Hidden Heart: A Saga Of Redemption

Fangs Again!

Victor: (confused) And what is in your mind?

Amelia: (playfully) Will tell you later.

[He knew that it was difficult for him to know her strategy. That's why he gave up and waited for her revelation.]

Victor: (gently) You're such a suspicious.

[Amelia made a goofy face, which made him smile a little.]

[She kept all those cups and plates in a separate place to dry.]

Amelia: (casually) Why are you standing till now? Just head back to your work.

Victor: (sighs) Yeahh.... Okay.

[Victor felt in him that he didn't want to move in front of her but he had to because he couldn't stand in front of her without any reason.]

[As Victor headed back to his cabin, Amelia watched him go with a renewed sense of hope.]

[Hours passed.]

[The cafe was temporarily closed for the staff's lunch break. The hustle and bustle of the morning rush had settled, and the cafe was now quiet, filled with the aroma of freshly prepared food. Amelia, Linda, Sarah, David, John and other staff members were gathered around a large table in the center of the cafe. Others have already started their laughing and chatting.]

[Amelia glanced towards Victor's cabin. She knew he preferred to eat alone, away from everyone else. But today, she decided to try once more to bring him into their little lunchtime gathering.]

[She went to knock on the door and after getting confirmation she peeped. As it was not too cold in the afternoon, he removed his new jacket revealing his tucked in white shirt.]

Amelia: (calling out) Victor, lunch is ready! Why don't you join us?

[He looked at her and quickly understood that this was her new strategy. The idea of sitting with everyone made him uneasy.]

Amelia: (slowly) Victor, did I ask for too much?

Victor: (confusedly) No, it's not about thaaaat.

[Victor didn't want to take her down. She was so caring, so thoughtful for him. She is someone who never cared for him like this.]

Amelia: (teasing) Why are you thinking more? Mr. Volcano!

[Amelia's persistent attempts to include him warmed his heart.]

Victor: (straightly) I'm not Vo... (Stopped)

Amelia: You're. Just come. (Smiling) We all are waiting for you.

[She left the room immediately leaving him behind.]

[As he couldn't say her 'No'. He stood up, took a deep breath, and walked towards the main lounge area. Amelia noticed him approaching and gave him an encouraging smile.]

Amelia: (cheerfully) Hey, there you are! Come on, join us.

[Victor's face was too neutral and he knew that he couldn't sit with everyone. Instead of sitting at the main table, he chose a seat at a dark corner of the cafe, maintaining a safe distance from the others. He sat down quietly, his body language was tense. He looked at her again and again. Amelia realized that there was a deep yearning of companionship in those eyes.]

Linda: (whispering to Amelia) He's really trying, isn't he?

Amelia: (softly) Yeah, he is. Baby steps. (Added) Wait.

[She stood, grabbed her plate and walked over to Victor.]

Amelia: (gently) Mind if I join you?

[He shook his head declaring his approval.]