Charlie and Me

by Jarrett Yap

Maybe this dog loves getting wet. I slipped into the bath tub again and took my bath with Chuck, happily making noises in the tub. It felt like the world belonged to us now. I scrubbed him with the shampoo that I bought from the counter Penny was at and I have to admit, it smelt really good. Apple mint filled the bathroom as I felt like as though I want to wash myself with that too.

  Soon after, I let Chuck dry off and allow him to run around the house as I took my shower. I could not be bothered enough to drain off the water and refill the tub. After my shower, we went to watch some television as Chuck jumped up on the couch towards me. I could see that he’s yawning away and decided to call it a day. I picked Chuck up and headed towards my room where we dosed off.

  The very next morning, I was woken up by wet tongues on my cheeks. I opened my eyes to see Chuck on top of me, looking at me as I rubbed my eyes. He barked at me playfully and began to jump on me. I grabbed him and smiled.

  “I’m up Chuck. I’m up,” I said as I put him down.

  I poured some dog biscuits into his bowl before pouring some cereal into mine. I looked at him as he gobbled up his food. I couldn’t help but just to shake my head and smile. I took my shower soon after as I do not have to go to work that day.

  The Find

  I took the leash and hooked it onto Chuck’s collar. By the struggles he gave, I knew he doesn’t really enjoy it but I couldn’t allow him to roam freely without me on the streets. After I finally got the leash hooked, Chuck was less fidgety. We walked towards the vets for him to get his vaccinations. We registered and were waiting for our turn to see the vet.

  I could see the waiting room was quite empty except for us and a few pet owners, one with a small Chihuahua and another with a Siamese Cat. Not long after, a nurse came up to us. “Dr. Willows will see you now, Mr. Lee,” she said.

  We walked into an office labeled Dr. Willows. The room was filled with pictures of puppies but one dominates them all as most of the walls were filled with the picture of a nice white Maltese pup. As i let my eyes wander across the room, I saw the back of the doctor, a lady with her hair in a bun and wearing a clean white lab coat. “Welcome, Mr. Lee,” she said as she turned around.

  “What can I help….” She said but paused halfway.

  “Charlie?” I said.

  “Sky!” She replied as she pointed towards me.

  “How have you been? What brings you here? Here, sit.” She asked as she invited me to sit on a chair in the room.

  “Thanks. I’ve been good. This fella here, he needs his vaccinations. How have you been?” I replied as I pointed at Chuck.

  Charlie looked up into the horizon and replied with a simple, “I don’t know. There are ups and downs, as she walked over, put Chuck on the examination table and checked up on him. We chatted as Charlie carried out the vaccinations. Chuck was ever so brave for not even whimpering but I guess I was too busy talking to Charlie to even notice if he did. In minutes, the procedures were done and we’re good to go. Apparently, I was the last client for the day for Charlie as she worked the night shift last night. In a way, I felt lucky that I came on time.

  I asked Charlie if she would like to go for a drink, some brunch before heading back home which she delightfully agreed to. We had a nice brunch that morning in some diner nearby. I had coffee while Charlie had some croissant and coffee as well. I got to know that Charlie graduated from med school last year and is currently a veterinarian specializing with dogs and the Maltese pictures in her room were Lady, her Maltese back home. We chatted for a long time and this time, I got to ask her for her digits as we exchanged numbers. I walked her back home as her house is about 3 blocks away. We waved goodbye as she entered her house and promised to catch up some time.

  As it was a nice afternoon, I took Chuck to a pet shop and we got some toys for him. He seemed to be delighted with his new bone-shaped chew toy which boasts of being the best in the market. Soon after, we head back home as I have some work that needs to be done. I got back home and switched out of my going out attire and headed straight to my laptop. Before I started any real work, I headed on to my Facebook page and was surprised to find a new friend request. With my hopes up, I clicked on the icon and lo and behold, “Charlotte Willows sent you a friend request.” Overjoyed, I clicked on the confirm button. For the next few minutes, I felt like I was a stalker, going through her Facebook page. For the rest of the day, I sat in front of my laptop, finishing up some reports I need to show my boss next week.

  The Chase

  A few days passed, I gathered my courage and texted Charlie.

  “Dinner?” I asked her.

  Minutes felt like hours as I waited for her reply. Thoughts ran through my head and I looked at Chuck, hoping that I could find some sort of clue.

  “I just hope she replies soon.” I said to Chuck, followed by an agreeing bark from him.

  My cellphone buzzed and I quickly unlocked it.

  Sigh, it was just a service message.

  I plunged onto my bed, face down in defeat when my cellphone buzzed again.

  “Sorry, was in the shower. Sure. Pick me up at 6?” Charlie replied.

  A smile lit my face as I looked at Chuck with a “SHE REPLIED!” face.

  I was careful not to reply too quickly to sound desperate and creepy. I replied with a simple “Sure, see you in a bit then,” as by that time, it was already 4.

  At 5:30, I walked over to her house, eagerly waiting for her. As the clock drew nearer, my heart beat faster. 5:30 became 5:45, and soon enough, it was 6. I continued waiting, hoping she’ll be meet me soon. Soon after, it was 6:15. My heart sank a little. Maybe she won’t be coming and there is when my cellphone rang.

  “Sky, where are you?” Charlie said.

  “I’m right downstairs.” I said.

  “Downstairs? Downstairs where?” she said

  “Er… Your house.” I said.

  “Oh, I forgot to tell you. I’m still at the clinic. What I meant was to pick me up from the clinic at 6.” Charlie said

  “Oh, right. Sorry. I’m coming over now then.” I said as we clicked on the red button.

  I laughed to myself as I made my way to the veterinary. As I was on my way, I passed by the florist and decided to pick up a flower for Charlie. Seeing her room was purple, I thought a purple orchid would do the trick.

  Few minutes later, I arrived at the vet. Charlie was waiting outside.

  “I’m so sorry.” We both apologized at the same time and laughed together.

  I handed her the flower, she sniffed it (not that an orchid has any scent I thought) and smiled. We walked over to a bistro nearby and had dinner as we chat through the night. The night was wonderful, filled with laughs and giggles. I felt comfortable around her. After dinner, I walked her home.

  The Question

  This continued on for a couple of times and our relationship grew closer. I even told her about how I went back to the newsstand, hoping to bump into her again and she told me that she had always giggled when she passed by the Starbucks that we had our first drink at. And there it was then, I remembered clearly, date number 7.

  After dinner, we walked through the park and decided to sit on one of the park benches as we looked at the sky above, amazed by the stars and the moon. I turned my head towards Charlie, my hands shaking and my heart racing as I popped the question that could change our relationship. What I was about to do would either bring us closer or will render us awkward around each other.

  “Charlie. Will you be my girlfriend?” I asked her, my voice a little shaky.

  She looked at me, leaned over and kissed me on my cheek (mind you, it was the first time she did this). She then looked me in the eyes, her eyes as gentle as the morning dew as she nodded.

  Overjoyed, I was lost for words. I froze. She then threw her arms around me and we cuddled as we watched the night sky. Not long after, I walked her home she pecked me on my cheeks again as she said good bye. That night, we spoke to each other on the phone throughout the ni
ght. That night, I was content, I was happy.

  The Kiss

  Charlie and I decided to take things slow. We decided to first enjoy each other’s’ company and not rush things. Our dates always end with me sending her to her house and a kiss on my cheek as I watch her walk in. On one of those dates, we Skyped with our parents and asked for their blessings. Fortunately, they approve of us. It was not easy looking into Mr.Willows eyes. I felt like he could pierce through my soul for being with his darling daughter. But it was all a relief when he gave us his blessings.

  After a little over a month, during a beautiful winter night, a memory etched into my brain was made. It was a few days after our first month together. After dinner and a movie, we decided to walk through the park. The sky was clear and stars fill the skies above. The moon shone dimly and we could see the numerous stars above. We sat down on the very same bench I asked her to be my girlfriend.

  As we were talking, slowly, Charlie leaned forward and pursed her lips. My heart raced as if I could feel it bursting out of my chest. Closing my eyes, I responded. Slowly, our lips met. It was fireworks. I could only wish to stop time. It was perfect. It was pure. It was the best feeling I had ever felt. It was my first kiss and it was hers. I felt like I was dreaming. It was too good to be true. That night, we had crossed another milestone in our relationship.

  As I sent her back, again we kissed by her doorway, under the glittering stars and