Seven- Alexander Huxley

His thoughts.

I drove somewhere far from the office. Then, I saw this little café that seems quiet. I parked my car and went in the little café called “Coffee Bloom House”. As I entered, I could smell coffee. It smells so wonderful. The place is tiny, but the interior is desirable.

“Good morning, sir! “I was greeted by a tall and blonde guy on the cashier.

“Hi. One Americano, tall.  Thank you.” I looked on his nameplate. He’s called George.

“That’s $2.50 sir.”

I paid him the exact amount.

“Thank you, for paying the exact amount. We’ll be serving your coffee in a moment. Please have a seat.” George smiled.

I nodded at him once.

While I searched around for a perfect spot, I saw a familiar face. Ah! I remember this lovely face and her beautiful loose curly hair. She’s almost caused herself an injury at my building. Lucky her I was there to held her.

I sat one table away from this lady. She seemed so focused on something.

“Sir, here’s your Americano. Enjoy your espresso.”

“Thank you.” I said. Then sipped on my coffee. I didn't expect that the coffee will be this good here. “Not bad.” I thought.

Then I observe the lady again. She looks so fragile. Maybe because of her white-skinned color? Her lips were pinkish. What is she doing that makes her focus so much? What am I thinking? I thought to myself. But I have to apologize to her on what I said to her last time. Or not. Or maybe I'm just curious about this girl.

An hour passed. I noticed that I'm still observing her. She looks happy but when she touched her neck, she looks in pain. Is she okay? She also winced last time. Am I thinking too much?

I did not expect that she will look at my direction, and we made an eye-to-eye contact for a moment. And she averted her eyes. She maybe does not remember me. So, I decided to go over to her table and to apologize.

“Can I take this seat?” I asked her, and she looked so confused, but I sat without her permission.

“Well, what do you want?” She said. She remembered me. But why does she look angry?

“I’d like to apologize for what happened last time. I should not say that to you.” I said sincerely.

“Is that why you're here? Don't tell you searched for me to apologize?” Her answer confused me. She sounded like she's annoyed.

I don't understand why. I apologized, and she responded like this.

“No. I don't have time for that. It was a coincidence that I’m here.” I answered.

“Apology accepted.” She has accepted my apology and smiled at me.

I'm curious about this lady. She’s more annoyed when I talked to her. But many women will beg for my attention. Curious.

“Thank you for your time.” I said to her to bid goodbye.

“What an interesting lady.” I stood and left the shop.

As I enter my car, I noticed some two sedan cars following me. Mother. Her guards. She always does this. She hired body guards to tail me. I revved my car and drove away.

Then I lost them somehow. While I am resting inside my car, the face of the lady that I encountered again today flashed through my mind. I drove back to the café, maybe I can see her again, for the last time.

While I drove, the rain poured so heavily. In my rearview mirror I knew the cars were following me, again. I drove faster than the speed limit on the highway. Then from the distance I saw that the traffic light will now turn to red,  I stepped on the gas to beat the red light. I did not notice someone will walk the pedestrian, I quickly stepped on my break. Likewise, I can hear my tires screeched so badly. I spotted a tree on my left. I stirred my wheels to the left. And "Bang!" I crashed. The airbag inflated. I coughed. Someone opened the door. “Sir Alexander! Can you hear me? Sir! Are you okay!?” Said the man in the black suit. It's Grayman. My only trusted guard. The rain still pouring.

“I can hear you, well enough. Stop shouting, Grayman. You hurt my ears.” I feel a little dizzy and I coughed a little because it feels like my lungs were deflated because of the impact. But I am all good. 

I get out of my car and run towards the pedestrian. The lady I just saw at the coffee shop? Did I hit her? I rushed towards her and said, “miss! Miss! Are you all right?” Her sweater now so wet. I removed my wetsuit jacket to cover her. I shouted, “Grayman! Pull the car over here, now.”

"But sir..." said Grayman hesitantly.

I can see that we now caused a traffic jam.

“Gray, stay here and talk to the police. Then call Annie to bring me some fresh clothes. Two pairs. At the hospital. Don't report this to my mother. “

“Copy sir.”

I carried the lady inside the car. She's light weighted. 

I drove fast now. I looked at the lady hoping she’s okay. She's still unconscious.