meaning behind that look. Five years of knowing Avril had allowed him to read her mind. Zed smiled a little and flicked the girl on the forehead.

"Hey!" Avril protested while stroking her forehead.

Zed looked down slightly. His tall body made Avril have to raise her head to look at Zed. The man flashed his handsome smile again.

"Exactly how many thoughts are in that little head of yours, A?" Zed said.

Avril snorted. "As long as my brain is functioning, of course, I think a lot."

"Good. I'm glad your brain is still functioning" Zed joked.

Avril screwed up her face. "Are you teasing on me, Zed?"

Zed shook his head. Again, Zed put the helmet on Avril and it seemed like the girl was used to it. Avril was even still focusing on Zed's earlier remark. Zed was taunting Avril.

"Liar! You're pranking me," Avril said.

Zed chuckled and put on his helmet. "I am indeed happy. But, you know A?"

"What?" Avril asked.

"No matter how many thoughts you have, think good thoughts. I'd rather see you smile than wrinkles on your forehead," said Zed sincerely.

Avril's pupils dilated. Avril glanced at Zed and didn't even know how to reply to him. But, apparently, Zed didn't need any reply at all. The man climbed onto his bike and motioned for Avril to do the same. Avril complied and held on to Zed. Little did Avril know, her small gesture just now managed to make Zed smile a little. Isn't this a great way to end the day?

***

Venice Beach was located near the Westfield Culver City Mall. At first, Zed wanted to experience a movie with Avril in a movie theater. Maybe, Zed could come up with an excuse so that they could watch a movie together. But, like, Zed felt like he was pushing Avril too hard if that was the case. After all, on second thought, Zed's desire to go to the beach with Avril was stronger than a movie together.

"A?" called Zed as he slowed down the bike.

"Yes?" replied Avril.

"I can choose any ice cream, right?" asked Zed.

"Yes, you can. You're not going to bankrupt me, are you, Zed?" joked Avril.

"No, of course not! But I might take up a lot of your time," said Zed.

Avril moved closer. The wind around her made it difficult for Avril to hear Zed's voice. "No problem as long as you take me home!"

"Yes, captain!"

Afterward, Zed drove smoothly on the Los Angeles highway while Avril tightened her grip while enjoying the clear Los Angeles sky. Secretly, Avril thought about Zed. How could he be this strong? Sometimes, Avril felt like she was doing something wrong. But, Avril herself had told Zed directly and rejected him. After what Avril had done, what else could she do? Avril couldn't ask Zed to control his feelings.

In fact, after getting to know Zed better, Avril managed to crown Zed as an ideal man. Well, because Zed was an understanding man who was quite caring. Zed has never imposed his will so far. Not only that, Zed can be a comfort in times of need. Avril couldn't even deny the fact that Zed was the only one who realized how bad Avril felt that day. In fact, Avril could trick Johanna just fine. But, tricking Zed seemed impossible.

Physically, Zed has a handsome face and a well-proportioned body. Zed had the right muscles. Avril could see them because Zed often wore short-sleeved shirts, so when he folded his arms across his chest, Avril could see his muscles. That's what made the cheer team members go crazy and not focus on training. Zed obviously knew about this, but he never looked at any girl. Avril looked up at the sky again hoping to find an answer. But, no. It seemed like life was giving her another riddle.

It took quite some time for Zed and Avril to drive to Venice Beach. Avril watched the road and the cars passing by to distract herself. It seemed like everyone was having fun today. Some drove fast as if they were chasing something. But, Avril was glad that Zed was traveling at a comfortable pace. Avril could feel the wind on her face as she enjoyed the stunning afternoon sky.

Soon, the roadside was lined with towering palm trees. Avril smiled widely. It had been a while since Avril had been to the beach. Not too long ago. But the beach always had its way of calling Avril. Why did Zed always have such a right time?



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