His Fire

Chapter 15

*Not Edited*

The soft breeze blew Camellia's hair to her face. Fall was here.Camellia was feeling the drop in temperature with only her t-shirt. The hot and nice summer days were over. She was currently sitting on the steps of the fountain circle in Washington Square Park. It was Friday; one week had passed since she first joined NYU. She did not regret her decision, she had stayed sober for the whole week, engrossed in school work and readings. 

Learning has always been easy to Camellia; she had what some called a photogenic memory which had allowed her to skip grades in high school and graduate at sixteen. After which she had been able to go to art school and completed her professional art degree. She had then joined Columbia and completed four semesters there before her life had crashed.

Since Monday, getting back to the routine of studying and homework has not been hard. She was taking twenty credits, more than her fellow classmates but the maths,, finance and readings were acting as her numbing effect. She would spend the time in between her classes reading, she would do her assignments at home and then read ahead. 

Deciding it was getting too chilly for her, Camellia decided to pack her stuff and leave. However, despite the hundreds of people in the park, each doing their thing, Camellia could not ignore the feeling of being watched. She had felt that way since Monday. She knew someone was shadowing her but she wasn't sure who. One of the conditions for attending school for David was that he removes the guards who were following her. With a lot of convincing and arguing from and with Margaret, David had begrudgingly agreed. He wasn't happy but as far as Camellia knows him, he would keep his word.  

Camellia scanned the park but did not find anyone. Deciding to let it go again, she walked towards her car. NYU was very different from Columbia in that NYC was its campus, there was no separation. Some years ago, this was the opposite of what she wanted from college life..but now it was perfect. She wasn't obligated to endure forced interactions; after class she can just leave and mind her own business, get lost in the crowd of millions of New Yorkers. 

She walked to her car and got in. She should maybe get something to eat; apart from a half sandwich, she hadn't eaten anything since morning and it was past seven now. Maybe she could get some ice cream; that would be a good dinner-- she had always had a sweet tooth, hence over the week she found that it was way easier to dine with ice cream and chocolate than get actual food. As she tried to start her car, she heard a loud squeaking sound then nothing! Her car would not start. 

Oh no! This is not happening. She had no energy to deal with this now. She tried again but in vain. She did not know a lot about the mechanics of cars. Still she opened her hood and looked over having no idea what to do. Maybe if she moved some wires the car would start.

"Damm*t!" she cried in frustration when it would not start again. She would just have to leave the car here and take a taxi and later get someone to take care of it. Then she remembered that she had left the rich life and would have to deal with her own problem and stop relying on her parents in law. She could get Daisy to fix it but she already had so much to do at the gallery and Camellia going MIA wasn't helping her either. She had cash with her, she would take a taxi and will deal with the problem herself the next day. Just as she made up her mind, someone tapped her window.

Outside her car, she found a pair of light blue eyes staring at her. They belonged to a man, in his early twenties, with light brown hair. His jaw was covered with a one day stubble. He was good looking and currently eying her with interest.

"Do you need help miss?" He asked in a friendly voice.

"No, I'm okay. Thank you."

"Is your car giving you trouble?" He persisted.

Her car was in a private parking, in an alley. Unless someone was following her, they would not notice her. Instantly she grew wary. Was he the one following her?

"What are you doing here? This is a private alley." she said instead in a firm voice.

"Wooh! Calm down woman! I know it's private because I own it. See this building," he said while pointing to the industrial looking old building to the left, " this is mine. I am the one you are renting this parking spot from, of course assuming you are the one renting it and not parked here illegally." he said while eying her old car. The annual rent of the parking space was worth more than the car. 

"I also own a sudo garage here; I'm a part time mechanic so if you want me to take a look at your car I would not mind it."

Camellia eyed this man; he did not look like a mechanic with the casual clothes and clean hands-- no trace of grease and oil. 

"You do not look like it. Why should I believe you and not think this is an excuse you are giving because I cornered you?"

"Geez woman! Why would I lie about that? I do occasional repairs during the week ends and some weekdays depending what I have and then go to school the other days. If I remember correctly, we even have a common class at Stern- international finance. And you see these keys, they open this door," he held a key from his key ring and pointed to the small door of the building. 

Camellia crossed her hands around her chest. "Okay, if you want to take a look I would appreciate it." she said in a soft voice.

Caleb did not know why the acceptance of this woman made him happy but he rewarded her with a smile. He walked to the car. He looked over the hood, went inside the car, tried and start it, then the hood again and then he closed it.

"Well, it looks like you have an engine problem. Your car has over 200 000 miles, hence it not starting is not a good sign. I'll bring it inside and take a look for you over the weekend. Is that okay with you?"

"Yeah, I mean the faster you can, the better. I really appreciate it."

He graced her with another smile that lit his cute face.

"By the way, I'm Caleb." he extended his hand.

Camellia took it before quickly releasing it.

"Camellia."

"Nice to meet you Camellia. So what are you up to tonight?"

"I'll just take a cab home, then study." It was easy to converse with him.

"Study? It's Friday!  Where do you live? In the dorms?"

"I like studying and no. It's 30 minutes from here."

"Oh. Are you new to New York?"

"No."

"Would you mind coming up? I live in apartment in the same building with my roommates. We are having a small party. You should come for a while.  Then if you want I can drop you."

It was a reflex for her to say no and she was about to when she stopped and thought that it was not a totally bad idea. She had promised she will try her best and being social again is another thing she had to work on. This is a good opportunity to do so and if she did not like it, she could always leave.

After debating with herself she finally said "Okay."

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