CHAPTER 4

"How do I look?" Jeremy asked.

Today is the day. Jeremy was excited since he waited so long for this day to come. He was getting ready for his date with Kate for their University Night. It's been three weeks since their last meeting at the café. They became close since then. He also agreed to be her date today.

This day is special. It's his first date with her. It is also his first date since the accident. He has to look not only good but the best among the rest. Like a heartthrob of the red carpet, he donned a crisp, white Jean Yves tuxedo like a handsome prince. Surely, ladies would want him to be their date.

"Like a prince charming." Tobby complimented.

" I have to go then."

"Are you sure you don't need me for the night?"

"Goodbye...!"

"Do you have her address?"

"Yes, they are staying at their condo unit."

"Just call me if you need anything."

When he reached her place, he noticed the cars outside the condominium. "Oh my God!" he exclaimed to himself. He felt that he was in a disadvantage situation. He needs to level up. This date is special and he wants that everything is not only okay but the best. Worried, he then reached out his phone and called.

"Hello!"

"Hey! What's wrong? Can't you find her place?" Tobby asked.

"No! I have a problem."

"What is it?"

"Most of them are using limousines."

"What do you want me to do now? Call for a rent-a-car shop? I am not sure if there will be any available tonight"

"No! Wait, I have an idea. Give me the number of Sophie."

"Sophie? The Consulate?"

"Yes!"

He thought that it's time to use connection. He didn't want actually to use but today is an exemption. He has to impress Kate. Today is special and he wanted everything from top to bottom to be special.

After he made calls, from a distance towards the entrance of the building, he saw men sitting at the couches. Most are in black suit; a few in dark blue and some in gray but none are in white like him. He was smiling. He knew these are the men waiting for their dates and he will be one of them.

As he entered the lobby, people noticed who he was. Some staffs of the condominium rushed towards him, asked for picture taking. After few minutes, the ladies, one by one, walk down the stairs. One of them was Grace, friend of Kate.

Instead of approaching her date, she walked toward Jeremy, "She's coming. She's really slow in dressing up," she said with a smile.

"Thank you."

"By the way, that guy," pointing at the man near the large grandfather's clock, "he's Francis, the ex-boyfriend of Kate."

"I see. He's good looking."

"But an asshole." They both laughed. He was the guy whom Kate cried over for months. He was the same guy who played with her heart. He was also the same guy who was known as the playboy of the university.

"Well, I have to go. She will be the last one for sure since she's still preparing herself." She bade him farewell and together with her date went out.

One by one, people left. All of the men who were waiting at the lobby when he arrived had already left with their dates. He was left alone. But he knew that his patience is worthwhile. He knew that the best is yet to come.

After few minutes, like a princess walking down the stairs, time becomes slower and all eyes are on her. Kate dazzled in A-line, princess scoop neck floor-length chiffon prom dress with beading that is matched by her long wavy hair. She was the best among those whom Jeremy saw while waiting.

"You look stunning." Jeremy said who was still in beauty spell of Kate.

"Thank you! Let's go?"

"Okay but we have to go up."

"Why?"

"You'll see."

As they arrived at the rooftop, there was a helicopter waiting at the helipad. Surrounded by five men in black suits.

"What are we doing here?" Kate asked.

"This will be our ride." Jeremy pointed at the helicopter.

Kate shrugged, "Have you forgotten that I am afraid of heights?"

"I know that but we'll be late if we'll travel by car. There is a heavy traffic and we were the last one to go." He reasoned out. Instead of asking the embassy to provide him a car and knowing that the travel time would consume more of their hours, he requested for a faster ride and Sophie, the Consulate suggested the helicopter.

"But…"

Jeremy held her hands and assured her, "Don't worry, we'll be fine. And besides, I am with you. I'll protect you." He knows that she would be hesitant especially with what happened during their flight from Seoul.

When the helicopter was taking off, like the incident at the plane, Kate was holding tightly on Jeremy but now in his hands. Her eyes were closed all throughout the travel time. Several times, Jeremy assured her safety.