Then Finally Coming

"Not one bit. People outside were staring at her as well." Jonathan remained focus

"You were outside waiting for me. Did you see where she came?"

"No."

"Did she take a taxi or what?"

Jonathan shook his head, steering the wheel. "Not that as well."

"What then?"

"Not sure; the next thing I knew, she was there when I caught her on sight."

"Do you mean she went full-blown peek-a-boo?"

"I know it sounds crazy, but…" Jonathan couldn't help but sigh groggily.

Nathalie furrowed her eyebrows from his words, but it was clear that he was serious about his answer, and in no way could she mock him for it. Although as it piqued her curiosity, her head got loaded from the stress of how many things happened for today, just before the New Year.

For a moment, she needed distraction.

Her gaze drew back to the manuscript beside her before she took a good look at the city one last time of the year.

Those amber eyes of hers reflected the ever flashing images of towering skyscrapers—where the artists dreamed, and the engineers realized them—built side by side in an exact grid pattern.

Indeed, the sky shied away further as the urban lights were everywhere; there found several floors of these buildings light up, scattered. Moreover, its brilliance slinked down to the roads of every corner therein with illumination.

People shuffled and chased the pavements along the bustling streets while the cars roared as they interweaved several crossroads.

But the vastness of the city almost slid behind her as her vision greeted more and more lush meadows. It was then her train of thoughts interrupted when she realized they were out of the city.

The sun had yet to break twilight in the sky and about to paint with tangerine and crimson hues. Even the green across the plains, a few notable glints from the grasses, and the shallow creeks reflected off a golden glow. Behind found the mountains and hills rolled with rhythm after several rounds from far afield.

Everything flashed through her eyes so beautifully like she was in a panorama.

'I miss this scenery. It certainly is beautiful and refreshing to my eyes.'

The delighted look in her eyes took a toll as she noticed the slight ache of her neck, making her lean for a while.

"Are we almost there, Jonathan?"

"Not yet, Miss Quinn. We will get there in about three more hours."

"Did you double check all of the baggages I need to bring home?"

Jonathan took a curt nod. "Aren't they too many, Miss Quinn? Could have used a bus for this lot."

"What are you saying? I have a plan, though."

He took a quick glance before looking at the road. It was as clear as day how he got caught up into a confusion.

"This is the plan. You will present yourself as a rich boyfriend, simple."

"What?!" Even from his profile, Nathalie saw how his eyebrows furrowed deep with gritted teeth.

"Hear me out."

All Nathalie wanted for her plan to succeed is share whatever she had on behalf of Jonathan.

Making him not only one hottie boyfriend but also with incredible wealth he possess enables her to extend much help towards her family.

At this moment, it seemed that Jonathan had the idea as far as her intention went. He just sighed in defeat because he knew all too well about her upbringing.

For almost a year Jonathan served her, the humble life she had took an unexpected turn.

The blessings of fortune came but she could never share them, even towards her family.

Julia, for sure, would think of something crazy that not even the two of them wanted to know.

"Are you sure you'll do this though?"

"Mom will take the bait, if it comes from you." Nathalie crossed her arm, nodding. "Anyway, you look, smell, and sound like a rich man. Doesn't make a difference."

"Fake it 'til you make it."

"Exactly."

Jonathan gave up and steered the wheel, trying to turn left from the path he would drive.

"This is just temporary, mind you. A boyfriend that is…" From the rear mirror, Jonathan stared at her, albeit suave to contest his gaze.

Nathalie knew what he hinted, which she was unfazed by his sudden advances.

While it's true he was attractive, she had grown fond of him. But his goofy side showed like he was a big brother that he never had.

Something she could rely on, thinking about it made her giggle.

"Well, it's just for a few meetings. Eventually, I'll bring it up to her when we break up. That way she won't have any further expectations. I'm sure her mind would go crazy. She will go after your riches."

"No, 'your riches,' Miss Quinn," he clarified.

"Right."

"I remember one time when you tried to send money. She screamed to throw it away and asked if you're meeting sugar daddies."

Nathalie almost choked from his chides, leaving her coughing hard.

Nathalie Quinn lived quite a rural life and pursued her studies as soon as she got to her college life. It was a daunting challenge, but she overcame them with grit and perseverance. To think of many things that happened in several years, from ups and downs, she remained forever thankful.

But it's not like she hadn't seen her family. Whenever golden opportunities arrive, such as a long week vacation, she would never hesitate to take them; but of course, it comes once in a blue moon.

With that in mind, she slowly removed her accessories, sunglasses, and anything in between that could stand out and garnered their attention. Lastly, she unbuckled her belt and removed her leather dress. Sliding it out was like a cocoon breaking through a metamorphosis, revealing a bright floral dress with flared hem and sleeves.

Of course, she couldn't forget her old phone that survived even before she got to college.

Her family knew the different Nathalie, and she would be damned if they knew what was up.

Afterwhich, she slumped back and closed her eyes. The heavy burden ebbed her body, causing her consciousness to dwindle more than ever, and swirled to her dreams.