Her Destined Ride — Chapter 16: THE DAY BEFORE YESTERDAY

They sat there not uttering any single word. Sunny glanced at the guy from time to time while the guy seemed to be concentrating in reading very well. It is obvious for Sunny that he's really into that book right now.

When he's about to turn another page, he glanced at her, too. Well, too bad he caught her staring at him that he chuckled a bit. Sunny felt her cheeks fluster as she avoided her gaze on him. She couldn't help but cover her face with the book she's reading.

"Wow, I never knew you wanted basic books." She heard the guy referring to her. She couldn't help but to raise an eyebrow while putting the book down. So, that book didn't escape from her gaze.

"Is that a compliment or a sarcasm coming from you?" She could see the guy seemed to be shocked a bit that he scratched his head as well as they looked at each other.

"I don't know. I just find you cute," She held the sides of the opened book tightly as she bit her lower, inner lip as soon as she heard what he said.

"Are you trying to cover up the damage that has been done?"

He chuckled as he closed his book. He's not even feeling awkward when meeting her gaze like he's always used to it. He looked at her as if never getting enough of everything in her.

"You're cute," He said as he smiled. Sunny couldn't hide her smile anymore. That's the most straightforward thing a guy has ever confessed to her. And he's being frank Sunny felt like she couldn't handle it easily.

"Okay, I forgive you now." She giggled as she tried to continue reading her book but to no avail. She's totally distracted at the moment.

"This book was really intended for me," Sunny started the conversation. She noticed that the guy already closed his book and is now willing to listen to what she wants to say.

Sunny could see the guy giving her a puzzled look. "What do you mean, 'intended for you'? Do we have those kinds of books that's really intended for us alone?"

"It's what I think it is." He answered, looking at what she's holding.

"But that book you're holding is too basic, you know." He added. He heard Sunny sighed right away as she avoided his gaze.

"That's the point. I was never taught by my mother at home to learn even the alphabets. I am fourteen years old now but I haven't received any formal education, even primary school." Sunny could see the shock in his eyes. He even opened his jaw a little bit that it's kinda annoying for Sunny.

"Yeah, way too impossible to even let it sink in your mind, right? But it does happen in real life."

"I-I'm really sorry..." He looked down on his books.

"Nah, don't be sorry. It happens in real life."

He looked at Sunny again, this time with a different impression. He looked at her, this time with pity and understanding. Did he really intend to judge her at first because of the book she was reading?

"Funny how I was able to tell you everything and yet I never even knew your first name yet."

He chuckled when he realized she had a point. She relaxed herself while scratching her head as she also chuckled with him. They both looked silly at that particular moment while talking to each other.

"Maybe you got so comfortable to me that you were able to share a part of your life." He smiled as he offered his hand for a handshake as he smiled.

"I'm Tyler Sean. I am more than happy to meet you." She smiled back at him as she held his hand. She immediately felt its warmth as soon as she took a grip of her hand. It's like signifying that he would be really glad to accept her as a friend.

"I am Sunny Grainger. It's also a pleasure to finally know your name."

"Yeah. I could still remember how we bumped into each other the day before yesterday, right?"

"R-Right," Sunny almost stuttered as she answered him. Well, she hasn't had a goodnight's sleep after that encounter. If only he knew.

"Please don't be afraid to ask help from me, alright?"

"I don't want to disturb someone," Sunny said as she avoided his gaze. She heard him chuckle.

"Well, what are you doing to Ms. Marlyn Ang if you're not disturbing someone?"

"She offered to help me."

"But we can't deny the fact that she's busy most of the time, especially today. There's a sudden surge of students going in and out."

"Yeah. I did notice that. What's the event?"

"Students are preparing for their exams. Most of my colleagues here love to study in advance, you know."

"When will this last?"

"Usually it could take one to two weeks. So don't expect that Ms. Marlyn could really focus on teaching you."

Sunny sighed as she studied the look on his face.

"I am just here everyday. If you want, I can teach you until you can be confident enough to read."

"Really?"

"Do you think I am joking?" He said between chuckles. I can't help but to admire him more. He's becoming charming if he does that often.

"Well, if you really insist, then that would be really great. Thank you."

"Good. I am just here everyday. If Ms. Marlyn would be too busy to attend to you, I will take over."

"It is nice of you. I am so sorry I couldn't pay you for doing this for me. I guess someday I could repay you if I could apply for a job."

He chuckled and gazed at Sunny into her eyes.

"Silly. Don't mind it. As I have said, I understand your situation. It might be too difficult for you to just accept it. However, please let me help you. I always believe that anyone who is so willing to learn will be successful someday."

"Yeah, too successful she'll become famous all over the world." Sunny murmured as she smirked. Tyler just shook his head and smiled at her, too.

"Hello lovely people!" Ms. Marlyn suddenly appeared from Sunny's back.

"Good morning Ms. Marlyn!" Tyler greeted her with a smile.

"Wow! It's nice to see the both of you know each other!"

"We just met, Ms. Marlyn. I find Sunny cool and fun to be with."

"Yeah, I agree dear Tyler. Where were we, Sunny? Tyler, you could help us, too."

"Sure thing, Ms. Marlyn! You got my back!"

She would always imagine this day will happen. The good thing is, it was more than what she imagined their encounter would be. It happened in a way she least expected. He met her again when she's studying her ABCs. She hated to think that he might mistaken her as a dumb girl because of the basic books she's reading.

However, after he listened to her side of the story, he understood her right away. He's also kind and patient like Ms. Marlyn.

Sunny could feel that she's not alone in this world she's in right now.