Ingénue // d.h.

two

Maria's POV
"You okay there sweetheart?" He asked.
"Yea im fine.." I mutter, hesitantly taking his hand, as it was still out in front of me to grab.

He pulled me to my feet with such strength, making me jump slightly. I wiped my hands on my jeans and picked up my items off the floor.

"I see you're a long way from home." He said, noticing my lack of a British accent.
"Uh, well I just moved here today." I said looking down at my fingers. I was intimidated by him, but then again, I was intimidated by everyone.

"Oh really? Where did you come from?" He asked.
"I came from Los Angeles." I replied, slightly hoping he'd stop talking to me.

"Oh, welcome to London. It looks a lot more depressing here than sunny California, and it might be, but I promise it's a nice city." He said, leaning on the shelf in the aisle, careful not to drop the very expensive merchandise that was now pressed against his elbow.

"I like it here. I'd prefer this over California weather any day honestly," I say, hinting at the gloomy weather.
"Well, since you're new to England, you might need someone to guide you on how things are around here?"
He was obviously hinting at himself, and I can genuinely say that I was less than interested.

"Oh, n-no that won't be necessary, really I'm fine it's okay you don't have to-" I say starting to panic, desperately wanting him to leave me alone. I didn't want this conversation to go any further than it already has. I've got things to do.
"Come on, I don't want you to go into this alone. I assume you just moving here today means you don't know anyone yet."
"I really appreciate the offer but i think I can handle it.." He was starting to annoy me. Can't he take a hint?
"Why? Are you afraid of me?.." He asked, smirking. I gulped not knowing what to say. I could tell that my loss of words and panicking state was amusing him.
"I just-I don't even know your name.." I look down at my shoes, trying to hide the fear on my face.
"My names Dan" He said.
"My name is Maria" I look up to see his smiling face... which was oddly closer to me? Since when did he move closer?
"Well Maria, may I have your number? Or I can give you mine? Ya know, just in case you ever want to take me up on my offer."
I sighed as I unlocked my phone and handed it to him.
"Sorry if I'm being too forward or pushy. You don't have to if you don't want to." He gave me a sympathetic smile.
I felt bad a little. He was just trying to be polite. As much as I wanted to be completely alone, which is the main reason why I moved here, I didn't want all this time I spent talking to him to be a complete waste of time. I mean maybe it wouldn't be terrible to actually get to know him.

"No you know what, you're actually right. I guess it'd be nice to at least know one person here." I said, finally returning a genuine smile. He smiled back and put his number in my phone and handed it back.
"But how will I know you'll actually text me?" He said jokingly.
"If you want I can give you my number too?" He then pulled out his phone and placed it in my hand. I typed down my number, saving myself as "some chick named Maria".
I handed him his phone and hoped this conversation was coming to an end. Instead however, he helped me find all of the super important essentials for my flat, and stayed with me until I finished paying.

"Well Maria, I have to go now but thank you for entertaining me. Definitely give me a call or text me, so we can do this again. I could maybe even take you sight seeing." He said pulling out his phone, quickly typing something before shoving it back in his pocket. On cue, a car pulled up and he opened a door for me. Did he get an Uber for me?
"Wow, um, thank you, and maybe I'll text you soon" I smiled, getting in. He helped all my stuff in and as I was about to hand him some money for paying for my ride, he quickly turned to the driver saying,
"Jack, could you please take Maria home, and make sure she gets in safely?" Wait, how does he know the driver?
"Of course sir." Wait, Sir? What the fuck is going on?
"Wait Dan I-" My protest and attempt to repay him was quickly shut down as he slammed the car door shut and disappeared. I gripped the side of the car door, fear striking through me. I looked around desperately for an Uber sticker. There was no sticker. The driver, Jack, looked at me through the rear view mirror.
"So, where to?" He asked politely. I quickly jumped, his words catching me by surprise.
"Uh I uh-he didn't? Um.." I was trying to find the right words without looking so scared and confused.
"I'm Jack. I'm Mr. Howell's personal driver." Again, what? I'm just going to assume Dan's last name is Howell.
"Oh, I'm Maria. Sorry I thought you were an Uber..." I say slightly laughing, trying to cover up my freak out.
"So Maria, where to?" He asked.

I gave him my information, and the entire ride we sat in silence. I was too afraid to ask about Dan, and I could tell he stayed quiet for the sake of not wanting to pressure me into a conversation.

As he pulled up to my flat, he parked, opened my door for me, and helped me with my things. He kept an eye on me as I made my way up the stairs into the building, as Dan requested. As soon as I got to my door, I threw everything in the floor and ran to my room. I collapsed on to my bed, after the most exhausting day of my life. It's unreal how so much had happened in one day, and I was ready for it to be over.

Without realizing it, I felt my eyes slowly closing, my vision becoming blurrier and blurrier, until they were completely shut. Not less than 5 minutes later, I was woken up by my phone's text tone. I quickly shot up from my position, grabbed my phone and saw a text from "Mr. Howell". I swiped and the message read:

Mr. Howell: 'some chick named Maria'. Really?

Me: Mr. Howell? Really?

Mr. Howell: Yes really. I think it says a lot about me. Interpret that how you like.

Wait, what is that supposed to mean?

Me: Oh, well, whatever you say, Mr Howell.

I text back, brushing off his weird comment. I put my phone down and decide to change into my pajamas, which is just a long shirt and my underwear. I don't understand how people can sleep with pants on.

I walk into the living room and pick one of the bags up, taking out two pillows, two pillow cases, a duvet and an extra blanket. I quickly fix the bed, and walk to brush my teeth. As I open the bathroom door, my phone dings one more time. I walk over to pick up my phone, and I read another message from "Mr. Howell".

Mr. Howell: Exactly, princess.

~
THIS CHAPTER WAS SO LONG AND BORING IM SORRY. I NEEDED TO GIVE DAN AND MARIA A LITTLE BACKSTORY FIRST. BUT AFTER THIS CHAPTER IS WHEN IT GETS BETTER I PROMISE. I HAVE SO MANY PLANS FOR THIS STORY SO GET READY!