The trial

Few days later. A restaurant.

"Twasnt fair to had made me feel that way. Like I was the bad guy. Twasnt fair."

She complained quite bitterly, emphasizing the unfair aspect. She was wearing a fancy black gown, with a pair of stilleto. She hadn't worn that to impress him of course. She could choose whatever she wanted.

She had actually been the one to choose the restaurant because he insisted that he wouldn't speak with her in private because he didn't want to have to be uncomfortable trying to prove to her that he was sane.

His firm stare at her was quite promising, since occasionally his silver eyeballs toned black would dance about lightening up his face.

"I'm sorry if it sounded that way. I just felt somewhat frustrated and pretty bad for assaulting you as well as the therapist. And the pity also was beginning to choke my peace. So I had to make it clear to everyone. Not only you. Even my parents. But it seemed, while trying to set things rightly, didn't know I made a mess."

She could tell by the smooth gaze that he was sincere and meant what he had said. She saw no reason she shouldn't take him for his words. And sincerely, there was nothing to be scared of there.

They were sitting over plates of lamb steak, shrimps and some compliments. A little bit of shakes and glasses of wine.

He was dressed in a black hoodie and a silver joggers, black sneakers. He loved them hoodie and joggers a lot.

"It's fine. So, how have you been?"

She knew what she was doing, though she wasn't sure yet where the conversation was headed. She had called him of course, well, to clear things but she didn't think that was all.

"Just up and down. Eat, sleep, wake, watch movies, argue with my dickhead Cortana."

He quit talking. He looked stressed, smothered by the pressure of it all. He looked like someone who needed a hug, but she knew that was merely a mirage.

"Oh. I guess by time, things would change. It's very tough and hard on you. Given the short period of time all that happened. How about work?"

She was trying to be choosey of what to ask and say. She wasn't so acquainted with him big time. She hardly knew him. She was only doing this because she liked Ishbelle even though they weren't like the best friends.

"Stopped for a while. Been getting offers but I ain't taking yet. Still getting acquainted with Cortana and learning how useful the bitch could be."

She could see a sheet of smile, pushing up the side of his lips. He wasn't fighting it. He surely hadn't laughed in a long while. She wielded a silly smile too, to grace his weak counterpart.

"If you don't mind. What made you do so? I know you are a good person and wouldn't --"

She cut the words. She didn't know how to complement the sentence and for some moments, she felt like taking the words back. His expression didn't seem to welcome them.

"Nevermind. Sorry I brought --"

He raised his left hand up to shun her. His phone rang. He picked the call and listened,

"Oh, goodness. It's fine.... I'll be there."

He hung the call. His stressed face melted into an expression enflamed by disappointment.

"I'm sorry, Emma. I should go now. The police called. It's an issue with one of my long time client. It seems to had inflated. I'll fill you in. Sorry this was short a meeting."

She wanted to kiss him enough. She didn't know what she was thinking. Just kidding.

"Oh no it's fine. I'll call you. Be fine."

He stood up and walked away shooting her a last smile. That wasn't forced.

She was left with the untouched lamb steak and shrimps on the table. She couldn't possibly finish the two.

She knew what to do.

She called at one of the attendants. The blonde walked by.

"Could you please pack the two? And how much is the bill?"

The blonde considered closely. She sure was used to the business.

"$1500, ma'am."

A smile tugging at the corner of her small face.

"Alright."

She handed her the credit card. She got her turn and the lady returned with packed food.

Her phone beeped as she nodded the blonde bye. She checked the message.

ALERT. $15000.

SORRY I FORGOT TO PAY, ERIC.

She couldn't believe her eyes. It must had been a mistake. She was going to put a call through to him. Her phone beeped again. She checked the message.

P.S. NOT A MISTAKE.

She held the phone for long, thinking of what to think.