Chapter 31: What If
ELLA'S POV
Since Gideon refuse to take a shower with me so I just drop the subject. Maybe next time he will agree.
I mean what is wrong in showering together? We can play water balloon fights! We can even invite the MIB it will be so much fun!
Meh.. It's his loss.
I'll organize it later this week on my day off.
We arrive at his "house". I got suddenly excited so before the car stops and in Gideon's horror I open the door and jumps out of the car.
"LOVE!" The car screeches to a stop and Gideon scrambled out off the car. He runs in front of me and grab my shoulders and smash my face to his chest.
"What the heck EllA!" Wow he uses my name that means he is angry/frustrated/furious or combination of these three! Yikes!
"I told you to be careful and now you just decided to jump out of a moving car for no reason?!"
I tried defending myself but it is hard because my face was squish to his chest.
I mean Ella what defense are you talking about? Normal people just don't jump in a moving car. Idiot.
I push away from Gideon so I can breath properly. I look at his face and aw...he looks so cute when he is angry!
I mean I am still scared as heck but I can't ignore the fact that he is very cute.
Now time to evade his wrath!
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"Sorry!" Then I dash inside the house. I run up to the grand staircase went to the left then I remember it is the right wing so I twist on my right. I open his room by scanning my thumb and close it firmly.
Where to go? Where to hide? Aha!
After a long deliberation with myself I decided to hide in the most covered place I could find.
Sheez it is so dark in here. It is a good thing this place is clean.
"Love?"
Gideon is here!! I can't even hear his footsteps. Am I going deaf? I hopefully not. I am too young for that.
"Where are you?"
Then I heard the door shut. Hihihi. He will not find me. I can even stay here for a long time!
A few minutes later
I am sleepy already. I am hungry also.
I'll just close my eyes for a minute.
I suddenly woke up when I heard a clacking sound.
My cover suddenly was lift up and I see the silhouette of Gideon slowly became visible.
I know he will be irritated again so I pretend to sleep.
I was lifted by Gideon that I can confirm. I am already familiar with his warmth and touch.
Then I heard again the clacking noise then silence.
"I know you are not asleep Love."
Busted!
I open my right eye to peek at him and sure enough he has his cold expression pasted on his beautiful face.
I open fully my eyes and grin at him.
"I am good in Hide and seek right? I bet you did not find me for hours! Sucks to be you!" Then I hit his shoulders. Excited at the prospect that I know a game that I excell at.
He gave me a deadpanned look and say "Your just hiding for 10 min love and 5 minutes of that is our helpers lifting my bed up so I can pull you out.
Love hiding under the bed is not a clever Idea especially under our bed! You might suffocate with all those fabrics, wood or I don't know there might be a steel embedded on that frame." As he was nagging he is also walking towards the bathroom. What a multitasker he is.
"Take a shower love. Your clothes is on the counter."
I followed his instructions and was done after 10 minutes.
He gave me a silk dress. Not the revealing one okay.
I went out of the room and he is sitting on the bed waiting for me. He is wearing a white silk pajama set.
We match Again. I think he is obsess already in matching our clothes. How cute.
I mean normally the female in the relationship insisted to wear couples clothes or at least matching clothes right? But in these situation Gideon is the one who loves doing it and I am just happy going with the flow.
Anywhoo! As long as I am wearing clothes on my back I am happy.
"Let's eat love."
We went down to the dining room and was serve with chicken cordon bleu with white sauce which is very delicious.
In fact I ask for some rice. The maid is bewildered by my request but still gave me one cup.
Only one cup.
"Get her another 2 servings of rice."
I was shock when I heard Gideon's instruction. He knows me so well.
I grin at him. He smiled back.
I happily ate my meal.
No dessert this time because I am not craving for it.
I thank the servers and we went back to Gideon's room. I sleep like a baby after.
We fell in a routine. He will wale up first then he'll get ready then kiss me till I woke up then eat breakfast then go to work and then he will wait for me in the car at 5pm. Time passby quickly and I did not notice that I am staying at his house for two weeks now.
I did not even considered going back to my apartment at all. I just don't want any confrontations.
Today is friday and I am going to the soup kitchen this afternoon. I already told Gideon that I will make a detour. He agreed and told me I don't need to ask permission on where I am going as long as it is safe.
So at exactly 5pm I went to the soup kitchen but before that I went first to the old man in the subway. I found him still sitting in the same place. I felt bad because I did not give him anything for a few weeks now.
I crouch in front of him.
"Hi! Long time no see sir!"
He gave me a gummy smile. Awwww.
I look around me making sure that no one is looking. I hand the old man $500. I hope this will help him this week.
When he saw how much I gave him he tried to protest but I decline. He needs it more. He thanks me profusely.
"You're welcome. Take care okay? Bye bye!"
I rode the subway to go to the soup kitchen / shelter.
I wave to some of the volunteers who I recognize. I wear some face mask, head cover and gloves then started serving food.
After serving them their dinner I clean their sleeping area and their bathroom.
I saw that some of the matress needs to be change so I decided I will buy a few matresses next time.
They need also a washer and dryer and some toiletries. I think my salary can cover some of it.
I finish my work at 7pm. I bid the other staff goodnight and promised them that I will come back next week.
I was startled when I saw Gideon standing in front of the building. He is wearing casual clothes a shirt and jeans.
This man can wear ratted clothes and will still look good on him.
"Done?" He ask. I nodded.
We enter the car and as we are cruising the road I ask Gideon on where I can buy those things that I want to donate. He told me he will " take care" of it
But I refuse so he told me next week we will buy it.
We arrive at the house and do our routine. After dinner I decided that I want another date. It is odd that I am living in his house with no protest on my side I might add and we only did one date. Good thing I ask the input of Eric, Mark and Scott.
As we are getting ready for bed wearing matching sleepwear "insert eye roll" I went to my walmart eco bag and place some cash on my little chinese envelope. I will need it for my plan tomorrow.
Atm's are overrated.
It's not overrated you just don't have an account at all you illegal alien.
Hey it is not my fault if I have no legal documents okay.
I really need to go back to the flat to get my savings on my other pouch.
Calling it pouch is going too far more like money that was wrapped in a giftwrapper.
Hey at least it has design.
Nope it looks like a sanitary napkin wrapped in a gift paper.
Same thing.
"What are you doing love?"
"Nothing!"
I run to the bed and jumped on it landing half of my body on top of Gideon.
He chuckled and position me again at his convinience. My head is placed on top of his chest, my arms around his torso and my right leg is in between his legs. Then he hums again to lull me to sleep.
The next day
I woke up still on the same position last night. For the first time I woke up before him. I slowly untangle myself and making sure he is not disturb at all.
I tip toe to the bathroom and took a shower and then went to the walk in closet to choose what my outfit for today.
I am eyeing this outfit for a while now. This is the first time I will wear a sleeveless shirt hopefully it will not back fire on me. I partnered it with my trusty black flats.
Iwent on Gideon's side and I am not sure if I can get in but I have to try. I scan my thumb and magically his walk in closets door opened.
Wow! The scheme is still black, brown and grey. And his side is much more bigger.
I shake my head because I got distracted again. I have a mission to do.
I scan his "closet" and choose an outfit for him.
Too dark? Huh. Don't care. He looks panty dropping when he wears dark clothes.
I went back to our room and it is already 8 am. Wow it is a little bit late.
I jump on the bed to wake Gideon but he doesn't move at all.
Next method, he always use this way to wake me up everyday.
I kisses his whole face. I stop when he groan.
He said something but I did not understand.
"What did you say?" I ask.
"More."
Ah..more kisses? Okay. I proceeded to kiss his face again. He is so needy and spoiled but I love it. Its a good thing I brushes my teeth already so I have no morning breath.
He woke up fully and his eyes widen when he saw my outfit.
He sat up on the bed and ask.
And guess what he has no bed hair. So lucky.
"Where are you going Love?" He ask.
I grin at him. I stand up and grab his arm. He let me drag him to the bathroom without any protest.
"Take a shower okay and then your clothes are already prepared on your walk in closet." He looks at me suspiciously nonetheless he followed my instructions.
I sat on the bed waiting for him. After 15 minutes I heard him shout "I'm done!"
So I automatically close my eyes and covered it also with my hands.
I heard him chuckle. Everytime he saw me covering my eyes when he was in a state of undress it amuses him.
I mean I am not ready yet to see his body. I know he is ripped everywhere but I don't want to faint or get a nosebleed from his perfection.
After a few minutes I smelled his perfume so it means he is done.
I uncover my eyes and see that he is in front of me.
"I am ready love." His husky voice goes straight to an unfamiliar place in my body.
I stand up and hold his hand and intertwine our fingers.
"What are you planning love?"
I did not answer him.
We went out of the house and ask him.
"Do you have a car that we can take?"
He raised his right eyebrow with my question but just gesture to follow him.
He arrive to another building at the back of his house.
Wow. It is like a show room.
"Pick whatever you like love."
Is he crazy? I don't know anything about cars and he wants me to pick one?
"Well. Let's use the cheapest."
"Huh. That's hard."
He roams his garage and pick a black car.
"This is the cheapest?" I ask him while he assist me in going inside the car.
He entered the car and buckled my seat belt.
"Give or take roughly $90,000."
"That's cheap?!" I ask
"Yep."
Huh. Rich people.
"Where to love?"
I bring out the list that I write for this day with the help of Mark, Scott and Eric.
Breakfast: IHOP
Westfield world trade center
Lunch: McDonalds 😅 but eat in central park
Target
Statue of liberty
Dinner: tick tock diner (Scott's idea)
"Well let's go at IHOP first."
"IHOP?" He entered it on the GPS and off we go.
We arrive at IHOP and he parked the car at the back of the building.
I am so excited because this is the first time I will eat here.
We entered the shop and immediately the smell of pancakes slap me in the face.
We sit in a window booth. I look around and almost all the costumers are family. There are some couples and a group of friends. I love this environment.
We ordered 2 breakfast sampler and orange juice.
I look at Gideon and he has this expression on his face that I can't figure out.
"Love what are we doing?" He ask.
"Well I decided that our second date is overdue already so this is our second date."
He looks around the room and looks at me questioningly.
"At IHOP love?"
"Yes!" He nodded.
Our food has arrive and I kidd you not we finish it all. I don't know where Gideon is keeping all these carbs. He has no fat at all.
When the bill arrive I grab it immediately from the waitress hands and hand over a $50. Gideon did not say anything but he started to protest when we went back to the car.
He faces me and ask.
"Love why are you paying for our meal? I thought this is a date."
I touch his cheeks and say "This is a date yes but I am the one in charge of this date so I WILL pay for everything."
"Bu-" he is starting to rant again so I covered his lips.
"Nope. End of discussion LOVE." He grumbled still in protest. I remove my hand in his mouth then check my list.
"Come on we will go to westfield world trade center. I heard there are good shops there." I expected that Gideon will start to drive but the engine is still off.
Gideon was looking straight ahead as usual no expression painted on his face.
I turn to my side and looks at him.
"Are you okay?" I ask.
He took a deep breath and nodded.
He started to drive onto our next destination.
It is a little bit farther than I expected but we reach there a little bit early.
He park the car and we went out of the car. I grab his hand and we entered this mall. According to Scott it has more than 100 shops so I can play my favorite game which is called "what if".
I roam my eyes and I saw that there are brands that I am not familiar at all. Well considering that my clothes are from goodwill I really don't know anything about brands.
As we roam the place I observe that people are glancing at us particularly at Gideon. Like I said before who would not?
I saw a window display that caught my eyes. It has this ball gowns and sleek dresses.
"Do you want to go inside love?" Gideon ask.
"Nope. We will play "what if" Gideon."
"What if?"
"Yes. Like we will see some products that we like then we will think scenarios like what if I buy that."
"That's a ridiculous game." He exclaimed.
"Sure it is but It helps me dream that one day I'll deserve these things."
He stares at me with intensity. I look in his eyes trying to read his emotions but nope still Mr. Mysterious.
"Let's start!"
"That red dress was so beautiful what if I wear it to those masquerade parties? I am sure everyone will glance at me."
I drag him to another shop this time a there are bags on display.
"What if I decides to go to university? I bet that bag will fit all my things. I'll just carry my books in my hands like a typical student. Wait do they use books in college?"
I look at Gideon for confirmation.
"Well some subjects have books."
I nodded. "Then that is a perfect bag."
I drag Gideon in every shop. He really did not participate much but he responds to my questions.
And the last shop is a jewelry shop.
There are various jewelries that are in display.
And a necklace caught my eyes.
I am speechless. This is the first time I saw a diamond in my life.
"What if?" Huh? I look at Gideon. And he was suddenly in front of my face.
He is staring at me like he is in a trance.
"What If love I buy this necklace for you?"
"Well- I clear my throat because it suddenly became dry- There is a chance that I will get mugged or I will loose it so it's a loose-loose situation don't you think?"
"No. You are wrong. If it made you happy even just for 1 minute it is WORTH it Love."
I am always flustered when he is very close to my face so I step backwards to give us some space in between.
"Well ehem that concludes our play. Come on let's eat lunch!"
We walk hand in hand to McDonalds.
I sway our hands back and forth and I can feel the happiness of Gideon. I mean his face is still impassive but his aura was so warm.
I feel secure whenever we are near to each other.
We are in our own little bubble. People are still staring but we both just ignore them.
I started to skip instead of walking because we are a few feet away from McDonalds and it makes me excited.
We entered the restaurant and I instantly smell their fries.
There is no line so we went to the cashier.
She is not looking at us while she greets us but in the middle of her tag line she looks up and gawk.
Don't laugh Ella. Don't laugh!
I can't help it! I can't stop it! So I lift Gideons Arm and bury my face in his side and giggled. I can feel that Gideon is tense also maybe because he is stopping his self to laugh but he wound his arms around my body and pull me even closer to his side.
I calm down after a minute with tears in my eyes. I look at the cashier person and she already composes her face. She mildly glares at me but I just shrug my shoulders. She can't blame me it is really funny.
"Your order please."
Me and Gideon look at each other at the same time. Fascinating that we are in tune with each other even if we just know each other for a short time.
"Do you prefer anything?" I ask.
He shakes his head.
"2 BigMac please one with no ketchup 20pcs of chicken nuggets and YES I want 2 large fries with that you don't need to ask and then 2 hot fudge sundae."
Done!
"To go please"
"That will be $22.68"
I hand again another $50. Gideon did not protest thank God! But he grab all our orders.
"Where do you want to eat this?"
"In central Park."
"Did you take your anti-histamine?" He ask.
"Yes." He nodded. When we went out of McDonalds lo and behold! His car was park in front of Mcdonalds!
I look at him to confirm that it is really his car that I am seeing. He just shrug his shoulders. He opened the back seat and place our food inside.
He opened the passenger door and wait for me to go inside. He buckled again my seatbelt as if he has no trust that I will buckle it myself and he entered his side and we drive towards central park.
Traffic is a little bit heavy but we arrive at 1pm which is early. He park his car and we search for a place that we can eat. I saw one under the shade and we sat there after Gideon magically produce a blanket. I don't know where he got it but I am not complaining.
We observe the people around us. Some of them are in groups doing picnic also. And others are jogging in the middle of the afternoon.
I fed Gideon the fries and he fed me the nuggets that's what couples do right?
"Gideon?"
"Hmm?"
"Is there available apartment near here?"
He gaze around the park before answering me.
"Yes there are available units around here."
"Really? Do you know how much?"
"Why the sudden interest love?"
"Well you see I like the energy that these park radiates. I am imagining myself after I wake up this view will greet me every morning and my body will instantly reenergize."
"Well love you'll need to really work hard to have that kind of view."
"How hard? Like really really hard?"
"Uhuh. You see over there?" He pointed out a very tall building.
I nodded.
"The floor that overlook central park is around $1.7M"
1.7 million dollars! Wow I only have $50k in savings and I save that for 8 years so for $1.7m I tried to compute and in the end my head just hurts.
"I only have 50 grand and even if I work for 24hours a day I will never earn 1 million. So it means I will never afford that place ever!"
"Don't loose hope love. If you play your cards right maybe you can have your dream condo in that same building."
"Wait are you saying If I play cards I can buy that condo? Is solitaire acceptable? Or maybe UNO? I can only play those. I'll practice hard so I can buy that apartment. You'll support ne right?"
Mirth was shining in his eyes. He lifts me and place me in his lap and kiss my temple. He hugged me and whispered in my ear.
"Sure love. We will practice until you became master in solitaire"
After eating we played Hide and seek. I know exciting right? I can only hide behind thick trees but it is still fun.
Then I saw a woman who paints portrait in acrylic so I ask her if she can paint a picture of us which she agreed.
After staying still for 30 minutes which is very hard she painted a beautiful picture of us smiling. Well I AM smiling and Gideon is just like gazing at me.
Perfect.
She only ask $100 but I gave $300 because she is a very good artist. I'll remember her name she will become a famous painter someday.
We skip target because Gideon told me it is another mall or retail store so we directly go to statue of liberty.
I did not know that we need to ride a boat. It is the first time I will ride one.
I told Gideon to take a picture of me in the boat. Like a good boyfriend he took many pictures. Seawater sprinkles on my glasses but Gideon wipes it for me.
I got a little bit dizzy while riding the boat but no biggie I just hug him and I got better already.
Why so clingy Ella?
Shut up you're just jealous.
We arrive at the small Island and Gideon took a picture of me in front of the statue.
Then I ask one man who sounds like Mr.shades which is so cool to take a picture of Me and Gideon together in front of lady liberty.
I thank him after that we went back to the mainland.
I saw some retail stores so I drag Gideon inside and buy some souvenirs like a mug with statue of liberty. A pin with NEW YORK! Printed on it and even a frame like fridge magnet. I'll put our picture in there.
Time flies fast I enjoy every minute of this date.
The last stop is this diner called Tick Tock diner.
We ordered 2 steak and shrimp, greek salad, chicken buffalo wings and 2 pepsi.
It is $100 but it is worth it. I tip the server because most of them are underpaid.
It is 7pm and we are walking on the sidewalk. People are loitering outside. This city really never sleeps. I saw a dairy queen and according to Eric it is an Ice cream shop so I drag again Gideon to get some thise blizzards.
A meal is not complete if there is no dessert.
On our way there I shivered because it is slightly cold and suddenly Gideon lends me his Jacket which is so movie like.
This the first time I'll eat Ice cream in dairy queen so I am excited. It took me a long time to choose what flavors will I buy but in the end I order 1 brownie dough and 1 oreo. In my disappointment Gideon told me to buy only the smallest since according to him I'll be hyper the whole night he will have a hard time making me sleep.
So I grudgingly buy the smallest. We walk back to the parking lot while eating Ice cream. Gideon scoop some ice cream and offered it to me and alternatively I scoop some of mine and feed it to him. Gideon needs to bend a little since he is taller than me.
We reach the car but Gideon told me he will not drive since he wants to cuddle at the back seat so I am not surprise that one of his MIB is waiting outside his car.
As soon as he sat down inside the car I cuddle with him immediately. I look at him and ask.
"Are you happy?" I closes my eyes and whisper to him since I am spent. No energy left.
"Yes."
"Did you enjoy our date?"
"Yes."
"Then this date is a success. Yey!"
"Yes it is love. Good job. It is my turn next time. Thank you for this day Love. It is one of the best day of my life"
Then he kisses my lips.