Chapter 4 IV.

"COME HERE, my beautiful niece. I have something for you."

Aunt Carlota was smiling from ear to ear as she motioned the empty seat across her. Clara strolled unenthusiastically toward her. She was about to leave for work, but her aunt wanted to discuss something.

Her aunt wanted to have breakfast in the garden. Clara did not join her.

"I've been preparing to leave for a business trip. While I'm away, I want you to focus on this." She handed a hard envelope to her.

Clara was hesitant to accept it, but she did anyway. She opened it and pulled out a printed photo of a handsome young man, probably in his late twenties. Clara blinked. Was it because of missing Fuego that she thought this man had a resemblance with him?

"That is Josef del Mar's very recent photo. He came home from the States. Look, isn't he as handsome as his father?"

Clara forced a smile.

"Yes, Auntie."

"I have included his personal information in that envelope. Learn about his interests, his hobbies, favorite food, topics, everything. I want you to make a good impression on him during your first meeting. Remember, it is very important, Clara. You won't disappoint me, would you?" Aunt Carlota smiled sweetly. That was very unlike her aunt.

She shook her head. She put the photo back inside the envelope.

"I can't wait for the day you'll make me proud, Clara." Carlota caressed her face with her red-painted nails. "I did not raise you in vain, did I?"

Clara flinched.

"When are you leaving, Auntie?"

"Tonight. I'd be away for a week or more. That depends on my transactions."

"You should take a break when you have the time, too."

"That's so sweet of my niece. By the way, you'll be late for work. Take care, okay?"

Clara nodded and stood up with the envelope in her hand. She gave Carlota a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Take care of yourself, too, Auntie. I love you."

Carlota just smiled.

Clara turned her back, a little disappointed. She had said a thousand 'I love yous' to her, but she had never heard the words come back.

It's been two weeks since she last saw Fuego. Every day, she was hoping and waiting that he'd show up in her coffee shop, but it did not happen. He did not give her hopes, but she did, anyway.

She hastily threw the envelope at the backseat of her car.

She did not like what she was feeling. It was as if a part of her was missing. She missed Fuego so bad. She wondered if she ever crossed his mind, too. He was still alive, wasn't he?

CLARA lazily closed the door of her car as soon as she got down. Then she stopped dead in her tracks as she instantly recognized the man in black, standing beside his motorcycle. He had his arms folded across his chest.

Her heart skipped a beat the moment Fuego smiled.

"Hi, " he greeted casually as if he was not gone for two weeks.

Clara thought she would cry the moment he spoke. She sauntered toward him.

"Is that really you?" she uttered.

"What? You forgot about me already? I'm hurt."

"W-where have you been?"

"Just somewhere far from here. Aren't you happy that I'm still alive?"

"You're an idiot." Clara felt relieved. Her heart did not feel heavy anymore.

"What happened?" Fuego cupped her face. There was a glint of concern in his eyes as if he sensed her sadness.

Clara flinched at the warmth of his touch.

"You won't believe me if I say I just missed you, right?" she said.

"Well, I do miss you, Clara."

"WHERE HAVE you been really, Fuego?" Clara asked. They sat in their usual place inside the coffee shop, and she made their coffee just like before.

He brought egg pies and pineapple pies for her. Clara could not remember the last time someone's effort touched her. And they both tasted so good. Clara loved the egg pie more, though.

"I'm managing a farm and a poultry business out-of-town. I got caught up with stuff, so it took me a while before-"

"When are you going back? May I come with you?"

Fuego stared at her with amusement.

"I beg your pardon, Clara."

Clara pursed her lips.

"This may sound crazy, but I want to go with you. I want to go far from here. I want to escape for a while." There was desperation in her voice.

"Escape from what?"

"From my life. Can you do that for me? If you can't, I would understand."

"Clara, " Fuego caught her tiny hand and squeezed it, "is there anything you want to tell me?"

Clara blinked to fight back the tears that welled up her eyes. Fuego was not a stranger to her anymore, but she did not have the courage to tell him what she was going through.

"I'm not ready yet. I'm sorry." She looked down.

"Hey, it's okay." He held her chin and caught her eyes. "Are you sure you want to come with me?"

She nodded like a child.

"Okay. Let's make an arrangement."

Her face lit up.

"R-really?"

"Yes." Fuego planted a lingering kiss on her forehead.

Clara closed her eyes, allowing herself to savor the sensation. No man had ever kissed her before. It was overwhelming and made her wish for more.

"PLEASE, ROSA, don't ever tell Auntie that I was away. I'll be back as soon as I can, " Clara implored. She had packed her bags. She had entrusted the coffee shop to Jennifer and Agnes. The only problem left was to keep her plan from her aunt's knowledge.

"You have been an obedient niece to Carlota all this time, Clara. This would be the first time for you to break the rules. Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me."

Clara sighed in relief and gave Rosa a hug.

"Thank you, Rosa. You're the best!"

"Promise me you'll have fun, okay?"

"I will." Clara pulled away from her.

"Take care of yourself." Rosa cupped her cheek and smiled. "Go now. The fun is out there."

Clara giggled as she walked away from her.

She met Fuego at the coffee shop, and she was surprised that he brought a pick-up truck instead.

"I thought we're going to use your motorcycle."

"With this kind of weather, I can't afford to risk your health, Clara." He took her bag and put it inside the car.

Clara could not help blushing. Fuego was all rugged and masculine, but he was one of the most thoughtful people she ever met.

"Are you good?"

"Y-yes."

"Let's go."