“He didn’t want to see me? I was expecting him to come with you.” Her mom raised an eyebrow and she sounded unimpressed.“He… he asked me to have dinner with him, but I told him I’m having dinner at home since you normally cook every day.” Why did she feel a sudden need to explain and somewhat defend him?“And? You didn’t invite him to have dinner with us?”“I didn’t… I thought….” She suddenly doesn’t know what to say. If she brought him home, how is she supposed to explain it to her mom? It won’t be easy to explain it was nothing. But now, her mom also knows…Still, it’s more accurate to say she didn’t want to believe it. She doesn’t want to be disappointed later. She doesn’t want to be hurt again. She’d rather not…“Do you not like him?” Her mom became curious of her reaction. It doesn’t look like her daughter was excited about it.She doesn’t even want to answer that question. “It’s not that I don’t, but… I don’t want to.”“What do you mean? You like him but you don’t want to? What

He ran a hand through his hair, unsure what to say.“I didn’t mean to. I apologize. She’d been avoiding me. Maybe if I can speak with her, I’ll be able to explain properly and let her know my thoughts. It wasn’t my intention to make her cry. I just want us to spend time together like before and have a deeper understanding of each other to improve our relationship. We can work from that point. Would you give your permission?”Sab’s mother sighed. “As much as I want to protect my daughter from any harm, I am aware that proper communication can resolve most misunderstandings. I do believe there’s enough of that between you and her. You came to me to assure me and say all these things, but Sab doesn’t know any of that yet, does she? She may have decided to act a certain way, avoiding you and all, but I wouldn’t say it’s the right decision. She clearly hasn’t considered several things, due to lack of information. Which you could have supplied, by the way. In that sense, it’s somewhat your

“Did… What you said earlier… Did you say you believe me?” She didn’t like how she seemed hopeful. I thought you’re no longer expecting anything? She inwardly reprimanded herself. Still, she looked up and dared to stare directly into his eyes. She wants to see if he’s saying the truth, as she didn’t see it earlier.Clyde held her gaze and softened his expression, “I did. I believe you, Sab. Forgive me for doubting you back then. I’ll keep believing in you from now on.”When her eyes began to fill up with tears again, Clyde edged closer to her. He touched her face and wiped those tears. It seemed pointless but he wanted to keep doing it. He was somewhat relieved by the way she looked at him. It was as if she’s already considering giving him a chance.His father was right. This is a very important matter for her. He should have realized it much sooner.This time, they just kept staring at each other. She looked adorable, looking at him like that. He smiled at her and was rewarded by her

“Where have you been?” His mother asked as soon as he came home.“I spoke with Sab. Then, I took her home. Her mom packed these for me.” He set the food on the table and went to get some plates for them.“Oh? What happened?”“Nothing yet. I talked to her mom during lunch break. Then I went to see Sab after her class. We talked for a bit. I tried to convince her, to give me a chance. She said she needed time to think, so I took her home. Earlier I did ask her mom if I could take her out and maybe join them for dinner once a week. She may have thought I would be having dinner with them.”“Really? You already ate?” Alice checked the time. The amount of time that elapsed doesn’t seem enough.“No, I haven’t. Sab needed time to think so I didn’t dare disturb them. That’s why her mom decided to pack the food instead.”“Oh, you’re being considerate? That’s a nice thing to do.” She was slightly impressed by his decision.Clyde barely smiled. He’s still not at ease, though. “I hope she would no

The following week, things changed again, though. Sab was confused when her trainees excused themselves during lunch break. They all left and she could only look at Clyde in bewilderment.He chuckled, already understanding the situation. He did see their underlying expressions. There was a couple of thumbs up and several winks were thrown in his direction.“Are you uncomfortable having lunch with just me?” He asked and if she says yes, he’s ready to call them all back.Sab tilted her head and hesitated. “Not really.”“They probably planned it. To let us have lunch together, just the two of us.” He doesn’t want her to remain clueless about it, so he kindly told her. To ensure her comfort, he maintained a respectable distance.Sab’s expression turned into helplessness and disbelief. They actually did that? They all agreed to it?“Should I call them back? They haven’t gone far yet.”Sab found their spot and saw they’re already taking out their packed lunches. She grimaced before saying,