It was five minutes past curfew when I arrived to the shelter.

I had tipped off the cabbie after we left the restaurant to drop me off south on tenth avenue, just a block away from the real address. That's when I realized Akram had paid him in advance. It was a relief because I definitely didn't have enough money to pay the driver but it also made me feel guilty all over again. I didn't feel anyone should take so much trouble to cater to me personally. I wasn't used to any of this because It never happened before in my life and it felt... confusing. But that didn't mean I hadn't enjoyed every bit. I just needed to relax and pretend to be a normal girl who just got back from her first date. Even though that wasn't exactly the truth, it was the most perfect night in my life.

Coming back to earth, there were other mundane things to worry about. Like the fact that it was my first time to return late at night and that I was supposed to sign in three hours ago, since I hadn't offered a prior excuse to the management to stay outside after hours.

My heart started pounding as the situation began to sink in little by little. This was going to be the first blemish on my clean record.

I considered sneaking upstairs into my room and just pigeonhole the mess until tomorrow but that wasn't a real solution. I'd probably be freaking out and have another restless night that would transform me into a zombier zombie the next morning. And then I'd still have to deal with the missing signature from tonight before I go to work which was never going to pass easily.

It was past ten already and I had to think of something to report to the night shift counselor. Which meant I had to lie again.

My insides were wriggling as I entered from the gate, past the security and trudged towards the front office.

" Damn, girl! You're late! That's a first!"

I lurched to a stop.

My pulse quickened as I heared the unfamiliar nasal voice coming from across the hallway in front of the TV room. My first thought was that Vivian caught me at the worst possible timing.

But she wasn't supposed to be here until at least seven in the morning!

My head jerked towards the unexpected welcoming party. A stubby girl with dark curly hair and sassy eyes. She was Viv's devotee who had been fake-consoling her in front of the police weeks ago. She often gave me the impression of a loyal guard dog.

There was something fishy going on because we'd never talked before and she suddenly seemed concerned about my punctuality for no reason. I even wasn't sure what her name was.

"Christine?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

"It's Kris, sugar. Wassup wit you? Is it a boy?" She smirked mischievously.

My face burned.

"Why do you care, Kris?"

"Oh, I don't. Vivian cares. Dunno why." Kris shrugged her thick shoulders.

Vivian... of course!

" She told you to spy on me?" I hissed through gritted teeth, my hands balled into fists as I folded them across my chest.

" Uh uh! I ain't spyin. You see me spyin? Just looking out for ya!" She cocked her head , her hands on her broad waist.

"Then you should just leave me alone." I said, turning to stamp towards the office door.

"Listen to Viv. She'll do you good." I heard her voice ringing behind me.

I frowned and clamped my jaws shut, feeling the blood rush to my head, and trying to ignore her so that I'd control my exasperation.

Why can't Vivian just give up and let me be? Now she unleashed her hounds on me? Why is she so fixated on bringing me down?

I pulled myself straight, attempting to clear my head before I knocked on the door and entered the counselor's office to face my destiny.

*****

Later on, alone in my dorm room, I stretched down on my bed, feeling partially relieved that I'd gotten away with my not-so-white lie. I'd claimed I had to work extra hours because the night shift employee had been absent. The counselor was mostly bored and impatient. She wanted to go back to whatever she was doing with her Ipad, but she'd given me a warning. I was allowed three flubs in my files and then I'm out. No idea if that was a new rule or if she'd just made it up to intimidate me, but I was safe for now, hopefully.

Well, at least I was temporarily safe from being kicked out in the streets, but I couldn't just chill out when a complete freak was on my back, sending her minions to watch me. It made no sense at all. Why would she care? I wasn't the last girl left in the world. What was so important that made Vivian adamant to compel me to follow her ways? It was like she'd made it her personal mission to badger me until I give in and submit to her. Which was never going to happen. Not a chance! That was probably why she couldn't drop it.

My mind drifted automatically towards Tina. The poor girl was the living proof of what Vivian was capable of. She'd become an empty shell. I hadn't seen her many times in the past couple of months after her suicidal attempt. But each time I came across her, she'd managed to look less human and more like the walking dead. She'd lost a lot of weight along with her spirit. I suspected drugs were involved too. It was all so heart-rending and sad, even though we'd never been friends.

If I knew how to pray, I would've prayed for Tina to have a better life.

I squeezed my eyes shut to stop the stupid moisture from welling up in my eyes.

Curling my fingers around the edge of my blanket, I realized I was holding my breath.

Deep breath...

Deep breath...

Ice Cream...

Cotton candy...

Unicorns...

Akram...

My lips twitched and I sighed deeply, feeling the tidal waves receding.

Next thing I knew, all the gloom began to disintegrate and Akram was front and center in my bedtime thoughts.

How is it possible that the simple process of breathing along with these little innocent thoughts can be easily lumped together with a person you've only met twice?

As my tense muscles began to miraculously relax, the wonderful night with Akram replayed over and over, his soothing voice chiming in my memories until my eyes closed and I surrendered to sleep.

****

Six and a half hours of sound sleep!

I couldn't believe myself when I woke up to look at the digital clock. It was 5:45 which meant I was late and had to spring up from bed and finish my shower in two minutes before everyone wakes up at six.

Somehow, I managed to do it fast enough, even though I couldn't find my favorite polo shirt in the locker. I was sure I'd seen it there yesterday. I probably just forgot when but there was no time to check the laundry bag. I threw on a grey T shirt instead and got ready for work, thinking about the long hours ahead before Akram would show up.

Let's just say, it wasn't my luckiest morning even though I wanted it to be.

I'd just come out of the dorm room when I glimpsed my polo shirt, donned over a super skinny pair of jeans and black heels, approaching across the corridor with a dirty blonde mane spread in thick waves on top of it.

She stole my shirt!

A devilish grin popped onto Vivian's lips once she took in my stiff posture and the shock displayed all over my face.

My jaw dropped open as she pranced closer. It really looked better on her but it was MY SHIRT!

"Hon, I borrowed your shirt yesterday, I hope you don't mind. All my clothes were dirty." She faked an innocent smile, cocking her head slightly.

And now my favorite shirt must be incinerated!

"You. Broke. Into my locker?" I said, my voice ragged with suppressed anger.

"No. Why would I? You left it open, hon." She laughed as if I was being silly.

"No I didn't! "

"Yeah, you did. You should be careful by the way. It's not safe to leave your stuff unprotected." she smiled sweetly but there was a hint of menace rather than advice.

"I know it's not. That's why I never leave it unlocked," I said through my teeth, crossing my arms tensely.

"Oh well. There's a first time for everything. Just like being late last night." She rolled her stone gray eyes.

"Kris reported to you already?" I felt my head throbbing as I recalled last night's encounter with her guard dog.

"She's a good gal. Ya know, it's about time for you to bury the hatchet. "

"Don't hold your breath !" I retorted and turned on my heels, speeding up to leave this hopeless place.

*******

" Morning, Lois, you look like a well - rested zombie today!" Asha greeted me with a broad grin, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Lois?" I asked as I handed her work apron to her.

"Lois Lane, you lucky minikin! You officially belong to Superman now!" She jounced, tying her apron then she attacked me with a sudden butterfly hug, since there was no way to compare Asha to a bear.

I chuckled awkwardly.

"What are you talking about, Ash? We only had dinner, that's..."

"Yeah, whatever." She waved me off, "Now, spill it! And don't you dare leave anything out."

I sighed, giving in. I knew better than to argue with Asha. We'd never accomplish anything today if I tried to get away with it.

For the duration of preparing a dozen shots of our special espresso, I slowly filled her in. However, I practically revealed about 70 percent of the chat with Akram because, let's face it, I'd lied sometimes and the lies included her, besides, there were personal moments last night that I felt too possessive to share them with anyone. I wanted to keep them for myself. To cherish and nurture and cuddle them in bed like a fuzzy teddy bear, feeling proud of being his confident as well as protecting his privacy.

"Aw! He's so old-school! I love it!" She clapped her hands.

"He is." I told her, my lips curving all the way up as his words repeated in my mind.

"I told you he's modest, remember? Now you really really, haven't noticed anything funny about that night?" She narrowed her eyes at me.

"Like what?" I asked cluelessly.

"He talked about relationships? He shared his food with you? He asked for a second date? Don't you get it?" She stared at my face, her brows lifted expectantly.

"Get what?"

"He's falling for you, airhead!" She grabbed fistfuls of her hair as she gritted her teeth. She looked so adorable when she was angry. Even though I knew she wasn't being serious or realistic.

I stifled a giggle with my hand.

"Sorry to disappoint you, Ash. He's religious. He doesn't date. It's friendship like you and me." I waved my forefinger in the space between us.

She puffed and scowled, shaking her head. "Darn it, Melo. All of this went over your head?"

"Actually, I'm fine with it." I shrugged.

"I swear I'll convince you someday, " she said with determination, " Before my head explodes because of your naiveté!"

I chuckled and went back to work.

Asha was too obsessed with this ridiculous idea that she made me laugh at her presumptions. Akram was honest and clear about his limits. He said he needed a friend and he said he wasn't looking for more. I believed him. Why was she trying to make things more complicated for me?

In the next three hours, I passed the time between, working, listening to Asha analyzing last night's events for me, and glancing at the incredibly sluggish wall clock that was designed especially to move in slow motion. An hour on this clock was at least 120 minutes long compared to any other normal clock in the world.

Tick..............

Tock.............

Tick..............

Tock.............

Come on! Come on! Come on! Just move already!

He wouldn't do it again and disappear the next day after we'd met, would he?
.
.
.
.
.

3:04. Asha scooted closer to nudge me in the ribs and pulled me along by the strap of my apron towards the front counter. She had a mischievous smirk on her face.

Knowing immediately what it meant, my heart started beating faster, sending a wide smile on my lips as I watched Akram coming in through the glass door. He walked straight towards me.

"Hey." He greeted me with a genuine smile that kissed the corners of his cinnamon eyes.

"Hey!" I repeated, glancing up to his face.

"Glad you went home safely. "

"Thanks." I murmured.

A moment passed while he stood silently smiling and I started to feel self-conscious. "Um! I'll go make your cappuccino. Anything else?" I asked, brushing my hair behind my ear.

"Er, no. Thank you." He seemed to hesitate for a second, a light crease on his forhead " Friday after work, Okay?"

I nodded.

He turned, walking away to sit at his usual table.

"Poor Clark! He's worried you'll change your mind. What did you do to him?" Asha cooed in my ear.

"Nothing!" I whispered, and stepped behind the coffee machine to start grinding his coffee.

" He forgot to order his sandwich! Poor Clark, he's lovesick! " she exaggerated a sigh.

" You'd say the same if he didn't." I shook my head as I wiped the espresso filter. " How can you be so single minded?"

"And how can you be so Adorkable?" She giggled. "Just for fact? Men don't forget to eat unless they're dead or in love."

I winced at her words.

"Last time I checked, you were single. When did you become an expert in men?"

"Hey! We have lots of men in the family. It's a huge family." She defended, moving her hands up in the air and making chiming sounds with her new set of bracelets.

I chuckled as I finished the cappuccino and placed it on the counter for Susie to serve it.

"Lucky you." I murmured, " now get his sandwich!"

Asha huffed, turned around and gasped.

"Oh! Hi auntie Ch... I mean hi Mrs. Charan!" She chirped, perked up as she stood on tiptoes facing her aunt who was standing by the counter, watching us. No idea for how long!

I blushed.

"Hello girls. How is it going?" Mrs. Charan said with a cheerful voice.

"All right, Mrs. Charan," I said nodding politely.

"Aren't we going to stop talking and start working, darling?" She asked quietly as she watched both of us.

I tensed, feeling guilty. "I...I'm sorry, Mrs. Charan. I just...I..." I stammered

"Not you, darling. I meant you, Aashiyana." Mrs. Charan said with a playful grin.

"Nooooo, please! Don't call me that name!" Asha protested in a theatrical manner. She ducked and covered her ears with her small hands.

I bit my lips in order not to laugh at her reaction.

"Then don't make me use it again, darling and give your friend a break." Mrs. Charan replied, looking amused.

Mrs. Charan looked too young for her age. She looked in her mid thirties rather than her late forties. She would easily pass as Asha's older sister or her too young mother, with the same wavy dark hair, the beautiful large eyes and dimples. The only difference was the tiny nose ring and her fondness of cute , colorful flip flops. She owned a large collection that matched her other collection of short-sleeved summer dresses that gave her a signature fashion style. She was an extremely beautiful lady.

Mrs. Charan looked at me and continued. "And Melody, please meet me in the office before your leave."

"Am I in trouble?" I asked, my voice trembled a little.

"Not at all, darling. You'll know when we talk later. Now back to work, chop chop." She winked and left to her office.

I was relieved. The constant fear of being unemployed slackened off a fraction, as I got fully immersed into my work.

Well, to be honest, not fully, but almost. Because I still had my peeping hole from which I kept watching Akram doing his mundane magic. He was holding a book, obviously studying this time since he'd mentioned celebrating the end of the school year on Friday.

My heart felt heavy all of a sudden as the idea dawned on me for the first time and something bitter blocked my throat.Oh, My God! How dense am I?

End of school year!

Summer vacation!

At least three months!

Akram is going to leave New York City!

My heart began to thud heavily. I staggered back and fell on the hard wooden stool, feeling my head whirling with this disturbing realization.

Before I surrendered to a bout of depression, Asha loitered around and snorted.

"Tehee! What are the odds! A blondie just came in wearing a polo that looks exactly like yours."

***

A.N

Hello lovely readers ;)

I think I started to get more comfortable with writing longer chapters but hopefully not boring ones. I hope everyone would comment their thoughts because it's really helpful and your feedback always means a lot to me. ♥♥

((Please point out any mistakes or anything you liked, disliked, or even felt it didn't make sense in the story. It would be my pleasure to discuss it with you.))

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