Friendly Dinner

They continued sitting there, waiting for Ella's mom. After about 10 minutes, they heard a soft yell, "Ella!" Both of them turned their heads towards the source of the voice. "Mom," says Ella softly, a mixture of relief and happiness evident in her tone. Adam observed Ella's mother at first glance, and his mind unknowingly made a connection, "So, that's how she will look when she gets older?"

However, he immediately shook his head, dismissing his own thought. "How are you, sweetie?" her mother asked, kneeling in front of Ella. Adam took the opportunity to stand up, gesturing for her mother to sit on the bench. Her mother smiled softly, murmuring a small "thanks" as she took the seat beside Ella.

"I am fine, Mom. Adam helped me," Ella said, beaming a soft smile at Adam, which caught her mother's attention as she shifted her gaze towards him.

"Oh, thanks, young man," her mother said, extending her arm to rub his lower arm in a thankful gesture.

"It's nothing," Adam replied in a gentle tone.

"Come home; it's nearby. Let's have dinner together," her mother insisted.

"No, no need," Adam retorted politely.

"I will be really happy. Ella seems bubbly, but she doesn't make many friends. I will be happy if you come," her mother added, making a heartfelt request.

"Mom, it's alright. Adam is busy. He has other stuff to do," Ella interjected, avoiding eye contact with Adam.

The conversation struck Adam's mind, along with the hint of sadness he noticed in Ella's eyes earlier. He thought for a moment before saying, "Okay, I will come," examining Ella's downcast state.

Ella snapped her head up, her words almost inaudible as she mumbled, "You don't have to."

However, Adam gave her a reassuring nod, silently telling her that it was okay. Her mother merrily said, "Alright, come on. The car is right there. Let's go home," as she pointed towards their car, causing Ella to feel guilty as she thought she was burdening him. Adam observed her sad state for a moment but decided to ignore it, focusing on the chance to spend more time with his mysterious yet endearing acquaintance.

"Adam, sweetie, could you please carry Ella towards the car?" her mother asks.

Ella's eyes widened as she glared at her mother, not expecting this from her. Adam simply carries her in a bridal style again, but this time Ella is quieter than before. Adam notices the reason for her insecurity and feels the need to assure her that "It's alright," so he does. "Ella," he says, grabbing her attention as she looks up at him. "It's completely alright. I am free right now. A little company will not hurt me. Besides, we are friends now."

His words cause Ella's eyes to light up in happiness as she asks in the same irresistible tone, "Friends?"

Adam's heart twists at her doe eyes, and he genuinely smiles at her before saying, "Yes, friends."

Ella simply beams at him and lets him lay her down in the back seat of the car. The three of them sit in the car as they drive towards Ella's house. After a 5-minute drive, they arrive at Ella's house. Adam unknowingly carries her again, and he observes the area, saying, "You live nearby."

Ella formally replies, "Yeah."

"Here, dear," her mother says, signaling Adam towards the entrance of the house.

Adam takes her inside and helps her sit on the couch. "Thanks," Ella says as she sits down.

"Wait there, let me set the table for you two," her mother says as she heads to the kitchen.

Adam sits there silently, observing his palms as a distraction. Ella watches him, unknowingly zoning out. Adam senses a pair of eyes on him and jokingly asks without looking at Ella, "Enjoying the view?"

Ella just utters "huh?" in response, snapping back to reality.

Adam snaps his fingers in front of her eyes and states in a bored tone, "You zone out too much," catching her off guard.

"I was just thinking about something else," Ella explains without stuttering this time, surprising him.

He stares at her for a while and is about to ask something when they hear Ella's mom's voice from the kitchen: "Dinner is ready, kids. Come here."

Both of them yell "coming" simultaneously and head to the kitchen to enjoy a meal together, the beginning of a newfound friendship.

Adam stood up to carry Ella towards the table, but she was again zoning out, her eyebrows knitted together, and she had a frowning expression on her face. "Ella..." Adam calls out softly. But she was still in her trance. He repeats his words again but gets the same response. The third time, he calls her out by gently shaking her shoulder, bringing her out of her trance. She flinches a little, looking up at Adam as she apologizes slowly, "Uh, sorry, I just zoned out again," avoiding eye contact.

"Your mother is calling. We shall go," Adam says, eyeing her suspiciously.

"Yeah," she says as she tries to get up hurriedly but fails. Before she could hurt herself more, Adam carries her in midair, staring deeply into her eyes as he states, "Be careful."

Ella gulps and looks down, embarrassed, as she mutters, "Sorry."

Adam wanted to say something but decides to ignore it, sensing that something is off or that a thought has occupied Ella's mind presently. He simply carries her towards the dining table, making her sit beside his seat as Ella's mother signals him to. He silently sits as her mother serves them dinner.

While handing dishes to Ella and her mother, he observes Ella's lap, where she is fiddling with her fingers continuously. He gets the idea that she is indeed in deep thought about something, but what strikes him is that her facial expressions are pretty normal. Her mother never asks her once what is wrong with her, which surprises him. As Ella feels his gaze on her lap, she intensifies the fiddling. He frowns and looks away, eating his dinner silently.

"Eat this, Adam, dear; I will bring back more from the kitchen," Ella's mother says as she excuses herself.

Adam smiles at her, looking down at his plate. Once her mother is out of sight, he tilts towards Ella, clearly staring at her. Ella gulps before looking at him, trying to smile a bit. "What's wrong?" Adam says sternly.

"What?" Ella is bewildered.

Adam's chest heaves up as he comes a little closer to her face level, causing her to lean back a little in her chair. "Is it compulsory for you to always play dumb?" he says through gritted teeth.

"Huh? I—no..." she stutters, avoiding eye contact, as a brim line of tears starts to form in her eyes due to his stern tone and harsh words. Adam sighs, regretting his own tone and words; he closes his eyes, heaving a little.

"I didn't mean to—" he starts off, feeling guilty.

"It's alright," Ella quickly says, giving his hand a quick squeeze to reassure him. She knows he didn't mean to be harsh and understands that he cares for her. She appreciates his concern and tries to smile genuinely to lighten up the atmosphere.

Adam nods, appreciating her understanding, and they continue with their dinner, trying to enjoy the meal together despite the tension that lingers in the air.