Robert Philip Route-Chapter 2

                I was walking towards my room, slightly bending forward.

Clara: (I agreed to the offer but maybe I should’ve asked for some time to think over.

???: “Clara”

                I was called by my name, it was Mother approaching towards me while touching her hair.

Mother: “When did you get so close to him?”

Clara: “What?”

Mother: “I mean Robert. How come he is so eager to be with you, not only a trainer but also a secretary?”

Clara: “I… didn’t do anything…”

Mother: “He never really cared mi invitation.”

Clara: “What do you mean by invitation… You’ve got Father!”

Mother: “Stop yelling. I just asked for some business supports. What did you imagine with me and Robert?”

Clara: “…!?”

                Mother’s eyes were shining mysteriously. She looked at me with slight grin. I didn’t know what to say and looked away.

Mother: “Or it can be… since you’re a bit innocent. He might have thought he could take advantage of you.”

Clara: “You’re being rude…!”

Mother: “Be careful. That kind of guy could be a maneuver.”

                She patted my shoulder and left me alone. I felt a little insecure and decided to get some water.

Father: “…So are you okay with the idea?”

Robert: “Thank you for you concern.”

Clara: (They’re still talking.)

                They looked serious and I couldn’t interfere. I was listening to them talking quietly.

Robert: “Should I tell Miss Clara about this…”

Father: “You’ll tell her when opportunity comes. Sam might do something on Clara.”

Mother: “Are you done talking?”

Father: “Oh, Linda, we are. So Robert, please keep me updated.”

Clara: “Oh…!”

                Robert bowed and he was approaching toward me.

Clara: “Wha… what should I do? I have to hide under the stairs!”

Robert: “Miss?”

Clara: “…!?”

                I was too late, I looked at Robert nervously. He inclined his head.

Robert: “What has happened?”

Clara: “Oh, no… ah…”

Robert: “… You have to go to work soon, don’t you, miss? Please be ready soon otherwise McHenry will be unhappy.”

Clara: “Oh, I don’t wanna be in trouble! I’ll get going!”

Robert: “Miss.”

Clara: “Huh…”

                I was going to leave fast but my arm was pulled roughly.

Clara: “Hey…!”

Robert: “A lady doesn’t run around in a house. And it is also dangerous for you.”

Clara: “Sorry…”

Robert: “I’ll take you to the station. So you’ll have more time to prepare.”

Clara: “Thank you…!”

                Robert adjusted his glasses and smiled.

Clara: (I think Uncle Sam was… the vice president. I’ve talked to him a few times at a party. I wonder what he has to do with me.)

                I went back to my room thinking about this.

Clara: “Phew… This’ll do.”

                I was clearing up empty buckets and breathed deeply. I started working at the florists to help my sick father after graduating from university. The kind owner who I used to work with was retired because of his strained back. Now his nephew McHenry took his place. I’m grateful working with the kind boss and I only have to work 2 to 3 days a week.

McHenry: “Are you done there?”

Clara: “Yes, just now.”

McHenry: “Very good.”

                McHenry approached me and stroked my head.

Clara: “Huh…? What are you doing…?!”

McHenry: “Well, I wasn’t so sure when you started working but now you look professional.”

                He smiled happily and I looked away before I knew it. He took his hand off my head and arranged my disordered hair.

McHenry: “What’s wrong?”

Clara: “Well… actually… I have to quit this place for family reasons…”

McHenry: Eh!? What do you mean you quit… It’s so sudden… What are your family reasons? Is it about your father?”

Clara: “Well, yes… He’s not feeling so well these days…”

                I couldn’t tell him the truth. This florist’s is a part of Jones Corp. group. I used my mother’s maiden name to hide my identity.

McHenry: “…That’s okay. You should take care of your dad.”

                This store was short handed and he needed me badly, yet, he let me leave without hesitation.

McHenry: “So you won’t come tomorrow?”

Clara: “No, it doesn’t have to be so quick! I can continue working before you find somebody new! I mean, please let me!”

                I said it out loud and he laughed a little.

McHenry: “Clara, you’re not a kind of girl who quits halfway. It’s too bad to have you leave but do your best until your last day.”

Clara: “McHenry… thank you!”

McHenry: “Ok, let’s tidy up now.”

                He patted my head lightly and smiled. I finished working and I was walking towards the station.

Clara: (I finished work earlier than usual today. Maybe I want to go look for some gifts for Robert.) “Hm?”

                Someone familiar was approaching to me. I was wondering who that could be.

Clara: “Huh…? That might be…”

                That was Mr.Robert out of uniform. I didn’t recognize him right away without his uniform, but it was him. I ran to him, he looked surprised.

Robert: “Miss… Clara? What are you doing here?”

Clara: “Oh, I just finished working.”

Robert: “Oh, I see. You are a very hard worker, miss. I’m glad I caught you.”

Clara: “Why…?”

                He looked a little puzzled but he was smiling kindly again.

Robert: “Now, miss if you don’t mind. Shall we go to the store now?”

Clara: “Huh? What…!”

Robert: “Shall we?”

                He put his hand on my shoulder and we started walking quietly.