CLAIRE’s P.O.V.
“Knock-knock!”
Alexa and I turned our gazed at the door, where a man is currently standing while looking at us. He grinned before waving a tons of shopping bags at our faces.
“Darren... You’re here... Again.”
“Looks like you don’t want me to be here.”
“Well, if Claire doesn’t want you to be here, then you can visit me. I would like you to be always here in our hospital room,” Alexa stated as she run towards him.
“Hey... I bought something for you,” Darren smiled widely at her before giving her almost half of the bags he had.
Alexa happily took it all before thanking him. She opened the bags and surprise was all over her face. It was full of branded clothes, chocolates, toys, and more. I could see the happiness in her eyes.
“Thank you so much, Darren!” She hugged his legs.
Darren was shocked at first, but after a few seconds, he gave her a pat on her head before saying a word.
“You’re always welcome. And also, you deserve it for being a good sister to Claire.”
“Can I talk to you for a second, Darren?” I asked.
Alexa look up at Darren before removing her arms around his legs.
“Sure.”
I motioned him towards the exit of our private room. Alexa didn’t say a word as she started to look at everything that Darren had bought her.
“Was this conversation so important that you didn’t want your sister to heard us?”
“Yes,” I answered coldly.
“Why? What have I done again to deserve this kind of treatment from my wife?”
“Darren...”
“Just kidding.” He chuckled.
“I just... Please don’t spoil her. I don’t want Alexa having a hard time forgetting about you when... You k-know... When all of this came to an end. When it’s all over.”
He look at me with his hurt eyes.
“Forget about me? Why? You don’t need to do that. ’Cause I’ll never do the same thing to you. I’ll never forget you. When all of this is over, I’m hoping we could still be friends... But it looks like I’m the only one thinking about that.”
He averted his eyes towards another direction. I felt guilty for saying those words to him. He’s right. There’s no need to be afraid of having a deep relationship with him. There’s no problem in getting attached to Darren ’cause like what he’d said, this doesn’t need to be over. We could be friends after this.
“I’m sorry...”
He didn’t look at me.
“Hey... Please look at me...” I tugged his arms but still, he did not say a word.
“I’m sorry, okay? I just wanted to protect her. I don’t want them to be a part of this... Darren... Talk to me, please.”
Finally, he look at me. But it was with a bored expression on his face.
“What’s with the face?” I couldn’t suppressed my laughter anymore as I saw him pouted.
“You’re laughing at me. I wouldn’t forgive you, ever.”
“Sorry.” I chuckled before squeezing his arm. “Please forgive me, Mr. Darren Herrera.”
“Please don’t call me by my full name. I hate it when people did that.”
“Oh. I didn’t know. Sorry, Mr. Herrera.”
“Damn it,” he whispered.
“Okay, I’m serious. I’m really sorry. What do you want me to do just to make it up to you?”
His face suddenly lit up.
“Call me hubby.”
I nearly choked on laughter after hearing him say that word. What the hell? Is he really that fond to endearments?
“You’re still laughing, Claire.” He glared at me.
“Why? I just can’t resist the temptation to laugh. That’s was so hilarious.”
He sighed harshly before sending death raging glares towards my direction.
“Mr. Herrera would never forgive you,” he declared. I just laugh at his response.
“Fine, I’ll do anything but that.”
“Well... How about... A date?”
“A what?” I asked, confused.
“Let’s have a date, wife. Your husband wanted to take you out on a damn date, right now.”
“Darren... Are you... Serious?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
“But...”
“That’s what I really wanted. If you don’t come with me, I’ll never forgive you.”
I laughed at his threat. Does he really think that I can resist his offer? Of course not! This is the first time that he asked me out... Not because of our deal... But because he just wanted to.
“Sure, I’ll go out with you. Just... Stop being mad at me, okay?”
A smile slowly formed on his face before he blushed.
“Is Mr. Herrera alright? You look like a tomato,” I teased him.
“Stop teasing me, Claire. Just get ready.”
I nodded with a sweet smile on my face before returning inside our room. Alexa was there, playing with her newly bought toys.
“Alexa,” Darren called her.
“Yes?”
“I’m taking your sister out on a date. Please take care of your father for her, okay?”
“Darren and Claire are having a date!” She started to sing that phrase several times with her out of tune voice.
Darren and I just laughed at her adorable look. For a six year old kid, Alexa already have suffered a lot through life. And she deserves to be happy like this even just for once.
“I promised I’ll take good care of our Dad, Claire. Just go on and enjoy yourselves.”
I smiled at her same as what Darren did.
“I’ll just change my clothes,” I said to Darren before preparing myself.
As I change my outfit inside of the bathroom, I couldn’t help but to smile at the thought that Darren and I will be having our first date later. I don’t know what to expect but I hope he’s not planning on taking me in a fancy restaurant or such a place. I wanted to cherish our very first date together in a simple way.
“Taada! Claire is finally done!” Alexa declared as she showed me to Darren.
I wear a simple dress. Not too revealing and not too short. It was just a perfect size for me.
“You look... You look so reserved. I love your dress... I love–”
“Come on! Leave now and don’t forget to enjoy the day!”
Darren wasn’t able to finish his sentence when Alexa pushed the both of us to the exit of our room. We just laughed at what happened before Alexa slammed the door shut in front of our faces.
“So... What now?” Darren asked.
“It was all up to you... I just have one tiny request. Please... No more fancy places.”
“What? Then... Where do you want us to go?”
“I know some place.” I winked at him and I saw him blush. I just laugh at his reaction before grabbing his hand and leading him towards my favorite place... The park.
“Why here?” he asked when we finally reached the place.
“Don’t you like it?” I asked.
“Well... I just... You know. I’m thinking of a place like beach or some private resort–”
“Hey! No more fancy places! Come on. I want to show you something.”
I pulled him again. This time, we are both running before we came to stop while catching our breath. We are now at the top of a small bridge with a river running under it. There’s no one out here except of us.
“Look. This place is amazing. It is very peaceful here.”
He look around, smiling as he realized that the whole place is ours. Nobody was walking or talking around. The atmosphere is cold, running with fresh unpolluted air.
“You’re indeed right... This is amazing. This is the favorite kind of place of my Mom. She often enjoy peaceful places... Like you.”
I smiled at him.
“Close your eyes, Darren. Feel the nature...”
He did as I’ve told and at that moment, I finally had the chance to stare at his handsome face. His closed eyes... Down to his red lips. The epitome of the word gorgeous. He suddenly opened his eyes so I eventually look away, shocked.
“You’re staring at me...” I thought he didn’t notice, but I was wrong.
“Sorry...” I apologized.
He put his hand on my cheek and made me face him. My eyes widen as he moves closer to mine.
“You don’t need to apologized, wife. It is normal for a woman to drool over her sexy husband.”
“Psssh. What a jerk,” I whispered as I look away.
That made him laugh.
“I never thought that there is a place like this on a city... If only I’ve known this before... Thank you for bringing me out here, Claire.”
I returned my gaze on him.
“This place is always been here, ever since. Sometimes, you just need to explore. And... You’re always welcome, Mr. Herrera.”
He chuckled as he simply put his arms around my shoulder. I stiffened because of his actions. I couldn’t move even though he’s smiling at me naturally.
“It’s your turn to close your eyes now,” he said with his intimidating voice.
“Why?” I curiously asked.
“Just do it... Please...” He blinked his eyes several times, trying to look cute.
“Fine, fine.” I chuckled.
I finally closed my eyes and let him do whatever he wants. This time, I chose to trust him.
“What a beauty,” I heard him whispered before I felt his cold but soft lips on mine... Again. For the second time, we share a kiss.