The ride in the car was quiet. Julian sat in the driver's seat while Gradis stayed in the backseat with Matheio. It felt too awkward for her to sit next to him so she hid behind him.
Every once in a while she felt his gaze through the rearview mirror and she'd turn to look at him just for him to turn away from her. It was like a push and pull game. She didn't want to play but was pulled into playing since she wanted to check up on him but not actually look at him face to face.
She wasn't the type to be reluctant but something about this moment prevented her from being as straight-up as before. She felt guilty, for an action that she shouldn't feel guilty towards.
"We're here," Julian announced, flashing a smile into the rearview mirror at Matheio and Gradis.
Gradis immediately sat up and began unbuckling Matheio's car seat seatbelt.
"Where are we?" Gradis asked, giving Julian a side glance.
"At the mall," Julian replied blankly.
