We didn't really talk much aside from how much we have missed each other 'well, mostly me' and how long it has been since we saw each other last.

He told me about when he arrived there at first and how hard it was for him to settle down and be on his own. Well, he had been on his own before he left but at least he had people he was familiar with around so it was still easy to cope but when he was there it was quite hard on him.

I told him about the trial and what happened, although he said that he followed through with it and would sometimes keep tabs on how I was doing and how Chris was doing when he was admitted into the hospital.

I guess that he still has a soft spot for him after all. They aren't much of an enemy as they portray themselves to be.

I asked about his family crisis and he said that I should just forget about it for now and that we should just enjoy the fact that we can still see each other.

He asked about my therapy session and many other things... he was right, he did keep track of what was going on here.

I explained to him how it affected me mentally, the nightmares I do have frequently, the feeling I get about something wanting to happen to me any moment from now, and how talking with GOD helps me sleep better.

"I am quite scared that something bad would happen to me and I might not be saved this time around" I explained my fears to him and he stretched to place his palm over my hand for comfort and I smiled a bit.

"I really feel bad for not being there for you when you needed your friend so bad and for what your dad did to you, it was uncalled for and shocking to me but I want to assure you that everything is good now, things will fall into place and you will see how normal you can live without fear again," he said.

"It might be a bit hard to recover from it but it will be good, okay?" he smiled and I nod my head then let out a sigh.

"I am glad I have my bestie back," I said and saw something flash through his eyes when I mentioned 'bestie' but it disappeared as fast as it appeared.

He retracts his hand so that he could grab his drink and he took a draw from the straw then set it back on the table and entwined his fingers.

"Have you told your mum about this feeling yet?" he asked.

"No," I replied with a frown.

"Why?" he frowned too.

"Mum has..." I paused and looked away from him to the window beside me.

I watched the busy street as people walked here and there, some crossing the road, some trying to sell something to the passerby while some were at one corner begging for alms from those that pass them.

"Daniella" Leo's voice sounded and I felt his palm on my hand again so I closed my eyes and bow my head as I tried my best to keep the tears from dropping.

"It's going to be okay," he told me and I nod my head, trying to believe him.

"It will be good," I said then opened my eyes to look at him.

There was a sad look in his eyes and I didn't like that at all.

"Mum has been really scared for us all, she tells us every time that she is good and that things are fine since dad is locked up already but I know that deep down she is scared and sometimes feels helpless" I explained to him.

I do believe in the protection of GOD but I just can't help but worry about what will happen next, even when I try to talk to GOD about my fears, it somehow has a way of overpowering me and I will lose focus and get lost in the fear of what will happen next.

I just pray that GOD gives my mum the strength she needs and gives me a quiet mind so that I don't have to give in to fear again.

"I understand how you guys feel, anyone in your shoes would feel the same way too so it's totally understandable but I need you to please be calm, things will be good," he said.

"This might sound crazy but I would really want to go see my dad" I spoke out what has been in my mind for a really long time.

Leo's eyes widened when I said it and they returned to their normal size, then he took a sip from his drink and frowned in thought before dropping the cup and looking at me.

"Er... why?" he asked.

"I don't know but I guess it's got to do with wanting to know why he did those things to me, I want to know why he did those things, what is going through his head, I want to be sure my dad isn't as evil as he portrays himself to be," I explained to him and he sighed.

"I want to know if he has any feeling of remorse for what he did and almost did to me, the state he put us in and all those... I want to know, I need answers"

He didn't say anything, just looked at me with a little furrow on his brows and his jaw resting on the back of his hand.

"I just need... closure? I don't know but I just want to hear what he has to say about all the things he did. I want to know what I did to receive such hate from him, he is my dad and I want to know why he harbors such feelings towards me"

"Is your mum aware of your intentions?"

"She freaked out when I told her and warned me not to try it or go anywhere near him. She says that if he could hurt me without blinking even on the day that he was convicted of the crime he committed then going to meet him would be a dangerous move on my side"

"Hmm... forgetting that you need answers, do you think it is wise to pay him a visit? I am not trying to discourage you nor am I telling you to back out from doing what you want to do but let's look at it from this angle" he began.

"He was cuffed and was still able to grab a gun from one of the policemen to shoot you, even if it ended on someone else, still he is dangerous with or without being cuffed"

He has a point there, no amount of restraint can stop him from hurting me again, he could even break out of prison just to finish what he started and the thought of it alone scares me to the core but it still doesn't change the fact that I want answers from him.

If I was going to see him, then I must not let mum know or she might just take back her words and let me attend online classes like I wanted to do when this incident happened.

"Are you okay?" his voice cuts through my train of thought and I blinked several times then shook my head to clear them of any scary thoughts that involve my dad.

I needed to be relaxed and calm, mum said everything would be alright and I want to believe so.

Maybe I should stop going to see my therapist every time and just make my visit to her office minimal.

I am not crazy anymore and I will be okay by GOD's grace.

I smiled at Leo and then nod my head.

"I will be fine, thank you," I said and he smiled too and leaned back then stretched before taking out his wallet to pay.

"Let's split it" I offered and brought out my purse too but he dismissed my suggestion.

"No, I invited you so I want to pay"

"I was going to go for lunch anyways" I shrugged.

"Still, I invited you so I am paying"

"Let's split, like old times," I said and he looked at me then chuckled.

"Next time" he replied then stood up and I did the same.

My eyes lit up when he said that so I picked up my books and bag and then followed him to the cashier to pay.

"There would be a 'next time'? I am excited, I will pay for the next but you will get to pick wherever you want us to go to" I told him and he nods then I side hug him to which he puts his arms around me while we waited for the girl behind the counter to finish the transaction.

When he collected his card, we went outside and entered his car then looked at each other with smiles on our faces.

I am so glad that I finally get to see him again.

"I have about two more lectures today and then I will be going home, so would you want to come home? After talking with the dean of the school and finalizing your transfer here?" I asked and he nod his head.

"I would love to, I am glad that I am coming back here again, it's like coming back home after a long time of being away"

"You are home Leo, welcome," I said and looked at him.

Something crossed my mind but I wasn't sure of how it might end. I could feel my heart swell at the possibility that it would go as smoothly as it crossed my mind so without trying to think too much about it, I leaned in and placed a kiss on his cheek.

When I did, I felt him stiffen a bit but he relaxed after a moment and I leaned back. I was going to put meaning as to why he stiffened when I kissed his cheek but the feelings that came over me when I did, were so strong that my hands shook a bit.

It felt like before but it was stronger and I liked it.

It might be a bit early to start thinking or talking about our feeling for each other but I want us to get used to being around each other again then we can begin that 'major talk'.

We looked at each other again then chuckled so he turned to the steering wheel in front of him and I faced my front, we both had smiles on our faces and it feels so good to be around him.

"Let's head over to school before your break is over," he said and I nod in agreement while he starts the car and drove out of the parking lot.

Better days ahead Daniella, believe it and hold on to it.