Chapter 4: KID

Kid

Once again, we were walking towards the trail that leads to home. It was a quiet walk, and Dom didn't say anything else after we closed the store. I bid goodbye to Caleb earlier and that was it. Silence reigned the path, my heart thumped twice as hard, and coldness smothered the air yet again.

And the icy ambiance didn't come from the soft wind blowing through the fields.

I pushed some of the stray strands from my auburn hair behind my ear and continued the small journey. I can already see our small and old house. It's painted white on the outside, with a dusky grey roof. It's small, but it's home. At the far corner of my eye, I saw the oak tree where I usually read under when I have time.

As we approached the porch, I spotted a few baby chickens running around the grassy area. My gaze stayed there for a while before Dom spoke...

"You shouldn't be alone with that boy again,"

"Why?" My eyebrows furrowed. I stopped walking and bravely looked at his eyes, only to catch him staring back with such depth that I almost dropped the keys I'm holding.

Huh? Why wouldn't I be allowed hang-out with Caleb? And why do I feel like Dom has this certain authority over me even though he doesn't?

Dom also stopped his steps and took a sharp breath, while I almost lost my breath looking at how manly he is – wearing a maroon shirt, showing off his biceps, black boots and a pair of blue faded jeans...just like what he wore yesterday. 

He looked at me seriously, "You never know what his intentions are, Sapphire,"

What?

"Caleb is my friend, Dom. His intentions are good," I gathered enough courage to talk back at him without stuttering. 

If I wasn't mistaken, there's this certain glint in his eyes – and I hope it's not for a reason that I'm currently pondering on right now.

Maybe he's just concerned about me – like how a big brother cares for his little sister. Maybe he is just concerned because I'm Robert's daughter. The man he works for. But somehow, I can't help but feel elated, because under the cold exterior that he shows to me...he still cares.

I tried to brush those thoughts off and forget it all, so that my heart could somehow calm down and stop its rapid beating. But the second he looked at me deeply in the eyes again...all is forgotten.

"I don't trust him for you," Dom said with such finality which made me pout. He crossed his arms and ticked his head side wards.

Caleb is a good friend, and Dom shouldn't assume things just because he's older! And he hasn't even talked or met Caleb personally! A while ago, I was delighted that he's concerned, but now it's like he is dictating me...

"How about that girl you were with yesterday? I also don't trust her for you!" I tried to remain calm, but my voice surprisingly raised. My cheeks heated up in embarrassment due to my last statement. I should not have said that!

Dom looked shocked at what I said, but he smirked afterwards and let out a low chuckle...making my heartbeat speed faster than ever.

I held my hands together and looked away. I awkwardly shifted and turned my attention to the oak tree at the middle of the fields like it was the most interesting thing that has ever existed.

"You still have a lot to learn, kid."

Wow.

He called me a kid. Just, wow.

I think I'd rather prefer the past weeks where we had less interaction!

I angrily turned the leaf of the book I'm reading, to the point that it almost got ripped into two from my frustration...

Why am I acting like this?

I should never let other's words and opinions affect me in this extent.

From the window of my bedroom, I can see the oak tree where I usually read at. Maybe I should go there and calm myself.

I stood up from the comfort and warmth of my small bed and went downstairs. I wore my thick brown boots and took the keys of the house and the store. Wearing a white dress, ending just above my knees, I went out of the house and locked it, so that I can peacefully enjoy my book under the oak tree.

That oak tree has always been a special place of mine. It gives me a sense of tranquility whenever I lay my back on its trunk while words flowed from my book towards my brain. I've read that an oak tree is one of the most loved trees in the world. It represents strength, morale, resistance and knowledge. It is also a symbol of honor, nobility and wisdom due to its size and longevity.

The sky was bright, but the rays of the sun weren't that harmful even though it's summer already. There were a few clouds up in the never-ending sea of blue. In front of me was the rice fields, ready for harvesting.

I strolled my way to the tree, and I smiled at it. It's like the tree was waiting for me to come back again. I sat under it and relished the peaceful feeling – like nothing could ever disturb me as long as I'm here. Maybe my previous thoughts can be erased and Dom would interact less with me like he used to...if only this tree can grant wishes.

I opened the book again and started reading word through word. But a figure appeared in the corner of my eye.

In front of me was the stern and rough Dom, harvesting rice by hand. Our eyes met and I immediately looked away.

My heart hammered again. I put the book up, covering my face so that I won't look at him anymore. But as I keep on reading, my focus kept deteriorating due to the fact that Dom is right there, in the fields in front of me.

I tried to take a peek and I caught him looking at me again.

What the...?

I shoved the book in front of my face again, but I realized that the book was turned upside down!

I immediately put it back in its right position, while Dom stood there with a damn smirk on his face! I silently cursed at that.

From the day I was born until this day...I never knew I would even use a curse word!