Chapter 11

Sometimes, someone comes into your life so unexpectedly and takes your heart by surprise. It's embarrassing to admit, that even though we sometimes quarrel and always don't get along, he gradually leaves a mark to my heart. And I was afraid of that mark, to be the cause of the destruction of my heart.

Would I let him in?

"Hey. You're quiet." he said while driving because he picked me up.

I shook my head and looked out the window. I want to ask him if it's true that he texted Sofiya. But who am I? I have no right. He is still courting with me. We're not in a relationship, yet.

We were quiet the whole ride and he didn't speak, too, until we got home. He got out of the car and immediately opened the door for me. I got of the car. I would have gone straight up to the mansion when he suddenly took my hand.

I turned to him and his gaze was on me.

"What's wrong? Why are you quiet." he asked and I just smiled slightly.

"You don't like that, we're not fighting?" I insisted, but it really bothered my mind why he texted Sofiya.

His face was not convinced by what I said, instead, he bowed while still holding my hand and he played with my fingers.

"I'd rather you fight with me all the time. Than not talking to me. I don't like it, Zella." He bowed after he said it.

This man. His simple words soften me instantly. He erases my annoyance and anxiety. It's scary, because he's so strong...he affects me.

"I'm just tired." I lied and didn't look up at him.

I felt him touch my nape and he kissed my forehead.

"Rest, then." he said in the middle of his kiss on me.

They say a kiss on the forehead is a secret message of ... love and tenderness. He might look ruthless because of this awra he got. He might be heartless by his words sometimes, but I don't see those things right now.

I don't know why he's letting me see this soft side of him. But, I somehow felt special.

After doing my homework, I went to bed when my cellphone rang.

Keion:

'We're downstairs. Are you asleep?'

It's already 10 on the evening, but they're here? Why is that? I immediately typed the answer.

Me:

'Not yet. Why are you here?'

Within seconds Keion replied immediately.

Keion:

'Just hanging out, a bit. All right, go to sleep. Taiden looks at me badly.'

I smiled at his answer and did not reply.

The next morning, I woke up early again to help in the kitchen. I found that everything was ready on the table when it's inly 5 o'clock.

"Mother Helen? You cooked too early. I couldn't help anymore." I said.

"It's okay, dear. Taiden left as early going to Sofiya's house..." and that's it, my heart pounded at what Mother Helen said. Why is he going there so early? And what will he do there?

I shook my head and took a deep breath to relieve chest tightness.

"Why did he go there?" I said carefully not to crouch.

"Sofiya seems to want him to drive her to school. So that's why he's in a hurry."

It's like my heart is twisted there. I want to shout at him, because I'm the one he's courting with. But why is he paying attention to Sofiya? I do not understand.

I didn't feel like eating my breakfast and hurried for school. I will try not to think about that too much. I don't want to repeat what had happened yesterday. But I thought it was that easy.

"Yes, Taiden drove for me. And guess what? He will send me to school every day." Sofiya told her friends while my eyes were on the book. I want to read ... but it's vague.

"Hey ... is he already flirting with you Sofiya?" curious Margaux.

"Maybe? But it's too obvious." Sofiya replied proudly.

"You really guysare a thing. No doubt!" one of her friends said.

My chest is too tight for what I hear. I want to tell them that Taiden is courting me. But they will definitely not believe it. Who am I to be courted by Taiden? I guess, only Suzie believes what I'm saying.

Suzie hugged me and spoke in a whisper.

"I thought, there's something going on with you two? What's Sofiya's talking about?"

I looked up at Suzie with a confused expression on her face.

I shrugged.

"She was just drunk then, Suzie. There's nothing going on, I guess." I just think it has something for him. Maybe he was just kidding when he said he wanted to court me. I'm a fool, I agreed immediately.

"You and Anjo Zella? What's your status? Are you guys a couple now?" they laugh at the same time.

I ignored that, I was in a very bad mood at everything.

"Suzie is fine, she got Elton. Answer Anjo right away, Zella. You're a perfect match for him..." Sofiya repeated.

Suzie stood up and faced Sofiya.

"Elton and I are just friends! And stop bullying Zella!" she sneered at them but they just laughed at her.

That's how the scene has been all day. They always talk to each other about Taiden.

We were on the last subject when my cellphone vibrated. I picked it up and saw Taiden's text.

Taiden:

'Here I am outside the gate. I'm picking you up. '

I did not reply and put the cellphone back in my pocket. Maybe it was just wrong sent. I would still be embarrassed.

After class, we immediately walked out of the school gate. We actually found Taiden leaning against the car. He was wearing jeans and a white v-neck shirt while the black leather jacket he was holding was hanging on his shoulder.

He immediately grabs the attention of the students, some even giggling over him.

"In the morning, it's Sofiya , and in the afternoon you will be picked up. What does he think he's doing to you, Zella?"

"I don't know. I don't know." I answered and Suzie took a deep breath.

"I don't care if he's that handsome, he's an asshole..."he insisted.

"Maybe not."

"Oh, you're still defending him. When he makes you cry, don't say I didn't warned you, Zella. I'm telling you!" Suzie's reminded me.

It's too late. I let him court me. But I don't understand the method of his courtship is like this. It's confusing me. For me to understand, maybe I need to ask him.

He immediately found my sight and he walked towards us. He greeted Suzie with the plastic smile given to him. He also took the book I was carrying and held my hand. Suzie also said goodbye because her driver just arrived.

I turned my head because I was afraid someone would see who knew me and it might even reach Sofiya. I hate to hear another words from Sofiya.

"Who are you looking at?" he asked when he saw that I was busy looking around.

"Uh ... no .. Let's go." I said and hurried into the car.

As soon as he could do it, he took my hand again and played with my fingers. I think it's his mannerism. But he has no idea how it makes my heart flutter with his simple hold.

"Are you embarrassed being with me?"

I immediately turned to him because of his question. Why did he think that?

"No. How can you say that?" I asked while he was just focus on the road so I was free to stare at him.

"You were acting like you're afraid that someone might see us, Ze." something flew in my stomach because of him calling me 'Ze'. Everyone just calls me Zella. He was the only one who called me Ze.

I sneezed and blinked.

"It's not like that."

He looked at me and it was his eyes again examining me as if he was reading me.

"Why ... I feel different. Why do you seem to be afraid that someone will see us. Should I know anything, Ze?" I was immediately nervous at the voice he used. That's weird. Seems intimidating.

I shook. This is probably the right time to ask.

"Uh ... were you texting Sofiya? A-And ... did you send her earlier here?" I asked and saw the expression on his face change immediately.

"Yes." he answered immediately. I should be happy because he told the truth, but why do I feel the opposite.

"Why?" my curious question. He took a deep breath and still stared at the road.

"She's my mom's god daughter. We're just friends, Ze. Don't worry about her." he replied.

Friends. When did they become friends, when in Sofiya's birthday, he didn't even greet her and didn't want to dance.Then, now, suddenly friends?

I shook my head. Maybe he was right. I have nothing to worry about. Sofiya is god daughter of Madam, so it's only natural for them to be close.