JUSTINE

It was raining hard and I was driving back home after I ate with my family. Mom had been asking me about my studies and classmates. She kept on teasing me that I am “homesick” because it’s only a week before I left and here I was. I was laughing at myself and thinking that mom was right. I chose to have an apartment even though our house is only 30 minutes away from my school because I was afraid of getting late.

I am now 21 years old studying civil engineering as my dad was hoping for me to manage the company soon. I am their only son and I had three younger sisters – Kelly, Missy and Cindy.

On our way home, Kelly, my sister shouted “Brother, looked” pointing at the woman on the side of the road looking drenched as her umbrella was about to fly because of the wind.

I suddenly pressed my horns. She was shocked as her umbrella flipped as she lost her hold into it. Then, I stopped the car and open my window.

“Miss, do you have a ride home? If not I’ll drive you then” I said. I looked at her face and found that she was quivering. I suddenly want to hug her to keep her warm. ‘What am I thinking? Don’t tell me. No, no, no.’ I said to myself.

Mom suddenly talks “Jus, what now?” I heard her. I looked and found the woman was looking at me like I am a bad guy. I thought she was amusing.

“Miss, do you have a ride home? If not I’ll drive you then.” I repeat my question. She began to pull out a perfume to spray at my eyes. Then, I was shocked and covered my eyes quickly.

“Hey, looked I am not a guy that you’re thinking.” I laughed at her. She felt irritated. “I swear okay? I am a good guy. I will not do bad things to you or sell your organs.” I laughed again.

“Then, why would you help me?” She looks confused.

“I am just passing by because I am going home now. It’s already 8 o’clock in the evening and there is a storm. You’re wet” I said and I felt like I am blushing. “It’s just your wet” I whispered. Then, she looked down and covered her body with her hands. She’s beautiful and innocent. “Come on, your shivering. Fine, here.” Then, I gave her my I.D. for her to see with that she smiled at me and a gasped escaped my lips. She’s beautiful.

TALLY

I felt relieved looking at his IDs then I learned that he’s a student too.

“Sorry for earlier. So, can I?” I asked while he was still staring at me.

“Huh? Yeah. Wait.” I looked at him going down and held my elbow. He seemed to notice his action and let go. He opens the passenger seat door for me as I thanked him.

As I sat back I felt eyes gazing at me. That’s when I realized that there were people at the backseat. I assumed that it’s her mom and sisters. I smiled at them and said ‘hi’. They gave me a warm smile in return.

Justine let me borrowed his jacket giving him a grateful look. They all started to introduce themselves to me as I felt shy all of a sudden from my actions earlier.

Missy – his sister and I talked like we had known each other for long. I learned that were at the same age and university. We exchanged social accounts and promised to see each other again. Then, I agreed. I felt comfortable around her. Her family was amazing and I envied it.