Chapter 21: Observe silence (1/2)

I looked at my watch and saw that it was only 8:50 am. Our next class wasn't until 10:30. Still a lot of time assuming that he won't be leaving anytime soon.

For a few minutes, I thought about how I should approach him. I was a bit nervous if not apprehensive, because based on the 2 days I spent with him in this timeline, he has never been welcoming. I'm not even sure if he could remember my face.

Anyway, I took a deep breath. Nothing will happen if I don't start moving and make myself known.

As I walked to approach the vacant table beside his, my two-inch heels made clicking sounds. I wondered if he would notice me, but he did not raise his head nor did he give any indication that his concentration has been broken.

I placed my bag on the table first before pulling the chair and sitting myself. All that time, I was looking at him, but he never tore his eyes away from his book. I wondered how I could garner his attention without making it seem like I'm doing it deliberately.

Trying not to be obvious with my purpose, I took out a samplex and a pen from my bag and placed them on the table. I pretended to read through them while I peeked at him.

Finally, inspired with an idea, I purposely placed my pen near the edge of the table. Then, as if accidentally, I elbowed it with some force so that when it fell, it was given enough trajectory to land near his foot.

I pretended to sift through my bag to wait and see if he would pick it up. However, it was as if he didn't hear anything or saw anything land near his feet, or if he did, he purposely ignored it.

Ugh, ok, let's go for plan B.

Since he did not pick it up, I stood up from my seat to do so. It was just about 4 inches away from his right foot and since I was wearing a dress, I bent my knees to pick it. For the first time, I was near him enough to catch a whiff of his perfume. I smiled. It may not be the same, but the scent was similar to the one he's been using since I met him.

Should I give him a nudge to notice me? But won't that be too obvious?

Anyway, before standing up, I peeked at him just to have a closer look at his face.

I don't know if it was fate or anything, but that was when our eyes met.

As he has been my husband for 3 years, although I found the situation embarrassing and felt my cheeks turn heated, I did not shy away. Instead, I maintained eye contact and smiled.

”Hi!” I said.

Steve did not say anything. He just frowned but still, he gave me a nod of acknowledgement. Then, he went back to do what he was doing.

I stood up and went back to my seat. It did not go that well, but it was also not bad. At least I am certain that he recognized me.