A Nymph and a Tree

“Where the hell are they?” I was beyond frustrated over the fact that I had to wake up early on a Saturday.

“Calm down Daphne, I’m sure they’re on their way.”

“Laurel, you’ve been saying that for the past two hours!”

“It’s because you’ve been throwing a tantrum for the past two hours.”

“Aren’t you even the tiniest bit irritated with how long you’ve been waiting for them?”

“Well, not really.”

“Come on! Even the couple who met here around 10AM had already left!”

An old fountain stood right at the center of the marble circle, splashing cerulean water over intricately sculptured statues of horses reflecting the elegance which they were created with. Benches were sitting a considerable distance apart from each other across the fountain. It was a common meeting place for couples, and friends. This time, it was meant to be where my classmates and I would gather before moving to the venue where we would discuss and work on our group project.

I was under the impression that the people I was assigned with were responsible and punctual. Oh boy was I wrong. I really didn’t mind if it took them another day or two to get here, their inability to attend on time had nothing to do with my panic at that moment.

I took a quick glance to my classmate who had been patiently putting up with my hysteria for the past couple of hours. I groaned, taking my phone out to call our group leader for the umpteenth time.

“Come on, come on, where are you?” I anxiously whispered to myself. “I can’t handle being alone with him for another minute.”

‘Sorry, but the number you’ve dialed…’

“Oh. My. God. They absolutely cannot be for real right now!” I internally shouted. “Seriously?!”

“Hey. Hey, Daph, take it easy.” Laurel patted me on the back, urging me to cool my head as he pointed at his wristwatch. “I know it’s a little hot out here, look it’s almost lunch time––”

“Oh, gee, how could I have not noticed!”

He chuckled as if my madness was nothing to worry about. He wasn’t irritated at all. He was sincerely being easy-going even with the mess of a personality I had going on. No, I don’t believe him for a second.

“As I was saying, it’s almost lunch.” He took out an umbrella, my petite frame easily being covered with its shade. “Let’s grab a bite to eat.”

I became overly conscious of the distance between us. I’ve been standing underneath the sun for hours, I’m sweaty. I must smell terrible right now. Surely, he’s just putting up a front. Surely, in his mind he’s killed me a hundred times already. Surely, he thinks of me as disgusting. Surely, he hates me now. Oh, god, I don’t want him to hate me. Please don’t hate me. Please don’t hate me.

“Please don’t hate me.”

“What was that?”

“No-nothing!” I was flustered upon realizing I had let my thoughts slip out of my mouth.

We were heading towards the nearest food chain from the park. The leaves were murmuring as the wind passed through. The clouds were still as we each made our steps towards a destination I did not count for. What was that blockhead Iris thinking? Choosing now to be the only time I can’t reach her.

“You know, you’ve always been strange, Daph.” His gaze stuck on the road we were walking on.

“Strange? Me? I’m the epitome of normal! What do you mean, strange?!”

“A few minutes ago you were boiling from anger and now you’re shy and quiet.”

“Do you have a problem with that?”

“The opposite, actually.” He smiled.

We had arrived at the eatery, its vibrant colors standing out in the middle of gloomy buildings as cars roared by. He held the door open, tilting his head to have me go on through.

“I find it cute.” He whispered, perhaps trying not to have me hear it.

“What?” I pretended not to hear. “C-could you repeat that?”

“Repeat what?” He grinned.

This cheeky jerk. Just because you may or may not be absolutely gorgeous doesn’t mean you can go around saying whatever you want.

We sat on a table for two by the windows. He asked what I wanted and went straight to the counter without waiting for me to bring out my wallet. Maybe he was the type who only had the other party pay once they’re done eating.

“Iris, where the hell are you?” I fiddled with my phone again, trying to call her. “You said you’d help me–“

Then it hit me. That sneaky, sneaky, small, cardboard leader of mine truly was a spawn of the devil.

“So, this is what you meant when you said you’d find an opportunity for me to be alone with him,” I cursed Iris in my mind, “You should have told me. I’m neither mentally nor emotionally prepared for this.”

Laurel came back with our food on a tray on hand. I greeted him with an awkward expression, and half an hour passed before we knew it.

“Did you know that our names are actually pretty close in meaning?”

“What do you mean?” Dumbfounded, I asked.

“‘Daphne’ is a nymph from Greek Mythology whom Apollo, the god of music and poetry, fell in love with due to an issue with Cupid. But Cupid made it so that Daphne would never be able to return Apollo’s affection. Troubled by Apollo, the nymph sought out the river god for help. In order to save her from him, she turned into a tree.”

“Let me guess, it was a laurel tree.” I rolled my eyes at him, trying to hide my smile.

“Exactly,” He smirked. “As inspired by Greek mythology, I’m here to save you, o fair maiden.”

“Save me from what? From being single?” I laughed at my terrible joke.

“Maybe.” I thought he was kidding but his eyes told me otherwise. “If you’d allow me to.”