Akram caught me flatfooted the moment we were about to enter the next show and I saw the vibrant colors of the movie poster hanging on the wall by the entrance.

It was really a surprise movie!

"We're going to watch cartoons?" I looked up at his amused smirk, my eyes wide.

His responding laugh echoed in the hallway. Or maybe just the hallway to my personal bliss "Come on! Look me in the eye and tell me you don't like cartoons."

Doing exactly as he said, I gawked at his beautiful eyes as hard as I could, making the most of the chance. " I don't like cartoons. I absolutely love them." An easy smile spread all over my face, taking in his handsome features.

"Good girl," he said holding out his hand to me, " now let's watch without snoring this time." He sent me a teasing sideways glance in addition to his lopsided smirk.

I rolled my eyes and walked along.

We got the giggles for the next ninety minutes. Well, I did most of the giggling- actually all of it. I used up my quota of laughter for this year... The clumsy, squishy, goofy purple aliens who invaded planet Earth were too adorable that I couldn't control the chortles and - to my nonexistent mortification- the snorting noises that came out loud sometimes.

The film was light and silly and I totally enjoyed it. The little Boovs were just hilarious! I laughed to the fullest of my lungs for the firs-- . No- the second time in my life. Both times with Akram who laughed with me too... In a more dignified manner. His whole face was beaming all the time and it was anything but creepy! It was... refreshing!

During most of the film, his body was turned to the side, adjusting himself to face my direction- his arms folded casually, legs crossed, shoulder resting on the back of his seat. His gaze traveled between my face and the big screen, candidly watching me this time. His eyes sparkled when I burst into laughter, displaying his gorgeous smile that made him seem more amused by my goofiness than the funny movie on the screen. I didn't mind. I didn't want him to stop.

Every now and then, I stole an occasional glance at him , smiled and turned my face forward but he never changed his posture, his attention invariably centered on me. But no! I wasn't shy this time. I was on cloud nine actually. I was more self-aware in a good way if that made any sense.

For the rest of the movie, my mood transformed. His smile was contagious and I couldn't stop responding to its warm rays that touched my every cell. I'd bet even my face looked like I just had an enhancive plastic surgery that caused the constant curving of my lips.

I got it! I'm happy!... Happy to see him too!

When the credits started scrolling down the screen along with the theme song, I suddenly had this overwhelming heaviness sinking in my heart and pulling my weight down, possibly welding my butt to my seat. It was hard to get up and leave just like that! I wasn't prepared to leave. Ok! I knew I needed to leave but I didn't want to.

Leaving means I'll have to go back to my metaphorical evil stepmother! To kiss this dream goodbye and just wake up on the soot-covered floor by the fireplace... Akram will be gone for who knows how long!... I won't see his greeting smile every day... I won't make his favorite cappuccino and watch him sipping it leisurely from my secret peeping hole ... I won't hear his musical voice or glimpse his cinnamon eyes... what if he found a more interesting friend back at home!...

What if he forgot me ?!!

The thought almost suffocated me. My head dropped to look at my fingers, which were busy smothering each other on my lap.

I sensed Akram moving. Getting up slowly. Half smiling, I lifted my tingling eyes to him. He was holding out his hand again.

Reluctantly, I took his hand, resisting the desire to cry like a griping child that the night was over. Our eyes met and I caught sight of the gentle wave of his brows that made me think - and it was probably just me - that maybe he was feeling the same way.

"Did you like it?" He asked, helping me up but keeping a distance.

"Totally! I want a pet Boov!"

"Hmm! We'll see about that." He narrowed his eyes and nodded.

We walked silently heading outside, strolling amongst the deluge of people until we went out from the main entrance of the multiplex to meet the smoggy air of the street.

The vicinity was still astir with the throngs of folks who were mostly going home or leaving to spend the rest of the night elsewhere. It was a Friday night after all. They had plenty of time to enjoy. The lucky dogs!

I peeked at Akram, his head slightly down , staring abstractly at the concrete ground. His hand were still unceasingly encircling mine that it began to feel like a matter of fact.

Clutching the strap of my bag across my body, I looked down at our intersected hands, my heart pounding as the warmth of his palm registered and permeated my skin.

If only everything is as perfect and comforting as this simple gesture. Life would be a better place.

A minute later, Akram halted on the edge of the sidewalk and turned to face me, a hesitant look revealed itself in his eyes. The soft wrinkle on his brow came back looking like a serious number 11. "Mel, can I ask you for a favor?"

"Uh! what kind of a favor?" I frowned, my thoughts racing, trying to conclude the type of favors he could ever ask of me. If there was anything that I could possibly give him.

He inhaled and released my hand to reach for the waist bag attached to his jeans. His brows furrowed further, searching for something.

"It's not much really, but I hope you don't mind." He smiled lightly, extending his hands and offering me the objects of his search; a small oval shaped cell phone and it's tiny charger.

I glared at him. "What is that for?"

" Umm! Calling people?" His smile was tight.

My eyes narrowed and I folded my arms. "Akram, this is too much."

"Just listen, " he looked into my eyes and nodded, " I'm leaving in the morning and... I'm just... I'm worried."

My heart squirmed when he reminded me.

"It's Okay! Don't worry about me."

His face fell, looking troubled again.

" Please. I won't bother you. I promise. I only want to... make sure that you're okay? That you can call someone. Anyone... If you needed anything ." he drooped his head, looking up, through the long lashes, his hooded eyes pleading.

Oh God, not that look again!

"But you don't have to give me anything, you've spent too much money on me already." I had to admit. It felt like I was exploiting him. I peeked at his eyes before looking down at my feet.

" It's just my old phone, It's nothing. Not even a proper gift." He shifted his feet nervously. "Look. Just keep it for emergencies?" He held out the phone to me, his lips stretched tight.

"What if I said no?"

"Oh Lord!" Akram threw his arms up in the air if he was going to throw the phone and smash it on the ground. He stumbled back a few steps and sat on the stone platform at the side of the theatre's entrance, holding the phone firmly in his fist, his head sagging down. The red flashlights from the billboards were still flickering across his face as he lifted it to stare at me.

Startled of his reaction, I froze for a second then I decided to walk back to him to fix whatever I'd damaged.

"I'm sorry," I said, sitting beside him on the cool stone with my arms crossed.

He turned his face to me slightly, still tipping his head forward. "You know I almost got killed this week?"

"W-What???!" I gasped, a painful shiver running through my body and my eyes felt like they were going to jump off their sockets.

"Or mauled at best. I thought people were exaggerating when they talked about the high crime rate and the dangerous streets of New York. I've just learned I was wrong." He shrugged.

My chest felt too narrow to contain my racing heart , trying to imagine what could had happened to him and trying NOT to imagine what had happened!

"Oh God! Akram!" I shrieked. I laid my hand on his shoulder then I pulled it back instantly in order not to cross the line. I brought them up to cover my mouth instead and gulped.

My face must've looked like I was struck by lightning because his frown softened and his eyes radiated warmth once more.

"I'm fine, Mel. I didn't want to scare you but this started at your shop. You have to be careful! "

"What!...what happened?" I asked with a muffled voice.

"I was so naive. Some girl came to my table and asked me nicely to donate money for a children's orphanage." He turned to place the cell phone on the stoney space between us and rubbed his palms against his jeans.

Vivian!... Vivian!... Vivian!...Vivian!

A siren started blowing inside my head! Or was it a few blocks away? It didn't matter but this sounded too familiar to ignore! It was her! He didn't owe me! I didn't even need to ask! It was her!

" She begged me to go with her to visit the children because nobody cared and it would mean a lot to them if someone did. She said it's only five minutes, so I agreed. I even bought some candy." He snorted and ran a hand through his hair, avoiding my eyes as if he was ashamed of it.

Now I'm sure there was whistling in my ears and I felt a bit lightheaded. Obviously, I held my breath for too long! No words came to me at the moment! Not one word!

"I walked along and she stopped in front of a building on a side road. She asked me to wait until she gets me a permit and she disappeared inside. I waited but..." He let out a breath, scratched his eyebrow as he shook his head. " God, I was so stupid!"

Without thinking, I found my hand moving to wrap my fingers around his forearm- probably a substitute for a real hug. My fingers must've felt too cold against his warm skin because he shuddered and covered it gently with his left hand.

"She never came back, but someone else did. I'm guessing they're together I... was threatened and mugged in broad daylight," he hissed. His head fell again, his fingers absently soothing the back of my hand that was resting on his arm .

" God! Did he hurt you?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"I'm fine, but I can't just leave knowing this is a possibility. I won't be able to sleep before I know you're safe! Please just take it!" He said, his tone vehement.

A few seconds ticked past and then I sighed. Hesitantly, I pulled my hand to pick up the phone and charger off the stone surface of the platform " You know, I never had a cell phone before. I didn't think I need it," I stated, a bit embarrassed. "But thank you anyway." I unzipped my purse, dropped the phone inside and zipped it back. Clenching my hand on the strap around my shoulder, I looked up and gave him a half-hearted smile. I just wanted to do anything for him right now.

He sighed in relief. "You're welcome. Please, keep it charged just in case." He overstated his request by holding his hands together.

"Alright, I will."

His perfect smile lit up his face and I tried to avoid his compelling effect on me, turning my eyes away to look at the passing cars eating the ground and polluting the air with their toxins. I've always hated these monstrous creatures. But luckily, I was not in the mood to start nagging at means of transportation right now. Besides, the reflection of the headlights complemented Akram's face and brought out the color of his eyes so I shouldn't complain.

"Can I walk you to the café?" He asked with real enthusiasm. "This way we don't have to worry about the traffic. We'll most likely get there faster." His smile faltered a little bit and he raised his hand to shove his hair back.

The lie I'd told him before about Asha being my roommate came rushing into my mind and this time I couldn't argue. I only hoped she would still be there to make my lie more plausible.

"Sure. Why not? " my lips turned up, trying to look at ease.

Time ran out too fast as we sauntered to the café, chatting about trivial things along the way. He asked about my favorite things and what I liked to do in my free time and I realized I didn't have many hobbies beside reading and watching movies which is what we mostly talked about.

He talked a little about his music and how he couldn't finish any piece he'd started writing. It seemed like it frustrated him, but he didn't make a big deal out of it. He just made me more eager to listen to him play. No doubt he was an amazing piano player, as amazing as everything else that he was.

He talked about his family - Father, a neurosurgeon - Mother, a teacher. His baby sister meant the world to him and he had an older half-brother whom he hadn't met for a couple of years.

When he asked about my family I kept it short, telling him I didn't remember them and that I didn't want to talk about it. He respected my wishes, apologized and promised he wouldn't ask again. I was relieved. I didn't want to lie to him more than I already had.

It was the way he held my hand that seemed awkward during the silent moments. Yeah, friendly for sure, but in spite of the incredible sensation sparked by the warmth of his touch, his dedication to not once disengage our fingers was far-out. Like he weren't ready to let go. Or it could just be me, projecting my feelings. Because that was exactly how I felt when we arrived in front of the café; bummed out that the night was over and that we had to leave, each to a different place. Uncertain of the next meeting or if there were other meetings destined for us.

I wasn't ready but I had to. I had to give up the magic before the clock tolled at midnight. I had to return to being the forgotten, tatterdemalion Cinderella.

We stopped, a short distance from the doorway as there were still customers coming in while I could recognize Asha's petite figure through the florescent-lit glass front. She was standing behind the counter, preparing to go home after her weekly Friday night shift. That was a load off my mind. I was able to get away with my lies this time.

While we came to a standstill , Akram turned toward me, a strange expression spreading over his face, -Was it chagrin? - my hand still encased in his grip.

"I'm selfish and greedy... can I ask for another favor?" He asked, his forehead creased.

"Anything."

"Text me once every night before you sleep. Let me know you're home safe. I saved my number."

"I will."

He reached his other hand to embrace mine between his palms as he did the first time we went out together , locking his fathomless gaze on my eyes.

My thoughts were suspended...

My heartbeat increased in anticipation...

My mouth went dry like a desert...

The delightful buzz was too tangible this time I could almost taste it in my mouth!

Oh my! Is it possible he will......?!

I stopped breathing as he took a step closer, leaning in with his face. He pulled my hand up, brushed it softly with his lips and watched my dumb reaction as my eyes popped and my mouth fell open like a complete loon.

"W-Why did you do that?!" I asked, my face burning with the rush of heat that broke out into my cheeks.

A grin consumed most of his handsome face.

"Because I can." His voice rang like a beautiful tune, " I'm so grateful for tonight. "

"Me too. " I said, breathless.

" Take care, please. "

"You too."

" Good night." He stood still for another minute, scanning my face and hugging my hand in his and then he released it, turned around and walked away.

******

So Akram is leaving tomorrow :(
That's going to be a long summer !!!

How do you think Melody is going to survive?

*Do you think Vivian is going take advantage?

*Now as you know what happened between Akram and Viv. Do you think Akram was too gullible?

*What's your favorite part in this chapter? (Unless it was too boring ;)

*What do you think Vivian is up too next?

I hope you Enjoyed the chapter. Please share your thoughts or any helpful feedback if that's ok.

Love you ♥♥