English Version: Sands & Sparrow

28

"Margo, can we stop by my house first? I'd like to pick up some of my things," Aveline asked, her voice soft and hesitant. She was still adjusting to being out of the hospital, the smell of antiseptic lingering in her nostrils. The chauffeur, a middle-aged man with a stern expression, drove in silence, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.

Margo was seated beside Aveline, focused on her phone, her fingers moving swiftly across the screen. Aveline's brow furrowed, betraying her worry. At the moment, her possessions were limited to her clothes and a teddy bear, Jomar, clutched tightly in her lap.

Margo glanced up from her phone, her eyes meeting Aveline's brown ones. She curled her lip in a slight smile and put down the device. "I've bought you clothes and shoes. They're already prepared."

Aveline's eyes widened in surprise. "How...how did you know my size? Uh...shoe size?" She was puzzled; she couldn't recall ever telling Margo such details, and even she was unsure about her exact measurements.

"I know exactly," Margo replied with a smirk, playfully biting her lip as she teased Aveline. The implication hung between them, causing Aveline to blush deeply. Her mind wandered to their intimate encounters, replaying scenes that only intensified the warmth in her cheeks.

Clearing her throat nervously, Aveline responded softly, "Thanks...Margo. You...you shouldn't have bought me clothes or shoes." She turned her face to the window, trying to conceal her flushed cheeks.

"I only bought a few things... Don't worry about it, Aveline," Margo said, her tone casual but with an undercurrent of care that made Aveline's heart flutter.

The air cooler blasted in the car, but it seemed ineffective against the warmth spreading through Aveline's body. She was sweating more, not from the temperature but from Margo's presence. As the vehicle navigated a bumpy road, her head bumped against the window with a soft thud.

"Are you okay, Aveline?" Margo asked with concern. She then turned to the chauffeur, her tone shifting sternly. "Drive carefully."

"I'm very sorry, Miss Sinclair," the chauffeur apologized, his shoulders tensing visibly.

Aveline's cheeks blazed with a blush so intense she felt her face was on fire. "It's fine, Margo. My fault for leaning against the window," she said, rubbing her forehead and lowering her eyes to sneak a glance at Margo, masking her embarrassment.

"What are your plans?" Margo asked.

"There's a foundation led by a nun who helped us. She said she would assist us in going to school and finding jobs," Aveline shared, briefly forgetting her anxiety, her voice filled with hope.

Margo's smile widened, catching Aveline's infectious enthusiasm. "That's wonderful. Have you chosen a school?"

"I've always dreamed of attending a university. I find the campus beautiful," Aveline's eyes sparkled with fascination, revealing her wishful thinking.

"Which one?"

"Near East Avenue, the largest university I've ever seen. I think it's mostly for wealthy people. Just looking at their parks and buildings looks nice," Aveline said excitedly. Margo, noticing her joy, instructed the driver to head to East Avenue.

"What are you doing? You're joking, right?" Aveline's eyes widened in surprise.

"I don't joke," Margo replied seriously.

"Oh my god! This is embarrassing! I have so many bruises on my face. I wasn't planning to apply. I don't have any documents. I love the place, that's all," Aveline exclaimed nervously.

As the car veered onto a bumpy road, causing her head to bump against the window again, Margo gently tilted Aveline's chin. "You're always careless, but we can cover your bruises," Margo said as Aveline's heart raced under her gaze.