Chapter 22: Count On Me

~ Third Person's Point of View ~

After the first frustrating session, Max settled everything before dismissing Sophie.

But, the truth is, he was practicing how to ask Sophie for a quick walk to the nearby park.

However, Max, due to overthinking,  forgot about the family dinner matter that would take place on his grandfather's mansion. 

Possibly, Madam Clara, his stringent yet glamorous mother will be mad at him if he would fail to come with her, tonight.

Kate helped Sophie to pack her things up and said out of nowhere.

"Let's go to the mall, Sophie! I heard that there's a big sale, today! Deal?"

Sophie took a very deep sigh and replied, "Umm. I don't think so, I am not in the mood for loitering around the mall. Maybe next time, Kate."

Sophie can't bear to have fun while she's keeping on thinking how to ask a sincere apology to her mother.

Although she felt unwanted, unloved, still, Sophie wants to tell her mother how she regrets shouting at her the other day.

"Umm. Sophie, can I ask you to... to–"

"Are you asking Sophie for a date?! Wooooah! Soooophie!"

Kate shook her body while leaping in front of Sophie.

Sophie smiled and asked confusedly. "Pardon me?"

Max zipped his back and went straight to Sophie's in front. Kate moved backward as she gives way to the nervous and trembling guy.

"Umm. Can I ask you for a walk? I mean, if you want to loosen up, we can go to a park, nearby."

Sophie began to panic when Max suddenly invited her to unwind. She felt nervous and uneasy, thinking that they met a few days ago.

"Together with Kate?" She innocently replied.

Kate flapped her hands saying that it is fine and don't bother herself. "Sophie! Don't act like your innocent and naive, you can't see? Max is asking you for a date!"

Max turned his gaze into Late and replied shyly, "It's not a date! I... mean, I just want to walk with Sophie. But if you are too busy, then we can do it next time."

Sophie suddenly felt guilty and vile. She didn't mean to disappoint Max but the truth is, she was stuck between 'Yes or No'"

Kate came closer to her and whispered, "Sophie, Max is going to leave soon! Hurry up! Tell him that you accept his offer!"

Sophie leaned closer and murmured something into Kate's ear. "I don't know what to say, Kate! I'm nervous and shy."

Max said, "Alright! See you tomorrow, Sophie. I'll get going."

"Ah... Wait!" Sophie exclaimed and her face turned into scarlet.

Max turned his back and face Sophie while raising his eyebrows. "Why? There's something you have to say?"

"Umm. Umm. YES! Let's have a walk."

Finally, Sophie said to Max that made his chuckles. "Oh! I thought you were busy and just go home?"

"Yes. But, I don't want to stay at home, alone and lonely."

Sophie played with her fingers again. She would do that when she feels uneasy and nervous about it.

"Alright then! Sophie, I'll get going and Max, please send Sophie home, safe and sound. Do you understand?!"

Kate put her hands on her waist as if she was the biological mother of Sophie. She stared at Max, observing and measuring his capabilities. Or, he's a deserving and trustworthy kind of person.

Max shook his head back and fort. He then walks back to Sophie and replied, "I'll do it, Kate. Don't worry, I'll drop you a message once Sophie gets home. Deal?"

Sophie butt in between them. "You don't have to do that, Max!"

"It's fine Sophie. Kate is right, that I need to secure your safety as your with me."

Max and Kate exchange their cell phone numbers to make sure that Max will follow the rules and regulations.

"That's it! Before seven in the evening, take her home, or else you'll regret sabotaging our deal. Do you get it, Max?"

Max replied mischievously, "Yes. You can count on me, tiger girl."

He winked and get Sophie's hand. "Let's go!"

"What a grossly scene!" Kate uttered and leave them alone.

Sophie was hesitant to hold his hand too. But, if she will not do so, it would be harder for her to walk in the right way.

Max observed that she's uneasy and comfortable. He said, "Don't be shy, Sophie. I'll guide you through the parking lot. Alright?"  

Sophie slightly shook her head and gently clutch her arm around him.

They quietly walked into the parking lot when Sophie breaks the deafening silence between them.

Sophie heard about Max's family. That he's the grandson of a multi-awarded veteran actor of all times and the current chairman of Alcantara's Group of Company.

"Max, do you really have your own car?" Sophie asked him.

Max chuckles and replied, "Yeah, but not from my own blood and sweat. That's why I'm trying to live independently and support my needs without depending on my parents' money."

She sighed and was stunned by him. Max is totally different from Xian. Arrogant, aloof, and aggressive.

Max said, "What's wrong? You looked annoyed and irritated?"

Sophie nods her head and smiled at him genuinely until they reach the parking lot.

From afar, Max saw his driver standing in front of his car. Perhaps, he's been patiently waiting for him.

"Max, who's that girl?" Robin whispered secretly.

He then closed the door after guiding Sophie to get set on the back seat.

"She's Sophie, the blind girl earlier. Let's go to the park nearby, I'll tell you the whole story as soon as we get back home." Max turn around and get into the car beside Sophie.

Robin looked at Sophie by the side mirror and murmured, "Hmm. She's beautiful despite her condition."

"Eyes on the road, Robin." Max caught his driver glaring at Sophie and so he reminds him to drive safely.

Robin replied, "Aye, Sir Max!"

By then, Max and Sophie remained quiet until they arrived at the park.  Robin quickly get off from the car and opened both fences.

"Wow! This park reminds me of my youth days." Robin uttered.

Max walk closer to Sophie to guide her. He then looked at Robin and said, "See you around, Robin. I'll call you after loitering around the park."

Robin shook his head and went back to the car.

"Let's go, Sophie. Flowers already bloomed magically."

Sophie closes her eyes as she savors the fresh and fragile cold breeze that embraces and touches her soul.

She replied cheerfully, "Let's go!"