C16 The Faithful Hour

"Tomi," said her mother, "your friend is here."

"Alright," responded Tomi as she got off her bed and approaches the door. Upon opening it she says, "Hey, Leila, how's it-" and is then pulled outside by Leila, "what is the matter?" asks Tomi.

"It's terrible, Tomi. My mom was home when I came back and she tried to take away my clothes. She is too overbearing that I ran away."

"You ran away? Like you're not going back home?"

"Yes. I can't stand my mom anymore. She is too much. I was wondering if I can stay here for a while."

"Well... sure, you can, but my mom and dad will have to approve as well."

"Then I'll talk to them as well. Your mom knows my mom, she might understand."

It was at this time that Tomi realizes that Leila brought some of the clothes they bought earlier. "Is that what you are going to wear?"

Leila looks at the dress, "oh my gosh, I forgot I even had this, but yes. I'm going to wear this on my date."

"So you are going on the date?"

"Just so I can get away from my mom. I still don't feel right about this, but I just need to forget my problems for now."

Tomi grabs Leila by the arm, "come on, let's go in."

After alerting her mom that Leila was here, they both go to her room, "so where are you meeting him?"

"Downtown, at that store we usually go to."

"Oh, this is so exciting! Aren't you excited?"

"I told you, I'm still not certain about this. But at the same time, maybe it's not so bad. But anyway, I only brought my dress. I don't have makeup to apply."

"Don't worry, You can use mine. In fact, I will help you."

"Thank you, Tomi. But still.."

"Don't worry about it. Just come with me."

The hour came as Tomi and Leila meet up in the meeting spot. And here she stood, wearing a white blouse with a v-neck, a brown leather belt, and a dark blue dress full of polka dots with shoes to match.

Tomi shakes her head, "I can't believe you are wearing this."

"He said it was casual."

"Yes, but this is a CEO we are talking about. His idea of casual may be different than ours."

"But I feel more comfortable in this."

"Then at least wear this," and she hands over Leila a pair of sunglasses.

Leila puts them on and pulls a mirror from her purse, "I look ridiculous with these on. Besides, it's night."

"But it's so embarrassing to see you like this."

"Only you are embarrassed. I'm fine."

"Well, guess what... he might find out your true age if he sees you like this."

Leila was concerned with this as well. She did think about it before she decided on going on a date, and eventually came to a conclusion, "well then, it wasn't meant to be then. I'm sure that if he doesn't like me like this, then there was no chance for us anyways."

"Oh, Leila..."

"Oh my gosh," said Leila desperately, "there he is." They both look and see a black and luxurious car coming their way.

"Are you sure that's him?" asks Tomi, "that's an Uber."

"Yes, yes. Now leave before he sees you."

And Tomi does so as she runs off, "okay, tell me how it goes later," she says before turning the corner.

The car door opens and Leila sees him in person for the second time now. It was him, the one she rescued, the one who was in the news, the CEO who survived the car crash. She didn't think she was going to see him again and there he was, wearing a gray shirt and even darker gray pants. But even more surprising was his crutches and the cast on his legs.