Blackout

NATALIA'S POV

I got my job as a teacher in Chicago High School.After years of working in a particular field I was confident they would appoint me.And thank the Lord they did!I was very thrilled when I reached home that day,I cooked lasagna for dinner,while mum made salad.Antonio was his usual self.He actually asked for milk to which my mum raised an eyebrow and I just shrugged.I couldn't believe some words from Etienne can change him so much.At these times I wish Mark was here with us.With Dad being so busy with his work Antonio needed a big brother figure.

Mark is my elder brother.He loves photography but Dad didn't like his profession.He wanted Mark to pursue his career in business management but Mark had other plans.Hence,he left home and is now currently in Africa doing research in wildlife photography.Its been months since I have spoken to my elder brother.I miss him..

Sometimes I wonder maybe Dad was too hard on him.Each of us has the rights to pursue our dream.I hope just hope that one day Dad will be rational enough to forgive Mark.

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Meanwhile,I continued my teaching.I got up at six am ,brushed my teeth and took a long relaxing bath.I dressed in skinny black jeans,with a white top and my designer blazer.I applied very little makeup,put my hair in soft curls and applied pink gloss and black mascara.Usually I don't eat much in the morning.I had coffee and moved out of my house.My Dad was getting ready for his work.I greeted my mum and dad and left.

"Take care Mum."

"You take care darling."

The morning air was fresh and cool.As I was moving out of the building I got a message from my mobile company.I rolled my eyes at their timing.Suddenly I hit myself in a hard wall and was about to fall when someone caught me.I looked up and saw green eyes staring at me intently.His hand was on my waist and I was completely pressed up against his body.We kept staring at each other.The same electricity passed through my body.What the hell is wrong with me!

He cleared his throat and left me without saying anything.My mouth was hung open.What the fuck just happen?I was completely dazed throughout my cab ride.I kept remembering how handsome he looked in his black suit and blue shirt.And Holy Moly those green eyes!But I was angry at his attitude..( Rude much!! Completely).I realized so Mr.Fancy pants leave at the same time I do..

Is it my illusion or did he looked more handsome than the last time I saw him?

I should get a grip.His behaviour was rather rude.

I reached school and did my endless work from preparing lesson plans to endless copy corrections.From that day onwards I and Mr.fancy pants meet at the same time..Sometimes he greets me politely sometimes he ignores me as if I don't exist.I was so confused by his reactions towards me.Despite of it,I kept my chin up defiantly.

One day I was late to home as my mother instructed me to buy some vegetables and bread.I returned around seven p.m.The night was beautiful in Chicago.Did I tell you how much I enjoy cab ride?I entered the elevator of my building and surprisingly I saw my hot neighbour looking dapper in his crisp suit.His face not showing any ounce of expression but his eyes were blazing.I quickly entered and pressed my floor number.After sometime the elevator's light flickered and suddenly the lights were out and the elevator stopped.

I was downright scared.I am afraid of darkness since my cousin pull a stunt on me when I was young.Scratch that,I hate darkness.I didn't realise I was shivering and tears spilled my eyes.I couldnt breathe,it was claustrophobic.

"L..l..lights."I whispered under my breath.

I heard a sharp intake of breath.

Maybe I was hyperventilating.Because a moment later I heard someone soothing me and holding me as if I'm made of china clay.

Quickly Etienne switched on the flashlight from his phone and kept whispering soothing words.I was feeling much better from the flashlight.Then I saw Etienne looking at me,concerned etching across his handsome face.I was feeling so mortified that he is watching me on my vulnerable state.

My hands were damp and clammy with sweat.Yet he didn't leave it.

We sat holding each other hands but not saying a word.After a long time (actually 5 minutes )the power came back and the elevator started. 

Both of us got up.Etienne asked me "Hey you feeling alright?"

I nodded,couldn't forming any word.A huge lump formed in my throat.He sighed and kept his arms around my shoulder.

"Come I'll drop you at your floor."He wasnt asking but rather demanding in a polite manner.I was ashamed at my weakness.So I nodded again hesitantly.He took my bags,hold my hand and dropped me till my door.

He nodded again said"Take care" and took stairs this time.I couldn't even say Thank you to him.I wiped my tears not giving away any emotions so that my parents won't be worried for any reason and went inside my home..

That whole night I kept on thinking about my neighbour.I tossed and turned in my bed.The way his eyes softened when he saw me,the way he was holding me as if I was something precious.Does he even like me?God I'm so naive.Why will a hot billionaire like him even give me a time of his day?Incase you are wondering I googled his name and got to know his full profile.

No I am not a stalker.Its just my curiosity got the best of me.He was a hearthrob and a playboy..He dates models and actress.There's no chance in hell that a man like Etienne Martin will fancy an ordinary girl like me.But a very small part inside my heart wished that maybe he would.Can't blame a girl for hoping right?With these thought I drifted off to sleep...

Hey guys!!I hope you are liking my story.Please comment and share your views.Love ya..