"In breakfast" Ava said hesitantly while the doctor was expressionless but there was a surprise on Lorenzo's face.
"What did you eat?" asked the doctor.
"Um.. Sandwiches"
"How many?"
"2" She said annoyingly, not liking the questions thrown at her. From the corner of her eye she noticed Lorenzo looking at her unbelievably.
The doctor turned towards Lorenzo and said, "This is the reason of her sudden dizziness, sir."
"Any medication?" Lorenzo asked calmly.
"No sir. Just make sure she eats healthy food and doesn't skip her meals."
"Okay. Thank you doctor." Lorenzo said and the doctor left them alone.
"Seriously Ava! Could you stop dieting like the other typical girls?" Lorenzo asked irritatingly.
"You don't know the reason, so you don't have any right to assume things." Ava said furiously. Lorenzo remembered Mr. Jaxon's words at the coffee shop stated that Ava couldn't afford three times meal. Lorenzo's immediately regretted the words that came out of his mouth.
Ava understood what Lorenzo was assuming again by the look he had on his face. She hated someone pitying her.
"I was busy in college, studying as my finals are coming." Ava explained before continuing, "And also Emma asked me to cover the shift of other waitress who couldn't come. So I had no time."
Lorenzo rubbed his forehead frustratingly at Ava's silly reasons.
"I need to have a word with Emma then. Anyways, let's go" Lorenzo said not wanting to bash out on her.
Ava followed him and they sat in the car. He stopped near the Cafe and got down the car with Ava to make her eat something. Ava knew their was no use of denying him so she did as she was told. He ordered stuffed sweet potatoes, asparagus soup, veggie loaded frittatas and green vegetable salad not knowing which one Ava would eat. He didn't let Ava order because he knew her teenage self would order junk food. The food was served and they started eating. There was an awkward silence between them before Ava decided to break it.
"You are not eating?" Ava asked.
"I already had my dinner." Lorenzo said.
"You can cut the expenses from my income." Ava said embarrassed at the fact that she didn't have enough money to pay for her own dinner. But she couldn't blame herself. It was a lavish restaurant and all the items costed more than her whole existence.
"That's alright" Lorenzo said and shrugged.
"No, it's not. I don't want to be burdened by your favor." Ava said sternly.
"Ok. If you say so." Lorenzo lied.
"Why didn't you tell me that you were doing a part-time job and that you were a student?" Lorenzo asked.
"You didn't ask." Ava said sheepishly, digging in the plate.
"You know, only adults are allowed in that restaurants." Lorenzo said calmly to which Ava gasped.
"Why?" Ava asked.
"It's just the rule there" Lorenzo said, "If any person below 21 are caught, they'll be arrested and their parents will be summoned." Lorenzo said truthfully
"I didn't know that!" Ava voice came as a whisper.
"I could complain to police and you would get arrested" Lorenzo started teasing her.
Ava dropped the spoon and kept her hand beside the plate. Her face became pale as if she saw a ghost. Numerous thoughts were running in her mind. If the police is involved, then media will also be involved and then her father would see her and use his power and fame to capture and punish her for escaping from the him. The thought of punishment itself was making her feel dizzy.
She flinched as she felt a hand on her shoulder. She came back to reality only to see Lorenzo's confused gaze on her.
"Y-you wouldn't do that... Right?" Ava asked with a trembling voice.
"Hey, hey, calm down. I was joking." Lorenzo said out of concern after noticing Ava's state.
"You promise?" Ava asked, her hands wouldn't stop trembling.
"I promise I won't. Calm down, will you?" Lorenzo assured, trying not to show the concern he has for her.
"Why are you so afraid of police?" Lorenzo asked.
"I had bad experiences." Ava replied. The Italian police were in search for her since years. She wondered if they are still searching her or her father gave up on finding her. If he did then she would be the happiest person. Ava sighed and continued eating her food, in order to distract her thoughts. Lorenzo still confused why would she react like that? What bad experiences did the 16-year-old have? he mentally slapped himself for thinking too much about her.
Lorenzo was driving the car and Ava was sitting in the passenger's seat. She looked at Lorenzo, he had a very calm face. She never met a man like him. Arrogant, egoistic, rude yet caring. Her brother was also like that. He loved her so much. When she was young he used to support her from her abusive father and take a stand against her. She missed her brother and wanted to meet him once before she died. Ava looked out of the window trying to distract herself from the thoughts. She didn't even realize when she drifted to sleep.
Lorenzo was driving but still took glances at Ava. Her face looked calm while sleeping. She would always be reserved if she was awake. He got to know many things about Ava and started liking her personality. She made him feel things which he was not allowed to feel. He was happy to see her peaceful face at least in sleep. Lorenzo reached Ava's house. He called her name for a few times but she was in a deep sleep. As Lorenzo touched Ava's arm, she flinched and woke up.
"We reached your house" Lorenzo said, still shocked at her reaction.
"Thank you... " Ava said waiting for him to tell his name but he just kept quiet.
"Thank you Sir" Ava said and left the car. Lorenzo clenched his teeth and watched her till she went inside the house and locked the door. He drove off to his house. He couldn't understand why would Ava flinch if anyone would touch her? Even in her deep sleep? Is she really an introvert or is she hiding something from him? He was lost in thoughts and didn't even realize when he reached the mansion.
After freshening himself up, he called his most trusted man, Francesco.
"Hey bro! How're you doing?" the other person on the call greeted.
"I'm fine. I need information about the girl whose picture I've sent you."
"It'll be done by tomorrow, boss." Francesco replied and hung up the call.
He wanted to know more about Ava and the reason why she was behaving weirder than other girls.