Chapter 54: Heart Wide Open

Behind the door, Sharon sat on the floor and slowly sobbed. She quickly wiped her tears, trying to turn off the waterworks. She had been so alone for so many months and had absolutely no one to talk to or be to.

Now, there was a handsome stranger who clearly seemed to have a great deal of interest in getting to know her but she couldn't even give herself the chance to explore because of her fears. This was her life now and it seemed like this was how it would always be for her as long as Addicus remained a threat to her.

"Stupid bastard! Look what you've done to me," she screamed at an absent Addicus as if he were right in front of her.

Days passed and Sebastian continued making subtle advances towards Sharon, never coming on too strong but strong enough to reveal his intentions. He would always offer her help with some of the handyman's chores, and she would always turn him down. He would invite her out to dinner, sometimes to go out to eat but she always declined.

As much as she liked turning him down, she was a bit flattered at his insistence and consistency. It made him all the more attractive to her.

Sebastian also didn't give up trying to get her to loosen up and let down her guard. It was almost like her rejection of his advances only motivated him to try even harder.

On a fortunate day, Sharon came out of her room to go out and get some provisions. She locked her door and walked down the stairs, not noticing a

banana peel that was just laying there.

She stepped on it and slipped, a fall that would surely have hurt her pretty bad if she hadn't been caught by, take a wild guess; Sebastian!

It was almost like he materialized out of thin air like he was the one who placed the banana peel there just so he could catch her. From out of nowhere, he grabbed onto her and saved her from falling.

"Are you okay?" He asked her with his charming, foreign, Costa Rican accent, with a grim look and his hands were still holding onto her.

His mere presence did things to her, sensual things that she had a hard time getting rid of. It was almost as if her heart wanted to be reckless and adventurous but her head was in the driver's seat, fighting for control over her actions and winning that fight.

"I'm... I'm fine. Thank you," she managed to say and pulled away from his grip on her.

"I always tell these kids to stop littering the hostel but they never listen," he said, picked up the banana peel and threw it in a garbage can.

"They're just kids," Sharon said defensively.

"They're animals, literally. They belong in a zoo. They should be locked up in cages and be fed bananas every day," Sebastian said in a goofy voice that made Sharon chuckle at his silliness.

"Will you look at that? I finally made you smile. I didn't think it was possible. Has anyone ever told you that you look really beautiful when you smile?" He flirted.

She just rolled her eyes amusingly and continued walking downstairs with a hidden smile and blushed cheeks and Sebastian quickly followed.

"Where are you headed?" He asked behind her.

"To the market,"

"What a coincidence! I was just heading out to the market myself. We could go together," he said and they reached the main door and went outside into the street.

"I'd rather go alone, thank you," Sharon said dismissively.

"Really? Even after I just saved your life, you're still so hostile to me?" He asked sweetly with a cute voice, trying to make her feel guilty and show him some indulgence and it actually worked, much to his surprise.

"You didn't save my life," She said with a playful tone.

"Yes, I did. You were there, remember? The least you can do to thank me is by letting me go to the market with you."

"Fine! Do whatever you want,"

"That's the spirit and don't worry, unlike most guys, I'm actually useful when it comes to grocery shopping. I cook for myself and I'm a master in the kitchen. I'm not bragging, just saying what everyone who's ever had my cooking always says."

"So you're a chef, is that it? Or is the kitchen just your happy place and you spend all day in there?" She asked unamusingly.

"A little bit of both actually. My mama taught me how to cook before she took off. It was the one thing I'm glad I got from her," he said lightly and nonchalantly although it was obvious he missed her.

And they headed out for the market together.

.

.

.

The walk to the marketplace and the time spent there was the best time Sharon had had in a very long time. Sebastian took her to his favourite stalls to get the best vegetables, meats, and fruits. The women who owned the stalls all seemed to know him and they all showed a great deal of affection towards him which made Sharon consider ever so slightly, maybe try to get to know him better. Maybe!

His company was the best part of the day. He gave her a tour-like exposition of all the places he took her to, explaining how he helped paint some of the stalls and telling her stories of how the neighbourhood came together to clear out the marketplace because it used to be covered with grass and trees which made her aware of his helpful nature and his cheerful disposition.

The women had to take their products to a different market which was very far away and to help them, Sebastian organized the young men of the community and they all came together to clear the bushes and also, got permission from the authorities to turn the land into a public market space for the neighbourhood.

"Wow! You really did that?" She asked.

"Oh yes. It was really hard work and it took a few weeks but we got it done and now, we're all enjoying it," he said with utmost pride.

It was a really great story, Sharon felt and she now understood why all the women in the market seemed to like him so much. Everywhere they went, people said only nice things about him and they constantly asked him if Sharon was in a relationship with him; a question that always made her blush but seemed to excite him a lot.

They bought everything they needed and headed back to the hostel.

"I had no idea that you were so popular around here," Sharon teased.

"There was no way you could have known because every time I try to talk to you, you completely ignore me,"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. It's just that I have a hard time letting myself get close to people,"

"And why is that?" Sebastian asked.

"I'm just, very...private," Sharon lied.

This wasn't why she closed herself off but it was the only answer she could give to Sebastian. The less he knew about her past, the better.

"Well, I really hope you can be less private with me," he said slickly.

"I'll try," she indulged him.

They arrived at the hostel and when they both reached their doors, Sebastian invited her over to cook and have dinner with him.

"I don't know, Sebastian," she said reluctantly.

"I promise there are no strings attached. I just would like your company is all. I don't really ever have anyone over for dinner and it gets a bit lonely," he explained.

Sharon began considering the idea. She knew she was about to open a door she could never close once open.

***Was she willing to do it? It would be taking a risk and could she, after everything she had gone through?***