30. More Than A Friend
Two men walked passed the gate of Louis’s mansion. They were arguing about something unknown as they reach the gate. Steven waved to announce his departure.
“Who is this other man?” The head guard stopped them as they were about to go out.
“He is my apprentice.” Steven introduced the other man to the guard.
“What is your name?” The head guard asked, staring suspiciously at the other man.
“He can’t talk,” Steven replied again.
“But he wasn’t with you when you arrived earlier, how did he come in?” The guard was speaking to Steven, but his watchful eyes were on the other man.
“I would have told you to ask him, but he can’t speak,” Steven started, his tone harsh and mocking. “However, don’t you think that question demeans you as a guard here? I mean, if you can’t account for the job for which you were hired, how should I? If you can’t tell when someone comes in, how do you think I should? After all, he couldn’t have crawled through tunnels to go in could he?”
The head guard understood the meaning behind Steven rebuking words. They were careless Indeed, they didn’t notice when the mute man went inside.
“We’re sorry for delaying you, sir. I hope you understand that we were only doing our jobs. Also, we would appreciate it if you do not mention this to the boss.” The head guard sounded pitiful as he begged.
“It’s alright. I won’t say anything to Louis as long as you don’t.” Steven replied with a complacent smirk.
“Sure sir,” The head guard replied. He stepped aside, giving room for Steven and his supposed apprentice to step out of the mansion.
Steven led Skylar to his car. He helped her settle in and drove out of the manor as fast as he could.
“That was amazing!” Skylar commented.
She thought they would get caught. Her heart almost jumped out of her chest when they were stopped by the head guard earlier.
When Steven wrapped and styled her hair, she felt uneasy, but the result was satisfying. Using several pins, Steven hid her long hair and made it look like a simple fringe.
Thankfully he had a shirt that fitted Skylar perfectly and she was lucky enough that one of Louis’s shorts fitted her too. Steven worked some wonder on her face, using wheat flour and she was transformed into someone different.
“Indeed it was,” Steven replied.
He was happy to see her smiling. Earlier, when he saw her crying his heart was pained. He wanted to do something, anything to make her happy even if that might make him incur Louis’s wrath.
He didn’t care.
Steven knew that they would escape, but he was slightly frightened when the guard stopped them. He was afraid that Skylar would be recognized by them. His fear heightened and he thought they would get caught when the head guard stopped them too.
Skylar’s feet were glued to the ground. She was shaking slightly and her hands became sweaty.
She released her breath as soon as they got out. Her heart warmed up as the cool summer breeze touched her face.
Placing her head at the window side, Skylar watched the scenery. She admired the city of Philadelphia.
Her face was all Steven could see as he drove into the city park. She was beaming and he was proud of himself for putting a smile on her face.
“Would you like some ice cream?” Steven asked as he opened the door for her to step out of the car.
“Yes please,” Skylar hopped out of the car and ran forward. She twirled around happily as she inhaled the air in ecstasy.
The scent of freedom was divine. She loved it.
Steven returned with a cup of ice cream and some chips. Skylar wanted a ride on the Ferris wheel. He accompanied her and led her to the entrance.
“Please sit with me,” Skylar pleaded. She was afraid of heights.
The Ferris wheel was her favorite part of the park. Her visit would feel incomplete without it. Every time she visits the park, Jamie would sit beside her.
“Alright,” Steven agreed.
He sat beside her and fasten the belt as the wheel came on. Skylar loved the spinning of the wheel, but as soon as it goes high, she becomes dizzy.
She dug her nails into Steven’s arm as she tried to hold him for support. The faster the wheel spun the happier she felt. However, her fear of heights was about to ruin the moment, so she grabbed his hand for support and assurance.
Steven took his time to study Skylar’s beautiful features as the wheel spun. His eyes were on her the entire ride. He noted how her lips thinned in anxiety as the wheel went higher and how her lashes fluttered in excitement at other times.
He was filled with immense joy at the jot he was able to bring to her face.
“Where else do you want to go?” Steven helped Skylar out of the wheel as soon as the ride stopped.
She smiled as she looked around happily before pointing towards the horse ride. “I’ll go over there.”
Steven accompanied her to take the ride but didn’t need to sit with her this time. He frowned as she mounted the horse and the ride moved in circles.
The height wasn’t significant like the first ride, so she wasn’t afraid, she didn’t need support or assurance.
Steven took out his phone and made videos of Skylar as she rode the wheel. He wanted to capture the happiness on her face.
Her smile is a priceless gem. He could look at her for the whole day. Steven knew then and there that he wanted to be more than a friend to her.
Louis didn’t value her anyway, it’s only a matter of time before the wedding falls to ruin, he only has to make himself available to help keep her happy, then he’ll stand a chance when she leaves Louis.
Steven checked the time as soon as he got the reminder alert that he had set, so he would take Skylar back home early. He noticed that it was getting dark.
“Sky,” He called out to her, but she was busy with the roller coaster ride. He waited for her to step out as soon as the ride was done.Original from NôvelDrama.Org.
“Skylar!” Steven called again, but Skylar was too happy. She didn’t hear him calling.
Skylar wanted to enjoy her freedom to the fullest before she returned to Louis’s hell. Steven ran forward and pulled Skylar, making her fall into his arms. He was mesmerized by her beauty.
Skylar stirred and tried to get out of his arms. Steven cleared his throat as he help her stand straight.
“It’s time to go back.”