chapter 6

**Previously**

"I am sorry for my attitude." Steven apologized when Julie finally joined him. Steven knew that Julie's statement was wise. And it was his guilt of lying to her that hurt his pride. But he could not tell her the truth because every time Steven stared at Julie, he could not endure the concept of losing her because of a lie.

                          **Now**

"I apologize for my behavior. It's just that sometimes when I get nervous, hurtful statements come out of my mouth. I don't mean it most of the time. Although, that is my method of protecting my heart from being wounded. Still, I should not have been harsh with my words." Julie uttered carefully. Steven could tell that it was hard for Julie to admit her fault. Seeing her apologetic and straightforward made his guilt worse.

"You don't have to be remorseful or anxious about anything! I should be the only one apologizing to you. And not the other way around. Julie, I..." Steven said as he tried to explain himself and confess his lies. But Steven was cut off by Julie. "Can we forget about these unpleasant and past happenings? Let's start up fresh. Hi, I am Julie. Would you like to join me for a ride? But, I should notify you that I am a screamer and also afraid of heights." She said to Steven with a sparkle in her eyes.

Steven felt within himself that he should tell the truth before accepting her offer. Yet, Steven did not follow his heart. Instead, he did the opposite and agreed with her. "Sure, let's start over, and don't be afraid. I am right by your side, and you can trust me. Furthermore, trusting each other is the reason we came to this park in the first place. I promise you that no harm will happen to you as long as I am around." He explained.

Steven got caught in the moment and reached out to hug her. However, Julie withdrew herself from his hands. "I am very sorry. It was an inappropriate move. I should not have done something like that." Steven said hastily. "It's not your fault. I am not just a hugger nor a people person. It is not about me rejecting a person. I prefer my personal space and need people to understand that aspect of me." Julie explained with the hope that he won't judge her.

"If you are assuming that I am judging right now, then suspend and eliminate that concept. Because you don't have to be sorry, nor feel apologetic for behaving like yourself. Now let's hit some rides." Steven tells her and attempts to reach for her hands to hold. Then he froze and withdrew his hands towards himself. Steven was about to head inside when he felt a warm and gentle hand in his. Steven turned his head and stared at Julie with satisfaction in his eyes.

'I cannot believe this is happening. Julie is warming up to me, and I can mess this up now by telling her the truth. I'll have to wait for another occasion.' Steven thought to himself as he led her to the Jammin' Bumpers. "You are afraid of heights. So we will begin with simple rides to relieve the stress from your body." He told her when they arrived. Julie got into the bumper car with her selected color and clicked on her seat belt, and Steven did the same. "Don't be afraid you are going to love it." He encourages her.

"I am enjoying this ride, Steven. You are right. I am having real fun." Julie screamed. Steven laughed and said, "See, you love it like I said you would." Julie and Steven keep bumping their car into each other. "Ah, that hurts. Who did that? It's not funny." Julie uttered with a high pitch. As an unknown driver on another ride slams into her car with intense force.

"Stop, man! She told you that you are hurting her, and she's not interested in playing with you!" Steven yelled at the guy. Nonetheless, he didn't stop. Instead, he intensifies his speed and continues with the hitting. "Shut up! My actions are not affecting you. Why are you speaking up for some chick? She is just a gal. There are many of them out there. You don't have to attract this one by acting as a righteous man." The man said in a jerk tone.

" You asked for it. And you deserve what you are about to get for your improper conduct." Steven said haughtily. He got out of the ride, grabbed the guy by his collar. Steven dragged the fellow out of the car and laid him against the floor. "Steven, stop it. Let him go!" Julie said. She didn't want Steven to get into a fight with some stranger because of her. However, her statement was a second late. Steven had already struck three punches in the guy's mouth and another two punches in his right eye. He didn't give the man a chance to fight back.

There was blood everywhere on the ground, and people were bellowing as they ran out of the area. The amusement park securities arrived at the site and attempted to extract them apart. Yet, Steven didn't let go of the man until he had added two more punches. "Never in your life bully a woman again. And she is not just a lady but a human being with sentiments. And you happened to irritate her feelings. I hope my lesson assigns extensive knowledge into your brain about how to treat a person with respect." He uttered as security finally hauled him away.

The guard called the medic to attend to the guy. Then they carried Julie and Steven to the park station. After a minute of waiting in the lobby, the guard came out and said, "You are free to leave. We saw the video of the incident, and he was in the wrong. I am sorry that your wife became a victim of bullying on our territory. We will cover your expenses." He told them. "He is not my husband!" Julie said hastily, and her face turned red. "You could be my partner if it's your desire!" Steven said with a determined expression. "It's not hilarious!" Julie muttered and turned away. "Kids nowadays will be in love with each other and make it seem like they are at war." The guard said to himself as he left for his post.

Julie stared at Steven. She was shaking with fear. "Are you afraid of me? I am sorry. It was not my intention to scare you. It's just that I can not stand arrogant jerks who believe they are above other feelings." Steven told her and brushed his hands on his head. " I am not afraid. Instead, I feel impressed. I don't like violence at all. But, no one has stood up for me as you did. Besides, my parents and it's their responsibility to do so. Thank you, Steven. I am glad that I agreed to come today. You unveiled to me a character of yours that is exemplary. I want to ride the roller coaster with you." Julie replied with a grin.

"This is huge. Are you sure you want to do it?" Steven asked her. He sat up straight and faced her. Their eyes met, and she giggled. "Yes. I am sure!". He took her hands and smiled. "Let's do this!" Steven told her. When they arrived at the roller coaster, Steven asked her, "Are you having second thoughts?" She said to him as they got seated and clicked on their seat belts. "Nope, you are here with me. And I trust you. Let's talk about the interview when we finished with the ride."