What’s the problem with the idea to take off her mask?
She immediately shook her head many times as if she was saying that it should never be removed.
“Woah… It’s okay, it’s okay. I understand,” I answered quickly while raising my two hands as if I was being hold-up.
She looked so serious when she shook her head earlier. I thought there was a big reason why she did not want her bare face to be seen by others.
“You know what?” I looked intently at her face.
I saw her gulp.
“You’re weird,” I commented and laughed slightly after pointing at the mask she was wearing.
I did understand why she didn’t want to remove it but I couldn’t help but feel upset.
“Yet mysterious,” I added.
It’s true. I felt intrigued by what her bare face looked like and I was also kind of confused about this strange feeling that I am currently feeling right now. I couldn’t name it. But, there was a sure thing, I felt this kind of feeling when Angela was near me or talking with me.
That’s the reason why I felt comfortable with this weird yet mysterious stranger who was sitting next to me.
She has the same vibe as the love of my life, Angela.
She didn’t utter a word or even comment back on what I said. She just remained silent in her seat and kept avoiding my gaze.
“Are you hungry?” I asked. I just wanted to break the tension.
Honestly, I felt awkward about the silence that was lingering inside the car.
“N-no,” she replied immediately but at the same time, her stomach growled. Her lips twitched and shut her eyes. As if she was embarrassed after I caught her lying.
She slowly held her stomach.
After seeing her reaction, I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“But your stomach says otherwise, Magda,” I teased and started the car’s engine.
“Let’s eat.”
“But-”
I did not wait for her to protest. I started the car immediately and drove it away.
* * * *
Just a few minutes passed, and we arrived at a restaurant. I got outside the car and walked inside the resto.
The staff assisted me and I ordered Italian food for taking out because we can’t eat inside the resto. The reason is, that Magda can’t enjoy her dinner here due to her appearance and some other people will judge her looks. So in the end, we decided to eat inside the car.
After receiving the paper bag with food, I left the resto.
I got inside the car and sat on the driver’s side. I turned my gaze to the back and put the paper bag in the backseat.
After that, I shifted my gaze back to Magda who was looking at me now. I just wink at her and that made her blush.
I chuckled.
I just wanted her to feel comfortable with me, that’s why I do that. I wanted her to be my friend.
I drove away from the resto and went to the place where we can eat in peace.
We stopped at the park. I parked my car at the side of the road and then got the paper bag in the back seat.
I gently opened the paper bag and handed the food to her. She was hesitant at first about whether she would accept it or not but in the end, she took the food.
We started to eat in silence.
It was not a big deal to me if the smell of the food left inside my car. There was an air freshener so not a problem.
After finishing the food, I offered her a ride in my car and took her to her house. It was already a wee hour. It was quite dangerous for her to be alone on this road.
“No! I can manage-”
I cut her off by raising my hand and shaking my head in disapproval.
“I insist,” I firmly said, then started the engine.
“Just point out the direction,” I added and drove the car.
She didn’t protest and remained silent next to me. She followed my word in defeat.
As time went by, the place we were heading to seemed familiar.
“There! Right there!” she pointed to the corner near Angela’s house.
Do they live in the same village?
I asked in the back of my mind.
I nodded at her and stopped the car in front of a small house with patchwork wood on the window.
“Thank you,” she whispered and removed the seat belt.
I hurriedly got out of the car and opened the car door for her.
“Do you live here?” I asked and motioned my hand in the house. I could see in her eyes she was hesitant to answer but in the end, she nodded.
“Uhmm, okay,” I murmured and scratched my neck. She was too quiet.
“Oh! Before I forgot! I’m Clark,” I introduced myself and asked for a shaking hand. She welcomed me with a small smile on her face as she accepted my hand.
“Just go inside.”
I let go of her hand and approached my car.
“I’ll just come inside when you drive your car away,” she said smiling.
“No, no! Just go inside,” I protested. I wanted to see her entering her house before I left; just to make sure she was safe.
“No. I’m okay. Get inside the car,” she insisted.
I couldn’t help but laugh softly.
“Okay, okay! Hands up!” I shook my head in defeat and chuckled. I finally got inside the car and fastened my seatbelt.
I blew the horn as if I was saying goodbye and peeked outside the window to look at her once more before driving away from her place.
* * * *
I was completely miles away from her place but up until now, Magda was still running in my head. I must say I am lucky. I’m lucky that I was born with a golden spoon inside my mouth. I didn’t experience situations like what Magda is experiencing right now. But, not because I am rich, I’m completely finally okay. There was one thing that money can never buy.
Happiness. My happiness…
I suddenly remember the strange feeling I had felt when I was with Magda earlier.
I bit my lower lip because of what I was thinking.
“Weird,” I whispered to the air.
I erase that thought and keep my mind focused on driving.