Chapter Two: Stranger's car

It’s my mom’s birthday tomorrow! I’m strolling here at the mall to look and buy a gift for her. My dad gave me money for this and he also gave me an extra to buy something for myself. I guess this is also a shopping trip.

I’m not really into shopping for clothes and shoes or something when I’m alone like this. I hate being alone when it comes to shopping since I’m always with my mom when I really need to buy something like that. She is in charge of it since I don’t have good fashion taste at all. She’s like my own stylist, minus the fact that I’m forced to wear some of it. She’s not forcing me to wear something revealing or what, I just hate some girly clothes sometimes but it really depends on my mood. 

Anyway, back to where I am right now. I am here to buy a gift for my stylist, I mean, my mom. Kidding aside, I decided that after buying a gift for her, I’ll stop by at the bookstore. I have to buy a book for myself. 

But I still wonder what I should buy for my mom. I thought of makeup but I don’t have any idea what kind of makeup she uses. And most importantly, I don’t have any idea about makeup. Besides, I just graduated high school; I don’t have knowledge when it comes to that. 

I thought of everything that she likes. Dress, shoes, even bags. But none of them is a perfect gift for her.

This is harder than I thought. 

While I was looking for something, I saw a black suit, like a tuxedo but in a corporate way. My mind immediately thought of that guy from the elevator. He’s wearing something like this.

Wow. Thanks, Brain for thinking of him first instead of someone like, your dad, maybe? 

Well, I wonder if he casually talks to my dad because he knew those things like tennis every Wednesday. I wonder who he is since he gets to have a conversation like that with my dad. Maybe he was part of the department my dad used to manage in that company before? 

I shook my head. Maybe this is just a crush but why am I so curious about him?  I am in disbelief with myself. For 17 years of my life, this is the first time I had a crush on someone. 

Maybe I’m not a weirdo when it comes to matters like that. Good for me, I guess. Congratulations, Bliss on realizing that one. 

I smiled while I continued to pass the stores, and continued to think about what I would give to my mom.

After how many hours of walking, I finally bought a gift for my mom. My feet hurt from strolling. I decided to go to a bookstore first and look for a good book, well, for myself. A book or two, maybe. I will never know. 

While I was searching for a book in every genre possible, I saw something that looked interesting. This book is really famous. I don’t know if the plot is good or it’s just the characters that made this book really known. Nonetheless, this might be nice to read. 

I also am curious about it since a lot of people are talking about it. Even my classmates have read this. I grabbed the whole series of the book and paid for it at the cashier. I don’t know if I’ll regret it or not. But as I have said, there’s nothing wrong with trying new things, especially with this book’s genre.

Curiosity won’t kill me on this one, I think? 

I finally decided to go home. The books I bought were heavy so I decided that I’ll just ride a taxi on my way home. My love for walking comes to an end when I’m carrying something heavy, like these hefty books.

I waved at the taxi but every taxi that passed by me was already occupied. I guess it’s my lucky day.

I waited and waited for an unoccupied taxi but nothing arrived. I scratched my head. How can I go home? I texted my dad to fetch me here but that old man can’t seem to check his phone. He even forgot that he has a phone sometimes. 

A car stopped in front of me. I stepped back for a bit as someone might get out of the car.

But the window of the car in front of me rolled and surprisingly,

“Hey, wanna ride?”

It was the guy from the elevator. Shockingly, he remembers my face but I don’t know if I should laugh at what he just said. It was like a movie cliché line that every character that thinks he’s cool would say.

“Uhm. n-no. It’s okay, I got myself.” I said awkwardly, I’m too shy to ride in his car and I’m not used to riding in someone else’s car, mainly strangers, especially him.

“Don’t be shy, hop in.” I smiled a little bit. I bit my lip from trying not to laugh. I wanted to laugh because of what he said again but I must not show it. I was just thinking about those cliché movie lines.

I was just standing there and looking at my reflection on the windows of his car. I don’t know If I’ll decline or what. I don’t know if this stranger can be trusted.

I sighed. I was about to open the door at the back of his car but he insisted that I should sit in the passenger seat.

“I would look like a driver if you sat there.” He chuckled. I scratched my head. Another cliché line. I scratched my head and opened the door of the passenger seat.

“Perfect.” He claimed. I smiled awkwardly. I looked at him. He’s wearing his usual suit and tie suit, but wait? Is he wearing red Converse? I noticed it since I can see his shoes from where I sit. Yes, I know I’m looking at him that long. But is that proper corporate attire? 

I smiled more and looked away. He looks professional but informal at the same time.

But he looks cute though.

I shook my head with that thought. I’m talking crazy again.

“How old are you?” I was startled when he talked. My heart skipped a beat for a minute. He took a quick glance at me then back to the road. 

“Oops! Did I scare you?” He blurted while laughing. I laughed with him as well. Just to break the awkwardness inside his car.

“I’m 17 years old.” I said while clearing my throat, trying not to laugh while answering a serious question. 

“Don’t be too formal with me, act casual. We’re like friends here.” He said. I asked myself if I was being too formal. Well, of course, I have to be formal, I’m sure he’s way older than me. Plus, he’s a stranger; I don’t want to be rude to strangers.

“Wait! Do you know where I live?” I forgot that he’s driving me home and I was a little confident for a while. He doesn’t even know where to take me home. 

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry. I was about to take you to my home.” He said nervously but still managed it with a joke. Good thing we are not yet far from where I live.

“I live at Villa Gate Subdivision.” I said, still in a formal way, since I don’t know how to talk casually.

“Okay. Noted, Ma’am!” He said, jokingly. I laughed a little bit. This man is a joker, I guess. 

“May I know how old you are?” I asked. I think it’s not bad to ask about his age. He asked mine, I’ll ask his. I’m curious as well. I hope that question wasn’t offending him in any way. 

“Guess it.” He said with a teasing voice. Can this guy get serious?

“I think you’re in your 20’s.” I said confidently.

“Hmmm. Yes, you’re right about that.” He said while giggling.

“20?” I said and he burst out laughing.

“Do you think I’m that young? Thank you, but no. I’m older than that.”

“21?”

“No. higher!” He said while still smiling like a child. I guess this guessing game is fun for him.

“Hmmm. Final guess, you are 23.” I said confidently again. Hoping I’ll get it right this time.

“Yes, you got it right.” Ha! What a piece of cake!

But 23 years old seems young. He’s quite younger than I expected. But that really explains the red sneakers. 

“May I know your name?” He said, but this time, he looks serious. Maybe he’s focusing on the road. Crazy how the age was asked first before the name. 

“B-bliss.” I said while stuttering for the nth time. I cleared my throat again, I feel like I’m getting dehydrated here.

“You have a beautiful name, I’m Ace, by the way.” He said, smiling formally. His eyes are still on the road. I have never met someone who has the same name as him or maybe I just don’t know a lot of people. I think his name is nice. Ace, just like ‘excellent’ or ‘marvelous’. A master.

Well, my name is okay, I think. My parents named me Bliss since I am, well, their Bliss. Bliss means perfect happiness, or great joy. I brought them that when I was born that’s why they named me Bliss. They think that name suits me. I guess they’re not wrong in that part. I can’t imagine having a different name.

I was about to ask Ace what position he is in the company and what kind of work he does there but his phone rang, he immediately answered it, he’s using some wireless earphones, I don’t know, an airpod maybe, to hear the call.

“Is that today? Oh. Okay. No. I’m sure it’s not me. What? No. Wait, just wait for me there.” He answered. He looks angry and more serious this time. I wonder what’s happening and what made him answer like that. 

“Bliss, this is the Villa Gate, right?” He pointed out where my village is.

“You can drop me here, our house is just close.” I said as I panicked. Maybe he’s busy and I don’t want to bother him more. It’s a nuisance to drop me off at our house.

“Okay. Tell Mr. Dy that I drove you from the mall and I apologize for not dropping by your house, I need to go somewhere.”

“Thank you so much for the ride. I’m sure my father will understand. I’m sorry for troubling you.” I said while hurrying to get out of the car. He has to go somewhere else and I must be fast to get out.

“It's no problem for me. You don’t have to say sorry.” He smiled.

“Thanks for the ride, Ace.” I said while I closed the door, he rolled down the passenger seat’s window and waved at me. I waved back and he gestured for me to go home.

I turned my back and started walking. His car is not moving, yet. I bet he’s waiting for me to get inside the village’s gate. He honked his car as soon as I was at that part and heard his car’s engine moving.

Even if I was uncomfortable the whole ride because he’s a stranger, I still admire his kindness. If it wasn’t for him, I might be still at the mall, looking for a taxi to ride home. Despite the fact that we just met at the elevator, he’s been friendly to me. Well, maybe because he knows my dad. 

And now I know his name. Ace. That’s a cool name. 

I entered our house with a smile on my face.

“Wow. You went shopping?” My mom welcomed me. She looked surprised.

“Well, yes.” I said as I sat on our couch. Finally, I can rest.

“How I wish you told me. I want to go shopping with you and buy you clothes. Let’s get rid of that style.” See? I told you. She’s my stylist. My mom’s kinda hater when it comes to my sense of clothing. There’s nothing bad with how I dress. The T-shirt and mid-length shorts are nice, and let’s not forget about the comfort first. 

“I like it this way. Simplicity is beauty.” I said as I rested and lay my whole body on the couch.

“Okay.” She sighed.

I wonder if she knows that I bought her a gift. I smiled a little bit and decided that I must take a rest in my bedroom. I’m also excited about the books that I just bought.

They said it is one of the Best Sellers. I hope I will not be disappointed with those series.

I checked every bag from the things that I’ve bought… I checked everything not just once but twice. The paper bag with the books in it is missing. I jumped out of my skin. I bit my lip so I can calm myself.

I went downstairs and hoped I just left it on the couch. I can’t lose that book. I'd rather lose everything, including the gift to my mom, than those books. I know I sounded so selfish there. I searched for it everywhere but to my dismay, it is not there as well.

My heart skipped a bit when I realized where I left it.

It’s in Ace’s car! I might have left it there. 

I scratched my head. I sulked as I sat on the couch again. I can’t even go tomorrow since it's mom’s birthday. It will be a busy day and I couldn’t run some errands like that.

I just wish that Ace did not check the book and that he didn’t even care to open it.

I hurried back to my room and sat on the edge of my bed. Overthinking about what would happen if Ace found out about the book.

I shouted in frustration.

“Dinner’s ready!” My mom said as she knocked on my door. I went downstairs with her and helped her prepare the dishes.

“So what do we have for tomorrow?” I asked my parents, distracting myself from the stupid thing I’ve done. I’ll get to that thought once my mom’s birthday is over. But in the meantime, I want to get busy with other things. I bet it will be a busy day since it’s my mom’s day.

“Just the three of us, as usual. I don’t like visitors, right?” My mom said, She looked at my father while emphasizing the word, three. Just mom, dad, and me. Period!

“But I’ve already asked Mr. Buenaventura to join us here tomorrow. I sincerely apologize, my dear.” I felt my dad gulp before talking. He held my mom’s hand while asking for approval. I looked at mom’s reaction.

“Mr. Buenaventura? The CEO?” She said while her eyes widened. My dad nodded while chewing his food. While I’m here just listening to them talk and busy enjoying our dinner.

“Okay, fine. Let him join us but just him, okay?” She said, her face is worried and shocked at the same time.

My mom is not a sociable woman. She’s just a typical housewife. She’s quiet and not really friendly. She’s quite a reserved person. She doesn't know how to approach people that well but she’s really nice and sweet. I got those traits from her. Like mother, like daughter.

After dinner, I helped my mom again with the dishes and prepared myself to sleep.

The CEO is coming here. I wonder who and what Mr. Buenaventura would look like.