Tale In The Red Sand

Chapter Fourteen

The two men basked in comfortable silence, standing in front of the sleek dodge charger as they patiently waited for Hibaaq to come join them in the driveway. It wasn't long before Warsame announced her arrival. "There's my beautiful girl." He cooed once she emerged from the front door and carefully started down the smooth stone steps, a pretty clutch held in hand.

Hibbaq's face heated as she everted her eyes, pushing away the urge to cave in on herself as her father continued cooing sweet endearments at her. Ercole laughed quietly, gazing at Hibaaq's now bare face as she came to a stop before them. Warsame distinctively watched the small interaction between the two as they exchanged acknowledgements, Ercole nodding at Hibaaq and Hibaaq timidly grinning back at Ercole.

He obnoxiously cleared his throat, startling the pair.

"How about it." He said, twisting the keychain of his of his car keys around his index finger, staring almost menacingly at Ercole.

Ercole raised his eyebrows in attention, staring back focused, though he couldn't contain the noticeable blush that rose to his cheeks. He must've seemed indecent, ogling his daughter like that. Even though, time and again, he couldn't help but be enthralled by her beauty.

"How about I let you drive for once. It's been awhile hasn't it." Warsame remarked, tossing the keys over to a stupefied Ercole. Even so, he managed to catch the keys to Warsame's beloved car.

"Oh I couldn't" - Ercole started, but quickly swallowed his words as he peered over to the beckoning car, then to an entertained Hibaaq, her arms still crossed and the purse tucked into her elbow. She gave an encouraging nod when Ercole shot her a questioning glance. "If you insist". He agreed.

He quickly turned to the drivers side and practically jumped in. Hibaaq took the seat behind the passenger side and her father occupied the very seat. Ercole's hands latched onto the steering wheel in unconcealed excitement, and he grinned widely as he started the car. The sound of it roaring to life was like music to his ears. He'd driven many expensive and cool looking cars in his lifetime, but never a dodge charger. It felt like driving for the first time as he reversed and pulled out of the drive way.

Hibaaq inwardly enthused over the elated expression on his face because he looked like a child on Eid day, receiving his hakal Eid.

He simply could not refuse the offer for he was driving the latest automobile of the century. It was truly a freeing experience as he sped down the dragging dirt path, leading out of their small neighborhood and towards the central city. He'd been on it on many occasions, on his way to work with Warsame, and that one time with Hibaaq, he couldn't forget every twist and turn of the road, it was forever engraved into his memory now.

His smile widened as the gentle breeze met his face. He loved that there was no speed limit on these kind of roads as seeing another car passing by was scarce, and if there were any, it was wide enough for them to barely meet. Though as they grew closer to the law abiding roads, the slower Ercole drove, relishing in the moment.

Hibaaq rested her forehead on the window as she watched the landscape beyond, rather dejected from the interaction with her grandmother. Her eyes shifted to the front of the car, peeping the side of Ercole's face, and he looked breathtaking in the orange sunlight, taking its sweet time disappearing as the delicate wind danced in the bed of brown waves on his head. In the dimming sun, his hair appeared almost golden. Her heart stuttered momentarily as he gazed over at her from the rearview mirror, a curious glint in his honey coloured eyes, and she didn't miss the sly wink he shot her before turning his gaze straight ahead. Hibaaq allowed a slow smile to spread out onto her lips at the lighthearted action.

Once they neared the the edge of town, it was time for Ercole to conclude his joy ride. He sighed out in satisfaction as he leaned back on the leather cushion of the passenger seat.