Her Destined Ride — Chapter 23: ONE-WOMAN PERSON

Sunny's POV

"Uhm, I will write now," I smiled in a very awkward manner as I looked into his eyes. I was able to pull out my hand right away as I grabbed my pen. He also realized what he had done that's why he grabbed his book. He opened it right away as he almost shoved his face on the pages.

"I-If you need help, I'm just here. I will read my book for tomorrow's quiz." He said, not looking at me this time. We could do this right away, being awkward to each other without any explanation.

"Okay, t-thanks." I also answered. I tried glancing at him as I lifted my head a little. Instead of seeing him reading his book, I caught him stealing a glance at me, too. His book is on his nose level while his eyes were just observing me. He chuckled a little when our eyes met.

"I have a quiz for tomorrow, actually..." He said defensively as he returned to reading. I just smiled and continued what I am doing too. The remaining hour is not as boring as the past few days.

"Yeah. I...I know," I smiled as I noticed him trying to concentrate but I guess he can't do it easily. Is my presence being too much for him? He suddenly can't concentrate because I guess he also wanted to know what I am doing now.

This time, all I could expect is fun as I learn. I think this is no better feeling than this. When miss Marlyn was already done with her workloads, she went back to where we're sitting. She made me recite all the words Tyler and Miss Marlyn prepared for me.

I was so happy that they appreciate my progress, including Tyler. He's a real friend to keep. He never got tired of teaching me everything that he can. His patience with me is really incredible, I admire his personality as I know him more and more.

We never mind the time as it passes as swiftly as the wind. It's this same time to part ways again. However, I noticed Tyler followed me as I walked to the same path beside the shops located inside the town's shopping center.

I tried telling him that he shouldn't have to do that because I could handle myself. Yet, he's always insisting that he has to. He told me that he doesn't want the same incident that happened days ago when Mr. John followed me.

Every time I think about it, I am starting to be scared. Mr. John is a big man. He is also wealthy and powerful. One could not underestimate what he can do.

Well, as long as Tyler is beside me, I feel safe. His care for me feels like home. The warmth of his thoughtfulness is overwhelming. I guess if I could get used to it, I'd die if I'll not see or be with him even in a day.

"Thank you so much," I stopped walking as I faced him. We were almost in the middle of the town, walking on the right side of the sidewalk. He's following me one meter apart as he is looking from left to right.

"From what?"

"F-For everything,"

"Why are you acting weird?"

"What?" I said between chuckles. He looked funny when his face became serious all of a sudden.

"Don't thank me too often. If you do, it's like you don't want me to do it again for you."

"Are you trying to think that way?"

"That's what other people try to show. I am thinking that if a person thanks to you as always, she means that she doesn't want you to do the same favor again."

"Really? But I never intend to say that. I guess every person is different. I am just trying to be grateful."

"I appreciate it. Whatever I said does not apply to you."

"Never. Hmm, I guess you're thinking that way because of the girls you've been helping the previous months before you know me?"

"Look who's jealous. Don't worry. I am a one-woman person."

I don't want to assume everything he just said. However, I will lie if those words coming from him didn't make me smile, even a little.

"See you tomorrow again! Please lock and secure the doors when you go inside. We can never be so sure."

"I will always remember everything that you've said, Tyl."

I waved goodbye as he walked in the opposite direction. He's a true gentleman. I am touched by the extra effort he's giving me. It somehow made me feel special at trying times like this.

Everything about my mother is giving me a lot of dilemmas lately. Tyler has been my comfort ever since I brought the issue to him.

I closed the door behind me and followed everything that he has reminded me about. I couldn't help but smile because it's like everything in the house makes me think of him now.

I couldn't feel my feet as I went to the kitchen. I started humming as I prepared all of the ingredients to cook the stewed meat and vegetables again.

I noticed that mom loves to eat this one for dinner, that's why I also like to prepare this food for her more than everything.

I am smiling as I prepare everything. I am just imagining my mom's reaction and I am feeling energized already. I heard a knock on the door and as I glanced at our wall clock, it's almost half-past six in the evening. I heard somebody is trying to open the door. I am sure it was my mother this time because she always has a spare key with her every time she went outside the house. One for her and one for me.

As she opened the door, she looked at me with a blank expression.

"Mom? Are you alright?" She walked past me like a zombie. She didn't even know that I was also observing her moves. What happened? Was it work related? Why is she acting strange all of a sudden?

"Talk to me when we're done with our dinner." I swallowed as I nodded. She concentrated on eating her food without even looking at me. She hasn't got any reaction to what the food tasted like, as well.

The next ten minutes feels like the longest time that happened to me today. What happened? Did they have their first fight or something? I washed the dishes in an almost slow-motion for her to somehow forget what she wanted to tell me but she shouted the phrase 'hurry up'. I got nervous all of a sudden.

I started to recall all the possible things that happened a while ago. Did I just get busted?

Is it my visit to the library that she's not aware of? Well, I was about to tell her this time around. Maybe she will be happy when she'll know that I am studying on my own in the library. I even improved a lot when it comes to reading, I could read even labels of grocery stuff and road signs around me now, compared to before.

She cleared her throat.

"Who is the boy you're with roaming around the town a while ago?"