Chapter 3 (Robert)

Stepping out of the plane Robert took a deep breath. "I am back home." he said gently. Looking around, he saw the baggage icon. Following the sign he saw the conveyor belts. 'Let's see, what flight number was it again?' Rob digged in his pocket for his ticket. '191? W-Wait, 191?' Getting cold sweat thinking about that number. 'Is this luck? That nothing happened?' He exhaled a cold breath. Looking at the screens, he noticed the conveyor number three had his flight number.

Walking towards where his bag will be, Rob moved to the side. 'I'll let those impatient people go first. I am in no hurry.'

Looking at his surroundings, Robert still can't believe he is back. 'I promised I wouldn't return after a long time had passed. But life kicks you when you are down, does it not?'

Taking a deep breath before exhaling, Robert relaxed. 'I can only move forward now. What should be my new occupation?' Robert might be patient, but he is not passive. The army has made him use time constructively. Getting used to waking up at four in the morning sometimes earlier. Sleep deprived for more than a day at times. Every minute used.

"Not that I need the money, but I would go crazy doing nothing." He muttered under his breath. 'Ah, if only I could be like them.' His habits from the army will take a while to abandon him. He couldn't help but notice where the exits were, or observe every person. 'The minor details, are what keeps you alive' He recalled clearly his Sergeant's words. 'You'll never know, Denver might have an Isis recruiting edifice. Better safe than sorry'

"There it is." Robert eyed the pink luggage bag coming around the baggage carousel. He started laughing 'What will people think seen a man carry it around?' Chuckling , Rob uses his sleeve to wipe his watery eyes.

After two laps, when most of the crowd was gone, Robert walked towards the bag, he reached for the handle and easily picked it up. Next to him a blonde was eyeing him weirdly. 'It's sunglasses girl! What does she want? It can't be my charms work that fast? Hehe' Sunglasses reached for the bag and grabbed the handle. Robert did not expect that, debating whether to let go or not. 'Does she think it's hers?' Rob released his hold on the bag. Wondering where this was going. The girl pulled on the handle.

"Fine, bring me something to write with and tell me where you want my autograph." Sunglasses stretched her right hand towards him.

Trying hard to control his smile. 'Who is she? This is too funny. What's going on?'

She looked up at him, Robert saw the change in her expression. 'Oh, so it's like that.'

"That's my bag." Robert did not want any misunderstandings.

"W-What?"

Still having a hard time not smiling, Rob observe her face. Although he could not see her eyes much through her shades, he could see her eyebrows and mouth clearly twitching.

"That's my bag."

He stared at her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. She turned her head towards the bag before saying "If you want my signature, you just have to ask." Her voice came out more forceful than before.

'I don't even know your name lady!' He could not get angry, after all, Rob noticed her glance at the bag. 'Ugh, does she have the same looking bag as mine?'

"This bag is mine" She said, putting her cold facade back on.

'I wonder if that is a self-defense mechanism...' Not bothering to contemplate, Rob proceeded to say "I assured you ma'am, this bag is mine. To be precise, it's my sister's."

'I wonder if she would like the bag.' He bought the bag a month ago for his sister. Rob knows she liked top brand items, very label conscious. Robert asked his battle buddies what was good for girls these days. He personally buys whatever he likes, doesn't care about prices or brands, when buying for himself.

Noticing the changing expressions on Sunglasses, Robert snapped out of his reverie. 'This girl is amusing.'

"No!" Shades looked around, 'Did she not meant to say that?' Robert released the smile he has been holding.

'I like her, she is cute.' Robert took a proper look at her. With her black ankle-boots she reached his chin, wearing tight dark grey jeans, a creamy white blouse underneath a tight black jacket, and topping that off is a light gray scarf around her neck. She had blonde hair, fair skin, as close to flawless as one could get. Slender body type. Without seeing the eyes, it was hard for Robert to estimate her age. 'Around 19, maybe?'

'But, I can't tell her to open the bag, it's full of female items that I bought.'

"If you look at the back there should be a black line going across. I accidentally did that with my guitar case." Robert remembered how in the army everything is packed tightly. When he got on the so called "Cattle truck" , his stuff was just thrown in.

"Ok." She turned the bag around, sure enough there was a black scuff mark going across the back.

Breathing out, Robert relaxed a little. 'Good thing it is mine.' He was trying to come up with something witty to say. Seeing Shades' fair skin turn into a tomato red color, stopped that. 'Oh no, is she angry? Embarrassed?'.

"W-wait. Calm down ma'am I'll help you look for your bag." Robert rushed towards the baggage carousel. Gulping, he knows that he can not deal with females and their roller coaster emotions. He always gave in to his sister's bidding.

"Humph, the least you could do"

Hearing that, Rob turned around. Laughing at her bashful expression. Which turn into a soft squeak. He could not see her eyes, but Rob was sure they were staring right at him. Avoiding her gaze, he caught a glimpse of pink.

"Ah, look, your bag!" Walking as fast as his long legs can carry him, Robert grab the pink bag from the carousel. Pulling the handle out, he walked towards Shades.

'This is very awkward, it is the same kind of bag. Ugh, why could I not have had female friends before?' Scratching his nose, he continued "I can see how we would get confused. I apologize." Rob rolled the bag in front of her.

"No, ah, that's, ok." Sunglasses walked away, her face hued pink.

'Even if she pretends not to be, she is adorable. This was very awkward.' Robert had a grin as he was turning around.

'Wait. Where is she going?' He followed behind her before saying "Excuse me ma'am."

"Yes?"

Pointing behind him "That's er, that's the way to the boarding gates. The exit is that way."

She followed his finger, seeing the exit sign. Her blush started from the tip of her ears. Shades seemed to be distressed as she walked hurriedly with her head down.

Robert did not know whether to laugh or not. This was both awkward and very funny to him. Ever since his mom died giving birth to his sister Alison, he would pamper his sister non-stop. A servant to her every whim. Maturing since young, never placing people his age at his level, it impeded him from having many friends, let alone a girlfriend.

'I wonder who she was. Autograph? Maybe an actress? She could be Elsa in a live-action.' Grinning to that thought Robert walked towards the Restrooms.

His long legs carrying him fast. 'I just noticed, I am still marching, and curling my fingers.' Rob wondered when he will get out of that habit. Stopping to look in the mirror.

A tall 6' 2 man greets him back. 'At least I will be able to grow my hair, maybe a beard too.' He silently pondered. Finishing his business, he walked towards the exit.

'Home first, tomorrow My dad's best friend is visiting. After that...After that whatever comes.' Rob was not sure what to with his life. He had money, yes, but money does not equate happiness. 'Maybe I can go back to playing you.' His fingers lightly touched the case on his back.

It had been been years since he last played. Glancing up 'Oh it's her. Did she get lost again?' Laughing carefree, he walked towards her.

Robert noticed her body posture seemed unnatural. She does not like whoever that is. In front of Shades was a man in the 20s. Dressed in a gray suit and tie. 'I do not like his smile.' Rob knows first impressions molds future relations. So far, he did not like what he saw. 'Presumptuous fool.'

"...actually don't need a chauffeur." He could hear them now.

Rob decided to just mind his business and leave. 'Chauffeur? So she is rich?'

"I came with someone, yeah someone is picking me up already. Sorry."

'Did she?' He did not notice.

"Oh, is that so. Where is that person? If I may ask?"

Shades pointed towards his direction. "He just went to the bathroom, he will be here soon."

"I'll just wait here with you to keep you company." Robert saw once again his malicious smile. 'I hate bastards like you the most.' Sighing, Robert wondered if he should get involved or not. 'She said she came with someone. But he is not here is he? No.' While he debated internally, the other two continued.

"Ah, that's ok, I don't want to bother such an imposing person like yourself."

"No, how could I make you wait. When I inherit Rathmore Entertainment, you would be my worker. I can't be rude to my workers. I must treat them with the most amiable service. I insist"

'Just because his father has money he thinks he is omnipotent and all things belong to him?' Robert grinded his teeth. He has met many like him in his life.

"Well if you insist." Hearing the sad tone in her voice, he could not help but think of his sister.

'I faced bullets many times, dragged soldiers out of the x, what can civilians be in my eyes?'

Robert walked towards them, wondering how he should play it. 'She said she came with someone, but I am almost a ninety percent sure that was a lie.'

As he reached Shades from behind. Robert grabbed her hand. "Sorry Hun', Taco Bell did not agree with me, but you know I still go in a heartbeat." He laughed as he said it. It was true, he did love Taco Bell. Her hand tried to leave his, but he pretended not to notice.

"Who is this Hun'? Our taxi driver?" He let go of the luggage to motion with his hand.

Robert looked towards her, her eyebrows were raised sky-high. He deceptively nodded. Luckily she seemed to catch on pretty quickly. "Oh, he is just a co-worker. He was nice enough to accompany me while I waited for you." She smiled.

Rob was bewildered for a second, her smile change everything about her. She was indeed beautiful, even if the smile look a little sinister. 'As long as I do not get in her bad side'

"Who are you?"

Robert turned to see Suit & Tie red from anger. 'This is kind of funny.' He grunted softly.

"Robert, her boyfriend." He did not use deceit, getting used to being direct in the army. 'Even when lying'. Rob did not bother to stretch his hand for a shake.

He felt her hand squirm again but he just smiled, pretending not to notice.

"Her-her boyfriend?" Suit replied dubiously.

"Yes. In fact, she asked me out. Right honey?" Robert smiled down at Shades whose face stared at him. Taking advantage of the situation, Rob let go of her sweaty hand and placed his hand on her narrow waist. Because of their size, it seemed very natural. Seeing her turned pink he looked towards Suit who had an ugly expression. "She even bought me a bag the same as hers." Using his thumb to point behind him.

"How can you possibly be her boyfriend?" Suit scornfully said. Rob saw Suit eyeing his body. 'Is he looking at my clothes? Because I don't play baseball, and less if it is for the other team.'

"Is there something you want to say? If there is just say it. Be a man. If not just scram." Rob told him. He would not back out from a fight. He also did not like that guy's character.

Suit just stared at him while taking a step back.

"Humph". Rob stared him down for a few seconds more before turning with a smile.

"Well let us be on way Hun'." Robert knew that if there were too many questions or if he said something wrong. Suit would notice. Rob did not even know her name!

Grabbing the handle of the bag, he lead Sunglasses away. 'Ok...now what?' He glanced back to see Suit fuming in anger and saying something to the people with him.

"Can you let go!" Shades hissed at him.

Looking back at her he noticed her face, blushed from either anger or embarrassment. Smiling down at her he said "Sorry, he is still looking." Motioning with his head forward Rob continued "Let's go that way, after a lap we can come back. Okay?"

She seemed to be thinking about it before begrudgingly agreeing with a nod.

"I have been meaning to ask, are you wearing the shades because of your eyes? Or are you trying to not get noticed?"

She seemed to frown at the question. "Do you really not-"

"Daddy! Someone help my dad!" A small teenage girl was glancing around at a small crowd of people. On the floor, a man, his skin blue from lack of oxygen. A plate of Asian-food, scattered on the floor.

People surrounding the two, like a pack of hyenas. Mumbling and muttering their support, yet providing none.

Letting go of Shades, Robert push the crowd aside and kneeled next to the passed out father. His body reacted on instinct after seeing the little girl, she reminded him of his sister, how could he not help?

"Miss do not worry. Just leave it to me." He gave her the best confident smile he had. Turning towards shades. "Honey, can you grab her please?" Not caring if she would or not he pointed towards a male in the crowd. "You, yes you, call 911." pointing at another male. "And you, yes am pointing at you, get me a defibrillator. There should be a sign with a heart and a small lighting inside of it. Possibly with the words AED. Get it and bring it to me. Do you understand? Then go!"

Turning towards the father, Robert checked his pulse, finding none, he started CPR. After thirty compressions, and the head-tilt chin-lift maneuver, he saw a piece of something lodged inside his mouth. Sticking his index and middle fingers he reached for it before pulling it out. Since his AIT days as a combat medic, he always carried a one-way valve with him. Rob took it out of his pocket. It was inside a ziplock bag, putting it in male's mouth he breathed twice.

After only two compressions, he heard a gasp.

He looked lost, his complexion gaining some color.

"Daddy!" The small girl escaped from Shades' clutch and rushed towards him, jumping into his embrace.

The surrounding hyenas, deprived of their meals, turn amicable and clapped.

'Fucking hyenas.' Standing up, Rob glanced towards Sunglasses, she was looking at him. Her expression stoic, and hard to judge. 'Why is she staring? I called her honey since I do not know her name. What else could I have called her?'

"Thank you Sir. I-I-I do not know what would have...have-" the father choked again, but in tears, while holding his daughter.

Robert's vision was getting cloudy. His face turned solemn as he walked towards Shades. Grabbing his luggage in his left hand, and extending his right into hers he whispered. "Come on."

She seemed to want to protest saying. "But should we not...?" Relenting, Shades allowed herself be guided.

After walking quite a ways from the pack, he turned and gently smiled apologetically. "Sorry she reminded me of my adorable sister."

Seeing her blank stare, he continued. "I can get you a taxi come on." Not seeming to mind his strong grip, she followed silently.

"Why did you leave?"

Glancing behind him Rob asked. "Leave where?"

"You know, how come you did not stay and get credit?"

"Credit? For helping someone? Haha." Facing forwards while thinking of his past. In a soft voice he told her. "Believe it or not. I used to be really shy." Hearing a grunt behind Rob smiled before continuing. "Maybe holding your hand is not the way to prove it. But your hand is really soft." She started pulling her hand back. Or at least tried to.

"Ok, Ok, I'll stop teasing! I was actually serious though." Rob muttered.

After ascertaining her hand would not leave his, he said. " I joined the Army, and it changed me. I saw many of my buddies fighting for their country,these people around us. You." He glanced back at her.

"Some, even gave their lives for it, whatever the reason U.S. soldiers do it for, they do not do it to get credit. For recognition. Or to get applauded."

"I might not be anywhere on the level of those heroes. But I certainly won't take credit, where it is not due." He smiled lightly at her. "Sorry for the rant as answer." He noticed that they were about to reach the exit. 'Snap out of the reverie! Pay attention to your surroundings dumbass! It's little details...'

"...that kill" Muttering to himself Robert was certain Suit and his goonies where not around anymore.

"And we are in luck. He is no longer here." Turning towards Shades Rob gave her a smile.

She seemed to not be paying attention, as she only stared at him.

"Ah, Miss?" He waved his hand in front of her.

"Eh?" Her face got a little pink hue.

Rob was having fun, she seemed like a cute rabbit trying to jump away. Too bad, he was holding her hand.

Trying to help her alleviate some of her embarrassment, he proceeded to say. "I said, your friend is no longer around. Why don't we get a taxi?" He made sure to grab his luggage again before walking towards the automatic doors.

There were of course quite a few people waiting to get one. "I think Central Car, are the best ones personally. Any preference?"

"What is CentralCar? Is that a brand name?" Shade's face revealed her puzzlement.

'CentralCar car? Quite catchy.' At first, Robert thought she was not being serious.

"Central Car? Taxi company? Never heard of them?"

"I, I have never taken a taxi before." Her expression stoic, her eyes bright as the stars.

"No problem, we are in the U.S. , before Uber, I would guess not that many people had. Unless you have been to New York."

Seeing her glance around Rob asked, "What's wrong?"

"Why are we waiting in line? We should go to the front."

"Oh, it's just a little thing called manners."

"I know! I might even let them take a photo of me."

Robert glanced at shades. 'Is she serious? I can't tell.'

Pointing ahead of them. "There is only two people in front. It will only take about 2 minutes."

After a couple minutes of waiting the taxi arrived. Opening the back passenger door for her, Robert motioned inside.

She glanced inside for a second before going in. Rob smiled before going in himself.

"Where you guys heading?" a rough voice echoed.

Rob glanced at her, she was looking at him. He wobbled his head towards the driver.

Understanding she said. " 100 Detroit St, corner with E 1st Ave."

"Sure thing Miss." The driver glanced at them, an imitation of a smile rolling in his face.

At the same time, a surprised Robert glanced at Shades.

Seeing the look from Robert, her expression became even more stoic.

Smiling to ease whatever tension she was feeling "I was just surprised we live close to each other." Seeing her expression remained the same he added, "And I won't try to go inside your house. Haha. Just dropping you off, ok?"

Hearing this, she kept staring at him before understanding came. Avoiding his eyes she stared out the window.

'Looking at her, she is really pretty and her embarrassment rather cute. Should I try to get her number? Maybe not, she seems to be a daddy's-girl type of character. Well, who am I to judge. I'll just see where this goes.'

He noticed the taxi driver kept staring at them, or rather her, through the rear-view mirror.

"Cough" Seeing the driver flinch, his eyesight switched towards the window. Seeing his home town again, his smile faltering, bringing emotions he has been keeping sealed.

The ride continued on like this for around 30 minutes.

"We are here." The taxi driver opened the trunk.

After getting out of the taxi, Robert went around the vehicle to open her door. She stepped out. He went towards the back, grabbing her pink bag after seeing a black scuff mark on the other.

"Well, here we are miss. Do you need me to accompany you to your door?" After giving her the bag, Robert asked.

"No, that's ok." She seemed to be trying to say something. Her lips mumbling something.

Seeing that Robert could not but take advantage and kissed her cheek lightly.

He turned around and closed the trunk before turning back again. Noticing she kept staring straight forward. Not moving, "You never told me your name."

"Ah? Yes. I. You don't kn-. My name is Amber." She touched her cheek with her fingers. Noticing she did that and he saw it. She flew with her bag into the building.

"Amber, I'll remember."

Getting inside the cab, he said. "Corner of Humboldt St and E 3rd Ave. In front of the country club. Please"