•ALEXANDER JNR•

•••

"Alex?"

I keep walking, ignoring Mildred's call of my name. She's trying to apologize, that I know. To calm me down and say things like, she didn't mean to do that. She didn't mean to bring Salome to a club party, really?

"Come on Alex, are you that mad?"

I halt and spin around with furrowed brows. "yes I am. I'm so mad I don't think I wish to stand here and talk with you right now."

Noticing how her shoulders slumps, I can tell she's affected by the tone of my voice. I breathe out, look around the exterior of the hotel then back to Mildred.

"You shouldn't have brought her here." I tell her more softly. Her mouth twitches upward, follow by a small nod.

"Yes, and I'm sorry about that." She glance up to meet my eyes. "Actually didn't know you'd act up about it."

My chest squeeze lightly. It suddenly dawn to me how strict I was over seeing a student of mine at a birthday party. Club birthday party.

"The way you talked about Salome is like... opposite of what just happened. She's your student, I know that. But I kind of see how much she means to you."

I watch how Mildred's words spill out of her mouth, trying to connect what she's trying to say. She folds her arm around her as a fresh wave of breeze blow towards us, exhaling sharply.

Mildred takes few steps close to me, her eyes not moving from mine.

"You like her, Alex." She tilt her head to a side. "Don't you?" Her mouth stretch in a small smirk, and she tears her eyes from mine for a second.

I don't think I'd admit something like that, something relating to liking my student. Although one way or the other, I'd accept wholeheartedly that I've somehow gravitated toward Salome. Which simply means I have my eyes on her, want her to do better, also wish to be present in her achievements. But the way Mildred said it is kind of different. She's saying it like she has been watching, keening waiting for a moment like this to voice out her doubtfulness.

"You do like her, right?" She repeats.

I breathe down, tucking my hands in my pocket. I think I know what Mildred planned all along.

"And that's why you brought her here to see my reaction, right?" I raise a brow, staring into her eyes which she blink rapidly, deviating them elsewhere. I don't need more conformation, I can see it from her actions. She then scoff, throwing her head down to her legs.

Mildred then murmurs, "I just came with her to have some fun... that's all."

I nod understandingly. We both know I'm right about her little idea on getting a reaction out of me, which partially worked, so to stumble her doubt, and crush her pride, I clear my throat;

"You know what, you're also correct Mildred, I do like her." I say before walking into the glass doors of the hotel.

"WHAT?!"

I didn't look back but her loud exclaim got to my ears, her squealing heels sounding as fast as she tries to catch up with me. Mildred is awfully dramatic, I'm certain she would blab and blab throughout the night.

"You like her? I knew something was up between you, the way you always get triggered by her scores, action, I just knew you feel something for her. I just wanted to be-"

Mildred words caught short the second I turn around. She almost walk into me but stumble backwards. I glance around the reception to see that we're the only ones around, apart from the receptionist at his desk.

"Well Mildred, you just said it yourself."

"Said what?" She fold her arms together.

I sigh softly, shoving a hand in my front pocket. "You just explained yourself without me asking. You wanted to know how I feel about Salome, now you've got it, happy?"

She blink in sheer disappointment, bursting in a scoff-like laughter. "What do you take me as, Alex"

"An overly desperate young woman." I reply in a nanosecond.

Her mouth form an instant 'o'. That must have caught her off guard.

"W-what?" She stutter, taking a step closer. "That's a bit rude."

"Well, that's how you tend to be most of the time so..." I shrug, implementing the rest of my words.

Mildred nods as though she either understands or decide to lock up and take it in. She subtly walk back, turn around, and walk out of the glass doors. I take a deep breath, watching her leave. Hearing the truth must have hurt her, but I know Mildred, she'll come around once it's off her mind. I'm just worried about someone else.

My phone make a buzz and I pull it out of my back pocket, sliding it open.

Leon; where you at?? The girls are waiting.

I read Leon's text once, twice, then it clicks to me that I left in an inappropriate way, pulling my student out from the guy the minute I spotted her. She looked so lost, confused, scared. Also, I didn't trust the guy that was trying to get to her one bit. He would slowly take advantage, and I hated seeing him that close to her. It made my insides roar with anger.

I sigh and type in a reply.

Me; I'll be back shortly, went out to take some fresh air.

My phone finds it's way back to pocket, just for me to look up to see the person that walked out minutes ago. One thing's different though, she look troubled.

"Alex, Alex, Alex," Mildred calls as she gesture toward me in fast strides, her hands clenched to her phone tightly.

I take the pace and walk closer with furrowed brows. "What is it? What happened?"

She place one hand on her chest, her mouth trembling to open up and speak. She then draw in a breath, her eyes filled with concern.

"My sister just called." She start to say, searching my face for what I can't decipher.

"Okay..." I nod, trying to stay as calm as possible.

"Salome is suppose to be home as we speak, but she isn't. Maira said she hasn't returned."

My hands fall to my sides automatically. As though Mildred knows how much her info affected me, she slowly shake her head.

"And I didn't tell you that just to get a reaction or anything, I'm serious." She turn her phone to my face, her last call is truly from her sister. My heart pick up at a faster pace.

I quickly draw out my phone, walking out of the hotel.

"Wait, where're you going?" Mildred yell from behind me.

"Trying to call Salome, I'm sure she's with her phone." I answer, my fingers busy typing in her contact. Her caller ID pops up and I take the phone to my ear, pacing back and forth the front of the hotel to calm the rapid thumping of my chest. That girl is tipsy, she partially doesn't know what she's doing.

"Okay, let me try Maria again." Mildred says, now beside me.

"I should have just taken her home instead," I mutter to myself, shaking my head when the first call leads directly to voicemail. She isn't picking her phone. I run my hand through my hair, calling again.

"Shit, why isn't Maria also-oh, hey sis!" Mildred's eyes lightens when her sister finally pick up. She turn to face me, while her phone stay glued to her ears. "Has she arrived now?" She ask.

"Uh, no, I'm currently walking down the road to get a clue or something, it's getting late for her not to have arrived." I overhear Maria tell Mildred who drop her head with a sigh. "She isn't picking up?"

"She isn't Maria, I honestly regret making the decision of bringing her with me."

"It's okay Mildred, she'll get back soon."

"I'm going to drive down in case, and also call that damn uber because he shouldn't even try what I don't want to imagine." I make up my mind, walking toward the parking lot.

"Alex, wait!" Mildred tail behind after ending the call with her sister. "I can't let you drive."

"Don't worry Mildred," I pause and turn around briefly to see her worried filled face. "I'll be okay, you can trust me with your car keys."

She walk closer to me, still looking a tad unconvinced. "It's just... you have drove since the accident."

She just had to remind me of that.

I let out a shaky exhale, stretching my hand for Mildred to give me her car key. "I'll be fine, I promise. I'm okay now." I press on.

Mildred swallow as she swing her bag to the front and deep her hand in. I know she's worried, and I don't blame her. I haven't held a steering since the incident of three years back and now, I'd need to face it to find Salome. Funny enough, I'm not even that scared to drive right now, the only chills running through my veins is the immediate urge to see her.

"Here," She place the key on my palm. "But I'll come with you."

I blow out air, gesturing to her vehicle. "I'll be careful Mildred, besides it's best if we spilt up in searching for her." I reach her SUV and press the button on the remote to unlock, before climbing in.

Mildred hold the door before I could slam it shut. She tap on the body of the car, staring at me.

"Alex, we're already worried about Salome, do you also want me to be worried about you too?" Her voice is low, diagnosed with fear. I scratch the top of my brows, wondering what else to say for her to just let me go. I'm already on the edge as Salome isn't picking up.

An idea springs up into my head and I meet her gaze. "Okay let's do this, I'll speak with you on the phone till I get a clue on where she is, deal?"

Mildred doesn't say anything. She purse her lips, her hands falling to her sides as she remotely step back.

"Thanks Mildred." I tell her, and she replies with a small nod. I breathe out, shut the car door and push in the keys, the engine immediately coming to life.

Mildred watch me till I drive out of the parking lot, before walking off. I know she's going to call the second I hit the main road. It feels good driving again, although been a lot careful this time.

While holding the steering with one hand, I pick up my phone with the second, punching in the uber driver's contact displayed on the app. He was gracefully the last driver that agreed to come over. Also, he looked a lot calm and reasonable, he wouldn't attempt something like kidnapping or taking advantage of a tipsy teenager.

Yet again, I shouldn't trust his face. The more friendly, the more dangerous.

"Hello?" His voice pierces through my phone, and my grip tightens on the steering.

"Hey, it's me, the person that called you earlier at the hotel, remember?" I'm trying to sound as patient as possible, staring straight at the windscreen, a vehicle abruptly overtaking me from the left.

"Oh yes, I do. How can I help you?"

Oh yes, you can.

My brows snitch, I'm growing more impatient. Why does he sound so reserved?

"Where are you?" I ask instead, coming to a stop as the traffic lights blink red. Drumming my fingers against the steering, I keep glancing up at the traffic lights which is obviously taking forever to blink 'green.'

"I just got off work, heading home."

This dude.

"And the girl you alighted?"

"She begged me to stop her at..." His words trail off as series of shouting overtakes from his side. I take off the phone from my ear, and place it back in no time.

"Didn't get what you said, you said you alighted her where?" I ask again, frowning as to why it's so difficult for him to just leave that noisy area or speak louder. "DUDE?!"

"Oh sorry, just passed a bunch of street thug. I said she begged me go stop her at the park."

"Park?"

The traffic clocks green, and I adjust in my seat to drive off.

"Yes, the one before the garden estate."

"Kani amusement park?" I need to be sure.

"Uh, yes, Kani. She should still be there."

I take a deep breath, slowing down a bit. "Alright, thanks." I cut the phone before he says anything else. I got the info I wanted to know, even though I'm curious as to why he stopped her there by this time of the night.

•••

"I've gotten there. Let me check around and call you back." I die down the ignited vehicle and pull out the keys. It wasn't long when I spoke to the driver that Mildred called and as promised, we spoke on the phone till I got to the gates of the park.

"Alright, I'll be waiting, I just hope she's there." She says, her tone now relaxed and lively as usual.

"Me too." I reply.

I jam the door shut after stepping out to the fresh smoothing night breeze. It smells like it'll rain anytime soon.

I walk into the black gates which is surprisingly still open, my eyes scanning around the serene environment. I have always passed this park, but not actually entered.

The fancy looking merry-go-round with horses is in the center of the park, gigantic ferris wheel at the far end, bunch of sea-saws at the opposite, and high slides beside them. The street lights are gracefully reflecting toward the park so it's not too dark.

I have no clue on where to check first, but I allow my feet do the job by strolling around. I just hope she hasn't left.

"You hungry?"

I snap my head to the direction of her fainted voice coming from the other end where there seem to be aluminium resting benches. My eyes widen a bit when I walk out openly, spotting Salome's clothes. She's seated on the chair, bending so low I can't see her head. There's a fence few feet away and after that, a clear view of some storey buildings in the estate.

"You are? I'm sorry, but I don't have any food with me right now."

What is she talking to?

I advance closer, careful enough not to alert my presence. Since I'm coming from the back, she won't see me unless she raise her head and turn back.

"You're so cute, you don't deserve to be out here in this cold, hmm? I wish I could take you with me."

My brows furrow as I come to a halt few steps behind, stretching my neck to see what she's communicating with. It's a white animal... almost looking like a-

"My dad would definitely take in a snowy looking cute dog like you, just that..."

Salome trails off, sighing heavily. I already lift a feet but stop again when she continues to speak.

"Just that I don't think I understand him anymore, Snow."

Snow? She already named it?

Like the animal understood her, it begin rubbing it's body against her toe-nails. Her body vibrates in a chuckle as she stoke it's fur.

"I don't, and it makes me unhappy at times. I don't know why it's all happening spontaneously you see," She sigh again, taking up the white dog. "But I luckily found you at a time when I don't think I've even found myself. Should I name you Goodluck because of that?"

My body suddenly turns cold. How could she relate her situation with finding a stray dog and hoping it'd being Goodluck to her. It's... unusually amazing.

"There's my dad, Zara, now Mr. Alex. I hate myself for been in awkward terms with people I find exciting, Goody."

"Well, since Goody won't stop making that low squeals and reply you, can I?" I finally speak.

Salome stiffen instantly, her hands gripping the animal in shock. She slowly turn around, still seated.

"M-Mr. Alex," She mutter under her breath, staring at me with wide eyes. I smile a bit at the view of her astound face, then nod, walking around the bench. Her eyes follow me till I settle beside her, not still able to utter a word.

I rest my back against the chair and it makes a light squeaking sound, before glancing to see that she's till gawking at me. My eyes meet hers, and she stiffen even more, blinking down at the dog on her laps.

"It's quite a beautiful view," I breathe out, inhaling the cool breeze. It's definitely going to rain anytime soon. I throw a glance at her, she just keep stroking the dog's fur but I notice her shaky hand on it. "Right?"

"Y-yes, it is." She simply replies without looking up. One thing I've grown to be aware about Salome is that I don't need to force her to get comfortable, I just need to trigger it by either true compliments or not asking her to tell me what's wrong.

"Hmm," I hum, staring afar off for awhile, then look down at the dog. "Looks like she would eventually survive."

"It's a he actually," She says in a low voice. My mouth form an 'o,' and I nod again. It's a male dog.

"Okay... he's cute, what's his name?" I ask like I didn't overhear her calling him snow or goody.

Salome look up at me, but I don't take my eyes off the white dog which has folded itself into a ball.

"I haven't thought of a suitable name yet." She says, immediately spotting the ray of light shinning directly to the dog's eyes. The dog blinks it's eyes due to the disturbance, and it doesn't miss my notice as she gently use her hand as a shade over it's head. It's an Eskimo.

"Okay." My lips stretch in a smile at that. She surely doesn't know how little things like these make her appear so attractive.

Salome finally raise her head, meeting my eyes. "Mr. Alex, I'm so sorry," She mouth out, holding my gaze. "I-I didn't know that what I drank would have..." She trail off, looking away for a second.

A drop of water touches my hand, and I look up to see how dark and heavy the cloud is. Another drop falls, and another.

"Oh, it's about to rain." Salome hold the puppy in her arm, unexpectedly waking him up.

I get up, just as the rain begin to drizzle in heavy drops. "Yeah, come with me." I tell her, and she nod, standing up in an instant.

We step out to where I parked outside the gates, and I press the unlock buttons before we get to it. I pull open the door for her to enter but she just stand beside me, seeming reluctant to get into the car, the rain now falling in light strokes. Salome glance at me, then to the wet puppy in her arms.

"It's okay, you can take him in." I assure, and she smiles, sliding in. I jog over to the driver's side and climb in, quickly slamming the door behind.

"Poor puppy, please don't get sick." Salome chides to the dog. It replies with wiggling his body, shaking off the water on his body. Doesn't she know that she also got wet?

"Uh, he won't, don't worry." I tell her, promptly dragging her gaze off the dog. It properly adjust on her laps in attempt to continue sleeping since the car's a bit warm.

"Okay," Her lips spread in a smile, but as though she suddenly remember something, it fades instantly. I wonder what popped in her head this time.

"I'm so sorry for the way I acted." Salome apologise, unconsciously tucking some wet hair behind her ears. I remain quiet, watching her every action. "I know that I wasn't supposed to go to a c-club party but I was home alone and just felt like... just wanted to go out."

I draw in a deep breath, stare at the rain which is now beating against the quiet street. There's more to what she just told me, more I also want to know.

I turn to see her already looking at me, too late before she could divert her gaze.

"Okay, I understand," I say, even though I don't think I totally get it. "Do you want to go home now?"

Her brows squeeze like she's slightly disappointed, then shake her head once, twice.

"N-no, I don't." Her voice's low as if saying how she feels would get me agitated. "My dad's away and so is my aunt. He wanted me to spend the night with our neighbor, Maira."

"Oh..." I nod, connecting her words with what Mildred said. "And... you don't feel comfortable with that?" I know she isn't but I want to hear it directly.

She glance up at me, and I weirdly feel like I already know her answer just by looking at her, dainty crystal clear eyes holding more than what would be invisible to the eyes of others.

Silence.

The heavy downpour does the only noise, hitting against the windscreen like it had been holding on for too long. Relatively, that's how it works. When you tend to hold in longer than you should, the day of the outburst would come in full force.

"You're forgiven." I tell her, watching how her face light up like colourful fireworks. She purse her lips from stretching in a smile, but it doesn't stop so she bite down her bottom lips. My eyes waver down to it, and I swallow, dragging them off. Why would I be staring at her lips with so much interest? Probably because it feels good to see her smile.

It's all of a sudden reminding me of camp, the time she peaked me in the vehicle like she just couldn't hold herself anymore. I won't bring it up though, wouldn't want to render an awkward moment for her. Even though it hasn't left my mind.

The puppy moves around on her laps, crawling up to her arm, leaving her thighs on display. She consciously drag out her slit white skirt- which is a tad damp. Her attempt doesn't aid since it's naturally a short skirt, but I can see how much it inconveniences her, the print of the puppy's crawls evident on it.

Since I'm putting on an inner round neck, I take off my shirt and place it beside her. "Here, use this."

She look from it to me, her eyes lingering down my body before she take the shirt, blowing out her cheeks.

"T-thank you so much." She spread it on her thighs, then carefully adjust the puppy to seat on her arms.

"It's okay, you can let him lay on it."

Salome shake her head. "No, I don't want him to get it dirty like he already did to my skirt."

I have to chuckle at her thoughtfulness. She look at me curiously, as though I was just teasing her and would get mad when she lay him on it.

"It's mine Salome, and I'm giving you the permission." I remain adamant, proving her intuition wrong.

She press her lips, and shake head, still refusing to. This girl though...

"Okay, fine." I raise my hands in mock surrender, emitting a giggle from her. I fortunately catch her small laugh this time, sounding so relieving. It feels nice, I want to see her laugh more.

"It's a really nice shirt too." She cradle the dog with one arm and slips her other hand down my shirt. My smile widens at the act, that's sweet of her.

I nod, agreeing with her on this. "Yes, it is."

We settle in comfortable silence, just watching the heavy pour of the rain which doesn't look like it'll stop anytime soon. When I glance sideways, I see that she's also staring at the droplets of water hitting against the windscreen. Sound of rainfall is usually noisy and disturbing but right now, it's serene and calming.

"Ask me anything."

Salome steer her eyes to mine at the sound of my voice. I blink once, and turn to face front, an unusual smile on my lips.

"Sir?" She bobs her head as though she didn't hear me.

I tilt my head, getting comfortable by facing her fully. "I'm giving you the permission to ask me anything you'd like to know."

Her face lightens up, just as a vivid strike of lightening appears in the sky, granting me a view of her face. She's still awestruck, eyes wide comically like the lightening itself.

"R-really?" She stutter, blinking her eyes excitingly. I nod firmly, propping my elbow on the thick leather steering, then rest my head on my knuckle. My other hand engulf the head rest, while folding a leg on the seat.

"Yes."

She purse her lips, her eyes glowing around for awhile before sliding back to me.

"Okay... uh, I honestly wouldn't want to sound disrespectful..." She chuckle shyly.

I laugh softly, she still sound a bit doubtful, making me even more anxious to know what she's thinking of right now.

"It's okay Salome, I know you quite enough for thinking rational." I pause, taking in any ounce of her facial reaction, but her hair keep on pouring to the side of her face. I can tell she's smiling though. "So, go on, you have a chance tonight. But first of all, does your head hurt? You seemed to have took something strong back there at the party."

Salome place a palm over her forehead, then shake her head. "No sir, it doesn't. I'm just... just a bit thirsty."

My mouth form an 'o', I finally get why she drank alcohol. Instinctively, my eyes roam around the interior of the car, stretching to the back to see if Mildred left any bottled water.

"It's okay Mr. Alex, I'll just wait till-"

"Here." I've already reached for one aquafina bottled water from the back seat and hand it to her, settling back to my former position. Salome slowly take it from my hand, smiling like the water just saved her from collapsing.

"Thank you, I didn't know that..." She trail off, glancing at the back seat as though I magically brought it out from inside the seat. "Thank you." She beams, curling the sealed cover open.

"It's okay, drink up." I tell her truthfully, watching her twist out the lid and take a gulp, then two, her throat moving in sync with the volume she swallows. She then withdraw it, the water already gone halfway, her body heaving in deep breaths.

She begin coiling up the lid, the puppy trying to lick the bottle.

"Thank you so much," She says genuinely, but I just stare at her, nodding.

"Yeah, you welcome." I twist my mouth to the side, chewing the inside of my mouth. She was really thirsty.

Salome place the bottle into the little space between us that's meant for cups or bottle drinks, then lick her lips before looking at me again. Damn, I just have to smile again. Would she ever know how the littlest things she does is big enough to make me smile? Or am I just the only one noticing.

"So... I'm about to ask before tonight runs out, and I get to loose this amazing opportunity." She starts, pulling out a throaty laughter from me. She giggle head-down, before clearing her throat. I mutter a 'go on,' and she nod. "Alright, so my first question would be... were you born this way, or you like, fixed yourself to become this way."

My brows furrow slightly, but soften almost immediately. Fixed myself? I think I understand what she meant.

"I was born this way, why?" I squint my eyes, and she look away, biting her lips.

"You said I should only... ask you, not the other way around." She mumbles within, fumbling with the puppy's tail.

"Ah..." I laugh again, that's quite smart of her. "Okay, okay, I won't ask you. Go on."

Salome stiffen in a laugh, but brush it off with pressed lips. "Alright next one, do you think I'd do exceedingly well in literature with your tutoring?"

"Do you think you'd do amazingly well in literature because I tutor you?" I return her question back to her with a smirk. Salome mouth drops open. She throws her head back in laugher, emitting a chuckle from me. I wave it off, I was just kidding. "Don't mind that, I actually know you'd perform great, so ravishing you'd come find me when you excel." I tell her, heaving a satisfying breath afterwards. That was a nice question, and a truthful answer.

Salome's eyes bore into mine like I just said what she has been wanting to hear, her lips slowly parting in an encouraging smile.

Well, I meant it.

"So, next question."

She look down at the puppy that is already fast asleep, then up to me, smile not fading at all.

"What name do you think would suit him?" She's referring to the puppy, and I knowingly drag my gaze to it.

"Mmm... I heard you calling him goody, what about that?" I need her to know that her decision matters and she should try adapting to believe in her choice.

"Yes... but I don't know anymore, maybe I'll just him Puppy for now, till I think of a perfect name." She says, smiling down at him. I nod at her choice, it's hers now, it would go a long way than letting others decide for her. The shirt on her laps has somehow ridden up, exposing a bit of her upper thigh. I adjust myself, looking away.

"That's... nice, I love that." I tell her.

"Thanks," She tucks a part of hair behind her ear, earning me a perfect sideview of her face. "Uh, I don't know if I should ask this..." Her voice's barely above a whisper.

I want to tell her to go on and ask, but I definitely wouldn't come to seem pushy, or forceful.

"Mmm..." I hum instead, taping a finger on the steering. The rain's gradually reducing to light strokes, yet still enough to get someone wet.

Salome exhale sharply, it must be something troubling that she's too scared to ask or so...

"That day... at camp?" She glance up, and I nod calmly. I'm listening. "The day I... uh, I k-kiss-"

My phone begin to ring against my pocket, distracting Salome from completing her words. I blink down, pulling out my phone from my pocket.

"It's Mildred." I enunciate with squinted eyes, the light from my phone serving as the only bright light in the vehicle. I glance up at Salome. "A minute please, Mildred's calling, she was worried you didn't get home when her sister called.

Her eyes widen, then she nods understandingly. "Oh... okay."

With one swipe, Mildred's voice pierces through the other end.

"Hey Alex, was waiting for your call, the network was so bad due to the sudden heavy rain which is still refusing to stop soon, seen Salome?"

I adjust my phone to my ear properly, watching Salome stroke the sleeping puppy's fur.

"Yes, she's here with me."

Mildred sigh heavily, muttering something like 'thank God' under her breath.

"So where are you?" She ask.

"I'm still... here, I'll drive Salome home soon and maybe catch up with the others I left earlier or something." I tell her, taking a glimpse at the time. It's already getting late, and it's not right to keep her up till this time. "Still at the party?"

"Yes, just hanging around and maybe... waiting for you?" She chuckles, her last words sounding like an appealing question.

I look up to see Salome staring at me, her eyes suddenly dull like she doesn't like what she's hearing. Or... maybe I'm wrong.

I rub my free hand on my forehead. "Uh, don't wait for me, just go home and relax, okay?"

"O-okay, see you tomorrow then?" Mildred sounds a tad broken.

"Alright, bye."

"Bye... be careful, and yeah, greet Salome for me please."

Salome nods with a tight smile on, while I hum in response to Mildred, taking down the phone afterwards. I dump the phone beside me, just to notice that the rain has finally stopped.

"Too bad the night is eventually coming to an end," I turn to tell Salome. She just smiles, fiddling with her hands. "But, you still have a chance on the last question you wanted to ask." I haven't forgotten that she wanted to ask me something before Mildred called.

"Oh, uh, I don't... " She shake her head, waving a hand off. "Don't worry, we can just... go."

I open my mouth to protest, to urge her to go ahead and ask, I'm willing to reply. Instead, I avert my gaze to the windscreen, inhaling calmly.

"Okay, I get you. Thing is, It's late so I should take you home now." I throw a glance at her, and she nod again, looking down. I have a feeling she still doesn't want to go.

"Okay."

The engine comes to life when I punch in the key, letting out soft wailing sounds. I hold onto the steering tightly, stare out for awhile before slowly driving into the quiet drenched city road.

It doesn't take huge amount of minutes before I pull over in front my student's residence. I carefully park beside and look over at her, she was awfully quiet throughout, and the worst I could do is force her to speak when I somehow understand her struggles.

"We're here." I say, even though she can see for herself. "Still going to sleepover at Maria's place?"

"Yes, I have no option." She place the puppy on the floor-mat, her low voice isn't unnoticed though. I can't help but feel sorry right now. She completely take my shirt off her laps, fold gently and look up at me, handing it toward me. "Thank you sir."

I look down at it, then to her, all of a sudden short of words. I really don't want it back, it looks nice been on her thighs. She smiles stiffly, still stretching it to me.

"Okay, you're welcome." I reach forward and take it from her, my fingers brushing against hers in the attempt. It's cold. My brows snitches as I stare at her with furrowed brows. She bends over and take up the puppy. Salome push the door open, inviting cold air in.

"Wait!" I call before I could stop myself. She hasn't stepped down, just the door fly opened. I stretch closer, my hands instinctively reaching for the seatbelt around her waist. Pursing my lips, I unclipped it, glancing up to see wide eyes, hands clenched tightly by her sides. She stare at me without blinking, and It suddenly hits me that our faces are practically inches away.

Shit.

I withdraw myself to seat properly, realising what I just did. I didn't mean anything like that, I just wanted to help-

"Goodnight sir..." I hear the door clamps close behind her. I watch her race up the stairs, shuffling through her bag as she tries to keep the puppy in place. She must have been uncomfortable.

I made her uncomfortable.

While watching her stumble into her home, I tighten my grip on the steering. It's something I can just explain, tell her I didn't mean to inconvenience her in anyway. Heat crawls to my neck, and the car is suddenly stuffy.

I hate been misunderstood.

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Honestly didn't want to stop
writing Alex's POV😪

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