Chapter 2: Meeting fate

Rebecca's POV

I am driving along the coastal road ten meters away from our house. I always miss home after my mother's loss. I don't know how to start all over again. I can describe myself as a total mess without any direction to go.

It's been months since I last visited this lonely road. I thought I'll never pass this way again but today, I found myself going back. Weird though, I don't even understand the reason why.

A lot of things are messing in my mind right now, including the thoughts pursuing my dreams of becoming a successful lawyer in the future. I want to fight for her...protect her from someone who wanted to harm or even hurt her someday. I can't believe that my goals will only be a dream and will stay as it is, now that she's gone.

The road seemed to be an endless way whenever I look forward. I glanced at the rear mirror of my car and I could see the scenery of the ocean. It was already past two in the afternoon and the sun rose at its peak, I can even feel the hotness through the glass window of my car.

I decided to park my car beside the road. The breeze caused by the waves of the ocean greeted me when I got out. I looked far away, observing the movements of the waves as if they empathize with me and what I am going through right now. The blue sky that mirrored the ocean looked lovely to others. For me right now, it's simply dull.

I can't help but to feel bad. Why is my fate so unfair with me? While people today are smiling and happy, here I am, feeling miserable and alone. The people on the street, a kid that's playing with his playmate...Why are they still going on with their lives when I can feel that mine just stopped because of my mom's loss?

I sat down beside the road, crossing my legs and buried my face between my knees. I hugged both my curled legs as I cried hard at that time. I can feel the burning sensation of the sun on my skin but I didn't care at all. I wanted to ease the pain that's killing my whole being right now.

I was closing my eyes at that time when I felt a presence behind me. I can feel a towering shadow that blocked the hotness of the weather. I looked up and I saw a guy looking at me with a worried look. He's tall and a hottie, I would describe.

His eyes are full of depth...those alluring brown eyes and his nose is really attractive. I can see his lips moved as if he is saying something. Was he asking me about anything or what? It was the first time that I was mesmerized by someone's looks. He looked like one of the models from some guy magazines that I am always reading when I am bored.

He also has a broad, muscular body type that added to his being cool-looking. He's not too fat nor too thin. He's like a boy next door. He's just wearing a simple gray shirt and a pair of tattered jeans but he's really hot for me.

"Hey, miss? Are you okay?" I finally heard what he's trying to say. His expression is trying to show a worried look because I am all alone in this part of the road, crying like crazy.

I was surprised and awkwardly stood up, facing him. I wiped my tears with the back of my left hand and I looked down, embarrassed. I really hate it when someone will see me and think of me as the weakest person that ever lived at that moment. He stepped back but he never looked in any direction. He was as if trying to observe what I'll do next.

I honestly didn't know how to respond. I was just looking at him but I can't maintain eye contact because it's really too awkward. But, I am loving his eyes...the window of his soul that already expressed something that only my heart felt for the first time ever.

He's looking at me straight to the eyes as if anticipating me to say something.

"N-Nothing...I...have to go. Sorry." I slowly breathe out, finally avoiding his gaze. In a matter of seconds, I am already inside my car and I searched for car keys. I clumsily ran my hands along the left pocket of my jeans. I froze when I realized that I can't feel it inside. Where is it?!

"Looking for these?" I looked at my left side and I saw the man again, this time, wearing his most seductive smile as he played my keys on his hands. He tosses it high and then catches it as he chuckles. My heart beat very fast as I tried to look at him. I felt really shy, I didn't know what to do at that time.

"Yes, can I have them, please?" Trying to meet his gaze is a challenge, I should say. His mere presence is intimidating.

"It's mine, I suppose. You already left it there." His head tilted to the direction where I sat a while ago. He's grinning from ear to ear.

Jerk! What is he trying to do?

"Sorry, what?" I never hide the irritation in my tone as I look at him, arms crossed, inside my car. I am trying to avoid my sudden feeling of awkwardness and attraction towards this stranger I just met.

"You heard it right. You can go out to get it from me if you want." He grinned as if teasing me. I gave him a blank look, trying to be calm, but the feeling inside is killing me. All I got are mixed emotions. I really hope he didn't see me blushing or something.

I went out of the car, still pissed. I looked at him and he never dared stopped smiling. I hate it so much! I don't want to think that I am flirting with a stranger right now.

Ewww. Gross. But there's a part of me that's liking this feeling. I don't want to like it, though.

"L-Look, mister. I don't have time for this. I really have to go, so, please. Give it to me." I look at my keys in his hands. His facial reaction seemed to change a bit. He looked serious now.

"Why were you crying, if you don't mind?"

"If I am crying, it is none of your business." I answered, not looking at him very well. I don't want to see somebody that could change my mood.

"I don't want you to cry, baby girl. Here." He chuckled as he opened his hands. I can see my keys at the center of his palms. I noticed that he's trying to read me and my every reaction and being very amused about it. It's like observing what I'll do next. Oh, I'm so dead.

Wait a minute, what did he call me?

" You're annoying, I didn't even know your name," I muttered. I got the keys on his hands right away.

I hurriedly went back to the front seat of my car when suddenly, he stopped me by holding my left hand.

"Gavin Jenkins." He said, smiling. He's holding my hand but in a swift motion, he was able to hold it as if we're doing a handshake. Wow. That's kind of fast. I tried to get my hands out of his touch but he firmly held it tight.

"Baby girl, it will be kind of you to tell me yours, too." He cheerfully answered.

"You wish." I successfully pulled my hands off his tight grip. Gosh, I hope he didn't feel the sweat that's coming out because I feel so shy.

"Is that your name?" He laughed. I gave him an irritated look.

"You're more beautiful when you're kinder."

"Sorry to hurt your cute ego but I do not talk to strangers."

"I already gave my name. In fact, you're much of a stranger to me." He said, smiling. I can see that he is putting both of his hands on the side pockets of his jeans.

"I do not disclose my name to those people I barely know. I'm sorry."

"You're kinda weird. Very well then." He said, shaking his head but I can still see his charming smile. Although I am not looking at him, I am sure I caught his full attention.

"I hope I will see you again soon. Don't cry, okay?"

"You're terrible." I went into my car and swiftly drove past him. I can see through the side mirror that he's still waving as if saying goodbye. He's still smiling. I rolled my eyes and tried focusing on the road. I am annoyed mostly but then, why am I feeling relieved and happy all of a sudden?

Who are you, Gavin?