Hard

CHAPTER 71

HARD

I didn't know what to do. I didn't expect what just happened. It was an accident and I didn't mean it.

“I'm…I'm ..I'm s-sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't mean it," I said very embarrassed.

He didn't pay attention on me and only focused on his guitar. I didn't mean to break his guitar.

I am very shy. He helped me earlier and then this is what I reciprocated.

I'm ashamed.

"I'm really sorry. I'll pay for it," I said and took money from the bag to give it to him.

"It's okay. I will take care of it," he said.

“Take it. I'm really sorry. I will just pay for that," I said and then handed him the money. It's 200 dollars and I don't know if it's enough or not.

He just stared at the money that I handed to him. He didn't even take it.

Then, he looked at me.

"It's okay," he said and then he left, so I was left confused and ashamed.

I was confused because he didn't take the money. I couldn't explain but he's something weird.

He helped me but he's a little rude or maybe I'm just thinking too much.

I didn't know him yet so I looked for him but I couldn't find him anymore. Maybe he really left.

I just left the bar to get some fresh air.

When I looked up the sky, I didn't see a single star. I know it will rain tonight.

My apartment is far away. I have no car yet. If I start walking, the rain will overtake me.

Just like what I expected, it rained so I was able to go back.

I was just outside the bar. I didn't get wet from the rain but the breeze was cold.

As I watched the rain pour down, I suddenly remembered the first day we met. I couldn't help but smile bitterly.

It was also raining the night we met. It's funny to think that he saw me walking even when it was raining. That day, I was broken hearted because I found out that my boyfriend cheated on me.

It's funny to think that I was so down. I was crazy that time and I regretted that I cried for a cheater who didn't deserve my tears.

That night, he saw me walking desperately. As I remember, he was outside the bar when he saw me.

Shit. I don't know why I have to remember those things. It just hurts me to remember those things.

I don't know when the rain will stop. Maybe later at midnight the rain will stop.

I chose to stay here rather than go inside again. Maybe the naughty boy is still there. No one will protect me from bad guys except myself.

During my meditation, I noticed the car. While I was watching it, I suddenly remembered Anton.

As I remember, he has his type of car. Maybe just the same as his. The cars are really the same as well as the men.

I don't want to think that it's his. I don't want to think that he is here. He doesn't like going to other bars. If there's a bar he goes to, it's the bar he owns.

Shit. He's on my mind again. Why is he always on my mind? How can I forget him if he is always on my mind. There are so many things that remind him.

Later on, I received a call from my Dad, so I answered it.

While I was talking to him, I noticed a man coming out of the bar but when I saw him closely, I am really shocked.

My heart suddenly skipped a beat when I saw him. I couldn't even move.

Why is he here? Is he following me?

I immediately looked away so he wouldn't notice me.

Does he know I'm here? Has he been here before? How did it happen?

He stopped when he saw that it was raining so hard.

I do not know what to do. As long as I can, I look away. I am doing my best not to look at him. I don't want him to see me.

Wait...does he know I'm here? Did he notice me here?

Shit! I don't know what I am supposed to do. I couldn't even move.

"Hello? Ariella? Are you listening to me?” Dad asked so my eyes widened in shock. I know he heard that.

Shit. I forgot to end the call.

I do not know what to do. Now, he's looking at me and trying to figure out who I am.

I close my eyes tightly.

"Ariella? Are you still there? Why are you not speaking? Hello?”

Shit.

Fine! This is it. What else can I do? He heard it clearly.

I took a deep breath before I spoke, "Yes, Dad. Um, bye. I'm going to sleep."

I immediately ended the call and put it back in my bag.

"My wife? Um, I mean, Ariella?”

Shit. Gosh. Am I just dreaming? I will sleep later? I dream too early.

Did I hear it right?

"Ariella?"

Do I have to look at him? Gosh. I really don't know what to do.

"Ariella?"

Shit.

I have no other choice but to look at him.

"What a surprise," I said.

"W-why are you….here? What are you doing here?"

“Nothing. Just breathing some fresh air," I said.

Wait...so he didn't know I was here because he asked why I was here? If he was following me, he should know what I did at the bar. He should also protect me. If he was there, he might have hit the naughty guy earlier.

"Are you going home? The rain is strong. Come with me. I will take you to your home.”

"No need. I'll just wait for a taxi."

I'm a little shy to ride in his car and also if he drives me home. Remember, we're done. I don't want that to be the start of our deep conversation.

"But it's raining. Come on. I'll drive for you. Don't worry, I have no other plans. You know me."

"No need. It's okay. I can wait for the taxi.”

I really want to go with him. He is no longer a different person to me. We have something in common. I know him too.

"Don't be shy. Let's go.”

Even before I could speak, he grabbed my arm and forced me to walk

I had no other choice but to ride in his car. It's here. What else can I do?

I also really want to go home now. I'm sleepy.

I was by his side. He's driving now.

I don't look at him. As long as I can, I will not look at him.

"Where do you live now? In condominium unit if your Dad and sister?” he asked and looked at me for a moment.

It's a little awkward now to be with him, to talk to him. Maybe because we broke up.

"No. In my apartment," I said. I know he knows the address of my apartment. I mentioned to him that I bought an apartment. It didn't even occur to me that we would split up and that would be my home.

"Have you eaten?"

"Don't ask too many unnecessary questions. Just drive.”

He didn't speak anymore but I know it didn't offend him.