Hidden Heart: A Saga Of Redemption

The Buzz

[The Next Day]

[CAFÉ WILD BEANS]

[After the Lunch Rush]

[Amelia wiped the last table with a satisfied sigh and untied her apron. She approached Victor, who stood behind the counter and sorting through some receipts.]

Amelia: (smiling) My shift’s done, so I’ll see you later.

Victor: (looking up with a slight frown) Where are you going now?

Amelia: Hey it's already 3. I’ve got my class in about twenty minutes.

Victor: Ahh yeah. (shuffling those receipts) Shall I drop you?

Amelia: (assuring him) Don't bother yourself. I can go.

[Victor paused, his brow was furrowing deeply as he absorbed her words. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a key. Without hesitation, he extended it toward her.]

Victor: (serious) Take this. Otherwise you can't go to the terrace. There's an opened space with a shed. Perfect for practice.

Amelia: (raising an eyebrow) The terrace? No, that’s too much, Victor. The garden area is perfectly fine for me.

Victor: (his voice firm, a touch of frustration creeping in) No. As I've said you’ll practice on the terrace.

Amelia: (shaking her head, smiling softly) It’s not a big deal.

[Victor’s eyes hardened for a moment. ]

Victor: (voice low but commanding) You’re going to practice on the terrace, Amy. End of discussion.

Amelia: But....

Victor: (cutting her off, shoving the key into her hand) You will do what I say, Amelia.

[His tone startled her, and for a moment, Amelia could see the seriousness in his eyes. She realised this wasn’t just about a dance class or the location. It was about his concern for her, the protectiveness he always tried to hide behind his grumpy exterior. She bit her lip, looking down at the key he’d placed in her hand.]

Amelia: (smiling, nudging him lightly) Victor, slowly you’re being sweet in a weird, bossy way. But fine, if it’ll make you happy, I’ll use the terrace.

Victor: (relieved, softening a bit but still firmly) Good.

[He met her gaze, his expression still tense but slightly relieved now that she had agreed. Amelia pocketed the key and flashed him a bright smile.]

Amelia: (teasing) You really are a Teddy Bear, you know that?

Victor: (rolling his eyes) Stop calling me that.

Amelia: (laughing) I’ll stop when you stop being so adorable when you’re jealous.

Victor: (sighing, with a small grin) I’m not jealous. I’m concerned. There’s a lot of difference.

Amelia: (pouting) Ouuuuuu! Cute.

[Amelia turned towards the door but paused for a moment before glancing back at him.]

Amelia: (gently) I know, Victor. I know you care.

[Amelia gave him a quick wave before walking out, leaving Victor standing there, watching her leave with a mix of emotions. Maybe it could be cerncer or something deeper that he still hadn’t quite put into words.]

[Victor’s House]

[Amelia arrived at Victor’s house, the chilly breeze of the winter afternoon brushing her face as she fiddled with the key in the lock. The quiet neighborhood was peaceful, with soft sunlight filtering through the trees lining the street. She unlocked the door and stepped inside, the warmth of the house immediately welcomed her.]