Chapter 5

"Hey! I can still help you..", my eyes shot widened and i quickly turned around with hopes, and with a sense of urgency. As I realized that the person speaking to me was offering assistance, my initial panic began to subside. In that moment, I felt a wave of relief wash over me as I realized that there was someone willing to lend a hand in my time of need. The kindness and willingness to help displayed by the individual instantly put me at ease and made me feel grateful for their compassion. So, we both decided to take a seat on the bench, and suddenly it felt like time stood still. The air was thick with tension, and neither of us knew quite how to break the awkward silence that seemed to stretch on forever. I shifted uncomfortably, unsure of what to say or do next.  Eventually, I mustered up the courage to speak, hoping that it would ease some of the tension that hung heavy between us. I was all ready to thank this person for being willing to help out, but instead of letting me finish my thought, he just jumps in with, "are you fine?" It's like, thanks for the concern and all, but can we focus on one thing at a time here? It kind of threw me off-guard, but hey, at least he cares enough to check in on me.  I casually agreed and shared with him that I had run away from my home, conveniently leaving out the fact that I am actually an orphan. It's not something I like to dwell on or constantly bring up in conversation because it doesn't define who I am as a person. Running away was a difficult decision, but it was necessary for my own well-being and sanity. Despite the challenges and uncertainties that come with being an orphan, I have learned to adapt and thrive on my own terms. Sharing this part of my past can sometimes feel heavy, so I appreciate the opportunity to keep it simple and light-hearted in our conversation.

"Well....I can help you with your stay but it won't be for free, I mean, there is a small task that you have to agree to do", he said while assuring me about the upcoming,

—"I am fine with anything you offer but it's a no if it's something vulgar", I said, and instantly avoided eye contact with him, Not so soon I heard a chuckle from him and he said, "Don't worry.....I ain't that type of person", then, he stood up,

"Let's go", I was a bit surprised at his words and asked, "ri-right now??!", and he looked at me with a 'yes' look,

"obviously!", and with that I started following his step and to my dang surprise, he led me to his car,

"Is this yours??", I asked before sitting in that car, like, dude!!! How can a random rich ass stranger help you, when you don't even know him!!!

"Don't be surprised! Actually, I was randomly collecting jobless youngsters", he said and opened the car door for me,

WHAT! HOW COULD HE SAY THAT!!! WHERE HIS SWEET ASS WENT???!!!

but quietly accepting help from him, we sat inside the car and he put on his seat belt while I didn't even know how to . As he put on his seat belt with ease, I struggled to do the same, feeling a sense of gratitude wash over me for having someone there to take care of me in that moment. I didn't have to ask for his help because he knew exactly what I needed without me having to say a word. It felt like he knew how useless I AM!!

After a few moments of uncomfortable quiet in the car, he finally broke the ice by casually asking me, "So, what's your name?", I could sense his nervousness as he glanced over at me while driving.

"Anna", I said my name and he waited for me to say something more, "that's it?" His words hung in the air, heavy with expectation. I could sense his curiosity as he looked at me, waiting for me to reveal more about myself.

—"you don't have a surname or something", he asked me with little shock and Oh, yeah, that's me - no surname over here! It always seems to catch people off guard when they ask for my full name and I simply tell them that I don't have one. But hey, it's not as uncommon as you might think. when he asked about my surname. I casually responded with "Four alphabets are enough to describe me" and his reaction was priceless - he was completely amazed. It's funny how something as simple as four letters can make such an impression, "that's actually cool!!", I passed a little smile at him and I confidently inquire, "Now it's my turn to ask- what's your name?" As he smoothly turns the steering wheel to the left, eyes focused on the road ahead, he chuckles before responding in a casual tone, "It's Joe...Joe Wilson",

He said his name quite firmly and confidently, more like making his name a remark to me. It was as if he wanted to ensure that I remembered who he was.

"Ohh..", I left the most nonsense reaction to his name and he was not even surprised!

After a long and somewhat tedious car ride, we finally arrived at our destination. Joe turned to me with a smile and said, "Here we are!", I reached for the door handle, feeling a mix of excitement and relief to stretch my legs. As I stepped out of the car, the fresh air hit me, instantly invigorating my senses.

Once I got out of the car, I asked him "where are we going??" He looked at me with a mischievous grin and didn't say a word. His smirk told me that he had something up his sleeve, and I couldn't help but feel excited about what was to come. He came towards me and stood beside me with both of his hands inside his pocket, "That's my hotel!, here you are gonna stay",

As Joe proudly gestures towards the grandeur of his hotel, I can't help but feel a rush of excitement and anticipation. The exterior of the hotel is simply stunning, with its elegant architecture and lush landscaping creating an inviting atmosphere. I can already imagine myself lounging by the pool or enjoying a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant. The thought of staying in such a beautiful establishment fills me with joy and makes me eager to explore all that it has to offer. Joe's hospitality and enthusiasm only add to my excitement, as I am sure that my experience at his hotel will be nothing short of extraordinary.