CHAPTER 3

"I... I don't know what to say... Nico..." I hush her by putting my index finger in her lips. I know, I startled her. I can see the confusion in her eyes and for that, I wanted to smack my head for doing such a bold move. How could I do that when she just.... I close my eyes and hug her. Her mere presence calms me and make my mind think straight. Releasing her from my grasp, I look at her straight in the eyes and speak.

"Shh. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that. I'm not in the position to such thing to you, knowing what you had just experience awhile ago. Uh... I-"

The loud ringing of her phone cut me off from further blabbering. She step back a few steps away from me and answered the call. Respecting her privacy, I went inside my car to check if I have a spare food or water. She might be hungry as it's nine pm now. I finally found a pair of biscuits in my spare bag. I took it with me as I make my way not too close to her. Phone in her ear, she listens intently on whomever called her. She occasionally bites her lips as the call drags on.

I wonder who's calling her?

"Yes. I'll be going home now"

I cleared my throat to catch her attention. She immediately turn to me and she look quite shock as her bluish eyes turn a bit wider and her pink soft lips opened a bit. I raised my eyebrow.

"Did I scare you?"

"Uh no. I was just... a bit startled" came her reply as her eyes went elsewhere.

Why can't she look at me?

"Uh... I need to go home now. Father is now looking for me."

"Sure. I'll drive you home. Just tell me the address,then."

Twirling my keys, we went side by side to my car. I opened the door for her and eyed her worn out skirt and her wound which is already been dressed. Thankfully, it wasn't too deep or serious so first aid will suffice to disinfect her wounds. I know how much of a high maintenance girl she is and knowing she'd experience such shit tonight is just infuriating for ny part. Thank Goodness, I found her.

"Thank you, Nico." I smiled and close the door. I went to the driver's seat and started the engine. Silently, drove into the night and the road. There's no traffic yet I drive slowly. I wanted so much to enjoy this moment and her company.

"So... Where shall I drop you off?"

Not withstanding the deafening silence, I ask as I halt into a stop. The red light in the traffic light blinking. I tilt my head a bit to see her. Even just her side view figure is a sight to behold. Her long eyelashes, her cute round tip nose and that pink, plumply lips. Her head snapped back to my direction, realizing I was asking her.

"Uh... Just in the bus station in Rizal-"

"Why would I drop you off in the bus station if I can take you home myself? "

I answered her directly. Like I would actually drop her off in the bus station!

"I can manage-"

"No Aria. Tell me your address. I'll take you home."

"I don't want to burden you Nico."

"You are not a burden Aria. I want to fake you home. Why would you deny me that? "

"But-"

"Please, Aria. After what happened to you earlier, you think I'll let you go home alone? "

I eyed her as she look at me troubled. What's wrong with me taking her home? After a few moments, she didn't still answered. I step in the gas and drive forward as the traffic light signal to go.

"If you really don't want me to drive you home then fine. I'll drop you in the bus station but know that I'll never leave you. I'll still wait for you until you can find a bus." I said and I can feel her figure relaxing.

"Thank you Nico. You are so kind. I owe you so much."

I sigh in defeat. I will always gave in her whims and wishes.

"You should eat." I said as I give her the biscuits I found earlier.

"I'm sorry. That's all I have. We can stop in a restaurant or fast food if you want "

"No this is enough"

I didn't answer her but my mind's thinking the otherwise. I step on the gas and went for a park in the first fast food chain I saw. Aria look at me confused. Without so much of an explanation, I went out to open the door for her and ushered her inside.

"Nico? Why did you bring me here? The biscuits are enough."

"In remembered I haven't eaten my dinner so, here we are. I know you are hungry Makaria. Find us a table and I'll order for us. " Even before she could protest, I walked away and went to the counter to order. After a minute, I went to the table she choose. Bringing the orders, I set it in the table and that catch her attention.

A burger, fries, fried chicken and a rice paired with a cold cola is what I have choosen for her. I can still remember back in college how she kinda hates this kind of food.

"I'm sorry. I know you don't eat these kind of food but, most of the restaurants are closed. I also... didn't bring enough money. I was jogging in the corner where I found you. So, this is all I can offer. " I said, embarrassed. She's not used to this kind of food! Why did I ever brought her here?! I wanted so much to punch myself. This is not the kind of meeting I have envisioned we two we'll have! For the past years I haven't saw her, I imagine I'll take her out for a dinner in her favorite restaurant in the city. With all of those candle lit dinner, romantic music and flowers! Just how things turned out this way?

"If you don't really like it, we just have to transfer-"

"No. It's fine Nico. I'm not the brat you used to know... And I have also experience to eat these. I'll be fine. "

She offered a small smile- a genuine one- which light up the whole room. My pick its beat like a madman running in kilometers. It's always been like this. One smile from her and she'll make me go frenzy.

"Let's eat?" Picking up the chicken leg, she gestured for a toast which brought me back to reality.

This feels like a date. A late night date with Makaria Lualhati Sandoval...