Chapter 3 THERR

Clara's POV

"So what are you planning on doing concerning the damage you have caused?" The handsome stranger spoke.

"I eh uh I'm" Nick stuttered, his face looking like he would burst into tears anytime soon.

"We didn't mean to do it sir. It wasn't intentional, believe me. We can't pay for the damages because this car is-is-is quite expensive" I gulped and laughed nervously.

"What?" He said and turned, irritation visible in his voice.

Finally, he faced us properly but was wearing a black mask. He was looking like a Mafia boss, with his all black leather outfit. I wondered the world he came out from. From his eyes and upper face, it looked like it was sculptured. Just that view made me conclude instantly that he was handsome.

Definitely not this world.

"What we meant to say is......" I was interrupted by his rude reply.

"Save your explanations. It won't do any good" with that, he entered his car and zoomed off.

"Rude" I frowned and turned to face Nick. A gush of relief swept over his face even with fear registered fully.

"It's okay. He's gone now. Come on, let's go, you need to go home and rest" I walked him back to the car.

"Thought I was going to die" he mumbled, finally finding his voice.

"Gosh, Nick. You act like a baby, why would you think of that?"

"Did you not see the way he was friggin dressed?! A Mafia" He pouted, stressing on the last word. I chuckled.

"You're just being paranoid. Gosh! I'm so late to my date, alright now, move the car" Nick threw me a glare and ignited the car.

*****

Finally we got to the restaurant, a small inexpensive cozy eat-out. Just what I needed to create a lovely atmosphere for I and Ted and also to ease the tension of the incident that took place on my way. Nick left immediately he dropped me and I headed towards the front door, Ted already gave me a hint on where he was seated.

When I got to the table, I saw him busy with his phone. I smiled and called out to him.

"Hey baby" I moved to peck him on his cheeks "sorry I'm late". He breathed out and gave me an angry face.

"What took you so long? I have been waiting for over an hour? I am literally now a laughing stock in front of these people"

"Chill babe, you didn't even say hi to me. Something happened on the way that caused the delay". Ted was always on the habit of making me feel less of myself, always making me feel like I don't deserve him. But I turned blind eyes to all his excesses, loving him more than he did.

"So what happened that took your precious time?" he responded not showing any smile and acting like he doesn't even want to give my story a chance. Am I a liar?

"Well....." I went on to narrate the tale that happened earlier while Ted acted so indifferent like I was talking to a rock. He was so busy with his phone.

"Are you listening Ted?" I paused when I noticed he hadn't given any listening ear.

"Yes. So you want to tell me that you met someone dressed like a Mafia boss and all the rest that happened kept you from coming here?" he asked raising an eyebrow.

"I know right? It's so crazy that I find it hard to believe myself" he mumbled something inaudible and I didn't even care to listen.

"Who brought you?" he asked after a minute of silence.

"Oh, Nick did" I beamed.

"Hmmmm" he hummed

"Ted?" I spoke up after another bout of silence. There was no reply.

"Please let's not have another fight today. We came to have a good time, please" he hesitated and heaved before speaking.

"It's not like I don't want to have a good time today, I'm stressed and something bad happened at work. That's the main reason I asked you out on a date, to spend time with my babe and ease tension", a blush crept up to my face. I took in hands and smiled.

"And that is just what will happen. And don't forget, you can always tell me anything"

"Thanks Cici"

"Anytime my love"

We really had a good time. Sometimes Ted was unpredictable, one minute he is nice, the next minute, he is rude as hell. After a wonderful dinner, he dropped a bombshell. One I had been avoiding for a while.

"Let's spend the night together Cici love. It's past nine already and I can't leave you all alone this night" he pleaded.

Hell no, I know what he wanted. And sex was something I wasn't willing to give to any guy until I'm married. 'there's no damn way I'm going home with you this night' I thought to myself before speaking up.

"Come on Ted, you don't have to worry, I'll be fine" I said nervously.

"Why?" he was beginning to get irritated.

"I have a very important meeting tomorrow with Nick's parents and we both know that when I come over, I would definitely spend longer time with you or even the whole day" he eyed me and stood up angrily.

"Ted please, at least be a gentle man for once" I held onto his hands.

"Fine. Let me walk you outside"

"Thank you" I held his hands and walked out of the restaurant.

When we got outside, he did not even give me a hug or anything. He just left without a glance.

"Call me when you get home ok?" I yelled. When he left, my shoulders dropped, this wasn't the way I was expecting my night to go but Ted would always be Ted.

Why was I still with him anyways? Love, maybe. Standing helplessly and looking around, I decided to book a cab. My phone rang.

"Hey Nick"

"Hmm C, there's something other than excitement in your voice. Tell me, how did your date go?" he said with a hint of mockery in his voice.

"Well, Ted left without a proper goodbye. And I'm still in front of the restaurant" I responded in dismay.

"What?!" he yelled over the phone "Is he out of his mind to treat a lady that way? Hold on, I'm on my way"

"No Nick, you don't have to bother. I'm about to book a ride home" I protested.

"No buts. And you're coming home with me by the way. Mom and Dad are at home already"

"Alright then"