FATE UNWRAPS

Chapter 11

Ryder's pov

I eyed Neil suspiciously. "Where were you for so long?" I asked.

He shrugged nonchalantly. "Nowhere, just grabbed some local sweets. Let's try them and then hit the streets." He grinned mischievously, but I was unenthused.

"I'm not going anywhere," I said firmly, crossing my arms. "I'm not in the mood."

Neil scoffed. "Bro, I don't care. You're coming with me, that's it. Stuck in this four-walled room will drive you crazy. Come on, let's go!"

I hesitated, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. "But what if they recognize me? I'm not going."

Neil just chuckled and pulled out a ridiculous-looking wig from his pocket. I stared at him incredulously. "Bro, are you kidding me?"

"No way, Ryder!" Neil replied, holding up the wig, beard, and moustache. "This disguise will be perfect for concealing our identities. Come on, dress up quickly!"

I sighed, feeling defeated, and reluctantly took the ridiculous-looking disguise from Neil. "This is absurd," I muttered, but Neil just grinned.

As I put on the wig, beard, and moustache, I couldn't help but laugh at my reflection. I looked nothing like myself, and Neil's silly grin only added to the absurdity of the situation.

"Ready?" Neil asked, clapping me on the back. "Let's go have some fun!"

We had been wandering aimlessly for an hour when I suddenly froze, my eyes fixed on a familiar figure. "Miss Gorgeous Eyes," I whispered. 

Seems like Neil noticed my distraction and followed my gaze. "Oh, Ita," he said, his voice low and amused.

I turned to him, confusion etched on my face. "What?" I asked, but Neil just nodded towards Miss gorgeous eyes. 

"That's Ita Venus, my friend," Neil said. 

My eyes widened as I realized who he was talking about, but I sought confirmation. "The one with the black handbag?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Neil nodded, and I felt a rush of emotions. "What's with that expression, Ryder?" he asked, noticing my stunned look.

I sighed, trying to process the coincidence. "She's the woman who helped me yesterday," I revealed, still trying to wrap my head around it.

Neil's eyes lit up with surprise. "Ooh, what a coincidence! Let's go meet her, come on!" He tugged on my arm. 

As we approached 'Miss Gorgeous Eyes', I mentally corrected myself - Ahh, actually, her name is Ita. How does Neil know her? The math isn't adding up, I thought to myself. 

As we drew closer, I noticed something odd. Ita was hugging a child who looked about five years old. We were near a play fair, but I was still confused.

Neil seemed to sense my confusion. "Looks like Ita's got a soft spot for kids," he said with a smile.

"Hey, Ita!" Neil called out, his voice cheerful.

She looked up, startled. Ita's eyes widened in surprise as Neil removed his beard, and then her gaze shifted to me. She took a step back, her eyes locked on mine, and I could see the recognition dawn on her.

I could see the confusion, the surprise, and the hint of amusement in her eyes. She looked like she was trying not to laugh, like she was enjoying the absurdity of the situation. 

Hi!" She exclaimed, her voice tinged with a hint of curiosity. "What brings you here?"

Neil shrugged casually. "Just some work. I'm in town for a bit."
Ita nodded, but her expression seemed a bit perplexed.