24 EXPECTATIONS

"What the hell happened?!" Erin blurted out in wide-eyed astonishment.

Zoe shrugged her shoulders as she checked herself in the mirror. "So? We're not here for him. We had a satisfying meal, and it's great to be with you again!" She glimpsed at Erin and clasped her hand.

But Erin was thinking otherwise as she sulked her gloomy face in her palms and put her elbow on the table. She let out a deep sigh. "What put flavor in this meal and made it savory is his presence in front of us."

In a flash, she snapped her fingers as she remembered Raigon's last words. "He's coming back, right?"

Zoe twitched her lips and narrowed her eyes. "Expectations hurt." She drew out every syllable.

She was used to people leaving her that this does not affect her at all. No matter how considerate and thoughtful he may seem, she knew that like the others, he would soon leave. And she has been adapting well. This man is not an exception.

"There you are and your deep real-talk quotes. Someday you will find someone who will not quit on you no matter what, okay? Hang in there. Besides, I'm here. I'm living proof!" Erin babbled as she stretched her arms open wide to her friend. "Let's go?"

They both exited the restaurant to grab a taxi. But since it was already late in the evening, they had a hard time looking for one.

The road was a black velvet ribbon shrouded over the midnight hills. When a car passed, its headlights were reflected in the bay that lay over the surface.

"That's strange. There used to be cabs around here even at this hour," Erin scratched her head as she yawned.

"Maybe it's because it's not a season to have a vacation right now, you know," Zoe reacted. 

"Maybe," Erin agreed. "Why don't we go on that side of the road? Probably there'll be more vehicles there, even a passing car where we could hitch." Erin figured as she pointed the lane across the desolate country road.

The other side of the roadway was black during day time but it melted into the darkness of the night. Still, it is better than getting stuck up here and wasting time waiting for an apple to fall from a tree.

"I will not say no to that one. I've had enough of this baggage of yours. Did you put hollow blocks in here?!" Zoe grimaced as she pulled Erin's bag with her long but delicate arms.

She crumpled her face as she stared at her friend walking like a drunkard in front of her. She quickened her pace so that she could keep up with her. And as she did so, her eye caught on shadows that were lurking in a dark area at the side street.

She was about to pass by and ignore it when Erin scurried to her side. She spotted it too. "Did you see that?" She asked her with wide eyes and panted like a scalded cat.

"Yeah, let's go. We have nothing to do with it." Zoe said as she continued to drag the heavy bag and walked ahead. She doesn't like meddling with anyone's business. Unless someone's hurt or needed her help.

"Wait," Erin pulled her off the road. "What if we are here at this moment in time to save someone's skin? Let's check it out. If it's not that alarming, we could always leave."

Zoe contemplated it. In her mind, she wanted to let it pass. But Erin's right.

It sounded rational to Zoe so they crept in and peeked at what was happening at that pitch-black alley.

To their horror, one man was with a long hair half updo. He was wearing a white long-sleeved shirt with rolled cuffs and a pair of dark washed jeans.

He was ruthless as he shook another man while grappling the collar of his clothes. The man is also trying hard to get away from his grip as he aimed punches at his strong arms.

"Watch out!" Zoe screamed in the intense silence of the night.

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The best way to avoid disappointment is to not expect anything from anyone. - Zoe

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