“She sounds like someone with stories.”
“She is. Unfortunately, it’s not my place to tell, at least not until you are acquainted with her. She is the kind of person I hope I’ll grow to be. Be it in principles or in character.”
“It’ll be my pleasure to meet her if I’m fortunate enough.”
“She will like you.”
“Are you always like this?”
“Like what?”
“Blunt? Talkative? Annoying?”
“Blunt – yes. It’s a waste of time to be long-winded.”
“Talkative – definitely not. I think I have talked to you more than I have talked to Miss John… Tessa in the last 3-4 years I have known her.”
“Why do I think it’s a good thing that you find me annoying?”
“Whatever. I’m hungry.”
“Oh Right.” “I forgot.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“I think you eat and sleep like a piggy.”
“…”
“It’s kind of cute though.”
“Too late. You think I’m a pig. And how could you find pigs cute? Ewe!”
“I think you are cute when you eat like a starved puppy and when you are half-awake.”
“Now, you are calling me a puppy.”
“I better stop talking. I’m digging my own grave here.”
“Good that you know.”
“What do you want to eat?”
“Burger and coke. And ramen.”
“What kind of combination is that?” William looked disgusted.
“Burger and coke because I want to. Ramen because a burger and coke won’t be enough.” Rosaline replied innocently.
“…” William was stunned.
William gave her the drinks and snacks he had previously prepared. Then they decided to go on a date instead. So, they sneaked back to Tessa’s and drove around.
Rosaline took him to an old burger joint she and Tessa used to frequent when they were in middle school.
William frowned at the old and rustic decor which clearly needed renovations.
As soon as the shop owner saw Rosy, he hurriedly came to greet her.
“Rosy? Is that you?”
“Uncle Burber. How have you been?”
“Ah! Still can’t pronounce burger, huh?”
“Uncle don’t be mad at me, okay. Where else will I go when I am hungry?” Rosaline said like a spoiled child which made William gape at her wide-eyed while the shop owner laughed.
“You little girl. You sure know how to make me happy. Why are you growing younger, and more beautiful? And still skinny after all the burgers you ate here?” clicks his tongue “What a waste of food?” sighs.
“Uncle?” Rosaline stomped her foot.
“All right. All right. Little girl, I won’t tease you anymore.” He said in between laughter. “Is this your boyfriend?”
“Huh?”
“Young man, you better be careful. This girl has looked the same in the last 7-8 years, only growing more beautiful. Be careful not to get beaten for dating a minor.”
“…” William was speechless.
“Uncle?” Rosaline screamed again.
“Okay! Okay! Look at how skinny you are. Let me get your favorites.”
“Uncle Burber! You are the best.”
Sakes head laughing.
William looks at her dumbfounded as they take Rosaline’s usual seat.
“Well?” William asks.
“What?” Rosaline is confused.
“That was unexpected.”
“Tessa and I have been coming here since we were in middle school.”
“Uncle Kevin’s son was around 5 or 6 when we started coming here. He used to say Burber at the time and we started calling him Uncle Burber. It kind of stuck.”
Kevin brought them his signature burger. Grilled chicken breast burger with lettuce, cabbage, olives, jalapenos, cucumber, and homemade pickle in a whole-grain millet bun. Lemonade made with fresh lemons to go with it.
Rosaline almost moaned while enjoying it. William could not believe how incredibly tasty it was, not to mention fresh and healthy. It was simple, yet very tasty. He made a mental note to bring it to Ria.