** * * * * Crystal’s POV * * * * *
“Let her go!” I heard a manly voice command.
I looked up and saw a young man probably a few years older than me. It was dark so I could not see his front profile clearly.
However he didn’t look dangerous to me. I mean dangerous enough to do anything against this thug, he was empty handed and he can clearly see that the bad guy holding me also had a gun.
What could he possibly do against him? He would only end up getting hurt.
“Run! He has a gun!” I warned, just in case he couldn’t see it.
But to my surprise, instead of him fleeing, the thug panicked and ran away. He screamed and looked terrified as he fled.
I was puzzled. What just happened? This guy didn’t even make a move against him, he only gave him an instruction and the thug was scared away.
“Are you alright?” He asked and came closer to me.
“Um… Yes… Yes thank you,” I stuttered.
“I hope he didn’t hurt you, did he injure you in any way?”
“No, not at all! I’m totally fine,” I replied, trying to sound convincing.
“Alright, I am sorry about that. So many thugs are maniacs on the street these days, but what exactly is a pretty lady like you doing outside so late, and in this deserted street?”
Hahaha! I got flattered. As for it being late or the street being deserted, it has never been a problem for me.
I usually went through this route at night, even when I was way younger. I don’t consider it a threat but I guess things change with time.
“I… I was coming back from work,” I answered.
“Oh, you should be more careful next time and rather take a cab when it’s this late,” he advised.
I noticed he has a nice voice, and he sounds caring too.
“I will, thanks for your concern and also thank you so much for saving my life, I really appreciate it!”
“It’s nothing, I am glad I was here on time. So do you live around?” He asked
“Yes, my place isn’t too far away. Please come and have dinner with us,” I offered.
“I don’t think that’s necessary, I don’t want to bother your family,” he declined politely but I was not ready to give up so easily.
“No, you won’t be bothering anyone. In fact they will be glad to meet you, please don’t say no…” I insisted.
He was a bit reluctant so I added another please with an appealing face, even though I knew he couldn’t see it clearly.
“Alright, since you insist! I can’t resist!” He chuckled.
I giggled, amazed at how he used the rhyming words. I like this kind of guy!
“Okay, let’s go this way!” I said, pointing towards my step parent’s house.
He followed me and we started going to my house.
“So tell me, do you live around here? your face is unfamiliar!” I asked.
If he did, I’m sure I would have known him. I moved into this neighborhood when I was just a kid, so I’m familiar with almost all the faces living here.
“Actually, I moved into this neighborhood recently. I came here for my studies but my house is a bit on the inside, I enjoy my privacy,” he answered and chuckled.
“I see… Is that to say that you are an introvert?” I smirked.
Too bad he can’t see it! I smirk once in a blue moon, and each time it’s mesmerizing.
“Well you can say that, but when I am around a beautiful lady like you, then I become loquacious!”
I blushed. He had complimented my look for the second time.
“Thanks if you think I’m beautiful,” I said with cheeks flushed red.
“What do you mean? Of course you are beautiful. I mean it’s dark and you look this dashing, I wonder how you would look in daylight. Anyone who sees you then will be mesmerized by your beauty”
I burst into laughter. This guy is… I mean, what exactly should I even call him?
“I like your sense of humor and you look good too,” I remarked and smirked.
I can’t believe this guy made me smile twice in one night. It may not sound like a big deal to others, but for Crystal Lennox, it is!
“You know, you are the first girl that have said that to me”
“Oh… Guess what! It’s also cute when you lie to me,” I chuckled and we burst into laughter.
“What makes you think I’m lying? I am not lying?” He protested.
“Alright, I will pretend like I believe, but I don’t see why your girlfriend hasn’t told you that yet!” I teased.
He kept mute for a while and I got nervous. Did I say something wrong?
“I don’t have a girlfriend,” he suddenly uttered, pretending to cry!
“Hahaha” I burst into laughter.
“Seriously, you should join the movie industry. You are a good actor and anyone would fall for your lies, because they are sweet lies!”
Although I said that amidst laughter, I kinda meant it.
“Hahaha… well I was not lying when I said I am single, my girlfriend ended things with me before I moved here” he replied.
I still get the feeling that he’s lying, that’s one of my few gifts. But since he sounds so convincing, I should just act like I believe him and play along. He’s a fun guy anyway!
“Oh… I am sorry about that, what really happened? Like why did you two break up?” I asked
“Well she… She… She, oh! I can’t say it,” he said in a teary tone.
Was he really crying? Or acting again?
“Come on, please tell me!” I persuaded him.
For a weird reason, I was curious to know his response.
“Well, she cheated on me with my best friend,” he answered
“Oh!” I mouthed. That sounds deep!
“I am really sorry, that must have hurt a lot”
“Yes, it hurt like bad,” he said.
Before I could see it coming, he started crying. For real this time!
“Hey, are you crying?” I asked.
Ha! What a dumb question Crystal, of course he is crying.
“Nope! But I am sure you fell for it,” he suddenly laughed loudly.
I punched him gently on the ribs.
“You are such an actor!”
“Hahaha, thank you. Can this actor know your name?”
Was he indirectly flirting with me? Well surprisingly, I don’t mind.
“Sure, my name is Crystal… Crystal Lennox!” I answered.
“Wow, what a beautiful name!” He complimented.
I guess to him, everything about me is beautiful.
“Thank you, what about you?” I queried.
“Michael, or Mike for short,” he replied quickly.
“Well that’s a wonderful name, and look! We’ve arrived at my place,” I informed him.
To be continued!!