VIRIDITY • jb

twenty.

          I don't know if she realized I drove longer around than I should. All I know is she's right behind me, clutching on me, exclaiming at how fun riding with my motorcycle is.

          There's no doubt that I missed this woman around me, but I should really keep my distance from her.

          Not long after, I dropped her by the Mexican restaurant she was telling me about, and Claire and Wil are sitting on a booth by the window. Judging by the looks on their face, they didn't see this coming, you know, me and Liv together without forcing her.

          I missed calling her that. I know deep down, that she's wondering why I haven't been calling her that ever since, but she knows it's for the best. We aren't gonna be the same anymore. There's no reason for me to revive what we used to be.

          What we used to be. It's nothing more than having two dates and kissing passionately, which were both not on my original plan. But those little things that took place in such a short time, felt spectacular. I still can't answer the same question I've been asking myself since I kept her around. Who is this girl?

          “Uh, you should come inside,” Liv suggests as I hop off my bike. I helped her do the same by putting her gently on the ground using both of my hands on her slender sides.

          I glanced at the couple who were motioning me to join them and looked at Liv again. “I don't want to interrupt a family dinner.”

          She licks her lips after pulling out the helmet off her head, fixing her hair. “They won't mind. Just join.”

          “They won't. But you would.”

          She breaks the eye contact and bites her lip a little too harshly. “Maybe I would. But I don't care. Just come inside with me, I'm starving.”

          I shrugged, following her. She's like an open book. So easy to study and read. I know it took her a lot to keep this stubborn surface on her. She deserves to be mad at me. I would be lying if I'll say I like it though. But that's for the best. That's also a way for her to stay away from someone like me.

          “Oh I didn't expect you to bring Justin with us, Olive,” Claire beams at us. “Please take a seat, you two. Food's on the way. You guys could order what you all would be pleased to have.”

          “Thanks Claire. I actually just gave Olive a ride because her trucks having some problems. She just insisted me to come join you guys. I hope I'm not intruding.”

          “Olive did?” Wil smiles. Olive silently glared at his uncle.

          “You're not intruding at all, we are actually happy to have you here.”

          Food was served immediately, causing Liv to squeal happily. So this woman likes Mexican food. Noted. Her first victim is the huge plate of nachos that is deliciously dressed with melted cheese and fresh salsa. I had to watch her being all happy with these food and gush about how good its aroma smells like. Why did I ever think of adding her up to my long list?

          “Uh, Justin? You alright?” she asks, offering me some quesadilla nicely. I can feel the guilt in my blood by seeing her smiling at me again genuinely. She was just meant to be one of the many girls I've interacted with. Yet she's here, starting a new role in my life.

          “Yes, thank you.”

          Is she the fresh start I was looking for? The one who would destroy my walls? Or is she gonna turn my heart into a harder stone? I'm so stupid. Why did I even tell her about myself? Why did I let her take a mere step inside me?

          I know. I know that she's very confused. If I tell her, would she be understanding or she'll hate me more? I'm not sure if I want to just disappear from her world or stay in it and get lost in it.

          What if this thing, the care I'm having for her is just an illusion? A spell casted by her? Because as far as I know, no one, neither a man or a woman have ever tamed me like this.

          There I admit it. I was just as confused as her.

          The dinner was soon over. I joined their chats to block my thoughts away and laughed along with them to cease my craziness. Liv wasn't really bothered at my presence because she talked to me and made jokes as if I didn't hurt her. Was it the Mexican food or it's her legitimate self?

          All of us left the restaurant with a smile, still giggling about Wil's pun jokes. We walked to Claire's auto, and I was surprised Liv didn't come inside with them.

          “I'll be having a ride with Justin. Keep safe.”

          Claire almost squealed in delight and Wil shrugged, telling us to ride safe with another pun. They waved their hands at us as they pull off the parking slot, leaving me and Liv standing awkwardly under the moonlight.

          “I uh,” Liv trails off after she cleared her throat. “I saw you're day off is tomorrow in the schedule sheet. As a manager, I have to be aware so don't you ever take it the—”

          “I get it, Olive. Shouldn't we driving to your home now?” I laughed as she defended herself.

          “As I was saying, it's your off tomorrow. Why don't we drive around the city and see where the wheels will take us?”

          In a matter of seconds, we are speeding on the streets again, her happy screams filling my ears. Still clueless about her spontaneous decision about driving around the city, I slower down a bit that made her whine.

          “Why'd you slow down?”

          “I'm not going any faster if you don't tell me why you're here with me right now. Just... enlighten me. Say something why.”

          She was silent after that, probably wanting to jump off my bike. I wanted to punch myself for asking even though I'm not sure if what's​ going to come out her mouth is according to my satisfaction.

          “I'm not the one to hold grudges.”

          I kept half of my focus on the road, reminding myself that I'm not on this bike alone. But I can't help but feel the corners of my lips to rise. Then I went back to my fast pace again, hearing her scream felicity.

          “You call that fast Justin?” she shouts.

          I drove even faster, keeping in mind that I still should think about our safety. Her giggles filled my ears, urging me to go to different routes because I don't really care where we go. I don't care if we're going to be lost later. Why don't I try to drive faster to Liv to see if she's the right direction? Why don't I explore and see if she's worth the change? Why don't I just try this with her? Right now, as much as I'm afraid to admit it, I don't want this night to end.

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i apologize for putting chapter nineteen as chapter twenty! but here you go, the legitimate chapter twenty. hope you're liking this so far x