Chapter 5

3rd Person POV

As she got closer to their house, she saw the same guy again leaning against their gate. Bryan’s words from yesterday suddenly came back to her.

“I really think he likes you, Suzy. Don’t give in too easily, or you might get hurt in the end.”

She couldn’t help but think about it.

She lightly slapped herself. “You’re being so assuming, Suzy!” she muttered to herself, she fix herself when she’s nearly approaching the guy.

“Good evening, Suzy. You came home late,” he said.

“Good evening, Alexander. Ah yes, I had to stop somewhere first. How is Lola Esme? We haven’t bonded lately,” she said while pouting.

Alexander looked at her expression but quickly looked away before she noticed. “She’s inside. Do you want to come in?” he asked.

Her face immediately brightened. “Sure!”

Grinning, he opened the gate for her. “How’s school?”

“It’s going well. We had a quiz earlier,” she replied.

“That’s student life for you.” They entered the house, and the delicious aroma of what Lola Esme was cooking welcomed them.

“Lola Esme, what are you cooking? It smells so good!” she said cheerfully.

The girl ran over and hugged the old woman from behind. “Oh, it’s you, Suzy. It’s good that you visited,” the old woman said happily.

“Yes. Don’t worry, Grandma Esme. I’ll come here tomorrow so we can bond. I miss your baking lessons,” she said.

“That’s good to hear,” Lola Esme replied with joy.

“You should visit more often. You’re the only friend Lola Esme has, and she gets lonely sometimes.” Suzy only laughed softly at Alexander’s words.

“Do not feel lonely grandma, you have Alexander here.” She glanced at the young man leaning against the doorway.

Alexander shrugged lightly. “I’m always here, but grandma is looking for you, maybe I'm boring.” The young man even pouted as if he was pitiful.

“That’s because you are!” Lola Esme said playfully while stirring the pot on the stove. “Unlike Suzy, who fills the house with noise and laughter every time she visits.”

Suzy placed a hand dramatically on her chest. “That means I’m special.”

“You are,” the old woman replied warmly.

Alexander only shook his head, though a small smile appeared on his lips. Suzy inhaled deeply. “Lola, what are you cooking? It smells amazing.”

“Chicken soup,” Lola Esme replied. “Perfect for the cold evening.” Suzy’s eyes lit up. “Can I help?”

“You can help by setting the table.”

“Okay!” Suzy didn't complain anymore because she didn't want to be helped with the cooking, she just followed.

She quickly walked to the dining table and started placing the plates and utensils. Alexander followed quietly and placed the glasses beside the plates.

For a moment, the two of them worked silently. Suzy glanced at him.

She couldn’t stop the small smile forming on her lips. Soon, Lola Esme called them. “Dinner is ready!”

The three of them sat together at the table, she tasted the soup first and her eyes widened. “Grandma! This is so good!”

Alexander turned to her and  smirked slightly. “I agree, this is the best chicken soup.” He scooped up his soup and savored the taste in his tongue.

“But it tastes even better today,” she insisted.

Lola Esme laughed while watching them, and they continued talking during dinner. Suzy shared stories about school and the quiz they had earlier that day.

Alexander listened quietly while occasionally asking questions.

“That’s student life,” he said. “Quizzes every week.”

Suzy sighed dramatically. “Don’t remind me.”

After dinner, Suzy helped wash the dishes even though Lola Esme told her she didn’t need to.

While Alexander stood beside her, drying the plates.

The kitchen was quiet except for the sound of running water. Suzy broke the silence.

“I feel bad,” she lowered her head.

Alexander looked at her.“About what?” Alexander asked.

“Granda Esme feels lonely, I feel bad because I am also one of the reasons.”

Alexander nodded slowly. “That’s why she likes it when you visit but do not blame yourself.”

Suzy smiled a little. “I promise today that I will visit her more often. I don’t like the feeling of being lonely, so I will make it up to Grandma Esme.” she said determinedly

Alexander placed another plate on the rack. “Just make sure you don’t forget your priorities.” She got confused and Suzy looked at him. “What do you mean?”

“School,” he replied simply. “Focus on that first.”

Suzy laughed softly.  “Of course I do.” Alexander looked at her seriously.

“And don’t rush into having a boyfriend.” Suzy stopped washing the plate and stared at him. She thinks that's far from what they were talking about, how did it end up with her, they should be talking about Grandma Esme now.

“Huh, what?”

“You heard me.” She frowned slightly.

“Why are you suddenly talking about that?” Looking lost.

Alexander shrugged. “Because girls your age start thinking about those things.”

“Well I'm not, and what’s wrong with that?” He didnt even glance at her.  “You’re still young,” he said calmly. “You should enjoy school first.”

Suzy shook her head in disbelief. “You sound like my parents.” Suzt didn't know what her reaction should be, all she knew was that her heart was beating faster than normal.

“Maybe you're right,” he said.

She bit her lip.  “Relax, Alexander. I’m not planning to have a boyfriend anytime soon.” Alexander looked relieved for a moment, though he quickly hid it. “Good.”

“I think I need to thank you for your advice, thank you Alexander.” she said teasingly.

Alexander didn’t answer immediately. “Just don't get a boyfriend yet.”

Suzy blinked. For some reason, his words felt more serious than she expected. But before she could ask anything else, Lola Esme suddenly spoke from the living room.

“Are you two finished yet?”

“Yes, Lola!” Suzy replied.

When they finished, Suzy wiped her hands with a towel. “I should go home now. My parents might be there already.” Lola Esme walked her to the door.

“Visit again tomorrow,” Lola Esme warned even though she said already that she will.

“I will,” she smiled.

Alexander followed them outside, the night air was cool and quiet. Suzy stepped out of the gate.

“Good night!”

“Good night,” Lola Esme replied.

Alexander looked at her for a moment. “I’ll walk you home.”

Suzy blinked and shook. “You don’t have to.”

He glanced at his watch and said, “It’s already dark.” So as not to offend him, she just nodded, her heart beating faster again at the thought that he cared about her.

“Okay.” They walked along the quiet street, does it seem like the road is long or are they just deliberately slowing down their walking? For a while, neither of them spoke.

Suzy suddenly remembered what Bryan told her the day before. “I think Alexander likes you.” She quickly shook her head, why does that always pop out of her mind?

“You’re being ridiculous.” She didn't realize she had already said it. “What?” Alexander asked.

“Nothing!”

Alexander looked confused but did not bother to ask her again.  After a few minutes, Alexander spoke again. “Suzy.”

“Hmm?” she asked.

“Promise me something.” She looked at him curiously.

“What is it?” She bit her lip unconsciously and Alexander saw that, he didn’t know that he already imitated her. “Don’t rush into relationships.”

Suzy laughed softly but her heart beat fast “You’re still talking about that?”

“I’m serious.”

“Okay, okay. I promise.” Alexander nodded. “Good.”

Soon after they reached her house, Suzy stopped near the gate. “Thanks for walking me.”

“Remember your promise.”

“Yes, sir,” she teased.

Alexander smiled. “Good night, Suzy.”

“Good night.” She entered the gate and watched him walk away before going inside.