WORTH IT

Chapter 4

Theo

Incredible ride of your life.

Silence was all we had; it wasn't as incredible as I had imagined, huh? So much so that retrieving her address was the sole interaction we had.

The sound of the rain bugged our silence. The rain fell steadily and cold against the windshield, rattling on the car's roof. It was as if its small claws were tapping on our window, allowing it to enjoy the lovely aroma of the soil.

"Do you like rain?" I broke our silence and inquired what it feels like after a lifetime.

I switched my gaze away from the road and toward her briefly. She was smiling and nodding, as if a joyful memory had passed across her mind. I was just pleased to make her smile.

"It's one of the very few things that keep me going." She eventually spoke.

"When I was a child. I never liked rain because it was accompanied by mud and compelled me to stay inside where I didn't want to be." A scowl forms on her face, but it fades as she continues. "My mother, on the other hand, liked it. She believed that rain brought life with it. It keeps you encouraged to keep going because once you get through the storm and face the wrath of the clouds, an earthy smell to soothe your soul awaits you, and in exchange, a sight of the rainbow—which is an indication of hope and acceptance—shines bright as a reward for your perseverance. Once the dark clouds have parted, a bright sunshine splash awaits you, making you feel alive again. Rain is only a reminder to keep waiting for the sun...your sun!" When she finished her statement, a smile spread across her face.

"You know what they say-something good always follows a bad event. Rain reminded her of that, which keeps her optimistic, you know?" She resumed after a short pause.

This is probably the first time she has told me anything about herself. That was a good sign, right?

Though I had a lot of questions-why didn't she want to stay at home? Or, in the end, what made her embrace the rain? But I know better. I didn't want her to distance herself from me again, so I kept those questions to myself.

Then I remembered how she said she didn't want to survive anymore; she wanted to live. Perhaps she's just waiting for her sun. Can I bring her what she expects?

"I never understood what she was saying until the day I finally discovered hope. It was raining that day, and I felt liberated. That day, I danced in the rain like a peacock." She chuckled to herself as she reminisced old memories, which made me beam. She at least answered one question I had without even asking her. Progress? It is progress, isn't it?

But she left me with a lot more questions. What transpired that day? Why did she feel so free that day? Was she kept in a cage? I was even tempted to inquire about her dancing abilities. She appeared to be a professional, or perhaps she was a natural? Patience. I don't want to barge in to demand her questions.

"Have you ever felt as though you were breathing in fear? Existing in fear? Fear that someone will harm you whenever they choose." Hurt her? Who intended to hurt her? I felt a sudden surge of wrath flow through my arms and into my fists. "I lost that feeling that day, and it was the greatest day of my life. So I concluded that rain is now my particular favorite since it brings hope after all." Although her eyes were moist, she smiled.

Oh, my brave girl. What happened to you?

Patience can fuck itself. I need to know.

"Who was trying to hurt you Lava?" She remained silent, lowering her head and looking at her hands. "Was it the same person because of whom you were so upset today that you got yourself wasted and—" Danced shoving your sexy ass to give a show to people in that little dress? Yes, man, go ahead. Say it. She will most likely greet you by forcing your dick into your throat.