Kerim reached out and grabbed her hand. “Let me finish,” he said, and pleaded with his eyes.
Cristal sank back down onto the bench. This was Kerim’s last chance to explain himself. Patience was never her strong suit.
“I don’t know what it is, but when I’m with you, I feel something more.” He held her hand tight. “I can sense what you are feeling, especially when you are under stress.”
She didn’t know why she was still holding his hand. He looked down at her hand and released it from his grip.
“You mean like this?” she asked. So you can read my thoughts.
“I sense what you feel. It’s like you’re sending me messages with your mind. Never in my life have I experienced something like this with anyone.”
He spoke so differently from people she usually hung out with. He spoke in plain English—straight to the point and blunt. Not like the vague way Harry spoke to her. She closed her eyes and tried harder to take in what he was saying. “Are you okay?” he asked.
She opened her eyes. “Yes, I’m fine. Just trying to process the info.”
He patted her hand and gave her a small smile. “Do you believe in fate?” he asked.
“Not really. I hope you’re not going to tell me you believe in destiny and all that fluff.”
Kerim raised his eyebrow. “Well, not really. But I was told that kismet or destiny would bring me to someone who would change my life.” He paused for a second as he searched for his words.
“When I first met you, the word ‘kismet’ entered my head. Honestly, I don’t know why.” He looked into his hands.
Thoughts were swirling in Cristal’s mind. Kerim had just admitted to hearing her thoughts. And now he’s given her a bunch of stuff about them being destined to be together.
Kismet? I don’t know what to say, she thought to herself.
Suddenly, a dark blue four-door sedan drove up, slowed down in front of them and then stopped. They both glanced up to see Harry sticking his head out from the passenger window. He had a crazed look on his face.
“Cristal, get in the car.”
Who the hell does he think he is?
She could see Dr. Saeed was in the driver’s seat. She stood up, clenching her fists while trying to keep her cool.
“Like I said, I’m not going to be part of your experiment anymore, Harry.” She shot a look at Kerim who was a few steps behind her. “Come on, Kerim. I want you to take me home.”
Harry flung open the car door. He stepped onto the street, his intent gaze never moving away from Cristal. He walked up to her with long strides and stopped only when his face was inches away from hers.
“Get away from me, Harry,” she said in a low whisper.
“You have to let me explain,” he said.
Cristal couldn’t believe her ears. Harry had a 200 IQ but the social skills of an ass.
“Explain what? Explain that you planned all of this, because you want to find your mother?” She jabbed her finger into his shoulder. “You never told me she was missing. And to think I thought we were friends.”
She blinked her eyes hard, trying to stop the tears from coming.
Harry paced in front of her, like a black panther ready to pounce on his prey.
Kerim stood up from the bench. With Harry walking around her as if claiming her as his property, Kerim seemed unsure of himself.
Cristal hoped he wouldn’t leave her there. Kerim, please stay.
He looked intently at her, as if affirming that he wasn’t going anywhere without her.
Harry stopped and turned towards her. “There were times when I thought about telling you about my mother. About everything, but…”
“But what?” She could feel the anger wrap its fingers around her heart.
“But nothing. I’m not very good at sharing. You know that about me.” His voice sounded tired.
“Is that it? Are you serious? You used me for your experiment like one of Dr. Saeed’s lab rats? I trusted you, Harry. How could you do this to me?”
The tears she didn’t want to cry started burning her cheeks.
Harry didn’t let down his guard. He was never good with expressing his feelings and she knew that. But knowing that wasn’t enough. She had shared with him everything about herself—all of her deepest, darkest secrets and fears.
Cristal didn’t want to hear any more excuses from Harry. She waved to Kerim to come over. “Take me home.”
He walked up to both of them. Harry stepped in front of her, giving Kerim a dirty look.
“Sorry, Harry,” Kerim said, “but you got yourself into this on your own.”
Cristal reached out for his hand. “Let’s go. Where’d you park?”