PLAYHOUSE

NINETEEN

Cale's POV

The car ride was beyond awkward. I mean, literally she doesn't speak aside from instructing me where to turn. She doesn't even turn to me, instead she was just focused on the road.

I kept on glancing at her-secretly though, through the rear view mirror and I see her lashes flickered as she closes and opens her eyes. The bright lights from the streets looked fascinating as it reflected on her. She kept her arms crossed over her stomach, aside from the small movement of her head, the rest of her sat still.

I feel like a cab driver.

The silence was deafening so I decided to turn on some music just to lighten the mood. Hope it helps though.

You Found me by The Fray started playing and both of us looked at the player. This song was one of Iris' favorites back in college, she loves the Fray and I learned to love it too, so I bought a whole album of them.

Playing the song was unintentional, really, I wasn't even aware that the CD was here, thought I had left it at home or in my old college car.

Where were you?
When everything was falling apart
All my days were spent by the telephone
It never rang
And all I needed was a call
That never came
To the corner of first and Amistad

Lost and insecure
You found me, you found me
Lying on the floor
Surrounded, surrounded
Why'd you have to wait?
Where were you? Where were you?
Just a little late
You found me, you found me

Memories started flooding my mind. It was always so fun being around her and we'd sing this song together every time we go to school, or during a long drive and she'd laugh out loud whenever I say the wrong lyrics. I love the sound of her laughter, it's like music in my ears and I would do anything to hear that again.

Iris said that the song was about God and how he comes and rescues us from all the grief, heart ache, bitterness and disappointments. I on the other hand, didn't really care what it was about. I only liked the song because it sounded really cool and it was Iris' favorite. But, as I sit here on my seat, listening to the song, the song kinda tells me how I left Iris hanging that day...

She was probably waiting for me to come back since I walked out on her that day. I never called, not even once because I was thinking more of my ego and pride.

I know it's way too impossible now but I just want everything between us to be okay again. No more of this silent treatment shit because literally, this silence is killing me. And it's kinda hard when someone actually despises you at work, although I'm already aware that a lot of people despise me but it's a different thing with Iris, I just want us to be okay, be friends or at least good workmates. If she doesn't want friends, then workmates would do.

Before I knew it , she's already unbuckling her seatbelt. Are we here? Where does she live? I slowed down and scanned the street full of houses that I think most were apartments. There were tall trees and the street lights were perfectly lit. It's a safe place, I think.

"Can you stop here?" She asked, her voice almost a whisper.

"Sure," I stopped in front of a two story building that has 5 doors. It has a huge blue gate so I guess I can say it's safe for her and her nephew. I wonder who takes care of the boy... does she have a babysitter? It's already past 9, and his nephew's probably waiting for her, or probably asleep already.

"Thank you." She mouthed and was ready to fly out of my car.

This is the perfect time to really apologize, Thompson or else you wouldn't get another unexpected car ride with her or even talk to her ever again even if you're workmates. Speak your balls out!

She was about to step out but I swiftly held her arm, she turned to me, startled by my action.

"Wait." I mouthed.

"Is...something wrong?" She sat back, giving enough space between us.

"I, I just..." Damn it I'm stammering! I need to speak up because I don't have all night for this and I know for sure that she'd get pissed anytime soon if I don't speak up now.

"Iris, I know I've been an ass towards you and I'm sorry, I'm really sorry."

Yes! Finally!

I wasn't sure if I was actually apologizing for treating her badly at work or for being a douchebag of a boyfriend to her years ago. I guess both. God, I'm such an awful human being.

When I looked up at her, she was only staring at me straight, probably bewildered that I actually know how to apologize.

"I know it was so unprofessional of me and I'm sorry, I really mean it." I stopped for a second, thinking if I should say what I have in mind.

"Can we just start over again?" I questioned, hoping that I get a yes this time.

There was a moment of silence. It felt kind of warm inside the car though the air condition was actually in full blast. I kept glaring at her, trying to figure out what she was thinking by just looking at her face but I failed. She kept on looking at me too, then to the steering wheel and then back to me again. She's overthinking. Why is she over thinking? I mean, it's okay if she doesn't want to forgive me, at least I tried to reach out to her and apologized. She can just say it straight to my face and get the hell out of my car.

"Okay." I heared her say.

I stared at her for a moment, partly surprised because I was actually expecting her to say no.

"Let's start over again."