Chapter 5 Apologies long past its due

         After a long day, Eliza was grateful to be home. Her training lasted a month and thankfully, after that first day, Mariam continued training her with the help of Theo. As she is a quick-study, it didn’t take her long to learn the ins and outs of the business. It also helped that Ami was so organized that all the documents she needed were filed meticulously both soft and hard copies. Matan just pops in every now and then, considering he has his businesses to run but even if she hates to admit it, Eliza misses him to her extreme annoyance. Although she yearned to walk by the Corniche as the water looked so refreshing and inviting, she just wanted to rest. Home was the accommodation provided by the company. She doesn't really care as long as she can lie down on her own bed. Meera treated her to dinner despite Theo inviting her first. She declined for the reason that other employees might put meaning to the special attention he seems to be giving her. She may be naive but not that naive. She knew when a man is interested in a woman, she twice fell prey to it, didn't she? Look what happened to her. Instead of staying in the Philippines and pursuing the course her parents wanted her to, she accepted the job Ami basically handed to her. She just wants to be away from the painful memories her fall from grace dealt her although not a lot of people knew, only her aunt and her godmother.

"Eliza, are you awake? You have a visitor." Meera called on the other side of the door.

          "What, who?" Eliza was puzzled, who could it be? She doesn't have any friend in the UAE besides Mabel as Rain and Ami were already back home in the Philippines after their December wedding the previous year. Still puzzling over who could it be, she changed into another set of pajamas instead of the night shirt she has on. At least she is fully covered and her in pajamas may send whoever the guest is away quickly. She just wants to rest. She wanted to be as refreshed as possible when she works with Madam Mariam tomorrow. She tied her hair in a loose ponytail and made sure, her face was not tear-stained by applying a soft layer of face powder on her cheeks. She could just wash her face later.

          When she reached the salon, she was surprised to hear Meera chattering excitedly. Strange, she hasn't chattered that much with her. It all became clear though when she saw who the visitor was. And just like that she felt butterflies in her stomach which is really annoying and weird. Trying to be as pleasant as possible, she faced her nemesis plastering a fake smile on her face.

          " Is it good evening, Mr. Al Fahezi? What brings you to our humble flat at this hour? Shouldn't you be at your business establishment by now?"

          "Sheesh Eliza, why so rude? Mr. Matan brought you flowers and chocolates, look. "Meera gushed excitedly. 

           "That is okay Meera, but do you mind if I speak with Eliza alone?" Matan gave Meera a look that spoke an entreaty. Meera nodded and left.

           "Wait, I do not think this is a good idea, Meera!", Eliza squeaked. 

           "Eliza, please calm yourself. I came here to apologize but if you screech like a banshee, I would leave immediately. Ooops, see, I am so sorry again. I did not mean to offend. I know it has been months since your first day and my apology is super late but I really want to apologize for my boorish behavior." Matan quickly assured her as she was about to reply. 

            Eliza unflappable as usual replied in a cool voice, "Nothing to apologize for Mr. Al Fahezi. You were just being you. Are those for me?" She indicated the flowers and chocolate he was holding which he quickly handed to her but in doing so captured her hands beneath and held firm but gently. Eliza was shocked to stillness as she felt his thumb caressing the inner side of her palm. She tugged and tugged but he never let go. 

“You’re right, I am just being me and this is what I have been dying to do.” So, saying Matan tugged her closer despite Eliza trying to pull from his firm grip.

           Frustrated with her effort, she resorted to anger as his touch was sending shivers down her spine, again, and she hated it. In her annoyance, she called him by his name. "Matan, if you won't let go, I will scream the building down!" Instead of letting go as she expected, Matan pulled her towards him harder crashing the bouquet of flowers and grinned down at her flushed face. 

           "I like it better when you say my name, what more if." He cut himself midsentence because what he was about to say might send her running away from him which isn't his purpose in coming. This wasn't his plan; he planned to just come and apologize but seeing her in her pajamas ready for bed was sending different signals in his brain. He could imagine her cuddling in bed with him, he shook his head. What is happening? Trying to shake those imaginings off, he said instead, "Are you a witch back in the Philippines? Because you seem to be casting a spell on me." Hearing those words, Eliza tugged violently until she was freed including the flowers and chocolate which she ignored as those fell on the floor. She spun on her heels and red-faced shoved Matan towards the door or tried to shove him as he didn't even budge. 

          "I've had it with you! First if you recall you accused me of stalking you and now you are accusing me of being a witch? If you have nothing nice to say to me, get lost! I do not need your apologies as they are as insincere as you. " She glared at him one last time before she turned and walked hurriedly towards her bedroom.

           Matan just watched her go but he couldn't forget how magnificent she was in her anger. Passion becomes her. He stopped his brain from imagining things further, first he has to get her to forgive him. Maybe he'll leave her be for a few days until her anger cools down. What will his friend Rain say if he learned how he continuously annoys his sister by baptism? He has to cool down his body and mind otherwise his mom would be sorely disappointed in him. Better retreat now and so he took his leave without a backward glance.