C26 Resistance and Pain

Ordering her meal was the only chance she could get at hiding her face as she presses the menu close. This was just making her more suspicious as Dexter looks on with curiosity. If only she didn't pull her sunglasses that hard, she could have the courage to tell him the truth, but right now, she was just too nervous. But still, she wanted to learn more about Dexter. He is, after all, the one she saved in that car accident. He says it is faith that they met, she thinks it's just a coincidence. Still, she couldn't help but question Dexter. There was something about him she felt she needed to know, but she couldn't put her finger on it. If she's going to go through with this, she at least wanted to know what that feeling was, and she had a feeling it had to do with that moment he got a glimpse of her at that moment before he lost conscience.

"I'll have the steak dinner," said Dexter as he hands over the menu to the waitress.

'Oh great, he already ordered,' she thinks to herself. 'I can't hide behind this menu forever. I got no choice. I got to face him.'

"I'll have the crab pasta," she tells the waitress as she hands over the menu.

And there they were, eye to eye. She had such beautiful blue eyes, so sparkling and clear. He couldn't help but be memorized by them, but she clearly looked uncomfortable being stared at so he didn't look for too long.

That was the thing about her that he was curious about. She was so nervous but he was just as nervous. As a gentleman, he had to compose himself in a dignified manner, so maybe she wasn't comfortable dating such a man? I mean, she's still young, just out of college, and she's dating a 27-year-old man. But if she was so uncomfortable, why did she accept the date? He didn't lie about his age, she could clearly see him for who he is, but she accepted it anyway. Something didn't add up, and now she was avoiding eye contact as much as possible. Is this really the brave woman who rescued him from that fire?

The awkward silence was making her even more nervous. Leila decides to take initiative and inquire more about him in hopes of answers. "So, you said you dated other women, right?"

"I did say that, didn't I? Yes, I've tried dating other women, but they didn't work out."

"You said you can go out with the most beautiful women in the world, right? So why not go out with an actress or a singer? They're so popular and rich, like you. I don't know why you want to go out with a student like- ah!" she once again fumbles, "I mean, soon to be student... I am looking at going to Standford to further my pharmaceutical career."

There it was again, acting so strange. This didn't go over Dexter, he was noticing this little burst of nervousness. But for now, he would answer calmly, "It's more than just dating a woman. It has to be the right woman. Have you heard of that? 'The One'. Out of all the men and women in the world, there is only that you are destined to be with forever?"

"Oh that. Yeah, I see that in the movies all the time. It's always just by chance they meet. I don't know about that."

"Amber, have you ever been on any other dates?"

"Other dates? Uhh... yeah, I have."

"But you haven't found the one, have you?"

"No, not exactly. I just want to have some fun."

"Ah, you truly are young."

"What does that mean?" she says defensively.

"It means you still have a long life ahead of you. I'm nearing my 30's now and I just became the CEO of my company. it was a lot of work, but you can say I have achieved the goal of my life. You are still growing up. You have just become a legal adult and now you are entering the real world for the first time. There's going to come a time when you will have to take things seriously."

"But I feel like I'm taking it seriously already."

"Well, maybe you are. It's good to be working hard, but you are no longer in school. You are no longer in college. You are going to proceed with your career by going to a university, but you now have to face the real world. You are soon going to realize that the days of your youth are now long gone as you take more responsibilities in life. What I'm trying to say is that you had fun going on dates with different boys. but now that you are an adult, it will soon be time to consider your future. And I'm hoping... that I am a part of that future."

She was hanging on to every word he said. These words were coming from someone much older than her and sounded so genuine. He still thought he was talking to a young adult, but her 16-year-old self was also getting affected. All of it leading up to him confessing his feelings for her once again. He was too good with his words, she could not take it.

"Dexter, please... don't fall in love with me."

Dexter stands up straight at what she just said, "what do you mean?"

"Dexter... please... no more. This is too much for someone like me. I can't do this anymore."

"Why? What's going on?" Again, she was acting so strange. He just wanted to encourage her, but all they did was caused her to withdraw within herself. "Amber, I don't mean to be rude, but what is going on? You have acted strange all night long. Is it my declaration of love? Was that too much? I'm sorry I said those things. Please, don't be-"

"No, Dexter. The thing is... I love the words you are telling me. They are so sweet and appreciative." Leila said with much sadness and guilt. "You deserve someone better."

"What do you mean someone better? There is no one better than you."

"No, it has to be false, these feelings you are having. It's because I saved your life, you keep thinking I'm the one, your Princess. You think you have to fall in love with me because I saved your life."

"No, not at all. I swear, there's something special about you."

"What is it? Dexter, what is it about me that made you fall in love? I'm not convinced it's because I saved your life. You saw something in me, didn't you? You said my face had been haunting your dreams. Why my face? Wouldn't some other woman who rescued you do the same? Why me? Why my face?" Dexter just looks at her shocked. But this look suddenly turns into concern. She then asks him one last question, "Dexter... could it be that.... you only like me because I'm young?"