Chapter 3: Treading on Dark Waters

Emotions were rising to almost 38 degrees. Alessandra couldn't think straight. She didn't know whether to follow her brain or her heart. Logically, the heart is controlled by the brain, therefore making the brain superior. But enough of logic. She had enough for the entirety of the time she sat in front of Richard. Her mobile phone rings and it surprises her a bit.
"Aren't you getting the call? Must be important."
"It's just a cousin of mine."
"Take the call, I don't mind."
Alessandra's hand shook. She sensed what the call was. But she didn't let Richard see the fear on her face. She smiled weakly, took the call and bated her breath.
"Who are you with?" asked Paolo, her cousin from the maternal side of the family.
"I am by myself, studying for an exam before my class later at the University." pursing her lips tightly as she started with a lie.
"I am the last person you should lie to, and you know that. Someone saw you with a man, a known statesman's son I believe," added Paolo with a sneer.
Alessandra felt him sneering, she couldn't speak. But after a few seconds, she gathered her courage and spoke through her teeth.
"That's great! Since when did it become your business?" smiled Alessandra, trying to keep her face straight. Richard was eyeing her every move.
"Since we found out, what is he capable of and when you're life is at stake!" answered Paolo in a terse voice. He didn't want to make a scene in front of the public, as he was just outside where Alessandra was.
"That's interesting. Can I get back to you in five minutes? Let's meet at 5th and 6th. I need to leave anyway. Thanks and see you!" Alessandra chirped happily. But her mind began to divide. She didn't want Richard to find out who it was and what it was. She looked at him coyly and smiled.
"Where were we?
"We were discussing our next meet. By the way, I read your works. Full of emotions, passion and color. Something worth the performance. I know it's too much to ask, but what were you feeling when you wrote that?"
"Well..." started Alessandra with a smirk on her face, "...something electrifying. Like a delta current between wanting and letting go."
"It seemed like, pleasure and pain in its most highest of form. Don't you agree?"

Alessandra paused for a while. She's feeling the currents at the moment. Pain and pleasure. Excitement throbbing inside, waiting to come out. Her eyes drift across the room and she sees the time on another customer's watch. It read fifteen minutes past seven.

"I have to go. My classes at the University starts in fifteen minutes. Plus my driver is waiting outside to bring me there. I am really sorry."
"It's okay. Next time, perhaps?"
"Perhaps. Goodbye!"

Richard reaches for her hand and kisses her cheek. She smiles and leave. Her driver waiting at the door of the cafe where she was studying. She hands her attache case to Alfred, her driver and they walk to the car. Alfred reaches for the door and opens. She slides in fluidly. Door closes and she eases herself on the rear passenger seat. As the driver closes the door, her cousin Paolo joins them in the car.

"Timely dear cousin. Care to elaborate on the details?"
"I will tell you when we get to the University. Alfred, shall we roll on?"

The driver nods his head and starts the engine, warming it up a bit and revs. Alessandra looks forward and starts thinking as the car began to move.

Danger or Safety?