To erase Eli in her mind, Care visited every luxurious store in Aurum dragging Aster by the arm. She pointed and pointed at things she thought pretty without checking its price tag: bags, shoes, dresses and many more. It is the girl's unwise habit whenever she is down in the dumps. Binge shopping at its finest!
Harris and Teddy were rather seen as attendants carrying a bunch of shopping bags on both hands. They shared the same weary look of Aster due to strolling for four hours here and there. Their legs went numb as hard as bricks. Moving them as they walk takes such a vigorous effort. On the other hand, Care pranced buoyantly that they wondered if her legs were made up of metal.
The agony was too great, Aster cannot repress herself any longer. She pulled Care's arm before she entered another shop AGAIN!
"It's way past 8." she stated in a matter-of-fact tone.
Care nodded but missed the whole point. Aster groaned then smacked her head.
"Snap out of it! I'm going home. You, too. See ya at the freshmen orientation!" She bids goodbye.
She dashed off to the elevator coincidentally opening, the easiest escape route.
"Hey, Aster! Come back!" Care shouted.
But the elevator had already shut close. She glanced at her wristwatch. Eight pm is still early, she protested. Her energy is far from exhausted!
Her original plan was to tire her body. By doing so, she'd drop on her bed asleep the time she arrives home which also means no Eli pestering her thoughts nor regretting over embarrassing choices. She could picture her peaceful slumber if the condition is met. However, in her peripheral vision, the frowning faces of her bodyguards hounded her conscience.
"They're lucky I am the benevolent Caress Aragon." she murmurs under her breath before she declares, "Let's head to the nearest resto! You've worked hard so feel free to order as you please."
They sat at one table as per her order. In a huge boisterous place filled with groups of people eating together, the least thing she wanted is to eat alone. Whereas Harris and Teddy were dying of hunger and burnt-out to notice that it is an uncommon practice for the rich to dine with their lackeys.
Before they finished their meal, an incessant violent rainfall ravaged streets outside. Bad weather is a bad omen, Aster used to say to her. Thus, she waited for the weather to be calmer even though there were many missed calls from her father.
The old man worries too often, she thought… but it fattens up her heart, always.
"Milady, it's safe to drive now." Harris informed a couple of hours later.
On their drive home, her eyes lingered on the places the car passed by. She instinctively straightened her back upon spotting a familiar figure standing at the waiting shed.
Eliseo Manaloto!?
"Stop!" she ordered on a whim.
Teddy stepped on the brakes which resulted in being honked at by vehicles behind them so aggressively. Hellbent on seeing the guy more vividly, she couldn't care less about the protests they were getting. She pressed her face on the window and was in awe. It seems that he took shelter before the rain even began to pour. Droplets of water cascaded continually from his disheveled hair down to his damped shirt.
"Marvelous! Where's your great Penny ha? Did she leave you freezing in the cold? Now, Eli, I hope I smother you to death with my kindness!" she inwardly mocked.
She was about to open the door but decided not on a second thought. A lady must not escort a man to her car. It should be otherwise!
After lowering her window, she yelled, "Eli! Eli, hop in!"
He turns at first call despite the ear-splitting sound of rainfall. His whole expression is stoic. But, what wounded her ego was his pitch-black eyes showing disinterest as if nothing about her piques him.
"I'm fine! Go on your way! I'll wait till it stops!" he shouted back, politely.
She picked up his animosity towards her manifesting in his outright refusal. It took a great effort for her big smile not to fall into a grimace. She kept up with the 'I'm-a-very-concerned-citizen' façade.
"You'd be shivering the next minute if you stay there, Eli! Don't sweat it. Hop in!" she said, trying to sound terribly worried.
"Thanks for the concern but I'm really fine!" he replied without sparing her a look then did a quick glance to the driver's seat and saluted, "Drive safe, Teddy!"
She clenched her fist, losing the last ounce of her patience. Her amber eyes almost turned red seeking blood. If she cannot get him through peaceful means, crooked ways it is!
"Hey, Eli! I said HOP IN!" she yelled through gritted teeth.
Teddy and Harris jolted in synchrony. They never heard such a tigress voice coming from a petite lady. Even the bristles on their neck were erected. Super goosebumps!
"Teddy, Harris! Get him inside!" she commanded.
"But, Milady..." They hesitated at the same time.
"Pronto!" She hissed nearly spitting fire.
Eli steps back while hands gesturing to them not to approach closer. However, against two of her bouncer-like bodyguards, he was undoubtedly helpless! He resisted only for a few seconds probably realizing it would be humiliating to struggle like a damsel in distress. She smirked when they successfully tossed him in the backseat beside her. He had that rebellious yet helpless expression plastered on his face. It was so satisfying that Care could die in bliss.