Chapter 3 Baby steps to a rebellious beginning

"Thank you for your help," I said for the tenth time since I got into my helper's car.

I knew he was a stranger, but the stranger danger warning had no effect on me. Moreover, this stranger looks harmless, and his presence spread warmth around. He had this comfortable and inviting aura.

"To be honest, I'm tired of hearing that. You've appreciated me enough," he said, his well-structured face wore a gentle smile.

"I'm sorry, I can't help it," I apologized, sending me an apologetic smile.

"Don't be," he said as his eyes darted from me to the road.

My eyes lingered on him as he focused on the road, the dim lights of the car enhanced his features. The way his hands moved the steering wheel, the way his chiseled jawline clenched as he navigated through the traffic. He was nothing like Raphael, but my mind keeps going back to Raphael.

"Where should I take you?" His question cut through my silent observation. I didn't even notice he was staring at me despite having my eyes fixed on him.

"I can't say," I shrugged. "I don't really do ice cream dates." I added shyly, perhaps because he caught me staring at him.

"That's kinda bad," he muttered.

His comment had an effect on me and I don't really know why it did. What was bad? The fact that I haven't gone on an ice cream date before wasn't weird until now.

Raphael wasn't interested in stuff like that, he only volunteered to do some of those things during the holidays because he didn't have an excuse to decline.

"I'm sorry if I disappointed you," I muttered without overthinking it.

"No, you didn't. I didn't mean it like that," he retorted as fast as he could as he pulled into the parking lot of a place i don't know yet, because everywhere was dark, punctuated by the distant streetlights glowing from afar.

"I don't know much about this place. I visit only during the holidays and I don't really go around," he explained, his tone apologetic.

Realization dawned on me and a part of me felt guilty for jumping to a conclusion. "You are not from here?" I inquired, willing to know more about my helper.

"Nah, I'm from a far away land," he said, jokingly.

"I could tell from your accent," I teased him.

"I'm Amelia, by the way. It would have been nice if I had met you in different circumstances." I introduced myself, my fingers fumbling with the seat belt.

"I don't feel the same about that. No matter where you are or how you are, it will always be nice to meet you, Amelia. I'm Miller ," he said artfully, his tongue and lips moved in sync as he made his speech.

"I don't know an ice cream spot, but I know a great place that can help you clear your mind. I go there whenever I come visiting."

"So where's this place?" I asked, loosening up myself, prepared for whatever surprise he had.

"Barcebo," he answered, pointing at the building I hadn't noticed until now.

The red and blue light of the building came into view the moment he pointed at the place. A club, of all places.

I don't even remember the last time I visited a club. Raphael made me believe clubs are for drunkards only. But do I give a fuck about Raphael? No. Do I care about what he believes? Hell no.

"Going to a club on Christmas Eve was the last thing I imagined," I said, more to myself, but Miller heard me.

"We can go to a place of your choice," he suggested.

"We are staying," I answered, confidently. The rebellious spirit in me activates.

"Are you sure about it?" Miller asked, flashing me a concerned look.

"Hundred percent sure, Milly." I answered, intentionally using a nickname for him.

His features changed slightly, but I couldn't place it. I was occupied with my desire to do everything that Raphael disliked. This would be me getting revenge on him.

Miller exited his car, elegantly walked to my side. He opened the door for me and I got out after I unfastened my seat belt. My eyes caught the sight of my dress and I mentally slapped myself. I was wearing the red dress Raphael got for me on Valentine's Day. What a shame.

Miller's hand rested on the upper part of my back as he gently ushered me towards the building. After exchanging pleasantries with the bouncer, he led me into the building and the booming music nearly ruined my eardrums. The smell of alcohol mixed with cigarettes and sweat filled my nostrils as I stepped further into the club. It was filled with different people doing their thing. Most people were dancing, while some were making out shamelessly.

Feeling conscious, I played with the hem of my dress as Miller's hand held mine as he led me deeper into the club. Finally, he halted in front of a comfortable space with the VIP tag in front of it.

"Here," he said loudly, pointing to the sofa.

"Thank you," I mouthed, having no strength to yell on top of my lungs.

As I settled down, Miller bent down beside me, his mouth moved closer to the side of my face, stopping beside my ear. "I will be right back, Amelia. Don't take anything from anyone who is not me," he said gently but firm. His words sounded like advice and a warning at the same time.

I nodded, a gesture that I understood him clearly. His eyes lingered on me before he straightened himself, leaving me with my thoughts. My eyes glued on Miller as he walked away into the crowd. He looks fit like an athlete, his face looks pretty like that of a model. He looks like someone I would see in a magazine, but he was there with me on Christmas Eve.

Quickly, he was back like he had never left. A sparkling bottle and glasses rested on his hands as he approached me.

"Planning to get drunk?" I said as he got close enough to me.

His face lit up as he smiled, and my heart beat faster than usual as I got lost in his voice. "Planning to forget everything... just for tonight" he replied.

"That makes two of us," I said as I watched him pour the liquid into the glass.

"What do you want to forget?" He asked me as he passed me the filled glass.

As I took the alcohol from him, I knew I was getting into a new phase of my life. The phase I never thought I'd live in my life. At that moment, I made a choice to forget everything about Raphael and Rachel.

With a bright smile, I answered Miller. "I want to forget everything except you, Milly."

His eyes darkened at my answer and I could feel the change of air as the tension became thicker.

"I can help you with that," he smirked as he took a shot and I did the same.