Beneath The Surface

Chapter 5: Just Friends

Hey, just wanted to let
you know that my elbows
are as good as new!

That's great!

I'm not trying to be a
stalker or anything but
do you usually workout
at the same time in the
mornings?

If I have nothing on, yes.
Why the question though?

I was wondering if you
would be okay with me
joining you on morning runs?
I don't have a gym to go to yet...

Oh, I'm ok with that...
But everyday would be hard...

Oh sorry, I didn't mean to
pressure you like this...
It's okay if you don't feel
comfortable!

It's not that, it's more like
I don't have a fixed work schedule
and I could be called in anytime.
Plus I have morning gym sessions sometimes.

Don't worry about the days!
I just thought it'd be fun to run
together if both of us are free!

Sounds enticing.

How about we meet on Monday morning and talk more? Is that ok with you?

Sure! See you at 7am!

See you!

~

"Mama, I'm going out for a run!" Aika gave her mama a hug before grabbing her phone and running shoes.

"Alone?" VP Leni sipped on her morning coffee.

"With Nat." Aika was tightening her laces and didn't see her mama's reaction to the name.

Aika got off the lift and it dawned on her that she had forgot to ask Nat where they were meeting.

"Aika!" Aika was about to text Nat when she heard his voice from outside the gate. He was waving to her.

"How long have you been here?" Aika looked at the phone at saw that it was a minute to 7am.

"About 5 minutes? I realised we didn't have a meeting place and I didn't want to disturb you early in the morning so here I am..." Nat let out an embarrassed chuckle.

"Is Jamie at school already?" Aika asked as they stretched.

"Nope. I have a helper that comes in on weekdays to help with the housework and to watch over Jamie while I'm out and at work." Nat instinctively took the outer path nearer to the main road as they started.

"Oh so does the helper send Jamie to school?" Nat shook his head.

"Nope, Jamie's kindergarten starts at 9.30am so I usually have time to get back, wake her up and send her to school before going to work. The helper will pick her and watch her until I'm home." Sending Jamie to school in the morning was something Nat would never give up on.

"How about you? Are you still working from home? Or are you back at the office?" It was Aika's turn to answer questions.

"It's blended now...I go back usually 3-4 days a week. Especially if I have to meet with my colleagues and clients." Nat nodded thoughtfully. He didn't probe further since he didn't want to be rude.