Hidden Heart: A Saga Of Redemption

Leave Me²!!

[CAFE WILD BEANS]

[The cafe was bustling with the morning rush. Victor is behind the cash counter, his expression was stoic. Amelia entered as her usual cheerful self. Her eyes felt on Victor working with determination. She smiled a little at his demeanor. His hair strands were slightly touching his brightened forehead. She rubbed both palms to make them warm and headed straight to him.]

Amelia: (smiling) Good morning, Victor!

[He was wearing a black sweater and its sleeves were twisted till his elbow revealing his bare arms.]

Victor: (without looking up) Morning.

[Amelia's smile falters slightly.]

Amelia: (thinking) Did something bothering him? (Looking to him) Hope you need some help. Because I don't want to break my promises anymore.

Victor: (typing, while looking at the computer screen) Don't worry. Linda will help me further.

[Amelia feels a sting of hurt but tries to stay positive.]

Amelia: (in mind) Linda!!

[He never comfortable with others even those cafe staff's also. But today he was trusting someone else except her. She couldn't decide whether she should be happy or not.]

Amelia: (softly) Whoa!! This means Mr. Stark becomes familiar with his staffs. (Slightly taunting) Right??

Victor: (still without looking up) We shouldn't be depend on only one.

[This line slightly hurt her inner soul. Why he said this? Is she did something wrong? She had no answer.]

Amelia: (forcefully smiled) Okay! Carry on.

[LUNCHTIME]

[Amelia wandered around the cafe, greeting regulars and helping out wherever she could. Despite the busyness of the day, her mind kept drifting back to Victor again and again. His behavior this morning was odd, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off in him. Finally, as lunchtime approached, she decided to take a chance and ask him to have lunch together. Because she knew that he preferred to lunch only with her.]

Amelia: (approaching Victor at the counter) Hey, Victor. The cafe is temporarily closed for lunchtime. How about we grab a bite together?

Victor: (barely glancing at her) I'm busy. Maybe another time.

Amelia: (trying to lighten the mood) Come on, it's just a quick lunch. We can catch up, like mimicking you with (tried to remember him about that day) French fries.

Victor: (curtly) I said I'm busy. I've no time for mimicry.

Amelia: (feeling a sting but pushing through) But Victor, it's been a while since we......(stopped)

Victor: (cutting her off) Amelia, can't you see I'm working? I don't have time for your distractions.

Amelia: (taken aback) Distractions!! Since when did my jokes become (surprising) distraction to you? Victor, I'm just trying to-

Victor: (harshly) You're always trying, Amelia. (Little louder) Always poking your nose into everything. Just give me some space, okay?

Amelia: (heart sinking, voice trembling) Space? But I thought we were......(stopped)

Victor: (coldly) We're not kids. I can't just drop everything for lunch with you. (added, harshly) Maybe it's time you realized that.

[Amelia felt as if the ground had shifted beneath her feet. Victor's words hit her like a punch to the gut. She blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to spill over.]