Eric's POV
I didn't find my words that offensive , I was only trying to joke around, but my attempt at humor had fallen flat.
My mind flashed back to our argument the previous day...
"Does kissing me mean you like me?" Sofia had asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
I was taken aback, unsure how to respond. "Eat up before the food gets cold," I said brusquely, trying to deflect the question.
But Sofia persisted. "You didn't answer me."
I cut her off, feeling uncomfortable. "Sofia, eat!"
___
I went close to where she stood to take a quick look at what she was cooking. To be honest, the aroma of her food was really inviting and to crown it all, it was one of my mom's favorite dishes. But I didn't still want to admit to Sofia how good looking her food was.
"I hope the food is going to be tasty?" I said, trying to break the ice.
"Ha! If it's not tasty, you can prepare your own food. It doesn't bother me if you don't eat," Sofia replied, her tone cold.
"Are you even human?" I asked, disappointed.
"I should be asking that," she shot back. she was actually getting annoyed. I mean who gets annoyed over meer jokes.
"You know your problem? You behave like an annoying, spoiled brat," I said, frustration rising.
Sofia turned to face me, her eyes blazing. "Well, guess who's more annoying? You! I wouldn't think twice before calling you a douchebag."
"You see why you can never make friends? It's because of that insulting mouth of yours," I retorted.
"Really?" Sofia asked, taken aback.
"Yes, because at any slightest chance, you insult," I said, annoyance growing.
"Then what about you? The only thing you know how to do is ignore," Sofia countered.
"No, I don't," I defended.
"Yes, you do. You behave like you're the only important being on earth," Sofia said, her voice rising.
"You see your problem? Who starts a conversation only to end it in an argument?" I asked, exasperated.
"And to crown it all, you're the most heartless person I've ever met. You're so self-centered," Sofia added, her words cutting deep.
Before I could respond, the smell of burnt eggs filled the air. "See what you've caused" Sofia said, turning off the stove with the water next to her. "It's all your fault."
Feeling the sting of her words. I stormed out of the cave, feeling frustrated and angry. I didn't know where I was going; I just needed to get away from Sofia . I walked for hours, my feet carrying me to my favorite spot on the mountain top, where I could clear my head and watch the sunset.
As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, I made my way back to the cave, feeling a mix of emotions: guilt, regret, and a hint of apology. I arrived around 8 pm, hoping that Sofia would be asleep, and I could avoid another confrontation. But to my greatest surprise, she was still awake.
"Come and have your dinner before it gets cold" Sofia said that moment I got into the cave.
I ignored her, not wanting to spark another argument. Trying to find my way to the room.
But Sofia persisted. "You're ignoring me again. I made dinner for you, despite being angry with you. And now you're ignoring me. Is it fair?"
Her tears threatened to fall. "Can you stop crying? It irritates me."
Sofia wiped her tears, her voice trembling. "This proves it" she said then wiped her tears. "This proves how heartless you are. Why can't you be polite just for once" she added pointing out a finger
"And is that any of your business" I said. " what about you, don't you know that when you insult people, it makes them feel down" I added.
"So that's it, you should've told me that it was the problem and I would've apologized." she replied.
"You say it like it's easy" I said rolling my eyes.
"Okay, I'm sorry" she apologized.
"For what?" I pressed.
"For insulting you" she said.
"And?"
" For calling you names" she added " Now your turn"
"Insulting me and calling me names are still the same and again I don't think I should be apologising, I mean did no wrong " I replied. She gives me a look.
"I'm sorry...for ignoring you." I apologized
She offered a handshake.
I accepted, and we shared a tentative smile.
"Smiling really suits you, you know" she complimented.
"Was that a compliment ? " I asked, not sure.
"No. was just saying" she replied "Why don't you smile often ? " she asked
" it's way too stressful " I confessed.
" From now on, you will learn how to smile. Now Hermes" she said sarcastically as she uses her fingers to form a smile under her smiling lips.
" let's go and eat " I said leaving her behind as she followed.
As we ate, Sofia glanced at me with an odd expression. "How is the food?" I wanted to ignore but she asked again "How is the food?" Sofia looked at me with a hint of expectation.
I hesitated, unsure how to respond. "It's okay *
Sofia pressed for more. "Just okay?"
I shrugged, feeling awkward. "What do you want me to say?"
"Really, you don't even know how to compliment if I were you girlfriend, I will have left you long a go" she added
I stood up, feeling uncomfortable "yes, she left me" I said a bit emotional then went to bed. I didn't want to be reminded of the past.
Just as I drifted off to sleep, a blood-curdling scream pierced the air. I rushed to the kitchen, my heart racing, and found Sofia frozen in terror, a snake slithering towards her.
Without hesitation, I grabbed a nearby baton and struck the snake, killing it instantly.