Chapter 47 - Chapter 46

CHAPTER 46 A DATE

@International_Pen

((( CLAIRE )))

His face fell a little but he easily concealed it with another smile. He didn't answer me directly but my mouth went wide when he spoke again,

"Your brother has to go through some more examination before he gets discharged. It'll take a while. I can stay with you while you wait."

My questions suddenly felt answered. I had guessed it was him all along but why do I still feel surprised? All my unwarranted dislike for him got cleared and I couldn't help but hug him in turn. Without him, I wondered how I would be like,

"Thank you. Thank you very much…"

He cupped my face to look at him. Although a little flabbergasted at my action, he smiled brightly.

"I think my beloved Claire is hungry."

I withdrew from the hug.

"Huh?"

"Let's eat first," he suggested as he took my hand.

"Your treat?" I joked.

He pinched my nose gently,

"Why? Will you ever treat me?"

"No."

"And will I ever let you treat me?"

"Aren't you supposed to be at work today?"

I changed the topic.

"If I want to, yes."

He tightened his hands on mine.  

I let him.

Before reaching the parking area, I finally asked what I have been thinking of ever since he confessed to me.

"Do you seriously like me? Somebody like me?"

"Why not? I love you, that's it."

He opened the car door for me.  

All felt suddenly suffocating.  

How will I ever admit that I feel nothing for him?

That nothing would go between us beyond friendship. I'm choking over the fact that I will just hurt him emotionally.

"What's bothering you?" he asked when he noticed I was spacing out.  

"Nothing."

"As if I'd believe that. You can share whatever that worries you. I'm all ears," he glanced at me.

"If you don't, I'll still figure it out."

"Nothing," I repeated.

"Don't tell me somebody else is courting you," he teased.

"Tell me if there's really someone else."

I just smiled at him.

"I'm just making sure you're only mine."

Possessive.  

Men indeed…

When the car stopped, an artificial resort came into view.

"I thought we'd be eating. Why did you take me to this place?"

"Yep, we'll be eating. Trust me," he said and gently took my hand.  

Trust. Something that's hard to retrieve once lost. I nodded but deep inside I want to tell him I don't trust anybody so easily.  

Whatever though. I'll let this pass for the sake of my gratefulness towards his kindness to my family.  

He held my hand tight and escorted me out. My fear resurfaced once we got in. Nobody was inside the resort.

"Why's nobody here?" I asked anxiously.

He smiled as he pulled me closer.

"Because this is a special day just for us."

@International_Pen