Silent Eyes

8, Observant

She felt nervous, her knee bobbing up and down as she gazed around the dining area. Monica was waiting for someone. Soon, a shadow cast over her, and she glanced up to see a friendly face. "Hello, my name is Alex," a man reached out. "I'll be your trainer."

Alex had soft, friendly eyes and a warm smile that immediately put Monica at ease. She stood up, beaming. "I'm Monica," she said. "Thank you for training me today. I'll make sure to listen closely." Alex guided her to follow him, and as they walked, he politely asked, "So, how long have you been living in Athens?"

"It hasn't been long," Monica answered. "About a month. I was originally in Santorini for vacation when Mrs. Antoni approached me." Alex looked impressed and intrigued. "Ah, so I see you made some sacrifices to stay here!" Monica blushed slightly and shrugged. "Yeah."

They reached the kitchen and began washing their hands. As they scrubbed their hands with soap and water, Alex proceeded to train her, providing detailed instructions about cross-contamination, the importance of a clean kitchen, and how to handle emergencies. Monica listened attentively, nodding her head, and tried to commit all his words to memory.

Midway through the session, Alex smiled. "So, I heard you were working for your aunt, is that correct?" he asked. Monica nodded, and the man beamed. "What kind of food does she make? I'm interested in learning more about you." There was nothing flirtatious about his comment; Alex was simply being friendly, and Monica understood that.

She explained that her family was from the South, and they often cooked soul food. The restaurant had originally belonged to her great-grandfather, but after his passing, her aunt took over and kept it running in his name. Alex was touched by the story and exclaimed, "Wow, it seems like you and your family are very close!"

"We are!" Monica beamed. But her smile quickly faded as she remembered that she and her father were on bad terms. Alex noticed her saddened expression and came to a halt. "I'm sorry, is everything alright?" Monica looked up at him and let out a sigh. "Actually," she said, "my dad and I are arguing." Alex tilted his head. "Why?"

"He doesn't approve of me living here, working in this business, and being far away from the family," she explained. "He doesn't understand that I want to explore new opportunities, and it's frustrating." There was silence, and Monica began to feel embarrassed. "Sorry, I didn't mean to burden you with all of that..."

But Alex shook his head and crossed his arms. "No, it's fine. Maybe he's just worried," Alex said. "Your dad seems like the protective type, so this might be a common reaction from him. I think he's scared because this time you're overseas, not just around the corner."

Monica paused. She hadn't really considered that perspective. While she felt annoyed by her father's constant questions and doubts, she realized that he had valid concerns. She was his daughter, in a foreign country, dating someone he didn't know, and working in a business that had quickly accepted her. What parent wouldn't feel suspicious in such a situation?

As Monica gazed off into the distance, lost in her thoughts, Alex gently placed a hand on her shoulder and offered a warm smile. "I hope you don't mind me saying this, but maybe it would be a good idea to have a conversation with your dad. It could help clear up any misunderstandings if you both have a chance to hear each other out." With those words, Alex let his hand drop and walked past her.

The day came to an end, and Monica made her way towards the exit of the restaurant, giving a friendly wave to Alex. He stood by the door, returning the gesture before slipping inside. Monica turned around and spotted Andreas' sleek black car waiting outside. She casually strolled up to the vehicle and leaned against the driver's window, a playful expression on her face. "Were you spying on me?" she teased.

But Andreas wasn't smiling. Instead, he glared, his lips completely flat, and it sent shivers down Monica's spine. She drew away from the window and asked, "are you okay? You look really pissed." His icy blue eyes met hers before muttering, "just get in the car." Monica hesitated, sensing a dark and unsettling energy emanating from him, but reluctantly slid into the passenger's seat, the air now suffocating with tension.

Andreas proceeded to drive. Never once did he speak, and Monica was on edge. She kept stealing glances at him, and she was dying to ask him what was wrong. Eventually, they reached a red light, and she built some courage. "Andreas, are you mad at me?" Her voice sounded vulnerable, catching his attention. Once he noticed her anxious look, the man exhaled sharply. "No, you did nothing wrong," he frowned, leaning into a hand.

"Who's that guy you were waving at?" He then asked. Monica blinked, remembering it was Alex who was at the door. "Oh, that's Alex," she answered him. "He's my coworker and trainer." Andreas hummed, yet there was something unsettling about it, as if he was trying to control his temper.

Andreas' grip on the steering wheel tightened, his knuckles turning ghostly white as his gaze fixated on the road. "What's he like?" Andreas' voice grew colder, his jaw clenched tightly. Monica felt confused and asked, "what, why? He's just some guy who I work with." Suddenly, Andreas whipped his head towards her, his eyes now burning. Monica's entire body trembled, and she meekly lowered her head.

"H-He's a nice guy," she stammered, her words shaky. "I don't really know what else you want me to say, Andreas..." As she dared to glance up at him, she found him no longer facing her. Instead, he pressed a palm against his face, hiding his expression. But his anger loomed like a sinister presence that sent shivers down Monica's spine. With a heavy heart, she turned away, her eyes unable to meet his gaze anymore.

Andreas was boiling with rage deep inside. He saw through Alex's fake smile and sensed his underlying intentions. It took every ounce of self-control for Andreas to refrain from turning around and bashing that bastard's brains in. But Monica had just landed the job, so Andreas didn't want to rain on her parade and spoil this happy moment for her.

He cared about her.