No longer

Again?

Oh, I don't understand why I look so pretty with just a simple routine of cleansing my face, applying moisturizer and sunscreen, and some lip gloss. I will quickly finish this and then head to the principal's office. I hope I am in the women's bathroom... yes, I am. As a girl, it took me 15 minutes. Now, I am on my way to the principal's office. Finally, "Madam, may I come in?"

She responded, "Yes, you may enter. And take a seat"

As I sat down, a man entered behind me and said,

"My precious Darling, may I come in?"

It took my breath away because when I looked back, I realized it was the guy from the cafe, the guy I collided with this morning, he flashed a charming smile and took a seat next to me. The principal sat there, her hand resting on her head.

She inhale and exhaled and said

“this is him. "

"Madam, should I begin now?" I said this out of discomfort and frustration, feeling the urge to punch that guy.

"This is D'amore Oliviero." He seemed unaware that I was sitting next to him as he gazed like a bird in love at the principal. When he finally noticed me, he exclaimed,

"Oh, Dio! I didn't realize you were sitting with us. I know you, don't I? Mom, I recognize her from the cafe. Will she be assisting me? I'll be fortunate if she's the one helping me."

The Principal stated,

"If that's settled, you two should get started," .

I was taken aback when he referred to the Principal as 'mom.' I need to stop overthinking and focus on my own tasks.

After picking up my backpack and standing up, I politely suggested,

"I think the school library would be a better place for our discussion. I'll wait for you there."

The principal gratefully responded, "Thank you, Erika," to which I casually added,

"It's no problem, ma'am. By the way, I'll be waiting for you outside, Mr. Oliviero."

With a smile, he assured me,

"I'll be there in a few moments," before I exited the room.

A tall gentleman with curly hair, a sun-kissed complexion, a deep, masculine voice, and captivating hazel eyes that were shaped alluringly. What the fudge? Am I seriously thinking about him? It appears so. Oh no, I have to stop daydreaming.

“Reik... Erika, I apologize for taking so long," he said from behind.

"You wasted 6 minutes of my time. Now, walk behind me or stand there, the choice is yours." And I started walking.

“You come with a mean combo, man. I'm truly sorry."

"I am actually a woman biologically."

He then said, “I'm sorry, what's your real name? Is it Reika or Erika? I've heard my mom call you Erika, but your school records say Reika."

I replied, "People who know my family sometimes call me Erika, with variations like E-R-I-C-A and E-R-I-K-A, but my actual name is Reika."

Why am I even sharing this with him?

“ Why am I even telling you this, anyway? This is the way to the school library."

"I don't mind listening to your melodious voice," He replied, a smirk playing on his lips.

I retorted sharply, my anger bubbling to the surface, "Shut up before I freeze your tongue and smash it into a million pieces."

He said , “Smash my tongue instead of kissing? It would be a great loss for a handsome man like me to still be alive."

"Who dared to tell you that you're handsome? Your mother? Please, your mother can barely see a thing! She has crossed half number of one-hundred"

“You're incredibly blunt, I'm impressed," he chuckled so hard he couldn't catch his breath.

I replied, "Hey, have a seat and be quiet, people are here to study."

He apologized, saying, "Oh, my I'm sorry, guys."

Thank heavens he caught on quickly, or I would have been heading home after midnight.

“There's nothing left to teach you . "

“So, that's it for today?" He appeared unwilling to cease.

“ Done for the future as well.”

“You're a quick learner, all the best with your new academic journey," I remarked as I packed my belongings.

He responded,

"All thanks to you. Allow me to show my gratitude by treating you to dinner."

Come on, man, do I look like a homeless puppy begging for scraps?I'm dying to go home. I said

"No, thank I'm not not really hungry" However, I was famished and needed to head home to cook. It was already 8 PM, and my stomach growled loudly.

He chuckled softly and remarked,

"Come with me before I have to resort to extreme measures and shoot you! Haha. You look adorable when you're embarrassed. " A mischievous grin spread across his face as he spoke. He extended his right hand towards me and whispered,

"Hold my hand, my princess, as we embark on a quest to battle the monster within our hungry stomachs." I stood there in shock as he boldly took my hand without waiting for my consent and led me towards the parking lot. I chased after him, unable to resist his magnetic pull. As we reached the lot, he turned to me and said ,

“I must ride the horse for my princess. Would you mind if I release your hand?" I was filled with embarrassment, so I released his hands. He graciously opened the door for me, the car a luxurious car. Without hesitation, I climbed in and we drove until we stumbled upon a quaint place to eat, which turned out to be a humble junk food joint. As we arrived, our eyes met, and I nervously asked, "Are you ready?"

He confidently replied, "I'm all in."

I was happy to have someone to eat junk food with.

"Going out alone at night and eating junk food with a stranger wasn't a part of my plan. But thanks."

We didn't talk much because I was on my phone, and he was on his phone as well. We had our meal, and he finally spoke up, saying, "I'll pay, let me pay."

"Wait here, I'll order something quickly. Do you want anything?" I asked.

"I'd like 5... oh no, 10 packed burgers," he replied.

"Okay," I said.

Instead of just ordering, I went to pay for the meal. And I paid.

"Here is your order, sir. I have already paid for it. I will be leaving now."

He said,

"You're such a fox, I was supposed to pay. At least let me drop you off, it's late now."

“No, I'm not comfortable with that idea. ” I turned around a left.

As I waited for a taxi, a man pulled up in his car beside me and offered,

"Please, let me give you a ride."

"No, thank you. Please go on your way," I replied.

"Alright, miss. Have a good night," he said before obediently driving off.

As I rode in the taxi on my way home, I glanced out the window and witnessed a heartwarming scene. D'amore was generously handing out burgers and his comforters to a group of young kids. He is not a bad man, afterall. (yawns)

"I've made it home, sir, please stop here on the side."

“Madam, you appear exhausted. Have a good night."

"Thank you, sir. Have a good night as well. Consider this a tip.”

I got out, I'm finally home, all I need to do is shower and sleep. It wasn't a bad day. (yawns)

Living alone isn't so bad, having no one around, especially without mom and dad, is actually quite nice. Now that I've taken a bath, it's finally time to sleep. (yawns)