Minutes Before The Miracle

CHAPTER - 24

Thought of the chapter :-
Sometimes, we find ourselves in the middle of nowhere and sometimes, in the middle of nowhere, we find ourselves.

-x-

EMMA

Growing up with suspence thrillers and pages packed with mysteries have been red letter. It has always been exceedingly fascinating to trail the protagonist as he chased his target. But right now, as I stand in the exact place, everything feels equivocal but certainly not captivating.

We have been driving since the last two hours and I am still not aware of our destination. The only answer that I have got so far to this same question twisted in the million ways is 'You will see'.

"I am hungry," I say because it seems like Steven has swore to not answer any questions today.

"What do you wanna have?" he asks.

"Pizza."

He nods and after some minutes, he halts and parks at a pizzeria where I hop down into the fresh air.

The place is very lively yet homey. We settle in the corner booth and I check the menu.

"One pepperoni and jalapeno with a diet coke."

"Right ma'am... Sir?" the waiter addresses Steven.

"That will be all," he replies evenly.

"I am not going to share my pizza with you," I whisper, leaning over the table after the waiter walks away.

"Who asked you to share your pizza with me?" he asks with an amused expression.

"What are you gonna have then?" I ask, a bit puzzled.

"It's my business."

"Where are we heading to?" I try again.

He sighs loudly and speaks,"You will see."

"Well, my business is my business. None of your business. Why do you interrupt then?"

"Because you interrupt mine."

Jerks will always remain jerks.

The entire meal slips away without any conversation. As is his custom, he settles the payment way before I can even utter a word of protest.

"I need to run to the store and quickly grab a few things," he says and walks off as though he fully trusts that I will follow him.

While he vanishes within the departments of the store, I quickly pick up about half a dozen chocolate bars and a few bags of chips. What if he drives me to some place where food isn't available? I dread at the thought and pick some more chocolates.

"What is all this junk?" I turn around at the booming voice.

"This is not junk," I snap.

"Fine."

"I can pay for my things."

"Like I ever refused to that," he says, taking all my chocolates and chips and walking towards the payment counter.

He loads the bags and revvs in a hurry.

"Can you just pass me the bottle of juice?" he says, glancing at his wrist for the zillionth time.

"If you are feeling hungry, then why didn't you eat something?" I ask, passing the bottle of juice.

With every turn of the wheel, I feel an increased level of anxiousness. What is this guy upto? He didn't eat a single morsel and he is repeatedly checking time as if he needs to reach somewhere in a stipulated period.