IV.

CLARA lazily closed the door of her car as soon as she got down. Then she stopped dead on 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 she was touched by someone’s effort. 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.”