_Angela's POV
I watched as Maths drove through the highway to Brooklyn Bridge, his eyes fixed on the road. It was as if he had forgotten I was also in the car with him because he didn't utter a single word right from the beginning of our journey.
Well, it's all good. Besides, this is one of my happy moments with him. He was looking so calm and relaxed. I watched through the highway, viewing all the beautiful and sparkling lights.
I never knew New York was this aspiring. Everywhere looks bright indicating the happiness of people.
At some point, I thought we weren't going to end the journey but then, the car finally came to an abrupt end.
I was already half asleep and jerked up when Maths called my name for the first time. I looked up at him but he was gazing out to the sea.
"Why are we here?" I asked, still bothered, why he had to bring me to the bridge of all places.
"Could it be a date?" I thought.
He opened the side door of his car and stepped out. Then he went to the back seat and brought out a stick of rose flowers.
I was shocked. "Was he really serious about having a date with me?" I thought, watching him closely.
He closed the back seat door and started into the bridge. This doesn't seem right. He could have called me if this was going to be our date. I was confused and speechless, having no idea what was happening.
I got out of the car almost immediately and he was already moving down the bridge without even looking back.
"Gosh! What's all this?!" My inner self exclaimed.
I stood and watched him go farther before running after him. He's such a jerk. I thought he wanted to take me out on a date.
The whole situation now seems like I wasn't invited. But then, I ran after him hoping he would finally stop.
Truly, he stopped. He stopped and I watched him climbing up to a brick block. I became scared, afraid of what I was seeing.
Thank goodness, there was steel guiding the block. This time, I ran hastily to where he was and stopped a few meters away as I stood shocked at what I saw.
Maths was on his knees on the block. He knelt like his life depends on it.
This was my first time seeing something this strange, not even from someone else but from the great Maths!
I watched him keenly and noticed he was uttering some words which I decided to move closer for good hearing.
"Mom!" I heard him call solemnly. "You wouldn't believe the pain I felt after hearing about grandmother. I can't just imagine something like that for her, she's too old for it," he bellowed his gaze at the sea. "Sorry, I didn't make it on time here, there was something I needed to attend to, I hope you forgive me."
"See, I bought you your favorite flower, it's beautiful, isn't it?" he asked childishly, talking to no one in particular and raising the rose.
"Though I bought it yesterday, it still blooms. It's as beautiful as you." He complimented her and placed the rose on top of the brick block.
"I'm not getting any better both at home and at school. I don't know why because I've tried all my best as you have pronounced but it isn't working." He relayed and bent his head.
After a long pause, he muttered sadly, "I miss you. All my years, I've been missing you and I'm sure you do."
I felt touched.
'I miss you' was the only word I needed to say to my mom too.
I remembered how she had left without looking back but still wished she would come back.
Maybe, I and Maths are on the same track, losing our mother. Yet, looking at him all down, his story seems very touching.
I was all lost in thought until I saw a figure standing before me. I looked up Maths. He was staring directly at me.
I couldn't face him nor did I know what he was thinking. So, I'd move my gaze from him.
He still didn't utter a word and started back to his car. Of course, I followed behind him, lost in thought.
"Why would he come to send regards to his mom on the bridge? Is this where he shared his memories with her?" I kept thinking as we walked back to the car.
We entered the car and took off back home. It was after some time, I decided to question him. "Can I ask you a question?"I asked even though I knew I shouldn't expect an answer.
He turned to me, then back to the road. It was awkward though, but I continued.
"Why do you have me suffer for the wrongs I didn't make?" I inquired, not minding his mood. "I only asked for a dine, is this all you can offer?". I turned on my seat facing him. "Don't you think you owe me an apology?" I asked, getting tense.
"For Christ's sake, will you stop all this action and say a word, I mean tell me you don't have the intention to make my day this awful. Tell me_".
"I'm sorry", he cut in, taking me by surprise. "I never knew it was going to turn out this way." He muttered, his gaze still on the road.
His pleas made me speechless. Actually, I was expecting it. Why then do I feel guilty?
"I never planned to have dinner with you but since you insisted on having one, I couldn't reject it. I was also thinking of making it an apology for the last time." he shuddered, mischievously.
"I don't get it. Are you the great Mathias I know?" I asked, unexpectedly.
He stole a glance at me, wondering why I made that statement.
"I_Uhm_" I stammered, realizing my words. "I mean, it's surprising hearing an apology from you."
I looked up at him and our eyes met again. He was looking as gentle as ever.
"I feel there's nothing to apologize for when I don't mean it."
"You don't mean to apologize?" I asked, startled.
"I don't do what will make me apologize." He relayed with pride.
I opened my mouth but words weren't coming out. "I'm so sick of you, how could you say something like that? So, you mean you're right about what you did to me today?"
"I am since I was being forced out to a dinner I never wanted".
"Oh my God!" I exclaimed, furiously.
I couldn't believe my ears.
"Did I just hear you right? Did I force you to dinner? I thought you just said you are apologizing for the last time. So, what has got to do with this?", I asked, furiously. "Can't I have a proper dinner with my boyfriend?"
"That's where you got it all wrong, Angela. You're wrong. Can you stop being too immersed? I didn't ask for a relationship not until you threatened me!" He fired, aggressively.
My mouth now wide open. I was vexed. Provoked. Broken. Insulted.
Any word you can use in replacing anger, that was how I felt.
"Stop the car!" I commanded, angrily. I couldn't take it anymore.
"Stop the damn car!" I cursed, this time, with resentment.
"Will you shut the fuck?!" He cursed back.
"What? What did you just say?" I whimpered, tears dropping down from my eyes. I don't know why, but I was already in tears.
Abruptly, he pulled the car to a stop. I was grateful, partially, and tried opening the door but it wouldn't open. I turned to face him, wiping off the tears streaming from my eyes.
"See_" he pointed at the time displayed inside the small tab fixed to the car, "It's late already. Would you kindly have some patience and wait till we get back?"
"No!" I shuddered, "I want to get off right now, this minute".
"Fine." He agreed almost immediately. "Make sure to tell people the truth about how I pleaded with you not to get off".
I gave him my last glance before opening the door to get off. I can't do it anymore.
_Mathias POV
Maths couldn't watch her get out of his car. It was already past 11 and too dangerous for her to go home with the long distance ahead.
Was I being too witless? What has gone wrong?
I was just trying to explain how I can't be used to doing the things she's forcing on me. I just can't.
I watched her walk away. I don't know why but it pains me. I know I was being awkward but I wondered why she got so angry. I made her cry again.
''Maths?" I called to myself, "What's wrong with you?"
I hit my hand hard on the steering wheel not minding the pain I couldn't compare to the one in my heart.
In a blink of an eye, I got out of my car. Then, I started off to her by running, calling upon her name as if she could hear me from the blowing wind.
I was already getting closer to her when I think she heard her name and stopped.
Still, I ran to her. She mustn't get hurt because of me. She had already turned in my direction and I could see her teary eyes, she looked so pale.
I caught her off guard as soon as I got to her.
"You're a jerk." She let out, weakly.
"I'm sorry" I apologized.
She gazed at me with a queer expression that I couldn't interpret.
All I could mutter was, "I'm sorry."
"Do you mean it?" She asked sorrowfully, struggling to get away from me but I didn't give in. Unexpectedly, I dragged her to myself and gave her a warm hug.
I could hear her cry into me. Why does she have to cry all the time? I wasn't expecting her to be this weak. It seems like my hug added to it.
I couldn't plead either for her to stop, she might not get to stop.
After so many thoughts, I finally pulled away from her. She looked up at me and I couldn't resist doing it again.
I did it. I pulled her into a hug again, but this time, holding unto her neck, I buried my lip in hers.