CHAPTER 3

The sun was blazing and so was the wind blowing. It's just a normal November afternoon down in Azores.

Isaac loved everything about the state except its weather. He would've left, four mouths ago, but the thought of that girl…

Bella. He mumbled to himself, staring absently at the swaying grasses.

He had gone back to the club in Ghufti countless times over the months, even postponing departing on that day just to hear from her, but, she never called.

The club informed him that she's just an on call good-time girl, didn't really work there so they couldn't give much information about her.

He had retrieved the coat which she had left behind to be given back to him so there's literally no hope about she contacting him.

He had thought about every possible reason why she wouldn't reach out to him but just decided to belive she lost the card even though he believed that that was very unlikely.

But he still visits the club hoping to meet her or perhaps miraculously run into her which was why he's still in Azores.

Why was he so interested in her?

She just captured his mind that night and he had to meet her again to truly understand what it was about her that captivated him.

A group of three students approached the tree he's sitting under, having snacks with a lecturer.

It's the state's university's social week and a great deal of students gathered at the arena having fun. Being a party man himself, he couldn't afford to miss it given he's invited.

"Uh, hello." One of the students, who seemed like the leader, said.

Isaac didn't respond but rather left the lecturer to deal with them.

"Yes?"

"Good day to you both, uh, we actually came to seek a favour from the young Sir." He referred to Isaac.

"What could it be?"

"We are undergrads, there's a play we've been working on for a project, we'd be honoured to have you both at our rehearsals this weekend."

"The rehearsals? Not even the event?"

"No, uh, both, Sir. We'd appreciate your words of encouragement and corrections, you're a senior lecturer of art and…"

Isaac zoned out of their talk as he tried to focus his eyes on a group of students trooping towards a minibus.

The night was drawing in and the population was depleting gradually. The lady in a hoodie and jeans who'd caught his attention waited to get on and a sideways glance towards his direction was all it took to pull him from his seat.

"Where's the car? Jonas!" He called out and the bodyguard came jogging almost instantly. "The key!" He demanded.

"I'll go bring _"

"Give me the keys dammit!" He plucked it from Jonas's hand and hurried towards his car.

It's been forever since last he drove so it took him a short while to get moving and the bus was already on the road.

He sped towards and overhauled it, forcing the bus to stop as he pulled up in front of it. He got out of his car and so did the bus driver.

"Is there a problem?" Asked the driver, obviously irritated.

"There's someone in your vehicle whom I'd like to meet." He answered, walking towards the door which swung open as the students wanted to learn what the issue was.

Isaac stared at the few faces looking at him. "Can you step down?"

They did so and he climbed on, came face to face with the lady whose face, luckily, flashed with recognition.

"Found you." He smiled, taking a deep, satisfied breath.

"Who are you looking for?" Questioned the driver from outside.

"Can I have a word with you, Miss?"

Natalie goggled at him, bewildered. "Me?"

"Yes, you."

"O_okay." She fidgeted, grabbed her bag and followed him down.

"It's okay, you can leave." He said to the driver.

"Will you be okay Miss?" Asked the driver concerned.

"Yes, I will."

He nodded and set off.

Isaac huffed. “Where are you off to?”

“How may I help you?”

He chuckled. “Care for a quick snack?”

“I'm okay, thank you.”

“Then… where are you headed? Home? The dorm?”

“I can't tell you that.”

“Cos you don't know who I am?”

She only stared blankly at him.

“I'm Isaac, what's your name?” He opted for a second introduction.

“I… I'm Bella.”

“No, what's your real name?”

She sighed, dithered for a brief moment. “Natalie.”

He smiled. “Well Natalie, why don't we continue our convo in the car? I didn't park properly.”

She hesitated and he urged her towards the car. Jonas popped out of nowhere to get the door and he snapped at him.

“Get lost!”

He acceded and raiked away.

“Hop in, don't mind him.” Reassured Isaac.

She sucked in a breath and got in, finding him more appealing and mysterious as time goes by.

As he started the car, she couldn't help her curiosity and asked;

“Who are you?”

Obviously, the question took him by surprise. “Pardon?”

“Who are you?”

“Uh…” He relaxed in his seat, hands resting on his thighs. “Isaac, I'm Isaac.”

“No, I mean, where are you from? What do you do?”

“Okay…” He trailed off. “I've never been asked that before so I don't know how to answer it. I'll take a raincheck.”

He ignited the engine leaving her to her bewilderment. “Why didn't you contact me?”

“Where are you taking me?”

“For small chops.” He answered her.

Oh. She sighed silently.

“Answer me, Natalie.”

“I uh, I lost the card.”

“I doubt that.” He sucked his teeth. “But I'd be relieved if that's the case.”

“What other reason could there be?”

“My point exactly! ‘Why didn't she call?’ I asked myself that more than a billion times in the past four months.”

“A billion is much.” She mumbled.

“Why didn't you call?”

She gazed at him but his eyes were focused on the road with a slightly nervous expression on his face even though he tried to play calm.

“Answer me, Natalie.”

“I just told you_”

“No, I want you to be honest with me.”

She browsed her mind for an answer to give him, her silence affirming that she really didn't lose the card.

“Was I bad in bed?”

“Huh?”

He glanced at her but failed to pick her exact facial expression. “I've not had sex in forever so perhaps I sucked a big one.”

“Are you a virgin?”

“Oh shit, there goes my answer.”

“No, you weren't bad.”

“Don't try to deny it, it'll make me feel pathetic.”

“No, I'm serious. That wasn't why I didn't reach out. I'm just surprised you said you haven't had sex in forever.”

“Well, God did.” He shrugged, a relieved smile stretching his lips. “I just prefer to keep my body count low. I have an image I need to protect you see.”

“An image… hah, don't be ridiculous.”

That clearly took him off guard. “What's that supposed to mean?”

“You slept with me, the very first day you met me.”

“Exactly why I've been losing it ever since. ‘Why? Why couldn't I control myself? Why was she so irresistible? Why did I enjoy my time with her? Why would I sleep with a perfect stranger?’ I may not seem like it but I'm a man with great self-restraint. And then you didn't call me and… OMG! I literally had a runny stomach for days! I practically begged you to call me. My pride… I just couldn't understand you, I don't look poor, and I know I'm breathtaking so… why would you ditch me?!”

“So this is all because of your pride?”

“Yes, and my curiosity.”

“You're unbelievable.” She gruffed.

“Do you have any idea how many times I thought about you everyday for the past four months? You literally tormented me.”

“Well you're just another customer, so don't take it personal.”

“No, it is personal. You said it yourself, I didn't call on you, neither did I pay you a dime. So yes it wasn't business.”

It amazed her how authoritative he was, and the fact that he's so honest and confident piqued her low self-esteem. He never failed to send his point home.

“Well, what do you want from me?”

“Be my girlfriend.”