WOES OF ROSE

CHAPTER 3

I stood outside the terminal, my luggage sitting by my legs, regretting the decision of not keeping warmer clothes in my hand carry. I looked among the people for someone with my name on their card, cursing myself more because of cold weather.

I am wearing shades to hide my red puffy eyes and eye bags. Trying not to give my hosts nightmares.

I tip toe to see if someone is behind the crowd of eager faces looking for their loved ones.

I felt something push me disturbing my balance. I shut my eyes waiting for the impact of ground to hit my body..... which never came. There is warmness on my waist. I open my eyes to see who my knight in shining armor is... All I see is a sharp jaw line... The person is dressed in 3 piece suit which seems familiar....

No. nonononononononono. Please let it not be him... Please Allah..

The hand is removed from my waist

"Young lady, can you try to not bump into me every time you see me." The same coal black eyes are looking into me.

I gulp. What should I do? Apologize? That would be third time in the last twenty four hours. Then what? Blame him? What? No? Maybe I should go with apology. But he also saved me.

GAHHHHHHH

"I am sorry."

"It's okay" he replied nonchalantly, brushing his suit.

If it's okay then why bother to lecture me.

Just then, I spot my name template "FATIMA ZAHRA ZAIDI"

"It was nice to meet you. I got to go." I said hastily, Picking up my luggage.

Bad idea, It was too heavy and I fall again. Not on the ground. No, no, no, no. Right into the arms of stranger with black eyes. Can't he just let me fall. I don't mind getting hurt but being misunderstood for hitting up on him. God, I hate him.

"May I help you?" Shit. No. I cannot let him. I will just call the chauffeur or whoever is here to pick me up.
"No, you may not. My escort is here. I will just ask him. Thanks though."

"Who is it?" he said tiptoeing to look for it.

"Does it matter? You can go." I said walking away. Damn, is he clingy.

I reach the chauffeur.

"Who are you sent by?" I enquire, because even if he's practically holding my full name, I don't want to end up somewhere wrong, or worse... kidnapped.

"Mr. Mohammad Ali." He replied without any trace of emotion on his face.

"Great. I am Fatima. The person you are here to pick up. My stuff is over there, would you mind helping me?" I requested.
"Of course." He said mechanically. Maybe he is a robot. I hypothesized.

Or.. Maybe not. I said as his expressions changed drastically as he saw something, I followed his eyes to see what shocked him so much only to meet those charcoal eyes again. What with him? I thought. My inner detective stimulated.

I sat there in observation mode as the chauffeur or whoever he is ran to Mr. Charcoal eyes.

"Sir! You are back!" Ummmm.. I am a bit confused. Why my chauffeur is so happy seeing him? What kind of reunion am I witnessing? Shit. I hate being so confused.

"Hey, bud. What is up?" As Mr. Charcoal eyes greeted him. Bud? Sir? I narrowed my eyes . What is going on? I decided to but in.

"Ummm, those are my bags if you would please help me." I said pointing to my flowery bags.
"YOU ARE HERE TO PICK HER UP?" Black eyes go wide.