Reyna would be lying if she said that the ride to her house wasnt awkward.

At first she enjoyed the silence. She got time to relax and sort out her thoughts regarding work and the contracts that needed to be signed the week later. She was taking in every moment of pure stillnes.

But as the minutes ticked by and, practically, there were no more topics to run through her mind, the silence in the car was starting to be overwhelming.

Too overwhelming.

It was so, that it reached the point where Reyna would hum out different songs her father used to play. From the hits of the Beatles up to the rock barrista vibes of Queen.

But that wasn't enough to cut through the silence around them.

So, she just kept her gaze out the window, watching the buildings go by. Not when the streets of New York turned into trees and luscious green that she realized that they were nearing her residence.

She felt a slight pang in her chest. She didn't know whether it was guilt or panic. But either of the two were directed to the curly haired taxi driver. Why?

This brought confusion to her mind. It seemed to rack her to no end. What is this? Why is she feeling this way? Was it because she didn't strike up the conversation or was it because she didn't fulfill her hunger for knowledge about the man? Was it either? Neither? None?

"So." she started. "First day on the job?"

She just wanted to push away the irritating and mind aching thoughts from her system. This is what she meant about things that aren't supposed to be bothered with.

Emotions.

Curiosity?

Those were dangerous things. They aren't supposed to be acknowledged.

Those were the things that Reyna De La Cruz were not supposed to be feeling right now.

Especially not to a taxi driver she barely knew.

She was being childish. She wasn't raised like this. To be curious of people. To wonder. To be interested on people. Those were the things her parents stirred her away from.

Those were the things she stirred clear of.

They were a nuisance. They only block your path to success. They don't do you any good. They only bring you consequences if you brought action upon it.

You get punished in the end.

And Reyna was a victim.

The pang of emotion disappeared the moment the question splurred from her mouth. Reyna felt normal again. This was good. This she knows.

She hated the unknown. She hated it when things happen that she had no idea about. Accidents she could have avoided. Mistakes she could have straightened. Broken bonds she could have fixed. But the unfortunate thing about life is, you can't control everything. She was just as clueless as anybody was. She didn't know. How could she? When everyone and everything else that surrounded her were clueless and ignorant of what was to come. She can't predict the future.

No one can.

She stayed away from those. Those things she could not control. If she were to cross paths with them, the effect will be permanent. Whether it may be good or bad, she cannot take the chances lightly. Rather to stay there and suffer the consequences, she avoided them at all costs.

Reyna never bothered. Never cared. Never will.

The driver jumped in his seat. Obviously surprised to hear her voice after the long period of silence. His action caused Reyna to smirk. But not smile.

"W-what? Oh! Nah. Been on the job over 4 years now. Ever since then, I'm stuck behind this wheel and escorting people around like some tour guide." He mused.

Reyna nodded.

"How old are you exactly?" She piqued. Her curious side showing again. She tried to tone it down, but strangely, this man can bring out any side of Reyna that most people don't know. Not even her sister Hylla got to see some of her hidden distraught. Just some of them that Reyna had a hard time hiding.

But, fates bewildered, this man was able to bring out Reyna's side with just a flick of his tongue. Just hearing his slight Spanish accent, Reyna could instantly feel her walls slowly fading. She has to stop it. She was in knee deep. She has to get away.

Be cold and distant. Be cold and distant. Her mantra was in the moment.

"I'm a man of 25, miss. Don't i look young? Well, i get that a lot. Some women just can't resist a handsome and youthful face." The man replied.

Reyna scoffed and rolled her eyes. She never thought this one was arrogant. Regarding the way he fidgeted the moment she set foot in the car. It was an amusing sight, but his cockiness was endearing. It was starting to piss Reyna off. More usual than she usually is.

Yes, this man can practically bring anything out of her. Including the bad traits. And her anger was one thing.

"Please, don't start that with me. I have a record of bringing most men down due to their slight arrogance. If you do not want a black eye, then you better keep your mouth shut and your eyes on the road." She retorted.

Reyna was not the kind of person that would easily turn from sophisticated young woman to a dark ice queen. But in these moments of pure madness, especially when you're in a predicament when you're talking to a man who was capable of having over confidence, she tends to shut them up. One way or another.

And right now, she would rather have the awkward and silent proof car ride home than to hear one more self compliment coming from the arrogant Latino in front of her.

But she wouldn't admit that some part of her find his endearing cockiness to be quite, in-lack of better words, attractive. Not that it attracted her fully. It humors her. If she weren't known to have a will of iron, she would've chuckled at the mans poor attempt of impressing her.

When Reyna thought the driver had an earful of her dark remark and would just close his mouth and continued on their way silently, he spoke.

"With all due respect, your majesty. I like a woman of fierce and superiority. But if you want me to shut up, then why don't you close my mouth with yours? Preferably with tongue." He suggestively answered.

Reyna's face was definitely red. How dare this man! How dare he make a suggestive comment like that, and to her of all people! Who does he think he is?! Talking to a woman such as she with such confidence and flirtatiousness! If she wasn't known for being composed, she would've strangled the man to death. And not only that, she will make him suffer. In the most gruesome way possible!

She was about to shout at him. Teach him a lesson he will not soon forget. But when she was about to give him an earful, he burst out laughing.

"Calm down, your highness. It was only a joke. No harm done. I am most definitely not that kind of man. Trust me." said he.

Reyna slowly relaxed. Half of her dangerous rage slipped away. But some still remained. Thinking up ways to torture him if he so ever brings up another suggestive comment like that. And if that were to happen, she will most definitely not hold back. No mercy.

She saw the man look over at the rear view mirror. Capturing Reyna's gaze. And without any hesitation, she looked back.

His eyes were of chocolate brown. Warm, inviting. A total contrast to her cold and distant obsidian hues. His looked all knowing. As if he went through half of life's bullshit and, miraculously, made it out alive. But at the same time, she saw a flicker of sadness dance through them before completely disappearing. Returning to its former happy and mischief glory.

Making Reyna's theory of life's bullshit all the more real.

She caught herself staring too long and looked away. But she was positive the color of her face escalated into a pink hue.

"keep your eyes on the road." She ordered. Upon hearing her request, she heard the man chuckle and, hopefully, turn away.

"Alright, mi Reina." his Spanish tongue curling at the title.

She blushed. She understood Spanish. She came from Puerto Rico. But speaking Spanish fluently washed away in due time. But she could still understand them. Quite well, to be exact.

My Queen, he uttered.

Unbeknownst to the man. He already said her name.

She chuckled. Surprising her greatly. "That's my name you know."

"Hmm? Reina?" He replied, Spanish tongue rolling again from the word.

"Nope. Reyna. My name is Reyna De La Cruz." said she.

What was wrong with her? Saying her name all willy-nilly. What if he uses it? Impersonating as her and framing her of the crimes he will commit. What if he uses her name to get to people. Especially those who were important to her. She shouldn't have done that. A name was a sacred thing. If one were to give out their name, they must be in high caution. And they were only given to people they know. Not to strangers.

But Reyna shrugged it off. She was overreacting. What would a 25 year old man do with her name.

Many things. her logical side argued.

But she felt like she could trust him. It was a long shot, but she really did.

"That's a beautiful name. Fit for a beautiful queen such as yourself." the man said.

And this time, Reyna didn't think twice before chuckling at the mans flirtatious attempts. It was nice, bringing down her wall for once. But at the same time, strange. She was casually talking to a stranger she hardly knew. At the same time, she felt comfortable around him. Like a long lost friend.

They kept chatting about random things. From 'whats your favorite color' up to their favorite books. Their conversation grew more from that. They would laugh from his jokes and her witty remarks. At times they would discover they had more common than they thought. For Reyna, it felt nice. She suddenly felt like a kid again. Making friends with complete strangers. Talking to them. Laughing with them. And just, having fun.

When they passed through the gates of her residence, silence once again engulfed them. But it wasn't due to awkwardness or not having anything to talk about, it was simply out of fear of not seeing each other again. Much to Reyna's embarrassment, she was going to miss the repair boy. He told her that he owned a garage in the lower east side of New York. Sometimes he gets customers and,at most times, he would just repair some of his little brothers broken toys and, occasionally, tinker with the taxi. Adding new updates to it so it would function properly and so it wont be too outdated.

She was completely intrigued by this mans talent. Machinery and mechanisms wasn't actually in her circle of 'things Reyna was good at'. She wasn't used to the sound of creaking wheels and bolts, or the smell of motor oil and steam wafting in the air. It felt so uncommon for her.

She would rather stay at home, engulfed in a warm blanket, Chamomile tea on the side while she was preoccupied with a good book. Especially the classics. She was really fond of 'Les Miserables' at the moment and is very persistent of reading it.

"So, Where's your humble abode, your highness?" Repair boy asked.

She rolled her eyes, but couldn't resist the smile that made its way through her face.

"One, I have a name. Call me by that. And two, take a left on the second intersection. There just go straight. My house is at the end of the street." she inquired.

The taxi driver did what he was told. But not without a retort to her remark.

"But that is your name, Your majesty. You are of royal blood and i shall treat you like one. If you want, i could even be your king."

She laughed. "The mighty jester suits you better. "

"I'll take it if i could make you laugh like that everyday. Did i mention how amazing your laugh sounds? Thou like the angels sung from the heavens above. Pleasant to my ear and, also, ever as pleasant to my heart." The taxi driver sung with a soprano that was too high and screechy for any girl to posses. Nor man. She cringed at the sound but not without laughing.

"Just keep your eyes on the road, jester boy."

"As you wish, mi reina."

As the taxi driver drove the car to the directions she pointed, she couldnt help but think about what would happen after this. Will they meet again? Maybe the will, Maybe they wont. There were tons, even millions, of taxi's in New York. How would she know if Repair boy was driving the taxi she would hop on to or not. She could always check the car's license number. But she has no time scanning the whole city of New York for this particular taxi. It would take far too long. What was she going to do? This was the first time in 10 years since she last trusted and had fun with someone. He practically took about 20 years of her life away from her. She felt like the giddy kid who wore ballerina pyjamas, had the tendency to carry her stuff teddy bear, Mr. snuggle-puss, around wherever she went, the small girl who liked to eat sweets all the time and always went to the dentist due to cavities, the small girl who didn't learn how to potty train until she was 9, the small little girl who had friends. friends who loved her. Played with her. Talked to her. Danced the ballet with her. Had fun with her.

All that was gone.

But when she spent one hour of her time with this person. She felt young again.

And she didnt want that to end.

The car abruptly stopped, she just then realized that they finally reached her house. The huge villa loomed over them like a giant. It was big, she has got to say.

She saw the man quiver when he stopped the car in front of her manor. The man looked as though a monster locked its hungry eyes on him. He was as rigid as stone. It was obvious he was uncomfortable, and it made Reyna chuckle. The man looked a bit more calmer than before. He finally stole a glance at her. Turning his head to look at her directly. And she couldnt help but think how attractive he looks. He wasn't model like attractive or surfer dude hotness. These where the rare occassions when you see a boy walk past you and you have the fleeting thought of how attractive he looks. Urging you to know more about them. Get to know them.

And that was exactly the way Reyna feels right now.

It made her smile.

"I didn't seem to catch your name, repair boy. What is it?"

The man grinned.

"Leo valdez at your service, Your highness. Honoured to be in your presence." He meekly bowed his head. As if showing respect. It only made Reyna scoff.

"Well, thank you for the unusuall ride home. It was beyond anything i had ever experienced." She said as she opened the car door, stacking the papers once again.

"You know, it would've been more of an extraordinary experience if you could've shut me up by closing your mouth against my own. But oh, well." The taxi driver sighed. Mockingly, Reyna took note.

She growled as she punched the mans arm. Painfully, mind you.

"You better shut your own mouth before i stuff my fist into it, you stupid man." She said while getting out the cab. The cold night air welcoming her with an embrace.

She heard Leo laugh. She heard the opening and closing of the car door, signaling that the idiot of a man came out of the car.

"I'd rather prefer if you shove your t-"

"Shut it, Valdez!" She growled.

The man laughed once again. "Okay, okay. I'll shut up. Hey! Do you want me to help you?"

She heard footsteps behind her.

"No, no. Its okay i've got it."

But she certainly didn't got it. Because the moment she set her foot on her porch, she accidentally broke the heal of her shoe. And before she knew it, papers were flying every where and she was falling towards the cemented floor.

Closing her eyes, expecting the painfull impact of the fall.

But seconds ticked by and it never came. She felt strong arms around her waist and her shoulders.

She opened her eyes and saw Leo's face only a few inches from hers. He saved her. Wow, he was fast. She saw the Latino smile.

"You alright, your majesty?" he asked.

Reyna didn't answer. She was too preoccupied staring into his chocolate hues to even notice the man asked her a question.

"Huh?"

Leo once again grinned. "I guess the great Leo has got you in a trance, huh? Maybe you could repay me by giving me that kiss? Hmm, sweetcheeks?"

Reyna broke out of her trance just to push leo away. She took off both of her shoes. Maybe she should stop wearing stilletos and switch to flats.

"Yeah, right. But thanks for breaking my fall, Leo." She said.

"No problem, your majesty. Here let me pick those papers up for you."

Before she could even protest, Leo was all about the place. Picking up the either fine or damaged papers up. And as quick as that, he already had all the papers stacked up in his arms, handing them up for reyna.

"Wow. You are fast." she remarked as she took the papers from him.

He smirked."Yeah well, when youre running from kids and teachers alike, you pick up some tricks along the way."

Reyna was about to ask what that meant but he was already making his way towards the taxi. But before he could continue on, he turned around. Giving her his well known impish grin.

"Check the top of the papers. I left something for you. If you ever need me, that is. And its also a remembrance from Moi."

And he was off to his car again. No more interruptions. Opened the drivers seat, hopped on and started the engine. But before he could drive off, he looked at her and waved.

She returned it with her own.

He grinned once more before facing the road and drove off into the night.

When he was completely gone from her sight. She sighed.

Well, there goes my chance of having fun again. She thought as she made her way towards her door. Back to being a boring and civilized 24 year old , i guess.

She took her keys out and unlocked the door. Opening the lights before dropping her papers on the living room table. She flopped down on her sofa. Feeling the dread taking over her once more.

She turned her head to look at the papers, there she caught sight of something. It stood out like a sore thumb. It was a small calling card.

She grabbed a hold of it and read its contents.

'Hey! Here's my number if you ever need a ride.'

'I'm always free! And even if you dont need a ride'

'You can always just call me'

'And we could talk about that kiss you owe me, sweetcheeks'

-By yours truly, the Mcshizzle dragon, Leo 'sexy' valdez

And under that was his phone and cellphone number. She smiled. She didnt know how he was able to write that down in time without her noticing. But all the while, she couldnt erase the huge grin that graced her lips. She smiled so hard it hurts.

She didnt care. She felt as giddy as a fangirl.

She held the calling card her chest. She can see him again. She can call him anytime. But she doesnt want to distract him from his work. And she too had her own priorities to focus on. They both had different jobs, different lives.

But as she stared at the calling card, her thoughts of logic were pushed away by her emotional turmoil inside.

She was able to see her friend again. And she can't wait.

She tucked the calling card in her wallet and stood up.

A nice bath would be nice. And she was totally hitting some literature time with that 'les miserables' book she was dying to read.