Looking back, I should've been more conscious of the surroundings and the people around me. If I had, I would've noticed it sooner. I would have noticed that this wasn't where we first met. And he wasn't the person I thought he was.

"He's not coming? It's past twelve already. He usually doesn't get late."

"It's still lunch time though." I answer casually although I'm also a bit worried myself. "Maybe he's just running late." I pick up the pan and flip the omelet. "Go and clean up the tables that've been vacated."

"Yes, boss."

Since my divorce, it's been more than three years that I've been driving a food truck. During my starting year, it's just a so-so business. Yet, after finding the right spot and earning my own patrons near a university and its neighboring establishments, people eventually are the ones looking for me.

Since then, business becomes stable and I was able to open up another two food trucks that station at other locations, managed by my two sisters. Kevin's a college student who once came up to me looking for a part-time job. He does everything aside from cooking and he's been really a big help ever since.

"Oh, look! He's here after all." Kevin whispers excitedly after climbing up the truck."

I jerk my head up and look at the man crossing the street. He can't be missed because of his impressive height although he's a bit on a thin side. Plus, he walks in a staggering manner like a drunk person yet I don't smell alcohol from him whenever I'm close.

Oh, he stinks alright. Something like unwashed bedsheets and wet socks. The man has greasy long hair that almost covers his entire face. Not just his hair that obstructs his face, his coke bottle glasses and thick beard are permanent fixture on his dour face.

With a cartoon character printed pajamas and matching cotton slippers, without fail he always comes staggering to my food truck looking exactly the same every day for lunch. It's comical to see and I even once thought maybe he's a little bit loose in the head.

I don't know anything about him. What I'm sure though is that he's not really crazy, just a bit odd. Eccentric maybe and sometimes grumpy. He even leaves a generous tip after eating which are rare nowadays. That's why I always look forward to his visits.

From my wild guess, maybe he's in his forties or early fifties. I know it may sound stereotypical but he might be one of those people working hard on eradicating cancer or solving global warming. Nah, from the looks of his glasses, maybe he's been going crazy about exploring another habitable planet.

I turn off the stove and place the omelet on a plate. “Stay here for a sec, I'll go take his order."

"Yes, boss."

Ever since he first ate in my food truck, he never lets anyone else take his order but me. I find it amusing and a little troublesome especially when he comes during busy hours. Must be the age? Or his sole eccentricity?

"Lobster rolls and grilled cheese." He immediately says without even raising his head up as soon I step near his table.

"How about your drinks?" He never makes eye contact and it makes me really curious what he truly looks behind those glasses and his curtain of hair.

"Water." He slaps his hand over the table as if irritated by my simple question.

"Alright." Before I can turn around, I bend a little lower and whisper so other customers won't hear. "By the way, I'm currently reinventing my menu and I made cupcakes. It's not on sale but I'd love to share them with you and hopefully ask for your opinion on its taste."

For the first time, he raises his head up and meets my gaze. It's my first time seeing him this close and I admit I'm a little surprised at how sharp his eyes look. They're deep blue with yellow flecks at the corner. It's like staring at the ocean that bursts with the flickering sunbeams. It's totally mesmerizing.

"Well..." I prompt.

"Hmm." He jerks his head away and makes a shooing motion with his hand, indicating I should move it.

Whether he wants the cupcakes or not, I still put two on his tray. Seeing this, Kevin becomes ecstatic and obviously envious, grabbing me around my waist to fawn on me.

"Boss, you're being unfair! Why can he get cupcakes and nothing for me?”

“Shut up and unhinge your arms from me! I made a lot. There are still more at the back. I'm giving the old man some sugar rush. Who knows it might cure his staggering."

Kevin chuckles as he rummages at the back where I stash the Tupperware of cupcakes I baked last night. After finishing up the old man's order, I let Kevin serve it to his table. Since the boy is a head turner with his looks, he's turned heads even more so with the cupcakes on the tray he carries.

After Kevin serves the lunch, a few people leave while another batch take the vacated seats. One of them shares a seat with the old man. It's been known to my patrons that he doesn't share his table to anyone, else he goes into a tantrum. However today, this newly arrived person doesn't seem to know the silent rule.

"What shall we do, boss?"

"I don't think hell make a scene this..."

"You, freakin moron! Can't you understand what leave means?" The old man starts his tirade and kicks the nearby vacant chairs. "Do you want to get hurt?"

Before anything else happens, I quickly jump down the truck and rush towards their table. "Sir, I'm sorry but could you please move to the other table?"

"But I'm still talking to..."

"I don't want to talk!" The old man snarls with his spittle flying while some crumbs cling to his long beard. "You hear me! Get lost! Get lost!" He swings his fists to the other person but I quickly embrace him from behind to stop him from hurting anyone. "I don't want to see your cursed face! Son of the half made idiot! You... Let me go! I'm gonna cripple this human!"

"Calm down, sir! I don't want police to catch our attention, please! Let's talk this down peacefully."

"Ah, you shouldn't..." He points at me but the old man only becomes crazier. "O-okay, sorry! I'm sorry." The new comer finally says with a dejected face. "I'll leave now so please enjoy your meal. And..." He clutches his briefcase and sighs. "I'll try to come back..."

"Don't ever come back!" He kicks the table again and the other man finally scurries away in a luxurious car. "Y-you! H-how long are you going t-to hold me like this? Are you enjoying yourself?" He growls at me over his shoulder.

"I'm sorry." I quickly release him from my grip and raise my hands up. "Geez, you stink, old man!"

I pinch my nose after inhaling his body odor and step away. Imagining his germs have clung to me, I quickly tap my clothes off as if I can somehow get rid of them.

"Hmph!” Scowling, he places a hand over his chest like checking his heart or is he inspecting if I've taken something from him? “W-who are you to comment about my smell? I pay my food more than enough to afford you a goddamn branded perfume!" He slaps a few hundred bills on the table, indeed, more than enough for his order before sneering at me. "And don't give me cupcakes again since I don't enjoy sweet things. Perhaps to the coeds they'll sell. Plus, choosing me among all your patrons makes me think you've got a thing for me. So quit it."

"Wh-what?" I gawk at him in disbelief.

"Excuse me!" He kicks his own chair before staggering away.

"Are you alright, boss?" Kevin appears beside me, carrying an empty tray and table rag. "Wow, he didn't even finish his lunch. He really lost his appetite there, huh."

"Such a troublesome man. I just wish I won't turn out like him when I hit my old age."

"With the pressure of family and peers, plus, the stressful college and work, my only wish is to hit old age, boss."

“Life's always stressful if you think it that way. Rather, just enjoy it, ok." I clap Kevin's shoulder before turning away. "Go clean up the table."

"I'm falling in love with you even more every day, boss."

I laugh nonchalantly and shake my head at his usual punch lines. The rest of the afternoon is peaceful and productive. Around five, we've cleared up the tables and packed them into the truck. Kevin bade goodbye with his motorcycle while I get behind the wheels and crank up the engine.

It's too early to call it a day for most people but my ingredients don't usually last until night. Besides, it'll be additional expense for the lease of the spot. Plus, I want my nights free so I can rest at home in front of a ballgame with cold beer in hand. What a perfect night, indeed. Wait, I think I'm out of beer. Let's see, should I stop by a convenience store first?

Before I can turn into an intersection, a person suddenly rushes across the street and hits my truck. Shit! I'm driving slow coz I'm about to park but I sure feel the impact of the body hitting the front grille. Did I just kill someone? No, God. Please, don't let it be like that.

I unbuckle my seatbelt and jump out of the truck, rushing forward to inspect the person. He slowly sits up from the ground while clutching a laptop close to his chest. I quickly approach and carefully help him up to his feet.

"Are you alright? Are you hurt?" I ask frantically.

"What do you think?" He snaps irritably and my eyes widen in surprise.

“Im sorry." I say after realizing it's the staggering old man during lunch time. "Here, let me drive you to the hospital."

I didn't think anymore and just scoop him up in my arms and carry him to the passenger's seat of the truck. He must've hurt somewhere by the audible gasp that comes out his lips and I panic even more.

I help him buckle up his seatbelt before rounding the car to sit behind the wheel. Hurry up! I have to hurry up! Just as I'm about to U-turn towards the nearest hospital, he suddenly grabs for the steering wheel and I howl my surprise.

"What are you doing? That's dangerous!" I tell him in mild panic while righting the wheels.

"Just drive straight home. I don't wanna go to the hospital."

"Well, where's your home?"

"I mean drive me to your home. I don't want to return to mine.”

"Wha... Huh?" I glance at him with a frown but when he doesn't answer, I look at him again. "Did you run away from home?"

At his age? I want to add. Maybe he's gone senile? Should I report him for the missing person?

"Yes." He releases the steering wheel and relaxes on the seat while looking outside the window. "You side-swept me on the streets so as compensation, adopt me for the time being.”

“I don't think that's possible.” And my phone rings.

My eyes follow him as he continues pacing around his small apartment while talking to someone on the phone. I didn't expect he'd actually bring me to his place without so much of a fight. To be honest, I'm a little nervous whether he'd realize who I really am. But with my disguise, I doubt he would.

"What about Steve? Didn't he help catch the thieves?" He barks on the phone before slamming the refrigerator door. "Ah, so stupid!" He snaps while pouring water on the glass and spilling it on the counter. "$hit! Forget the money! What about Edna?" He smacks the pitcher on the counter in his obvious rage before bringing the overflowing glass over to me. "Drink!" He tells me and resumes pacing around the place. "No I wasn't talking to you!" He sighs and glances at me while I take a sip of the water, putting it on the coffee table afterwards. “Alright, calm down now, ok? Yes. I'll be there as soon as I settle something on my part." He finally ends the call and regards me with an irritated glare.

"Oh, if you're worried about me, you can go ahead. I'll just stay here and mind my own business."

"I'm not worried about you even a bit, old man." He tells me with his scowling face. "Look, I know I hit you earlier but I don't think you're injured anyway. So I think we can settle this matter. What do you want?"

"I told you what I want. Keep me here for the time being."

"And I told you, too, that I can't. I don't even know you. What if you're a bad person?"

"Are you serious? Look at the difference of our physique. If I'm really a bad person, do you think I'd choose to prey on someone that can easily crash me?"

"Who knows that's your MO." He sighs and rubs his face with a palm.

"It's Bright." I supply but he only gawks at me as if he doesn't understand what I'm saying. "My name's Bright. Bright and cheerful."

"Hah! What kinda name's that? Don't you mean dull and grumpy?" He frowns and shakes his head then rubs his chin agitatedly. "Whatever. Anyway, I'll leave for a moment but while I'm away, kindly wash and tidy yourself up. My place is starting to smell with your body odor and I'm feeling sick of it. Plus, I'm working in the food industry so hygiene is most important. I hate thinking you might've contaminated my place and my food with your germs.”

For some unknown reason, I don't feel insulted nor intimidated. Rather, I have the urge to laugh at his seemingly childish grumbling. I keep quiet as I continue following him with my eyes as he starts preparing to leave once again. I wonder who he talked to earlier and what could've happened. He looks both worried and pissed.

"Here and here." He throws me a towel, change of clothes and new toothbrush. "Use these and throw your damn pajamas away!”

"Throw away? This is my favorite pair!" I tell him in defiance just so I can see more of his ever changing expressions.

“Either they'll be thrown or you're the one to go, you choose. Believe me, that thing can't be saved by mere laundry. So please."

"Where are you going anyway? What's the problem? And when are you coming back? Aren't you concerned that I might steal something in your house?”

“Nothing's worth stealing in my house. I'll only be away for a moment. One of my food trucks was hijacked and all the money was taken. My sister's managing it so I'm going to help her settle everything at the precinct." He makes a disgruntled sound and snatches the keys from the coffee table. "Damn it!”

Before I can say more, he's opened the door and vanishes to the night once again, leaving me alone in his abode. Huh, that's unexpected. Maybe what happened really has him so worried that he left a stranger in his house. Although I'd like to think that I'm not really a complete stranger to him.

I lock the door after him and take my phone out of my pajama. "Hello, sorry for calling you at this hour. I'd like you to look something for me."

After giving a few directions, I end the call and walk towards what I think might be the bathroom. However, my vision starts flickering that my steps falter. I stagger a couple of times before falling to my knees and wheeze. Crap! This troublesome head.

I wait for the headache to go away and my vision to clear before getting to my feet again. That's right. I haven't visited my doctor in so long that my episodes are getting frequent as of late. But if I return up to grid, that damn pervert might catch me once again and my peaceful days would get in danger once more.

I enter the bath and take my time doing my business. The clothes he gave me are way too big and loose. One of my ni*ples gets exposed as the shoulder of the shirt drops off to the side while the pajama bottoms keep falling off. What did he eat for growing this humongous?

I leave the bathroom feeling refreshed and clean. Well, that wasn't so bad after all. I, too, believe that I'm neglecting myself especially my hygiene. It's because whenever I begin working, nothing and no one can pull me out of that limbo except hunger and fatigue.

Speaking of, I drop myself on the couch and open my laptop. Just as I'm to start typing, I feel my stomach growl. That's right. I wasn't able to finish my lunch earlier today. I look around the tiny space, appreciating how clean it is despite a man residing it. Is there anything edible in here?

I put the laptop back on the couch and stagger towards his small kitchen. Wow! I have a palpitation as soon as I open his fridge. It's packed with so many ingredients and food. I feel like a ravenous animal, drooling at the sight of such sumptuous meal.

My stomach growls once again so I grab one container that first takes my attention. Chicken fillet? I pick up two slices and gobble it up before taking another container. Ugh! The same cupcakes he gave me earlier. I take one and swallow it in one go. I did the same to all the containers in the fridge until I feel bloated.

He even has different beverages in here except alcohol. I snatch a carton of milk and gulp a few swallows before putting it back and finally close the fridge. My belch has never been this loud, it's like a truck's horn. I chuckle and pick up my wallet, taking a few bills before slapping it on his dining table. I think that's more than enough for all I've consumed.

I assume my seat on the couch again and start typing on my laptop. Food sure is my top source of inspiration whenever I make my stories. Only this time, the directors are asking for a touch of romance. Damn them. I've been known as a thriller novel writer. How dare them ask for a smorgasbord love story from me!

Fueled by delicious food, words start flooding my head that my fingers are unable to keep up. However, I'm only able to write a few paragraphs and my eyes begin to shut. I don't know how long I'm out but I feel movements around me then the warmth of a blanket enveloping my body, pulling me deeper into sleep.

"Oh, youre awake, arent you?" A raspy voice echoes in my ear before a roughened hand touches my damp chest and I quail in fear. "For a man, you sure have a very sexy body. Your pink ni*ples are like rosebuds, inviting me for a lick."

He does as he dictates, swirling his slimy tongue over and around both my niples. My teeth clench in mortification. Why can't I move? I try flailing my limbs but to no avail. I can't see a thing, it's so dark. Where am I?

Not seeing his face should be a consolation but I know this man. Of course I do. There's nothing else that repulses me but hearing his voice and making me think of his unpleasant face. I hate him to the very core of my bone! My body starts revolting*.

“*The curve of your slim waist is like handles to hold onto as I plow your insides with my ¢ock." He folds my body in half, raising my tied ankles up the air and I jerk to the side in hopes to avoid his assault. "You have nowhere to run, Summer. I'm going to make you mine!”

"No! Don't touch me!" I cry out in horror as I feel him grabbing me around my waist before something hard and moist nudging the hole at my back*.

"*You're saying that now?" He chuckles mockingly before grabbing ahold of my shaft. "But your thing here's telling me otherwise. You want me, too, dont you?”

"No! That's not true!" I roll to my side to avoid his touch and he only laughs to my chagrin. “Stop! Don't touch me!"

"It's alright to feel aroused. There's nothing to be ashamed of." He rolls me to my stomach until I'm sprawled vulnerable on the mattress, unable to punch nor kick. “After all, your body's made to be fu¢ked especially by me."

"It's not! You, disgusting pervert! Stop this, you freak! I loathe you! Release me and stop this preposterous actions! I don't want this*!”

"*You have a way with words." His laughter echoes around the room before his lips land on my shoulder to my utter revulsion. “Is this how you seduce men into bed to give you all these wealth? Why didn't you tell me? Why did you hide the fact that you're actually this beautiful? I could've given you everything you want, Summer. I alone am enough for you.” He braces my body before he lunges in.

No*!

I eject from the couch, gasping for breath while clutching my unkempt hair. $hit! Why? Why can't that nightmare ever leave me? I blink when I realize that I'm in an unfamiliar place and look around me. Yes, that's right. I'm in Kaye's home.

The main light has been turned off and only the lamp at the corner illuminates the living room. He must be home already. I wonder what time is it now. It's still dark out, though. I clutch the blanket that's draped around my shoulders and sniff the material. It smells of fabric conditioner.

Although I've expected that, I still feel a little disappointed. How I wish I can smell his familiar scent and be basked in his warmth right now. While thinking about it, I suddenly look up to the door that I assume might be his bedroom. I swallow as I reach for my glasses and put it on before walking towards the door.

I feel like the character in my stories wherein the protagonist is braving the odds and is entering the villain's lair. Kaye's a predator but he's far from being a villain though. After living a few years in peace, yet monotonous life, I'm now excited and thrilled by this new experience.

I twist the knob to his bedroom and breathe out a sigh of relief when it's not locked. I push the door open and enter the room in tiptoe. Just like the rest of his apartment, his room is small but is neatly arranged without any other unnecessary things.

I'm wishing he'll wake up from my movements so he can kick me out. Yet, I'm also hoping he won't stir awake so I can be with him longer. Maybe fate favors me right now coz he doesn't give any indication of waking up even after I've dipped the bed with my weight.

After taking my glasses off, I join under the covers and lay beside Kaye. My eyes go wide seeing his state under the covers. Other than the boxers, Kaye sleeps almost in nude. I snap my eyes off below his waist and watch his peaceful and handsome face instead.

Although he's bulked up in muscles and his face matures, all in all, he still remains the same teenage Kaye I once knew in the past. That's why I easily recognized him after seeing him the first time since our parting.

We're both the same in terms of being reserved. But where I'm a dour, Kaye emits a positive air around him. Like a reassurance that everything will be alright no matter what happens in life. Or maybe that's just my impression of him after what he did to me back then.

My heart aches remembering our past. For the first time in years, I want to feel the warmth of someone's embrace. To be petted by his large yet gentle hands. To see his smile that soothed my pain away. I miss those times. With longing, I tentatively reach out and touch his cheek.

To my horror, he suddenly snatches my wrist and pulls me into his chest. I gasp in shock, ready to receive his lashing but he remains shut-eyed. To my bigger surprise, he hugs me so tight I could get suffocated. He breathes into my neck and nuzzles my jaw.

“Go back to sleep, Rosy. I love you.” He kisses the top of my head and resumes sleeping.

Rosy? Who's that? It sure was a woman's name. I'm both happy and sad. Happy that Kaye's touch doesn't repulse me. Yet, I'm also sad thinking about who could Rosy be? He loves her, he said. The words stab my heart that a lone tear escapes my eye. Can't it be me?

It's so warm and comfortable. I love this. It's been so long since I've had a warm body wrapped around me. I want to sleep even more. Alarm clock, please don't chime in just yet.

Just when I'm about to go back to dreamland, I realize something which snaps my eyes open. Warm body? Comfortable? There's reason why I haven't felt that way in so long though. I was divorced for years. So...

"What the..." I push the old man away from my body and fly off of the bed which causes him to stir awake. "You! Hey! What are you doing in my room? In my bed? What did you do to me?"

“So noisy!" He grumbles while rubbing his squinted eyes before putting his coke-bottle glasses on.

"What did you say?" I flare up. "You! You, old pervert! I can't believe you have this intention all along! My poor chastity!"

"What?" He looks up to me in disbelief. "If anyone here has dirty intention, it sure won't be me!" He glares at me to my chagrin. "Anyway, I'm hungry. Feed me."

He demands so easily as if he's used to be the boss. I grit my teeth so as not to get even more riled up. As he stands by the bed, the blanket I draped over him last night drops to the floor. I quickly pick it up while thinking miserably I might become his slave if he stays longer in my house.

As I right my posture, his pajama bottoms also fall down around his ankles. Instinctively, I snap my head up to look and I almost spit out my own heart. I jump away in shock. Jesus!

"$hit!" He shrieks uncharacteristically before pulling up his PJs to his waist.

However, curiosity wins as I stop his hands from putting his pajamas again. I stare at his groin in awe. But he quickly slaps my hands away before punching me by the face.

"Ouch!" I clutch my nose and look up to him. "Why the hell did you do that?"

"Why, you ask?" He scowls while gripping the waistband of the pajamas. "Why were you ogling at my thing?"

"I was just..." I stop and grab him by the shoulders, staring him down to make sure. "The hell! This can't be. You... How old are you?"

"W-what?" He stammers with wide eyes. "Why would y-you suddenly a-ask?"

“You got smooth skin. No hair no wrinkles. Your di¢k even looks like a baby's." I hold his face with both hands and squint through all the hairs. "Don't tell me you're actually underage? Tell me! Did you have a fight with mommy and ran away from home?"

"I didn't!" He tries prying my hands away but I only raise his face up a little. "I said, I d-didn't. P-please..."

"Ah, $hit!" I push him away at the sound of his trembling voice. "Damn you! You're just a kid! Pack up and leave! I don't want to be accused of kidnapping.”

"I told you I didn't run away!" He stomps his foot petulantly, depicting a childish manner. "And I'm already twenty-one!"

"No. I think you're just ten. Go back home and don't disturb me anymore." I say with finality before leaving the room and get to the kitchen.

"Are you kidding me? You're accusing me being a kid with my height and beard?" He bickers after me. “Besides, what about what you did to me last night? You hit me with your truck!"

"Oh, Kaye, you're awake?"

"You're here?" I frown at my mother that's currently making breakfast. "I told you not to come here if it's not emergency especially this early in the morning."

"What else should I do then if you've taken all of my work at home? I get bored so easily... Oh, who's this?" She looks behind me with curiosity.

"He's not important." I quickly answer while taking a glass of water.

"I heard him say you ran him over your truck."

"Don't exaggerate..."

"Yes, he did!" The hairy guest chimes in. "But instead of taking responsibility, he tries running away."

"What?" I and my mother exclaims in unison, me in rage and my mother in disbelief. "What the hell are you spouting about?" I demanded. Don't go accusing me of horrible things in front of my mother!" I turn to face my mother apologetically. "I told him that we should just settle this monetarily but he refused." I then turn to the other person once again. “I don't want to be involved with whatever $hits you're running away from."

"Are you that apathetic to not help someone in need?"

"Ok, people quit shouting so early." My mother snaps, cutting our banter in an instant. "Let's have breakfast first and maybe introduction. I'm Czarina Robinson, Kaye's mother."

"Nice to meet you, ma'am." He approaches my mother and, like ice cream, melts into my mother's touch. "I'm Bright..."

"Ok, that's enough! Don't tell me you're actually telling her that your name's Bright and Cheerful?" I snicker. "That name alone reeks of suspicion so excuse me if I don't trust you at all."

"Bright and Cheerful you say?" My mother repeats in astonishment. “Don't you mean Cheri Bright? The renowned novelist, Cheri Bright?"

"Oh, you're familiar with my works?"

"Of course!" My mother holds the man's cheeks and her eyes dramatically water like she just had a reunion with her lost son. "Wow! Wow! Is it really you? I mean wow! I can't believe it! After all these years!" She blinks, stopping abruptly and pulls her hands away. "I mean, I'm your number one fan so I'm sorry if I get excited like this. Can I ask for a picture and autograph?”

"I'm so flattered. Of course you can have them."

What the hell! Renowned novelist? It's true that I haven't been in touch with the current events lately that's why I never heard about his name. So he's not Bright and Cheerful but Cheri Bright. Jesus!

“What kinda parents would give that kind of name to their kids?" I grumble to myself, unknowingly saying it loud enough for them to hear.

"It's just a penname, Kaye." My mother answers with a shake of her head. "It's understandable that Mr. Bright won't easily give his real name and identity to random people. It's for his safety after all." She turns to bearded guy once again. "Oh, speaking of your works, I was so amazed that you're only in your teens when you made your debut. Not long after that they've made your works into movies. I'm currently following your serial movie right now. I'm usually into drama but your works are exceptionally wonderful. I've already read the book but there are a lot of scenes added in the TV series which are exhilarating! The suspense is really killing me!"

"Ah, yes. You're right. I've added a few tweaks but they're just fillers in truth. The main plot and characters remain the same though. I'm happy that you like them, ma'am. It's what I aim for, to entertain my fans of my stories."

"Oh, no! Don't call me maam. Just Cha-cha is fine."

"Cha-cha. Then please call me Cheri, too." He grins so wide, looking suddenly cozy around someone else's mother.

“Hey, hey! Enough of that. Let's eat coz I still have to leave to settle some things." I cut them both off as I start digging although they continue chatting comfortably, ignoring me deliberately.

I look at the two people in front of me as if they're the actual mother and son pair. The picture suddenly tickles my mind and a sense of déjà vu envelopes my senses. This somehow feels as if it had happened in the past. When was it again?

"Oh, by the way, I saw a few hundred bills on the table earlier." My mother interrupts my thoughts and the memory easily escapes my mind. “I put it on the basket together with your keys. Why do you leave money so carelessly like that?"

"Money?" I repeat with a frown.

"Oh, that's my payment for dinner last night. I really do appreciate your son's cooking. It reminds me of my childhood days. That's why I've been coming back to his food truck at Shelton Park.”

“What? You touched my merchandise last night?”

"Why are you paying dinner when my son should be the one to compensate you for attempting a hit and run..."

"As I've said, I didn't try to run away after the accident.”

"Well, whatever. As long as Cheri won't file for a report against you, you should do whatever he asks for. It's the least you can do for what you did."

"Huh! Whatever he asks for?" I repeat mockingly. "Who knows what might he want to do to me. Besides, how sure are we that he's really the person he said he was?”

"Now, now. It's not like Cheri would ask you for money. He's loaded. Didn't he pay you for last night's dinner? Also, I didn't see any problem when you invited him to sleep with you in the bedroom last night. He clearly only wants your food, then just feed him until he's satisfied. Poor boy, he has no one to look after his meals.”

"I absolutely didn't invite him to bed..."

"Enough already! You always like to argue that's why you're easily misunderstood. Eat, just eat. Cheri, you eat lots, ok?” Mom taps his hand and resumes eating and talking to him.

I glare at the hairy man at my side and my anger just amps up at the sight of his smug smile. Damn him. I want to kick him outta my place as soon as possible.