Secrets, Lies, and Deception

Chapter 5: Queen's Back

9:50 PM, 3rd of August

It's a cold night, and I'm here strolling at the park for almost an hour. He's still right behind me, silently following me from the cafe. I can't seem to move on from the events that unfolded today. I left out a big sigh, thinking that this is my karma because of what I wrongfully did in the past.

I sat on a swing, and he did too without saying anything. I look up to the bright night sky filled with stars. I felt like crying when I remembered that it was just like this last night I had a trip with him.

"Hey…" I said, looking at the person sitting next to me. "Thank you. I know I have been harsh to you since the first day and especially earlier. I know you were just trying to help out. I just… There's just a lot of my mind. I thought I'm fine--"

"You really don't need to explain it to me," he said, without looking directly at me. I somehow found his words comforting. I am still surprised as to why I feel so calm around him, as if I could lean on him.

"Nate, have we met before?" I asked out of the blue. He turned to me. I saw a hint of surprise on his face for a second, but he immediately looked away.

"No, we haven't. It's getting late. I'll drop you off where you live," he said, standing up and brushing off the dust on his pants.

"You don't have to go with me. I can handle it. It's already late, and I'm sure the streets will not be that busy," I said, waving my two hands in front of him.

"That's exactly the reason why I will have to go with you. You were just harassed earlier. Can you bear another situation like that? Just like what you said, you're not fine," he said with a sound of anger in his voice because of my stubbornness.

We both took the train back to the main city area. We walked a couple of blocks from the train station because there weren't that many empty cabs.

The wind was cold, and I was wearing only a thin layer of clothing. I rubbed my shoulders to keep warm, and suddenly I felt a coat hang over it.

I looked at Nate, but he didn't say anything. Ever since we've walked from the cafe to the park, he didn't bug me with any questions. If I were him, I would've interrogated the person, but he respects my space, and I appreciate that.

I never knew silence can also be comforting at times.
Nate took a few paces faster than me and saw that he was heading on a small food truck.

I couldn't really hear what he was ordering. When I reached the truck, he turned to me, took my hand, and then gave me the hot cup.

"It's a hot choco. Just to keep you warmer," he said. I smiled at his gesture.

"You know, I don't really get you," I said.

"Why?" he smugly said.

"The first time we met at the rooftop, you were threatening me. Now, you're a gentleman. Do you have multiple personalities? Because that would explain the change of personalities every time we meet," I jokingly said.

He laughed at my comment but didn't say a word. Instead, he waved his hand at an incoming cab.

"Take the cab first. I'm sure you're tired," he said.

"You're not answering my question," I rebutted while entering the cab he called. He was about to close the door on me, but I stopped it. I handed him back his coat, while waiting for an answer.

"Well, spend more time with me, and you'll know," he mischievously said, then closed the doors beforw I could even react.

7:00 AM, 4th of August