CHAPTER 6 - Black Hole

CHAPTER 6 - Black Hole

"Miss Athena? Good evening."

Clara's eyes widened when she saw who stopped in front of her. Although she knew the car, she didn't expect its owner to appear at this hour. Her surprised eyes met Athena's serious and gleaming gaze. Their eyes were the only ones that spoke, so even on the street, silence managed to envelop them.

"Why are you still on the road?"

The question registered coldly in Clara's mind. She pondered before responding.

"I'm on my way home."

"Are you not—" Instead of finishing her sentence, Athena bit her lower lip, then said, "Get in," a request that sounded like a command.

Clara was initially stunned, but when she felt Athena's mood, she quickly snapped back to reality. She entered the car and took the front passenger seat. Inside, Clara sensed not only the coolness from the air conditioning but also the cold atmosphere from her companion. Clara avoided looking at Athena while adjusting her seatbelt, but when she had it secured, a sudden thought struck her.

Clara briefly looked outside before turning to Athena. "Miss Athena, are you okay?" she asked gently. Similar to when she talked to her younger siblings, sensing their concerns.

Athena's reaction shifted from irritability to confusion. Clara's intention to comfort touched Athena, and Clara's soft voice seemed to have a calming effect. Athena blinked several times while looking at Clara's gentle face. Then, she slowly shifted her gaze to the road before smiling.

"Do I not look okay?"

Athena attentively returned her focus to Clara.

"Yes, earlier..."

"Earlier?"

Clara nodded, 'But not anymore. The bad aura inside the car is gone now.'

Athena pursed her lips. In truth, she had intended to question Clara about staying outside despite what happened, but she couldn't bring herself to do so. As observed by her companion, the irritation in her feelings had faded. Athena glanced at her watch and saw that it was already ten minutes past ten. She looked back at Clara. The lights from the cars on the opposite lane illuminated her beautiful face. The moon she had been gazing at the sky while she was with Marcus seemed to have descended to Earth and stayed right in front of her.

Ethereal and serene. 

Gentle and bright.

In Athena's thoughts, it was technically late at night to be staying outside, but not too late for dining in a restaurant.

"Maybe it's because I'm hungry, so my mood is a bit affected? Clara, is it okay if you join me for dinner? Then, I'll drive you home afterward."

Clara didn't immediately respond. She looked at Athena's face before checking the luxurious watch on her wrist, seeing the time. Last night, she didn't sleep beside her siblings, and if she came home late, she might miss being with them again.

"But it's okay if you don't want to, I understand. I'll just drive you home."

Clara pondered due to the last statement she heard. She was about to decline both offers from Athena, but her digestive system beat her to it. Ignoring it all day, it seemed to have developed a mind of its own and chose to lose its manners. Her cheeks turned red suddenly after her stomach rumbled loudly.

Athena couldn't help but giggle, "That's a yes then," she said before stepping on the car's brake and driving off.

Silence filled the car, but Athena didn't notice. She also didn't notice the tapping of her fingers on the steering wheel. There was no music inside, but Athena was wrapped in a different beat and tempo. Meanwhile, Clara just looked out the window beside her. The journey was chill, but every time they passed a bus, she instinctively tightened her grip on the seatbelt. In a short while, they arrived at Wine and Dine, a late fine dining resto bar on Central Avenue.

After Clara stepped out of the car, she paused to gaze at the entrance of the establishment. She was aware that it wasn't just a normal fine dining restaurant.

"Clara, let's go."

Upon seeing Athena, the staff inside quickly attended to her. Clara followed Athena while observing the staff. Clara knew Athena was a high-class student at school, but she didn't expect it to extend to other places.

"Are you comfortable?"

Clara nodded and glanced at the array of cutlery in front of her. Athena noticed her hesitation.

"Let's just go with the same menu I ordered for both of us. Don't worry; you'll surely like it. It's their best seller."

Clara remembered the price on the menu, so she knew it must be a genuinely popular dish.

"Thank you," Clara said, then felt her stomach connecting with her head again.

Clara wasn't usually prone to dizziness when hungry, but perhaps the surroundings influenced her system. She decided to take a sip of water from the glass in front of her. She also noticed Athena sipping on her wine.

"Clara, if you have any problems, don't hesitate to tell me," Athena said with a smile.

Clara remained silent.

Even at this late hour, the restaurant was still bustling with people. Despite the crowd, the atmosphere remained tranquil. The small noises and laughter around seemed to serve as lyrics to the romantic melody played by a violinist.

"Clara, how old are your siblings?"

Clara was surprised but not puzzled by the question. She knew that her situation was widely known at school.

"They're both 10."

"Both?"

"They're twins."

"I see… Both boys or girls?"

"A boy and a girl. Kael and Mika."

Athena's eyes sparkled, as if she had realized something intriguing.

"They have cute names."

Athena noticed Clara's smile.

"Yes, their full names are Juan Mikael and Issa Mikaela. My parents are fond of Philippine Literature, so that's where they got our names."

Shortly after, Athena's orders arrived. Due to time constraints, she decided to have them served simultaneously. Landing on the table were two medium rare steaks, two plates of grilled salmon, two plates of bacon, two bowls of mashed potatoes, two plates of Caesar salad, and two slices of cheesecake. Despite feeling a bit embarrassed, Clara swallowed hard as the aroma of the food wafted into her nose.

"Enjoy your meal, ma'am," the two staff members said to Athena and Clara before leaving.

"Let's eat," Athena invited, a gesture that Clara acknowledged with a nod.

As they ate, Athena couldn't help but observe her companion. She expected to assist her with the cutlery, but was surprised to find that Clara knew how to use them. Athena looked at Clara's hands and then at Clara as a whole. Clara was poised while eating. Athena wasn't passing judgment, but she was surprised because she didn't expect her companion to be knowledgeable about fine dining.

"Miss Athena, sorry, but can I give you my salad?" Clara interrupted Athena's thoughts.

Athena snapped back to reality. "Sure, why? Don't you like salad?"

Clara shook her head. 

"Clara, it's not that I'm judging you. I'm just surprised. Where did you learn fine dining etiquette? You seem to know more than some elitists I know."

Clara paused in her eating. She set down her fork and knife on her plate. 

"I was taught by my parents. We used to eat in fancy restaurants when they were still alive," Clara replied, immediately bringing a sense of concern to Athena.

"I see. Hmm, sorry if I touched a sensitive topic. I didn't mean to gossip, but it's all over the school... that you and your siblings were orphaned."

"It's okay, Miss Athena. I'm not sensitive about that."

"Thank goodness," Athena said, surprising Clara.

"Why?"

"I don't want to offend you."

Clara stared at Athena before nodding. She picked up her cutlery, which she had set down, and continued eating. As Clara's stomach filled, her dizziness gradually faded. All the food was delicious, but she couldn't fully enjoy it because she was now curious about her companion.

She discreetly looked at Athena, and at that moment, Athena felt her gaze. Athena let Clara observe her. Although Athena's eyes were focused on the food, her attention was on her peripheral vision.

According to what Clara had heard, Athena came from a political clan. She was the granddaughter of a former Congressman of General City, and her father was a city councilor. They also owned various businesses. Athena was kind, approachable, and friendly. She would let others copy her notes and assignments. Many said she was enjoyable to be around.

Upon noticing Clara's change in reaction, Athena focused her full attention on her.

"Is there a problem? Don't hesitate to ask me."

Clara avoided eye contact, shifting her gaze from the violinist to the plate in front of her. When she looked back at Athena, she swallowed before speaking.

"Miss Athena, I want to thank you again for escorting me to the east building on the first day of class, for taking me home last night, and now for treating me and for the upcoming ride later. I don't know how, but I'll find a way to repay you."

Athena smiled and chuckled at what she heard.

"You're welcome. You don't have to repay me. I'm not asking for anything in return. In the first place, I'm the one offering... your acceptance, that's my pleasure. Maybe if you want to repay, then please don't refuse if I ever want to help."

"That is unfair..." Clara said hesitantly, prompting Athena to laugh.

Clara's first impression of Athena was genuinely kind because of her help in finding her classroom. However, due to the events of the previous night, Clara saw a side of Athena that made her suspicious.

As an orphan and the eldest sibling, Clara had encountered many people who wanted to take advantage of them. Often, those who approached them wore a pleasant expression, smiled, and spoke gently, but in the end, their only intention was to hurt them.

In Clara's mind, perhaps due to the stress of recent events, her understanding of Athena's intentions may have been distorted. She initially thought Athena was a scum, but this afternoon she genuinely showed concern for her, and now she was considerate and sensitive about things concerning her.

"Thank you for being one of those genuinely good to me," Clara said with a smile before savoring the cheesecake. Her hesitation disappeared, and she happily indulged in the delicious dessert. She allowed herself to enjoy it so much that she didn't notice how Athena's gaze lingered on her beautiful face. 

Athena was caught off guard while eating the same cheesecake. Even if she didn't eat it, someone had already activated dopamine in her brain. The sound of the violin in the surrounding was replaced by the loud thumping of her heart. When Athena noticed herself staring, she swallowed. Her hands became sweaty, and she shivered. At first, she couldn't comprehend what she was feeling until she winced.

Athena took a deep breath with closed eyes, and upon opening them, she smiled.

"It tastes good, right?"

Clara happily nodded. Athena then tasted her own cheesecake, but judging by their reactions, it seemed like they had eaten different desserts.

"Bland," 

♦️♦️♦️

 After finishing their meal, Athena promptly signaled the waiter. As the waiter approached, she whispered something. The waiter left, taking her card, and returned shortly after, carrying a paper bag.

It was midnight. The surroundings were quiet, and when one looked up, the stars were scattered across the sky. The light of the large moon remained above, becoming the centerpiece of the serene atmosphere, with only the vastness of space able to provide it.

It was a sentimental and peaceful night. A night that seemed ordinary but could be extraordinary, depending on someone's perspective and appreciation.

Upon reaching the car, both of them halted in their steps. When they stopped, Clara felt the cool night for the first time. She didn't mind it, as the wind's embrace felt refreshing. Athena turned to face Clara.

"Clara, come on," Athena invited.

The two got into the car. After placing the paper bag in the back seat, Athena fastened her seatbelt. When the car door closed, Athena considered playing music but decided against it when she noticed Clara looking at her. Athena smiled.

"Do you have a preference for music?"

Clara shook her head.

"Okay, I won't play any music. Is that fine with you?"

Clara looked at Athena earnestly before nodding.

"Don't worry about me," Clara softly and hesitantly said.

Athena started driving. While on the road, there was silence between them. The only sound they heard was the honking of cars outside, serving as their ambient noise. Usually, during this time of travel, Athena would play music to stay awake. However, she knew within herself that this night was not normal. She wasn't sleepy; her mind was alert, and a part of her felt rejuvenated.

Athena knew the way to Clara's destination, but she wanted to initiate a conversation, so she was about to ask. She glanced at Clara briefly, only to find her peacefully asleep.

Fortunately, the road they were taking had no other vehicles at the moment. Athena was momentarily distracted, gazing at Clara. When she noticed her own distraction, she suddenly stepped on the brake, surprised by her actions. But her greater concern was that she might wake Clara. Her worry eased when she looked at Clara again and heard a soft sigh.

Athena continued driving until they reached a large gate that, when viewed from the inside, led to a four-story building. Athena checked the time before glancing at Clara. Instead of waking her up, she just observed Clara while resting her head on the steering wheel. 

"So beautiful..."

Athena reached for her cellphone, tapped the camera icon, and angled it towards Clara. After taking several shots, Athena adjusted her posture. She examined each photo, as if in her own world.

"She looks like a porcelain doll... Beautiful hair, long eyelashes, pink cheeks, and pink lips. Did she have a boyfriend before? Does she have one now? I bet none. If she had, she wouldn't have allowed herself to stay out late. If she had one and he let her be, then he doesn't deserve her," Athena mused while repeatedly observing the captured images.

"Is this her regular sleeping face? Probably, she looks the same in bed. So serene, yet she seems to have been through a lot. I'm glad she enjoyed my treat; at least, I did something good for her. It seems like she really loved the dessert. She was all smiles while eating that one... It looks like we have the same taste. For sure, we'll get along... Yes, we'll get along. There's no other choice for her, after all, she made me despise one of my favorite desserts."

Every night, apart from the moon, it's the stars that illuminate the dark sky. While the moon brings silence, the twinkling of the stars brings joy. Just like in the day, when the sun gives energy to those who look at it every night.

But does brightness always equate to happiness?

They say the brightness of a star depends on its luminosity, proximity to Earth, the amount of matter it consists of, and its heat. Indeed, the universe is mysterious because one of the characteristics of these captivating lights is an indication of their eventual burn out. According to astronomy, a star's life is not eternal. Some of them can shine brightly until they explode and fade away toward their demise.

It was quiet inside the car, even as Athena continued to speak. Her eyes sparkled like a star while observing her companion, a radiance concealing her unexplainable intentions.

"Miss Athena, have we arrived?" Clara asked with a sleepy tone.

Athena quickly set aside her cellphone. "Yes, we just arrived."

Clara's tired eyes scanned the surroundings. "Hmm, okay. Miss Athena, thank you again for treating me. And for the ride. I'll go ahead, take care on your way home."

Clara was about to open the car door, but Athena stopped her. "Wait," she said, reaching for the paper bag in the back seat. She handed it to Clara.

"What's this?" Clara asked, confused and still showing signs of drowsiness.

"It's for your siblings. I bought the cheesecake we had earlier. I know you thought of them earlier, that's why you hesitated to join me. I took your time away from them, so I want to compensate."

"You didn't have to... but thank you. They'll surely love this."

"I'm glad."

"Miss Athena, good night," Clara said before opening the door.

"Good night too," Athena replied.

Clara left with Athena's gaze following her. As Clara's figure completely disappeared, Athena finally started the engine.

As expected, Clara arrived home to find her siblings already asleep. She placed the paper bag from Athena on their small table before heading to the bathroom to wash up and brush her teeth. After getting ready, she intended to check her cell phone, but when she reached for it in her bag, it was nowhere to be found.