Chapter 3

December 10‚ 1995

City Park

10:30pm

Winter season

Anna looked at her wrist watch and sighed. It was already 10:30 pm and she was freezing.

She swept a strand of her hair back‚ rubbed her palms together to keep them warm‚ and tucked them back into her coat’s side pockets.

It’s the month of Christmas‚ and the streets were beautifully decorated. Christmas light twinkling‚ children laughing and playing in the snow‚ and a group of street choristers spreading Christmas cheer all around.

Oh she dreamed of having a cup hot coco in her apartment and seat back on her couch to watch a movie. She really stayed out late that night.

Once Anna had finished her work for the day‚ she would sometimes volunteer to help an old man‚ run his store till 9pm‚ and walk the streets before returning to her apartment. Since Christmas was near‚ they were a lot of customers at the store who bought lots and lots of things.

“Oh I wish to have some hot coco right now” she said kicking the snow “Just a sip will do” she sighed.

“Then have some of mine‚ it’s still hot” said a masculine voice from behind

Turning around‚ her eyes met a pair of deep- blue eyes‚ and peached coloured lips.

“Or can I buy you one?” the young man asked smiling

Who was this man?

This tall‚ broad-shouldered young man standing in front of her with a charming smile

One could tell from his dressing that he was rich.

“Yes‚ No… I do… I mean thank you” she replied

Smiling “I’m James” he said ‚ stretching the cup of coco to her.

“Anna” smiling back at him

Sipping the cup of coco‚ “Ouch” she said sticking her tongue out to cool it. She had burned it a-little‚ now she’s going to have blisters.

“Sorry‚ It’s hot”

“Very hot” very hot she nodded.

“So…Anna‚ what brings you here at this hour?” James asked arching an eyebrow

“I was just taking an evening stroll” she answered

“Oh really” acting surprised “At past 10”

“Yes… What are you doing out here as well at this hour?” she asked turning the question back at him.

James chuckled

“Anna” he said stepping closer “Can I stroll alongside with you?” He asked taking her hand in his.

“Sure” she replied

They strode down the streets‚ talking‚ laughing and kicking snow around like as if it were a ball.

He also offered to walk Anna to her apartment; just to be sure she got home safe. She wasn’t sure if he actually wanted to walk her home just for protection or spend more time with her.

Although‚ she appreciated his offer to walk her home. The streets weren’t safe at night this time of the year. Most people and stores got robbed for money or items.

“Thank…”

James ringtone interrupted her

“Excuse me” he said still holding her hand.

After the phone call‚ James dropped her hand‚ “I have to go now Anna.” He said before running back in the direction of which they came.

She wondered why he was such in a hurry to leave. Maybe he had something urgent he had to attend to.

2007