Chapter 3
“Okay, where are we going next?”
“You’ll see. Just follow me.”
They board a tram. Once they find their seats, Callum says, “It’s going to be a bit long.”
“The journey?”
“Yep. But don’t worry. The wait will be worth it.”
“Just tell me where we’re going!” she says, impatiently but with a fun tone.
He rolls his eyes. “We’re going to the largest and most beautiful garden in all of Katolis!”
“Really? That’s great!”
Callum smiles.
“It’s called the Great Garden. I’m sure you’ve heard of it before, right?”
“I think so…”
— — —
They enter the park.
“Wow… it’s so big and so beautiful!” Rayla says, with wide eyes.
“Yeah!”
“Thank you, Callum.”
“Why?”
“For taking your time to show me this place.”
“You don’t need to thank me. I’m happy to show you around.”
Rayla smiles at him. It was the first time she’s met a person as patient and friendly as him. She surely wanted to get to know him better and spend more time with him.
“Hey, you in there?” he says, waving his hand in front of her face.
“Wha- oh, yeah. Sorry, I was just-”
“Oh, I don’t blame you. You could get lost by the beauty of this place.”
She smiles again.
They walk around the garden for hours, talking and talking endlessly.
Just then, Callum’s phone buzzes. He opens it to see Ezran’s message.
“Oh, Rayla. I have to go… sorry.”
“No, that’s okay.”
He smiles and says, “My brother Ezran’s coming to my apartment to drop some things off.”
“That’s alright. You’ve already given me so much of your time and I can’t be thankful enough for that…”
“Of course, that’s what friends are for, right?”
For some reason, whenever Callum calls her his friend, she gets a warm feeling. “Yeah.” she answers. “I… I’ll go home with you then.”
“Really, are you sure?”
“Yep.”
— — —
They reach their apartment lane.
“Thank you, once again Callum.”
“You’re welcome, Rayla. But you don’t have to keep thanking me, you know?”
“Got it, your highness.” she says, teasingly.
“Stop that!” he says, in a more playful than annoyed tone.
“I’ll try… Bye, Callum!”
“Bye, Rayla.”