ROYCE
At precisely 3 pm, I was at Grand Villa residences to pick up Nelina. As soon as I parked the car, I dialed her number to notify her as she instructed. I didn't wait long before seeing her walking to my car, wearing a white polo shirt, faded ripped blue jeans, and paired with white rubber shoes. A small sling bag in her shoulder, swaying as she walked in haste. Before she reached the passenger's door, I already opened it for her. "Hi, gorgeous," I said, smirking like I usually do.
She rolled her eyes at me like she always does. She's even prettier when she's annoyed, just what I like. I knew she wanted the compliment; it's just my evil smirk that she hates. I chuckled when she was finally inside the car.
When we were on our way to the racing track, I remember to ask a question that's been on my mind
ROYCE Nelina was stunned by what I did; we locked stare once more. To my surprise, she wasn't mad nor even annoyed. I softly rubbed her temple; she closed her eyes like it was a relief from her pain. "Nelly, let's get back to my quarter; you can rest well there. We can talk if you want to," I said, continuing to rub her temple. She slowly opened her eyes and nodded at me. She hasn't spoken yet since the time I saved her. I feel guilty for probably taking things too fast for her. It wasn't the right way to overcome someone else's fear. "Wait here," I nodded and hurriedly stepped out from the car to open her door. "Let me help you," I said as I bent over and helped her get out of the car. I held her hand in my right hand while shutting the door behind me with my left hand. "It's gonna be okay," I whispered
NELINA A week has passed, and I've decided to give it another try with Royce. I talked to Royce on the phone last Friday, and he volunteered to pick me up at our condo unit because he wanted to talk to mom personally. At first, I was hesitant to have him at home. But he insisted and was stubborn to pursue meeting mom and dad, giving them assurance that I was safe with him. So, I thought that it was a good idea to give mom assurance since she was reluctant. I shared what happened during our last date; Marica and mom were both concerned. The idea of digging into my traumatic experience in the past has got them anxious about me. It's already a quarter to 9 in the morning, and I'm almost good to go; just fix my hair in a ponytail. I settled on a baby pink polo shirt, black ripped jeans and paired them with ba
ROYCE I held Nelina's waist as we walked to the outdoor dining area. It was the place near the infinity swimming pool. Even the stone in it was old to fit a Mediterranean style. Dark woods were used in the vast dining table and chairs. "This was where I used to have dinner with grannies," I said as I pulled a chair for her. "Thank you, you sure have a lot of beautiful memories with them," she replied as she sat on the chair. "Nothing but beautiful ones. I wish they're here to get to know you. We would make a wonderful family," I said, intently looking at her. It warms my heart seeing her smile even if she nodded no, for I could tell she was annoyed but not mad. Nelly seems to know how I'd love to tease her every time I get a chance to do so. She focused on her phone, but she couldn't hide her flushed chee
ROYCE Nelly hesitated for a second before she stepped forward. She roamed her eyes around upon entering the room. I closed the door behind me, leaving it unlocked. "So, what do you think? First impression?" "Spacious, minimalist design, neat, and organized. Do you really keep it this flawless?" Nelly asked, amused. "Oh, that's more than I expected. Thank you. And yes, this room stays clean since I only sleep here like once or twice a month." She drew near the old cabinet and leaned over, her back on it. "So, how about you give me a little hint of what's in this room?" "Sure. First, all of the furniture used here are old; I chose to keep
NELINA As I made my way to the guest room where Ms. Lita had prepared for me, I was reluctant about setting my foot inside it. I stared at the door for a while until I decided to get close to it and twist open the bronze doorknob. The smell of lavender lingers in the air, pleasant and enticing to my smelling senses. The room was spacious; it had a floral sofa on the left side near the bed and a bronze frame mirror beside the closet. I closed the door behind me, put my things in the closet, and sat on the bed. Royce made sure that I got everything that I needed for the night, especially sleepwear. Ms. Lita handed me sets of sleepwear that I could choose from. She was so polite to offer to come with me to my room and help me fix everything, but I said no. They've already cleaned the room anyway; I'm not a child who needs assistance getting ready for bed.
NELINA In the guest room, I remember checking on the company investigations files that I did. Before I finally take a look at my work schedule in the coming week. I do this regularly during my free time. It took me almost 2 hours to do it. I was pretty shocked when my eyes landed on the classic wall clock a few minutes before 11 in the evening. My dad's former secretary would be of help, the next person I need to contact. After two years, things are getting clearer. I placed my phone on the center table to prepare for my shower when I remembered calling Marica back. I grabbed my phone again and dialed her number. Marie answered the phone on the first ring like she was waiting for my call. "Hello dear, what took you so long? It's like almost 3 hours, huh," she said with a hint of annoyance in her voice.
ROYCE "Get up, lazy head," I said as I knocked on Nelly's door. The third time I called out her name and knocked on her door, I lifted my right arm to check my wristwatch; it said 7 am. I shook my head, realizing she hadn't been awake at this time. My grannies trained me to be the successor of their company; I was used to getting up at 5 in the morning. They say the earlier you start your day, the better. In their younger years, they woke up even earlier than 5, and they have proven beneficial, especially for business. This is what I'm used to for many years already, though it was difficult at first. I needed to make a huge adjustment from the lazy boy habits to a successful routine and mindset. But I should say it was all worth it. "Nelly, we should be starting the driving lesson by now. Nelly, wake up."
ROYCE When I sat in the driver's seat, I noticed Nelly wiping her face. She didn't want to show it to me as she looked at the open window. "I'm listening, Nelly." Only then did she shift on me. I smiled, hoping that it would assure her to let go of anything troubling her for a long time. She took a deep breath. "When I was in high school, my brother used to bring me to a racing track because he thought I enjoyed it, which is true. He started teaching me how to drive, and I was a fast learner, as he has said. But mom and dad refused to let me drive my car. They hired a driver for me, and Mark couldn't protest because they insisted that it was for my safety." Nelly paused; she lowered her head and rubbed her hands together. I was about to reach out for her hands when she spoke again.