(Lolita) True Love

My secret was out. I finally told someone the reason why I was still here. 

Because I’m a lonely, hopeless romantic.

I get it, okay? It’s kinda hilarious, a ghost stuck on earth because they hadn’t experienced true love.

I thought leaving was impossible for the longest time. I’ve been here for God knows how long, so obviously I’ve had time to think about why I’m stuck. At first I thought it was just because of the age I died at. I was pretty young, around Tristan’s age I think.

The details are kinda blurry, to be honest.

I guess Father Keith was right. If I stay here any longer, I’ll start to lose bits of myself. I’d start to forget things, whether it be something like my favourite memory or something as simple as my own name.

Anyways, after he finally cracked me with his ridiculously sad backstory, he explained to me how he would help me. I told him all about Tristan, and how he caught my eye the very first day I saw him. Even though I’ve been a hopeless romantic for all the time I’ve spent on earth, I always thought “love at first sight” was too cheesy. I mean how does that even happen anyways? You see someone you’ve never met and suddenly you’re in love? Sounds fake to me.

But when I saw Tristan, I took back everything. It was like I unlocked a deep feeling hidden within me when I first saw him, almost as if I’ve known him before. It was weird and hard to explain, but that’s the only way I can describe it.

If I lived through a past life, or maybe multiple past lives, I definitely lived them alongside Tristan.

Father Keith promised me that he would set us up. I learned that he’s kinda a softie when it comes to love. I guess it makes sense because of his past, though. Poor man.

He told me he would come into the cafe everyday during quiet hours and try to be a wingman for me. He insists that the only way I can pass on is if Tristan confesses to me.

Today, he came into the cafe at around 8:00pm. There were no customers in the cafe, and Tristan began to put stuff into the back room. I waited for Father Keith to appear in the window before taking a seat at one of the tables.

When the door chimed, Tristan came out of the back.

“Hello, sir.” His eyes flitted towards me, “O-oh, Lolita! I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you come in.”

Father Keith nodded to Tristan and I and gestured for me to talk to Tristan.

“No worries Tristan, I just came in.” I gave him a (hopefully) charming smile. His face turned red and I giggled, he looked so cute! Like a little tomato.

Tristan turned his attention back to Father Keith who was making his way to the counter.

“What can I get you, sir?”

“One americano, please.”

“Coming right up, sir.”

Father Keith nodded and waited by the counter for Tristan to finish. I couldn’t help but watch Tristan make the drink, he was just too attractive! He was much more relaxed at his job now, and his laid back movements were so hot.

Once the drink was made, Tristan placed it down on the counter in front of Father Keith. Before he could turn to do something else, Father Keith reached his hand out to stop him. He beckoned Tristan to come closer. I pretended to look away, but I leaned in closer to hear what they were talking about.

“Son, you seem very tired,” Father Keith spoke in a low voice.

“Oh, um, yeah I guess. It’s been a long day,” Tristan chuckled.

“Listen, why don’t you go spend some time with that young lady over there. It seems like she wants to be in your company, correct?”

Tristan looked towards me with wide eyes. I waved shyly.

“Go ahead, son. She seems like a very nice girl. No one else is here, and I don’t mind if you take a break.” I patted him on the back and he squeaked a little.

He gave Father Keith a grateful but nervous smile and made his way towards me. I buzzed in anticipation.

“H-hey, Lolita,” his voice wavered a bit. It was too cute.

“Hey yourself, Tristan,” I giggled.

“S-so, how have you been?”

“Oh you know, same old same old. You seem kinda tired though, busy day today?”

“Yeah, you know it. I had to clean up some messes and frigging Rika park came today. I was sweating bricks while making her drink, I’m glad you weren’t here to see that.”

I let out a hearty laugh at the mental image. “You tryna impress me or something?”

He looked away, blushing furiously. “.... Maybe…”

I laughed again. “Oh Tristan, you’re already cool in my book. Don’t you worry.”

He looked up at me with surprised eyes, “Y-you think I’m c-cool?”

“Of course.”

We looked at each other’s eyes for a second too long and I had to look away. When I snuck a glance at him, he looked away too.

“It seems like we’re both pretty whipped, huh?”

He chuckled and scratched the back of his neck, “You’re getting pretty bold, L-Lolita.”

“I think that’s what you like about me. And plus, am I wrong?”

He gazed into my eyes once again and waited.

He didn’t answer right away and looked away after a second.

I panicked. Have I been reading this the wrong way? Am I being too outgoing? Crap, maybe he doesn’t even like me!

No, no, no….

I don’t have that much time left…

And I actually really like Tristan!

Have I really…

Have I really spent my time loving someone who doesn’t see me the same way?

Have I not learned from my mistakes?

No, no, no…

I looked down and tried to laugh, but it came out all sad. It was pathetic. In the corner of my eye I could see Father Keith trying to get my attention, but I just shook my head.

I let out a sigh of defeat. “I’m sorry Tristan, I guess I’ve been reading the wrong signals-”

“No!” Tristan blurted out. I jumped back at his sudden outburst and he cringed at himself.

“S-sorry, but no. I mean, no. No, not no, I- It’s just that- I-”

“Deep breaths Tristan,” I tried to remind him.

He took a couple before continuing. “You aren’t reading the wrong signals. I just panicked and you surprised me with your forwardness but honestly it’s what I like about you! It’s charming to say the least but it’s so different from what I’m like so sometimes it can take me a while to respond but in my head I’m so happy! I’m honestly really happy! I could keep going on how h-”

“Tristan,” I laughed in relief, “Please slow down. I’m not going anywhere.”

He paused and his body visibly relaxed after a couple seconds.

“Lolita, what I’m trying to say is…”

Is it happening right now?

“ I’m happy because…”

Please, please be what I think you’re going to say.

“I l-like...”

Yes????

“I really like ...”

Wait, shit! I haven’t told him my secret!

The reason why we can’t even be together in the first place!

“I really like y-”

“Wait, Tristan, I need to say some-”

The front door slammed open. “Heyo! What’s going on peeps?”

THAT BALD ******** ***** ***** ***** **** ****** ***** OF A CAFE OWNER. I’M GOING TO KILL HIM.

“Oh Lolita! You’re here! And good old Father Keith, so nice to see you in real life!” Scanta approached Father Keith with an outstretched arm, but Father Keith didn’t shake it.

He looked oddly pale.

I cleared my throat. “Father Keith, are you okay?”

He looked at me with wide eyes. The hair on his arm was standing up.

“Lolita, Tristan, and, um, you sir, I must go. Thank you for the drink.” And with that, Father Keith ran out of the cafe.

Scanta turned to us with a raised brow. “What’s up with him?”

Tristan looked like he was holding back his anger. “No clue,” he said through clenched teeth.

“What’s up with you, Trissy poo? Did I… interrupt something?” The ugly bald owner wiggled his eyebrows at us. Gross.

Damn that old bald man, how dare he interrupt! I was so close to getting a confession out of Tristan! And plus, it’s not like I only want him to confess because I wanna “move on.” I genuinely like this guy! And SCANTA JUST HAS TO BLOCK THAT TOO!

Speaking of Scanta, Father Keith seemed weirdly frightened of him. I guess I’d have to ask him about that later.

I gave Tristan an apologetic look then scowled at Scanta. “I’m gonna head out through the back, Tristan. I’ll be back to come see you. We should continue our talk in total privacy, I think.” I gave Tristan a wink and he seemed to calm down.

“Y-yeah. Um, good night Lolita.”

“Good night Tristan.”

And with that, I disappeared into the cafe.