TWO hours have gone so quickly.

But because of what happened, Kyla advised Ella to take some rest so she never left the place where she was seated by Luis a while ago.

During those hours Ella just kept watching her friends practice cheer dance and at times she even glanced at Luis who went on to practice basketball. With the last thought, Ella couldn't help but smile most especially when she recalled the kind of concern that she saw in Luis' eyes. Even though she wouldn't admit it, what happened made her day, because once again, her crush noticed her.

_____________________

LIKE what she has been doing every day, after the practice she waited for the tricycle to ride in front of the school gate.

She had been waiting there for a few minutes when a single motorcycle stopped by her. The driver was wearing a helmet so she did not recognize it until he took it off.

Ella immediately startled. "Luis!" she said with a shaking voice as her chest started to pound rapidly. She thinks that feeling will always be on her chest whenever Luis is around.

Luis tilted his head and then move. "Let's go, I'll drive you home," he said smiling broadly as he hops down the motorcycle and putting its stand before approaching her.

For a few moments, Ella remained staring into Luis' handsome face. Maybe she was just too shocked to hear that, but still, the pounding of her heart grew even stronger because of what the young man did.

"Oh! There is no need for that, I'm okay. Thanks by the way," after a long pause, Ella finally found something to say then shook her head consecutively.

Luis once again smiled as he kept staring at her face. "Come on, I insist," he sounded like the last word he said.

Ella sighs because of the impulsiveness in Luis' tone. "I'm not used to riding a motorcycle, I might fall," she said, taking a stepping backward from wanting to avoid what the young man but something else happened instead.

Luis clicks his tongue and because of that, she could not resist the secret thrill because of what he did. "You will not fall, okay? I won't let you. All you have to do is trust me," in a tone that seemed to indicate she can depend on him.

Moments later he put on her a spare helmet that he took out from the carrier. And then he held her elbow and then driven her closer to his motorcycle.

The motorcycle is higher than usual. So Ella wasn't surprised when he rode there he immediately reached out his hand to help her up. Regardless of the students looking at them who are also waiting for a tricycle which will take them home.

"Hold on tight," he heard Luis say shortly after.

"How?" it is too late to revoke that stupid question.

“Just hugged me,” Luis replied to her.

Her nervousness intensified. But despite that, she still carefully placed both hands on Luis' waist. "Is this okay?" she asked as she could no longer hide what she was feeling.

"Not like that," it was Luis in his amused tone. He grabbed both of her hands, which she places on his waist and then wrapped them around his body and so they really are very close now, literally and Ella still can't believe that this is happening to her. "There, much better," he said.

She felt as if her heart wants to come out of her chest because of its intense pounding. "Okay," her short response.

"Just relax, okay?" Luis whispered back to her, following a soft laugh.

Her eyes widened. "What are you talking about?" her pretend question even though she could feel the heat of her face because of what Luis has just said.

"Why I could feel from my back the intense pounding from your chest," he replied and then started the engine and they were on the road. "Just show me the way, okay?" the young man reminded her.

"Okay," she replied and then tightened her embrace on Luis when they reached the rocky part of the road.

In less than twenty minutes, Ella is in front of their home where she saw her aunt Ludy wiping dried fig leaves spread over their small variety store yard. She immediately approached her and kissed her hand as a sign of respect, following her was Luis who was standing behind her. She then introduced the young man to her aunt and also telling her the reason why Luis insisted to drive her home.

"That's what I'm talking about!" her Aunt Ludy started her sermon as soon as she started preparing snacks for her and Luis. "If you can still back out, do it tomorrow!" her aunt continues in an authoritative tone.

Upon hearing that, she unintentionally glances at Luis who remained listening to their conversation. "Aunt Ludy, please don't make me quit," she protested.

“What do you want to do Rafaella? Let's wait for something bad to happen to you and then you'll stop?” her aunt's angry question for her.

Ella sighs because of that. "But I'd like to dance," that's true.

"If that is the case, then why didn't you join the dance club instead?"

"Because I wanna try something new," Ella explained.

Her aunt's eyebrows rose. “You mean you want to be thrown in the air where you might get an accident?” she told her sarcastically.

Ella sighs. "I promise this won't happen again," she just can't admit to herself that Luis is now the main reason why she wanted to stay in the cheering squad.

It is true that she loves dancing.

And it is also true that she wanna try something new that's why she chose to audition in the cheering squad instead of the dance club. But she also has to admit the fact that Luis is now the main reason why she is more inspired in the group. Because this is what connects her to him.

"Alright, but if this thing happens again, you'll know what to," she heard her aunt released a sigh.

"Yes, I promise," that's true within Ella.

Her Aunt Ludy nodded and turned to Luis after. "By the way, thank you so much for taking care of my niece, Luis," Ella was relieved because of that.

"You're most welcome," Luis replied and stood up smiling. "I have to go," he said as he makes his way outside. Together, Ella and her aunt followed him back to where he parked his motorcycle.

"Thank you and drive safely," Ella said, smiling sweetly at the young man.

The young man nodded and put on the helmet. "See you at school," then left.