"ARABELLA MADRIGAL"

*"WHAT did you say earlier that we live in the same village?" after a long silence that was what Daniel heard Ara ask. 

Daniel was unable to help but smile. 

Despite the obvious annoyance that Ara feels for her, the tone of her voice is still very sweet to him. 

"As I have said, long story," he replied as the beautiful smile on his lips seemed to be permanent. 

Ara released a burst of dry laughter. "You can explain it to me now, we still have a long time to travel, maybe by that time you will have finished explaining," Ara insisted. 

Daniel felt in the tone of Ara's voice that she was curious and she really wanted to know the truth so thoroughly he decided to give her what he asked for. 

"So, you bought Mrs. Gonzales' house?" she told him. "It's been for sale for a long time, we thought it could not be sold," was Ara's only comment. 

"Mama really wants us to move here to Manila," he added. "You, did you grow up here in Manila?" he asked in a friendly tone. 

"Yes, I grew up here so I know almost everyone who lives in our village," Ara replied, now in a more polite tone and secretly Daniel liked it. 

"Listen, about what happened between us, I want to apologize," Daniel finally thought of saying. 

When she turned to face Ara for a while he saw the astonishment in her beautiful face. She stared at him as if measuring whether he was serious about what he said or just joking. 

"W-What?" all he heard that escapes the young lady's lips. 

"I'm sorry if you were embarrassed because of me. If you were called to the Guidance Office," that was true inside him. 

He knew that Ara was so angry with him because of the embarrassment she had experienced, as well as the fact that she had been called to the Guidance Office, so he apologized to her. But if anything happened between the two of them that he did not regret and he would never apologize, that was the kiss. 

That's true. 

And he has to admit that he is not satisfied yet, he wants to kiss Ara again many times, over and over again. And if he can promise himself something, that is the assurance that at least once, he will never repeat what he did in that kind of way. 

He meant that just in case he ever had a chance to kiss Ara again, it will be in the way they both wanted. He did not force her or they were not in a bad situation like what happened to them before. 

Ara did not answer and instead just turned around and smiled sparingly. 

"Forgive me also if I call you a thief," a moment later, that's what he heard Ara say. 

Daniel could not understand what kind of emotion seemed to penetrate even in the deepest part of his heart because of what Ara had said to him. He will admit that Ara was not the first woman he met. But she was only the girl that made him feel this kind of happiness even with her simple smile. 

Yes, he likes Ara. And that is the reason why he cannot help himself to bully her just to get her attention. It is because Ara is so snob and he feels like his charm is not working on her. With the last thought, Daniel could not help but secretly laugh to himself. 

He was not like this before. He does not like to chase women, because just like what he said, he is not like everyone else. He knew how to value a relationship and his mother taught him how to respect a woman. 

But because Ara ignored him, he felt so challenged. 

He really wanted Ara to be his friend from the beginning. Or is it more accurate to say that he was really attracted to her even when he first saw her? Even if you say it was her hair that first to grab his attention. 

He will be lying if he will not admit that now he wants more than friendship with Ara. And he is also lying if he will not admit that he did not know how to start or how to take the first step to pursue the young lady. 

He sees the closeness of Jason and Ara. 

Jason is his friend and he is also not sure what his feelings for Ara. 

While him, he could see how much Ara was angry with him. That was the opposite of her sweetness to her friend that is why he is having a hard time. He had to weigh in at all angles and if would think about it, it was too early. 

"It's okay, you don't have to apologize for that, it's over," it was true inside Daniel. 

Ara nodded. "By the way don't have to take me to our house anymore, I'll just walk from yours," Daniel quickly shook his head because of what the young lady said. He glanced at Ara for a moment before turning his eyes back on the road. 

"It's okay, I don't want you to get tired of walking," he insisted although deep inside him he also wants to know where she lives. 

"There is no need for that. And besides the street where I live is not too far from your house. Then one more thing, my parents might be surprised when they see me get out of your car," Ara explained. 

At the last thing, Ara said, it was then that Daniel fully understood what she meant so he did not insist anymore. 

"Oh, but is it okay to ask what street do you live in and what your house number is?" Daniel couldn't help but laugh at his question. 

Daniel heard the gentle laugh that Ara released. Whether because of his reaction or his question, it does not matter, because what is important is that, somehow the atmosphere around the two of them is getting lighter. Somehow, he sees Ara becoming kind to him. And he just hopes it continues. 

"Sure," the young lady then said what was her house number and street of her house. 

"Thanks," was all Daniel could say. 

Ara did not speak after that so the young man did the same. He let that long silence surround them because in fact even though it was deafening, his mind and feelings seemed to be calmer now. 

Ara is so beautiful, and as time goes on, while she is with him now, she cannot stop herself from stealing glances at her even though he is driving. 

"Are you sure you don't want to be taken home?" Daniel asked again when they were in front of their house. 

Smiling, Ara unbuckles the seatbelt and then put the strap of the bag to her shoulder while shaking her head. "I'm just going to walk, this is a big favor for me already, I saved on the fare and I do not have to huddle in the jeep," the young lady replied. 

"Is that so? If you want, we can do this every day," that was true inside him.  

If given the chance, why not?  If so, why not? Because after all, he really wants to be with Ara. 

"Ah, o-okay, I'll go ahead. Thank you again," Ara answered instead then pushed the car door open then got off. 

Daniel paused for a moment as his gaze followed Ara's graceful walk as she walks away. While in his heart was a happy feeling as well as the hope that this would be the beginning of a good relationship between him and Ara. *