Chapter 43: The word friend

Edward just showed up in her apartment that early Saturday morning unannounced with flowers and chocolate as a peace offering for disturbing her weekend. She did not mind since she had nothing to do anyway. She welcomed his company. In truth, she appreciated his gesture.

"I took the risk that you don't have any plans today. It is my off today, so I thought of inviting you out for lunch." He followed her into her living room. "Then, maybe you can accompany me afterward."

"Well, I would love to go to lunch with you." It was a chance for her to get out more. "What do you have in mind afterward?" She examined his face with interest, seeing the excitement in his eyes.

"It is sort of a surprise. So, it is up to you if you're willing to take a risk with me." He dramatically announced for mysterious effect as he smiled widely at her. "I promise. You'll have a great time."

"Oh, Alright! Why not." She easily agreed, thinking that he could trust him. "I hope you don't mind waiting while I changed. Anyway, what do you think I should wear?" So far, she was truly enjoying his company. This was a perfect opportunity to get to know him more on a deeper level.

Checking his clothes, consisting of jeans, a polo shirt, and sneakers, she concluded that a fancy restaurant was not on the menu. "Anything you're comfortable with." It was vague, but she would just follow his lead. He did not want to give her any hint on his plans. "Take your time." He added.

"Ok. Give me a few minutes." Going to her room, leaving Edward in the living room.

Scanning her clothes, she decided to go for her skinny jeans, simple top, and sneakers just like him. A light makeup on her face and a simple ponytail to finish her looks. She was not going out to impress after all. She was looking forward to having a good time with him.

"Let's go." She motioned to the door, with her shoulder bag, containing her phone and other necessities.

He immediately stood up and walked beside her. "You look great." He took her hand as they walked to the elevator.

"Thanks." Smiling at him. She was starting to feel comfortable around him. Being with him, made her feel safe and cared for, which to her book should be the start of something more. It would just take time to develop it into a deeper affection.

Lunch was surprisingly exciting and fun. He took her to a quiet small Japanese restaurant that was just a few blocks from her building. People did stare and whisper when she walked in, but they were generally polite.

They sat at a table where the food was prepared in front of them by the chef. His masterful skills with the knife and cooking expertise truly impressed her. Although she did try to learn some skills in cooking, she only managed to do some basic things.

"I hope you don't mind eating some raw fish." He placed three pieces of sashimi in front of her. While he took one and devoured it in one go.

"Are you sure this is safe to eat?" She was never a fan of Japanese food in the past, but the new her was willing to give it a try.

"It is safe if the fish is fresh and prepared properly," Edward explained. "I knew the owner of this establishment. I can assure you that he only serves the best."

"Ok. If you say so." She took one piece with her chopstick and looked at it closely. The red meat of the fish was not appealing to her, but if she could eat medium-rare steak, she could easily take on a piece of raw fish.

She dipped the fish into the sauce with the wasabi paste, closing her eyes, she shoved the piece of meat inside her mouth. Chewing slowly, she realized that it was not something that she would crave, but it was not bad at all.

"Do you want more?" He asked her while observing her reaction. "Maybe not." He answered his question. "Maybe this would be more of your taste." He placed a new set of a dish in front of her, putting California Maki in front of her.

She took the chopstick and picked a piece. The taste was more to her liking. "This is much better." She declared, picking up another slice, but instead of eating it, she offered it to him. He took it in his mouth with ease.

They tried several more dishes, finding herself enjoying this new experience with him. It had been a while since she felt this happy. Maybe she was finally finding a way to move on with him.

"Time to go to our next destination." He announced after helping her out of her chair.

"Where exactly are we going?" She asked again, quite curious with the secrecy.

He assisted her out of the restaurant, back to his car, just shrugging his shoulder for his answer. "You'll find out soon enough." He said as he started the car to their destination.

Mellow music was playing inside the car as they cruised to the city street. It took a while for them to get out of the traffic, but as soon as it eased out, they were cruising faster to wherever they were intending to go.

He had planned this event weeks ago, even before he had met her. He was just glad that he would have a chance to share it with her. He just hoped that she would also like what he was passionate about, so they could both enjoy this moment.

"Are we close?" Feeling excited about what he was up to, although she was not a fan of surprises, she still could not help but be a bit giddy. So far, Edward only showed her a few things that picked her interest. She was looking forward to this one.

"Just a few minutes more." He replied, concentrating on the road ahead.

A few moments later, they were entering a huge gate with a big sign on the front of it. She was surprised that Edward took her to this place.

'ANGELS UNDER OUR WINGS ORPHANAGE' was written in bold letters by the wall.

"What are we doing here?" She asked with her face full of delight.

He smiled at her with genuine happiness. "I want you to meet some of my friends. One of them is having a birthday today." He announced as he parked the car on the side of the building. "George mentioned to me that you like kids. So, I thought you might want to meet some."

"Are you sure it is ok for me to be here?" She did not know the protocol when it comes to this kind of situation. However, she could feel her heartbeat moved faster with excitement at the prospect of meeting the kids he was talking about in one of their conversations in the past.

"The kids would love you. Besides, my cousin is one of the people running this place. They will be thrilled to have you as their guest." He took her hand and kissed it. "I hope you did not mind that I brought you here."

"I don't mind at all. As matter of fact, I always wanted to visit this kind of place. I just did not have the chance to do so in the past." She placed her hand on his cheek and gave him a soft peck on the lips.

"Come on. Let's not keep them waiting." He assisted her towards the entrance of the convent.

Inside, a nun in her white habit and white veil came to welcome them. "Dr. Edward, it is so nice that you finally arrived. The kids are very anxious to see you."

"Thanks, Sister Anna. By the way, this is my friend Sabrina. I invited her here to join the fun. I hope you don't mind, Sister." He, then, turned to her. "Sabrina, this is Sister Anna. She is the head of this Orphanage."

The elderly sister moved closer to her and hugged her. "Welcome to our home, Sabrina. Our doors are always open to people seeking help and to those who are willing to help."

"Thanks, Sister Anna. I am more than glad to be here. I hope I can be of service to these kids." She could not help but smile at the warm feeling she was experiencing in the presence of this wonderful lady.

"Shall we go and meet the kids? They are already waiting at the garden as you instructed." Sister Anna stated, pointing in the other direction.

"What about our Princess? Where is she?" Edward asked Sister Anna.

She smiled sweetly, knowing exactly, who he was talking about. "She is with your cousin, Sister Margaret. Come on. Everyone would be thrilled to meet your friend."

She smiled at the way Sister Anna emphasized the word friend with a teasing smile on her lips. She could not help but analyzed if a friend was exactly the correct label to what they currently have. Although she would not say that they were in a deeply committed relationship yet.