To think that life was easy, it was so wrong. Savannah realized how naive she was as a little girl, always been spoiled by her parents and relatives. As she grew older, she began to feel more understanding.
The more she aged, the more weight of responsibilities being put on both her shoulders. Imagining about it was a lot easier than actually experiencing it.She began to understand.Even her now cold feet was nothing compared to the things await her in the future. It was only the beginning of her tales. People say that real-life begins right after someone graduated high school. They were not so wrong after all.The magnificent castle she built in her head, consists of the things she wanted to achieve suddenly just vanished in a matter of seconds. It went downhill starting right after she turned eighteen.Hardships in life didn't make her falter anymore. She was so used to take care of things carefully. Mistake after mistake made her learn little by little.She had learned to calculate everything she had done carefully. But, humans are still humans after all. She sometimes still got things wrong.Like now, she certainly didn't consider that today would rain, or did she? Maybe, she was too caught up preparing for everything that she forgot to bring the umbrella.Pedestrians around her were hurriedly looking for shelters as soon as the rain started pouring down. Some taking out an umbrella, and the small part of those people chose to challenge the cruel little drops.She was one of those small parts. Though, she began regretting it. Had she waited a little longer, surely this wouldn't have happened.The rain started pouring down with no mercy as soon as she exited the front gate of a company she had applied to. Going back inside wasn't a choice at the moment. She would just add a little work to the cleaning service there due to her wet attire.Looked like a wet dog in the middle of some neat, sophisticated company employees didn't exactly sound pleasant at all.In her opinion, her house was quite near. But, it felt like hours. Rain and cold started to chill her bones, almost feeling like it was freezing up her entire body. She felt numb and a bit dizzy, nevertheless she continued to walk. A few more minutes and she would be cocooned in the warmth she yearned.A sudden huge splash of water caused by a car hitting the pooling rain made her jump in surprise. The coldness creeping in her body made her temporarily stood still. She gritted her teeth at the shiny looking black car that passed by, then shaking her head.She continued to walk, however, after some time, she began sneezing, but still adamant about moving her seemingly reluctant legs. She wiped her wet nose, pinched it quite hard to hold the sneezes, although she failed to do so. Savannah was sure she would be hella sick in the morning.She didn't even see it as her body hit something in front of her, making her stumbled and fall. The body sprawled pathetically on the floor as she still held into her little purse. She snorted and continued lying on the pavement.Now, she didn't really care anymore if she would be a frozen statue. She chuckled lightly in her poor state. Seemingly she didn't even have the strength to stand up, or even walking to her home. She felt like a dolphin being outside the water right now.No doubt, she looked crazy to anyone if they ever saw her in this position. But who cares, she had accepted it a long time ago the fact that she was probably insane.Savannah slowly closed her eyes. She just wanted to sleep as she didn't get much sleep last night. Getting out of the house while she was sick didn't help either. Her body wasn't so fragile, maybe it just reached the breaking point in which she should get some rest.In her closed-eyes state, she was sure she hit a tree that the little drops were blocked by leaves above. That explained the lack of water attacking her face.Savannah just smiled bitterly. She enjoyed the rain, but she was also tired. A little sleep wouldn't hurt, right?Just then, suddenly...Slap!Savannah's eyes gasped open only to meet the eyes of a curious child. A little boy holding an umbrella.In her blurry eyesight, she could almost saw a quite tall man behind the little kid, scolding his behavior. Great! Savannah thought sarcastically. A slap to be added to the list of an already bad day.She faintly heard the tall man asked if she was alright. She numbly nodded before closing her eyes again.Savannah felt her body being lifted to the air. A moment later, she was placed in a leathered area, seemingly the seat of a car.A realization hit her like a ton of bricks. Her eyes snapped open as they widened."W-what?" She uttered through chattering teeth. Her hands rubbing her eyes.The man's gaze turned towards her and in a matter of seconds, she felt two chubby hands holding her cheeks."Oh, she is awake!" The voice said excitedly. She heard some scoldings before the hands in her cheeks were gone. Warm tea was shoved into her lap."Are you alright, Miss?" The man asked her carefully. His dark eyes scrutinizing her entire figure."W-where a-am I?" She shakily asked, looking around."I found you almost unconscious in the middle of the street." He told her. And that did sound so embarrassing. She looked away to hide her embarrassed face."O-oh." Came her short reply. She inhaled the warm air before the figure of a smiling, the excited little boy entered her sight."If you don't mind, may I ask where do you live? I suppose you are not in a condition to walk on your own, much less under the rain." He asked while explaining his cause. That made her realized just how formal he sounded. To add to that, he was also wearing a black suit that screaming how wealthy-looking he was.Right at the moment, Savannah decided that maybe it was safe to give away her address to a stranger. She understood she wasn't in a condition to walk, or even fight a robber. If anything were to happen, she would just kick him where the sun doesn't shine. Yeah, that would definitely work.Savannah slowly sipped on her given warm drink after she thanked the man. He just gave her a small formal nod, then went back focusing on the road.From where she gave up walking to her house, she admitted that her house was rather near. Only three to four hundred meters and she would be arriving at home. That was why they only need a few minutes to arrive at her front door.She forced a smile to her numb face and opened the car's door before an umbrella was shoved into her hands. Savannah frowned and argued that she didn't know how to return it back.Her house had a quite large lawn, but she didn't mind getting in the rain again as her body had regained some energy back."You can take it, or if you insist to return it back to me, I would give you my phone number." Savannah just nodded, sure the man was so persistent to get things his way. Nevertheless, she was so thankful that he was such a gentleman. He began scribbling down his number in a small paper, then handed it to her, which she accepted with a thankful smile.She thanked the man once again and was about to walk before a voice made her stop in place. The little boy's excited voice from the backseat. "Pretty Lady! You forget to pay for taxi money."Savannah's mind went blank for a moment.This man was a taxi driver who took advantage of unconscious people lying in the rain? Savannah scrunched her face. That just sounded wrong! Maybe helping people was more of the right terms.She knew she should be grateful for that, or she could've been dead somewhere, but also couldn't deny the annoyance gnawing at her feeling. She took a glance at the car's top and true, there was a taxi sign being put there.She sighed and rummaged her purse for some money before handed it to the little boy."What are you doing?" A voice made her jump in surprise.The man frowned and gave the little boy a disapproving look. He began apologizing for his behavior, sending Savannah a sorry look. He explained that they were no taxi driver and that the little boy was only kidding.The little prankster smiled cheekily the whole time while giggling. When Savannah finally looked at him, he held up a peace sign and gave her a cute smile. The sight of the five-year-old boy with blonde curls smiling at her was truly adorable.Savannah just sighed and gave him a genuine smile back. She somehow wanted to pat the boy's head but refrained from doing so as she was very cold and wet. She didn't want him to feel the coldness.Savannah's gaze finally was back to the older man, now noticing how attractive he actually looked. His prominent jaw and chiseled face compliment his seemingly strict figure. Dark intimidating eyes and soft blonde hair looked quite an odd combination, but it still didn't manage to hinder how a perfect being he was.Then, Savannah realized something. She smiled, "I am very thankful that you kindly had helped me, Sir. I hope that I can repay your kindness one day. If you don't mind, may I know your name?"His face didn't give away much emotion. That made Savannah thought that maybe he didn't want to tell his name. Savannah just sighed mentally and was about to excuse herself when he finally uttered the name that sent her in a frozen state once again."Lucas Hernandez," he said as his dark eyes completely focused on her.Savannah was sick the next morning. She was sneezing badly and felt weak to her entire body. Her cousin, Janette Easton was beside her, currently taking care of her.Savannah was thankful that she had such a caring cousin. She couldn't have asked for the better one.Yesterday, as soon as that man muttered his name. Savannah just flew from the scene, practically throwing him his umbrella back without saying other words. He was a bit confused, but she didn't care.Savannah just sighed as she sneezed again.Janette had forced her to drink the warm water she had just taken from the kitchen, while Savannah grumbled about not being thirsty anymore. Janette set the glass down after she was satisfied that Savannah had drunk half of it.Janette proceeded to sit beside her, now began mumbling about her three years of boyfriend, Brandon Williams."He canceled another date yesterday," Janette grumbled. "You know what? I honestly
Savannah came to work on Monday morning. She had spent her entire weekend reading about their work contract, over and over again. She was just so excited to work there. This was the first time she worked at another company that wasn't her father's, and what made it more amazing was the fact that Techno Inc. was one famous company.Peeking a little at the glassy and shiny door, Savannah tried to hold the grin that threatened to spread across her face. She scolded herself a little and told herself to act normal before they think that she was insane.She arrived too soon in the morning, but she didn't really care. It gave her more time to inspect the magnificent tall building in front of her.As soon as she satisfied inspecting the building, she carefully began entering it. It was still so silent, only a few people were inside. Some glanced at her, then went back to whatever they were doing, and some were didn't really care.To say Savannah w
Savannah came to work like yesterday. She had gotten to know a few employees there and greeted them this morning, including Andrew. She had a particularly good feeling about him, that he was to be a good partner at work just fine.Savannah began to scribble down some notes. The secretary had given her the schedule of some people that going to have a business talk with their boss. She remembered that he was going to show up at the office today, and she made sure to make a great first impression.Savannah was scanning the schedule as her ears suddenly caught the sound of the commotion, people were scattered around trying to get in their place.Savannah looked up to find a familiar figure in the entrance, his eyes seemed strict and calculating as he gazed at everyone. The sound of his shoes hitting the floor was resonating in the room as the other employees busying themselves with their work, hoping that they won't get scolded.Lucas Hernande
A week was enough to get used to the situation in the office: Mr. Hernandez sudden inspection of some undisciplines, fired employees, and some threats. Though, he didn't do the inspection often, he somehow managed to know which employee that didn't obey to his rules.Rules were made for a reason, and in this company, they were made to develop it into a better one by the good human resources.She had gotten to know Andrew better around that week, taking his offer to have lunch together and some coffe after work. At times, he even came into the office and brought her a cup of coffe so that she wouldn't feel sleepy at work. Savannah was grateful for that.Savannah looked around as she searched for a certain tall figure. After satisfied that he wasn't around, she began to open her phone and made a video call to a certain person.She had just done her task and was free at the moment. She expected to have
Savannah prepared herself the next for two days, looking for an excuse, but her mind came up with nothing. So, she told herself just to go with the flow.They were having a trip to another city nearby, who knew maybe she could mutilate and feed his remains to the wolves somewhere? Savannah chuckled at her own dark thoughts, shaking her head.That was until Andrew came and pulled her out of her own little world, staring at her thirsty expression weirdly. He immediately shoved the cup of coffee into her hands, which she accepted with a small surprised smile.He was like a coffee buddy for her."Good luck with your first business trip for this company," Andrew said, patting her shoulder. Savannah raised her eyebrow, muttering a small, "thanks."She was in sitting on the sofa, waiting for the boss to pick her up. A bag consist of her necessity was packed neatly beside her feet.Andrew nodded at her and got inside his own
Savannah's eyes shot open in alarm. She couldn't move her body! Still, in her slightly sleepy state, she tried again to thrash around, forcing what seemed to be a heavy, weight off her body.Savannah stopped for a moment, she blinked her eyes to adjust to the faint light coming from the dashboard car. As her eyes finally regained its eyesight back, she frantically looking around.Suddenly, a loud scream was heard throughout the entire region, scaring a few birds away as they flew from the trees nearby.Mr. Hernandez's own eyes shot awake upon the noise, he immediately went into action as he frantically exited the passenger seat and forced open the car backseat.Two people stumbled out of the car, Savannah luckily was on top of the much bigger man, so that her small frame wouldn't get crushed.Savannah groaned as she tried to stand up. The man below her struggled to pull his body up as well, looking at the two people in front of him wi
It was growling viciously while munching on whatever that was in its mouth. Even Mr. Hernandez had to take a step back. Once the whole thing was swallowed, the attention was immediately on them, it began to walk forward calculatingly, making them couldn't help but backed away.Out of nowhere, the beast suddenly lurched toward the unsuspecting Savannah, almost knocked her down into the ground. In the end, she still fell to the ground due to shock. She screamed loudly.Mr. Hernandez's eyes widened as he tried to approach them, wishing that he could do something before it ripped Savannah's flesh out. He directed the lamp at them carefully.Only to find something unexpected.Savannah was giggling while the huge wild cat in her lap purred at her excitedly. Mr. Hernandez breathed out a sigh of relief. He was about to get a heart attack at the thought of witnessing one of his employees be a dish to the vicious animal.As he slowly appr
Savannah woke up to find that she was placed in the passenger seat and the car was speeding fast. The hobo man even had gotten a bag of snacks, popping the content to his mouth while he fed the cat as well.Savannah was offered the bag of snack by Mr. Hernandez, saying that they couldn't stop by a restaurant due to not wanting to be late. Savannah accepted it, nodding.Mr. Hernandez had walked by himself this morning to buy fuel from a nearby village. Savannah was sleeping, so was the hobo man. He didn't want to wake up them. He had gotten them a few snacks as well to fill their empty stomach.He also thought that Savannah would be safe with him. Not that he trusted him. He just felt that he wouldn't dare to try anything.As for the cat, let's just say he tried to get rid of it after he had gotten the fuel. The little thing was meowing loudly, clawing at his suit that it woke up the hobo man. He instantly clutched the cat protectively in h
The bustling activities outside didn't manage to disturb a man and a woman as they stayed inside the car.While the woman's eyes occasionally roamed around; as though she was searching for someone, the man behind the steering wheel would look at her before he followed her gaze. He clasped his hands together to cushion his head as he leaned back in a relaxed manner.Lucas enjoyed the atmosphere that he couldn't help but close his eyes for a short while. When he opened them again, he turned his head, finding his vague reflection in the car window staring back at him.His hair had turned slightly white on certain parts while his skin had gotten some wrinkles. He had aged a lot, considering it had been more than ten years since he made that promise."What makes them take so long?" The middle-aged woman's eyes still kept on looking out, staring at the high school young boys and girls outside.L
Savannah had been having trouble sleeping lately. She kept on having a dream about the little blonde boy, who somewhat distinctly familiar to her.She thought that she knew him.As soon as the realization set in, Savannah couldn't help but find it inconceivable. She had woken up from that dream again, sat up, and froze on the place as her mind raced.A moment later, a perturbed look appeared on her face. She couldn't help from biting her nail.Various emotions attacked her at once; bewilderment, disbelief, sadness, and finally a little guilt. She sorted her thoughts, and gradually calmed down.That's right. She would meet with Lucas tomorrow. If she didn't solve this knot, which somehow had haunted her in the past too; she wouldn't feel assured.As the time for their meeting slowly approached, Savannah prepared for her clothes; the red long-sleeved ruffle blouse combined with the black long trousers. She picked something simple.She w
Savannah didn't want to talk to Lucas, so she avoided him.She had this vague, uncertain subconscious since she had gone back here. Seeing him and that woman who claimed to be Sofia Dawson, bringing a somewhat uncomfortable feeling.It was frustrating, yet she didn't understand why. No, it wasn't jealousy.She didn't like Lucas that way. The two's relationship was what should be professional between work partners.This frustration was akin to an itch that she couldn't scratch, something she couldn't put her finger on. Yet, she had the feeling that it existed.What is this?A blurry, vague memory surfaced amidst the chaotic mind. Savannah didn't remember exactly, but she had an inkling that it was somehow related to Lucas. She found his face a little familiar.She had brushed it off as the face of a hateful someone who had arrogantly gone against his parent
Sofia carefully knocked on Lucas's office room, her heart somehow felt uneasy. She waited outside Lucas's door after she knocked three times."Enter." The voice that neither warm nor cold rang out. Sofia swallowed silently and pushed open the door.She found Lucas was sitting on his chair as usual with a languid expression. His indifference caused her pupils to shrink. This lukewarm attitude made her somewhat at a loss. She could only bit her lips as she suddenly had a foreboding.However, as soon as that thought entered her head, she shook it off. Wishing that the worst possible scenario in her head won't happen."You called me, Sir?" Sofia asked, she didn't dare to sit without him telling her to. She didn't know what to do."Yes," Lucas nodded without looking up. Then, he gestured with his hand. "Sit."Sofia felt slightly better. This way, her nervousness wouldn't be easily noticed."You may not expect this when I called you here."
It was a little girl with blonde hair around the age of five, someone he had only faintly remember. Yet, now that memory had gradually turned clear.Lucas was standing in a daze, looking at the photo in his grasp with disbelief. How could it be here...?The grandma's words drilled themselves into his mind. Repeating like unending waves. The photos of Amara's mother. It was Savannah.But, how could she look so different now? The current Savannah had the hair of light brown while the little girl named Sofia Dawson had blonde hair."Is this Savannah?" Lucas's words came out abruptly.The grandma looked startled at Lucas's reaction, then tentatively nodded with slight confusion."It was one of the photos of my granddaughter." She didn't address how Lucas called Savannah by her first name. Are they that close?Lucas's hand was trembling slightly as he stared unblinkingly at the figure in the photo. It was a girl sitting on a sofa, unaware
"Let's go." Adrian dragged him excitedly after he exited the car, tugging on his sleeves.Lucas followed the kid's lead as he carefully walked to the familiar house. Adrian had been nagging him to bring him to visit Savannah's house. He couldn't help but give in to the little boy's endless chattering.He knocked to the tightly closed house. For a moment doubting whether there were people in the house or not. He waited. When none was answering, he knocked once again.The one opening the door wasn't Savannah as he somehow expected her to be. It was an old lady with hair fully white. A kind expression on her face as she regarded Lucas with a surprised look.After a moment, he noticed Adrian who was anxiously hanging on Lucas's arm. She smiled kindly at the little boy."Are you coming here to visit Amara? I heard from Janette that Amara has gotten a friend lately." She then moved her attention to Lucas. "And who is this gentleman? Are you the kid's fat
Lucas didn't even know how he must feel right now. His eyes kept on glancing at the phone screen, with a slight shocking feeling that wasn't also quite a shock.It was a piece of news that just randomly popped up since he just casually typed on his phone. Yet, he was the only one that knew what it took to search for such news that would probably bring him more complications.It was the news about Savannah. Lucas knew he shouldn't have to get privy to her affairs, but somehow there was something inexplicable that caused him to do so."Are you alright?" Andrew dumped a few files on the table, his eyes accidentally swept past Lucas' phone on the table and the website of news that hadn't been closed yet.
"Are you alright ... Lucas?" Sofia's soft voice sounded out, stiffly calling his name. Lucas snapped him out of his daze.Lucas looked up to meet Sofia's beautiful face. He found out that she was a rather simple girl after Lucas had caught up with the things regarding her.She always wore simple clothes, the long-sleeved white blazer combined with the black skirt that went down her knees. She also acted more like a quiet girl next door.Lucas looked at her and nodded, he didn't speak anything. Right now, unlike last time that Andrew was sticking and interrupting the two. They were walking side by side of each other in the rather comfortable afternoon, right after they had a meal together.They went to the bookstore as per Sofia's request."Do you have something in mind that's bothering you?" Sofia tilted her head to the side, making her looked more lovely as she voiced her concern. "If you want to talk about it, I am always available."Lucas
Andrew ended up going with the two of them, Lucas and Sofia, nonchalantly squeezing a place and put himself in between the man and the woman with an oblivious expression. Lucas didn't react at that."You can order whatever you find fancy on the menu." Lucas kindly said to Sofia, who was looking rather awkward.Andrew looked at the two and just shook his head, pretending to be innocent. Lucas threw him a glance, making Andrew almost jumped from his seat. However, the man just continued to put on the same oblivious expression as if he didn't know anything.Lucas also found it hard to understand what Andrew was thinking."Alright. Thank you." Sofia said softly, glancing at Lucas before returning her attention to the menu in her hand.Lucas was about to raise his hand and called the waitress when Andrew suddenly spoke. "Savannah, and isn't this Janette? It's a coincidence to meet the two of you here. How about we have lunch at the same table?"L