"I see. All these years must be tough for you. But," Sophia softly looks at him, and then…
"You able to overcome them, you are a strong person, mister," she smiled.
Matthew somehow felt fuzzy. He doesn't know who this girl right in front of him is, but she was able to make him feel comfortable. It's been a long time since someone told him some warm words. The only words he received were harsh comment, fake gratitude, praises that has a lot of meaning behind them, and words that made him falter. But, the words he heard right now are somewhat comforting.
'Yes, I was able to fight with those people, and become who I am today for I am strong. No one has beaten me for I am stronger than them,' Matthew thought to himself. In some way, all the heaviness he felt become lighter.
"Did you know that you mustn't talk to stranger?" Matthew teasingly asked her. He saw how the girl gets flustered all of a sudden.
"I… ah… Well," the girl was trying to come up with excuses. Matthew lean his elbow on his thigh, and put his chin on the palm of his hand.
'How cute,' Matthew thought this as he looks at Sophia funny expression. Not even once, he thought of the women he met that they are cute. All the women that tried to made bond with him were all disgusting, and ridiculous. He never saw them as a woman that needs respect. In view of the fact that they don't deserved such respect from him.
"Well, mister, you seems troubled that I… I… I thought that you need some help!" Sophia honestly told him. She knew that it would be awkward if someone suddenly talk to them moreover, if they don't know each other. Even though she's accommodating, it will leave an expression to someone that she is weird.
'What should I do? Should I bid my farewell, and leave him?' Sophia contemplated. Matthew saw that she was in a pinch. Matthew doesn't want this kind person to feel troubled at his remarks.
"It was a joke, miss. Don't feel bothered by it," Mathew reassured her. Sophia heard this, and slowly calm down.
'He's not that scary anymore', she thought.
"Mister, I can help you vent your anger," she suggested. Mathew wondered at her words, and quickly asked.
"How? Besides, I don't know you. You must have ulterior motives on me. Don't you think that your tricks will work on me," Matthew says it with a tone of disbelief with a shrug.
"How mean of you, mister. I am a Good Samaritan. Helping others is my thing," Sophia answered as she put her hand on her chest. Matthew saw her shining eyes that show her desperation. Matthew felt like laughing, but he doesn't want to lose his composure. He knew that making fun of a person is impolite, but he can't stop himself. Its been a long time since he have this joy of talking with others.
"Oh, really?"
"Yes, really!"
"Are you expecting to have some kind of rewards? How petty of you," he knows that it's a bit harsh, but he want to test her.
"Mister," he heard Sophia muttered. He suddenly felt sorry for her. He suddenly felt an urge to take back his words.
"Ah, miss? I was only-"
"You mean it?!" he was taken aback when she unexpectedly close the distance between them. He saw how her eyes glimmers with delight.
"Ah, what do-"
"If I able to help you vent your frustration, can you buy me desserts? I've been craving them since I saw it pictures in one of the tarpaulin. I wanted to ask my mother, but I don't want to bother her…" He didn't expect this kind of behavior from her. She was there sitting babbling about the foods she wanted to eat, and her frustration not to able to buy them.
"Pfft, hahaha," for the first time in his life, he let out a soft laugh. It's like all the troubles that he had on his chest suddenly exploded. He felt pain inside his stomach as he let out laughter.
"Mister," Sophia saw the man made a warm smile. Every time she looks at someone laughing, she feels joy, and gladness. Another person has been saved by Sophia Hoffen.
"I am glad that you can make that kind of laughter, mister. I hope that whatever troubles you, may it all go away so that joy, and laughter will only fill your life," she said it with a smile on her face. Matthew slowly stop his laughing, and stares at her.
The girl in front of him was able to makes him laugh and also feel comfortable.
"Alright, if you are capable to make all these problems go away even just a little bit, I'll treat you on food. Anything that you want, I'll order them for you," Matthew smiled at her.
Matthew Stanford was always known for his poker face. No one has seen him smiles like this. The only person who witnesses this is the girl right in front of her.
"Really?! Thank you so much, mister," Sophia express her happiness to Matthew. She made the right decision to talk to him. Just like they say, do unto others what will others do unto you.
"Stop calling me mister, kid. I feel old just hearing you say it. Just call me, Matthew," he said. Sophia pouted and crossed her arms.
"I'm not a kid, either. I'm Sophia, and I just turned eighteen this year, Sir Matthew."
"Oh, congratulation, but I am still older than you by seven years."
"Oh, you are an old man."
"I am not, kid," Matthew put his hand on her head softly.
"I am not a kid, Sir Matthew," Sophia quickly retorted back.
Even though the two are strangers, they feel comfortable around each other. They don't feel the awkwardness between them.
Matthew only felt this kind of feeling just now. Be able to talk with someone comfortably without worries of his position. Somehow, he hopes that it will last longer. Having someone like her around him will make him lighten up.