Her Destined Ride — Chapter 26: MY SUBSTITUTE TUTOR

Sunny's POV

As we develop a beautiful relationship with mom, so does my friendship with Miss Marlyn and Tyler. They both helped me with phonics, letter sounds, simple words, and even sentence construction. Even everything I need to know from the basics. They do it to help me transition from the simplest thing before getting into complex lessons suited for my learning style.

Every night, I can't help being very excited for the next morning. Every day is another new experience to enjoy and I am liking every bit of it. Things got lighter compared to the previous days. These days, I am only getting up and being grateful for everything I have and experience.

As soon as mom went off to work, I was able to prepare myself to head to the library as well. My smile faded away when I saw the library closed for today.

"Huh?" I muttered as I scratched my head. I'm even annoyed when somebody covered my eyes from behind me. Gosh, someone is screwing me up that it's still very early in the morning.

“Who is this please?” I held the back of the hands of the one covering my eyes. I could feel that he’s only stopping himself from laughing for me to not recognize him easily. Well, he's only assuming, that's for sure.

“Tyler?” I added as if confirming if it is really him. I could hear a chuckle from behind me.

“C'mon, can you sometimes pretend that you don't know me?” He said, scratching his head.

“That's a terrible idea. I want to know why the library was closed today instead.” I tried changing the topic. My goodness, that one gesture from him made my heart beat real fast.

“Sorry. I forgot to mention it to you yesterday. You know, most of the employees filed a leave today. Miss Marlyn also grabbed the chance to rest today.”

“Oh, that’s a pity. I guess she needs it the most, too. I know she’s stressed out lately."

I couldn't agree more."

"The number of people going in and out of the library went nuts. I can also say I knew I added up to her burden as well.”

“Please don't say that. Miss Marlyn was the one who offered you help. You’re not a burden at all. Do not worry about it too much, okay?” He said and I could sense the assurance from his tone.

“So, what are we going to do now?” I scratched her head as she glanced at the closed library entrance once again."

"We can do more interesting things while not missing your supposed lesson of the day."

"How could it be possible?"

“Don’t worry. I got your back. Let’s go! I will show you something,” Tyler pulled my hand as we ran across the street.

“Where?” He just chuckled and let go of my hand. I followed him to the narrow pathway in between the tall buildings as we roamed around the town. He smiled as he tapped a bike parked beside the wall of a building.

“Wow! Is that yours? I thought you’re riding a bus when you go home?”

“I usually do that. However, recently, my father bought this one from his colleague. He thought I might like it so he gave it to me.”

"I am glad to hear that. Your father is sweet."

"Thanks. I am happy that you liked it too."

"Does my reaction mean that much to you?"

"Well, for a reason, yes."

I looked at the bike and swallowed. I remembered I never rode a bike my entire life because I am afraid I might fall and have a lot of bruises. That’s why I preferred learning to drive a car more than to practice riding a bike.

"You look scared just by looking at it," He said between chuckles. I never realized that he's already observing me while I am looking at his bike closely.

"No, I'm not!" I answered in my most defensive way that he chuckled more.

“You ready?”

“W-What?” My heart began to race when Tyler asked me this one. He suddenly laughed upon seeing my reaction. Is he thinking of letting me try it? I hope not!

“Don't worry. You will just ride on the back of my bike.” I heaved a sigh of relief. I don't know why I felt happy when he started pedaling the bike going somewhere I am not familiar with.

"Better hold on to something because you might fall as we pass on the bumpy part of the road."

"Oh my! Is that so?" I reacted all of a sudden as I hugged him from behind. I could hear his soft chuckles as if liking the whole thing I am doing to him.

I feel like I am light as a feather because of the way he rode the bike. He's skillful without being obvious. I don't like the idea of hugging him. However, I can't help but imagine I might fall on the ground at any time.

"Wow, you just got a free hug from me, it's not funny," I said as I bit my lower lip. He just laughed as a response. The weather is not that hot nor too cold. It's a cloudy day, overall.

"I hope we're not going to cut classes."

"We are still enjoying our summer break, so it's not what you think of."

I hugged him as I preferred being silent while enjoying the view. We passed on to many houses and tall buildings.

"Where are we going, by the way? We're already far from the city center." I asked as I looked around. We're already paving a rough road full of grass beside it. We also passed beside the lake and there were fewer houses already. I closed my eyes as I smiled.

"You'll see. Wait for a little more."

My face almost pressed on his back as he stopped his bike all of a sudden.

"What happened?" I asked, still closing my eyes as I hugged him tightly. He laughed as he held both of my hands that hugged him.

"We're here, sweetheart." He whispered. I let go of him all of a sudden that we almost fell on the ground.

"Don't call me that, my goodness!"

"I was just joking, no big deal, okay?"

We alighted from the bike and I am awestruck with the view. It was a large tree standing on a large hill.

"I love it! What is this place?"

"It's a part of our property. I call this "my place".

"It's beautiful!"

"I am glad you like it." He smiled as he parked his bike beside the trunk of the tree. He gently placed his backpack on the ground. I love the breeze of the wind kissing my skin. The shade of the tree is making the atmosphere cool.

I saw Tyler as he opened his backpack and pulled the picnic blanket and spread it on the roots under the large tree where we're at right now.

"Whoah, I never thought you can be this prepared."

"Of course. I am planning to show this place to you for a long time but we're always busy."

"We had great timing today."

"What do you mean?"

"I will be your tutor today."