Dad's words started sink on me. As I deliver my speech in front of the people who trusted me to be a public servant and serve them with all my heart. I can't help but stutter the words as I can only tell Dad. I did it Dad, I'm here helping people, as you have served them too. Now it's my turn to serve these people just like you. I teared up a little bit and I noticed a lot of people have been staring at me now. I smiled at them and continued my speech as if life flashes before my eyes except, I remember Dad's warm hugs, his words, and his beliefs replaying all over again. Everything about him seems nostalgic yet it feels like yesterday.

"Therefore, I can count on you to please keep on supporting each other. Without you, the people on this city helping me, I won't have come along way but I'm here now. So thank you very much!"

I smiled and bowed in front of the crowd. I could hear the cheers and applaud everywhere. Everyone focusing on me, the cameras, journalist, reporters, and of course the citizens here shouting and cheering on my name. I did it Dad, I'm here.

I noticed someone on the right giving me signs to come over there as I left the stage. It was Jane, and I quickly went to her. Jane patted me in the back, smiling at me. I could tell she was somewhat proud of me but then again it's thanks to her I'm doing a good job and moving forward after all these years.

"Jane, stop smirking you know that I'm always giving that speech."

"I know ma'am, it's just every time you do it i can't help but adore you." she proudly said.

She's being flappy but then again it's in her nature, she's been my assistant for years now. And I have nothing but gratitude towards her ever since.

"And don't call me ma'am, you know better than that." I giggled.

"Okay Lisa Robyn, we thank you for your service." She laughed.

"Oh shush now!" her sarcasm really is making me laugh despite earlier having stage fright.

We both left since that was the only thing that was on my schedule for the day. It's been a while since I took a break like these. A longer break honestly. It's exhausting having to work especially if it's Saturday. I wish I could go to a cafe and enjoy some iced cold coffee. Although, it's kinda hard to find a cafe that isn't populated by students or a lot of people. I sighed but then I could ask Jane what she want so we can head on our way.

"Jane, what do you want for lunch?"

"I kinda want an iced coffee and a pancake" she reluctantly replied.

Is she some kind of mind reader? I kinda wonder sometimes...

"Hmm, yeah I kinda want some too. Do you happen to know a cafe where it's not popular but the service it's the best?" I looked at her with serious, passionate, hungry eyes.

I'm totally hungry and I could die with a burger right now.
"Since you asked, how about let's go to this place i've just discovered last week."

"Ohh, the one you've been saying this week. Like you can't just stop talking about a guy that works there."

"I know right I mean it's not like I'm looking at that guy or you know checking him out. But damn he's something else and I can just tell. The way he brewed that coffee" she quickly replied with a joyous personality as if she melted.

The way she said it makes me avoid that person even more. But what makes me say that since I didn't even meet the person she's talking about anyways.
I sighed as she really wanted to go but then again, who am I to reject the idea of being a cafe where there's only few people. As we walked back to the car. A familiar face came to me and it looks like he's been waiting on me for a while. A tall and lean man. What a surprise.

"Still the same car you drive? Even though you're pretty rich you still drive a Sedan" he smiled giving me a look.

"Yes still get to the point, what are you doing here?" I replied crossing my arms.

"Ahh I see playing the cold game. Well it's been a while Lily and I just want to see you again, you know how you've been doing?"

I glanced at him and being exhausted of the idea of talking to him.

"Sorry, but I'm fine well then can you excuse me I have things to do."

"Hey, Lily can't you just hear me out?"

I stopped as he grabbed my hand while Jane was watching me, for a second Jane was ready to slap Jake. But I turned around and slapped him, even though we only just met after a year. Though I think I may have gone too far but he truly deserves it.

"I deserve that but Lily please. Just hear me out." he asked while he's murmuring that it hurts.

"Hear you out? I'm sorry Jake but you didn't even gave me a chance to hear me and it's been a year can't you just leave me alone?"

I went inside the car I noticed Jane went up to Jake. I knew what Jane would say. Jane asked Jake to leave and Jake reluctantly accepted it. I feel like I could breakdown at any moment but I just bit my lip and made a fist. Jake left and Jane hurriedly went inside. Jane asked me if I was okay and I said yes. I couldn't help but remember the days I have to mentally be strong after what happened to us. It was a long time ago and yet it feels like yesterday. As we went to the cafe Jane suggested me about. Jane asked me.

"Are you gonna be okay? Lily?"

I just nodded. I know she's concerned but I didn't want to cry in front of her. She's a baby too, I know that she would just cry alongside me. I giggled but her presence made me calm once more. As I continued to drive around the city. Jane and I exchanged topics about the usual. The crimes have been on the rise lately. Most of it are organized crimes and the worst thing about it is no one is doing anything, I tried investigating it but someone would just intrude and say 'everything is fine ma'am you don't need to get involved'. I was pissed about it but I couldn't do anything so I just focused on other things. And as we both talked, Jane wondered the same too. I guess I'll have to and tell the police about it. But right now we have to worry about that later as we arrived in the place Jane talked about. As we got out of the car, I noticed the sign.

"Cafe Lilac" I murmured.

Huh? What a coincidence.

"Now i know why you recommended this place for me."

"I know right, I remember it a while back you saying that you liked Lilac." she proudly said.

I hugged Jane tightly and she got embarrassed, saying that we need to break up because we're in public. But I didn't care, she's been through with me.
Then we entered the cafe. It was nostalgic, somehow it feels like remembering the times Dad use to give me Lilac on my birthday. I could only smile a bit of it. I noticed Jane trying to find something or someone

"What are you doing poking around?" I asked.

"Hmm, surprising he isn't here. We missed the important part of this cafe." She sighed while blatantly being disappointed.

I laughed and went to the staff and asked for an order. I'm hungry and Jane wants to see that guy. She's an oddball as ever.

"U-um excuse me? can I get 2 iced coffees and a burger and a pancake?" I asked.

"Will that be all ma'am?"

I nodded as Jane and ordered we went to the corner of the cafe. Since it's cozy there and we would be facing each other. I'm surprised on how these cafe is spacious and all the details of the decoration feels like I'm home. Whoever chose the design and decor have a taste. I also noticed that the staff seemed young and he's a student, I mean both of them are.

"Hey Jane, are those both part timers?" I asked Jane.

"Yes, the owner of this cafe seems to trust those students despite them being the front end and making the coffee."

"Yeah, admirable and odd. But who am I to say that, I did the same back when I was in college too."

I carefully looked at them doing at their job based on their appearances they're either 19 or 20. Yet, they are doing a good job on their own and on top of that the manager or the owner of this cafe seems to trust them.

"Jane, you seemed interested on that man working here? Do you think he works here?"

Out of curiosity I asked Jane the most dubious question and looking at me dumbfounded and at the same time she grinned. I can't help but think that she's making fun of me for asking that question.

"Ohh so now miss Lisa Robyn is now interested in men?" she giggled.

"You're sarcasm really is something else you know that. No, I'm just curious on what made that guy that caught your attention."

"Now that you say it. Do you ever get the feeling of dread and safety at the same time?" Jane said as she stares at me serious.

As the staff approached and giving us the 2 iced coffees that we ordered. Jane got into a serious topic.

"Lily, have you seen the news lately?"

Jane having a concerned look. It's a rare sight of me to see the Jane I knew having a ominous look towards me but then again her worries might turn into troublesome news later.

"Yeah, missing kids and adults have been prominent lately and the police has been slow on action."

"No, not that. What I meant was the stalking incident that happened yesterday." Jane worriedly said.

I couldn't helped but be surprised since it's a city; won't there be people get arrested easily if someone stalked them? But then again I might be underestimating a criminal.

"No, why? Did someone stalked you?" I asked.

Jane didn't answer me for a bit but I knew. From her hands shaking a little bit and her eyes glancing almost as if she's not herself this day. As I calmly sipped my coffee. I could feel there's something wrong with Jane but she wasn't like this earlier.

"It's really not a matter of stalking Lily but someone is threatening you." She replied.

I get a lot of threat since working as a public figure and politician will got you a lot in trouble especially from a higher ups or worst. But I wasn't worried to this day. Dad always told me to be courageous despite the dangers of the job.

"Hey Jane, did someone went up to you and threaten you?"

Jane could feel how I it made my blood boil someone tried to stalk and threaten my assistant. But she calmed me down because it wasn't like that. It was much more bigger. And she was only worried about me. She didn't tell me who's stalking her or threatened her but it made me think why couldn't let those cowards just come to me.

"Lily, don't get too upset okay? Don't worry I'm fine. I'm only worried about you since we've been practically side by side ever since. And no, I wasn't stalked or threatened. Someone just told me." she said as smiled at me.

I sighed but knowing that there's someone after us just because of what we do. I can't help but be powerless sometimes even though I worked for the government. I noticed Jane calming down as we talked about something else, we talked while waiting for our last order. But it's weird not one has come to us for the past half an hour. Jane thought so too. I stood up and got to the cashier and to my surprise no one was there. I rang the bell twice but no one was there. Not even the chef since I could see the kitchen from the counter. I was wondering where's everybody then as I was about to shout I heard someone entered the cafe. As I turn around, I couldn't help but be mesmerized and dumbfounded on who this man is. He's not as tall as Jake but close, yet he's pretty lean. He looks like he's not even working here but I glanced at Jane and I immediately knew who he was. Jane was smiling as if she saw her knight and shining armor. But I wasn't all that I still want my burger and pancakes.

"Excuse me but I ordered a burger and pancake. And it's been half an hour, so do you mind telling me where'd everybody go?" I angrily asked.

Jane suddenly approached us and apologized on my behalf since I wasn't acting right and was just hungry to the point I hashed him out.

"No, I'm not gonna sit around and wait Jane. We waited for half an hour an-"

"I'm sorry miss but is this the food you ordered?"

As he replied and just casually smiled at me while handing me the food I ordered. I'm still pissed and Jane made fun of me because I was still pouting but I sighed, grabbed the food and immediately went to our table. Jane didn't follow but stayed to talk to him. I wasn't pissed at him but I was rude to him since it wasn't his fault in the first place. But I guess Jane was kinda right about him giving off a safety vibes and dread at the same time. It's kind of funny if he was something else than a cafe employee. I laughed and I wondered where the staff go and he just came in time to grab the order. I could see them both happily chatting as Jane glanced at me and grinned when I'm eating and giving a pouty look. As Jane waved goodbye to that man she went back and asked her.

"So what you two talking about love birds?" I sarcastically said.

"Oh nothing just the usual stuff, like he asked if you're in a relationship?" she happily replied

I almost choked my food but I regained composure pretty quick and she quickly noticed it and gave me an annoying look. She replied annoyingly like one of those tropes in some cartoon that she watched but i couldn't blame her though. He was handsome and at the same time I could see a genuine soul through his eyes. But why does it feel like he and I are the same?

"Stop teasing me but seriously. What did you two talk about?" As I munched the burger.

"Could you slow down eating? You know it's rude eating like that you're like a wild animal. Well I can't help you being hungry and all but we just talked about the cafe and why there's no staff earlier." Jane sighed almost as if she's judging me.

"Then?"

"Nothing much it's just I'm surprised that he's the owner of this place. And the staff was just on break and one of them just ended her shift."

I stopped eating and proceeded to reminisce the actions I made about earlier. I'm ashamed as I covered my face and took a glance at him. And he just smiled at me. God, I seriously made a mistake earlier. But some of the staff was familiar especially that girl earlier asking my order.

"You see his name i- Uhh what are you doing Lily?" Jane asked.

I couldn't utter a single word but my actions was rude and I let my pride and hunger get the best of me. I could feel his gaze sinking on me and judging me.

"You know that he wasn't offended by you earlier right?"

"Really?" I shot up back as I see a glimmer of hope in my redemption.

Jane sighed as she giggled and I asked her why she's judging me but she was just making fun of me. I couldn't just help but be ashamed because he was the owner and the food, the coffee we just ordered was good if not the best. But that service earlier where they just left was entirely their fault but again I'm not going to judge them for that and I'm just gonna be the bigger person.

"Yeah and his name is Arthur Torgeir. Can you believe it? He's got a cool name even though it's weird because he isn't a foreigner."

Huh? Now that she mentioned it does seem a little weird even though he looks like a local or maybe he's half. I don't want to get into conclusion but I'd rather keep an open mind. As Jane and I talked, I noticed him approaching at us with some plate and it looks like it's a dish.

"U-um excuse me miss, in order to make up for some mistake about the staff earlier I made a home made spaghetti and it's on the house." he blissfully offered.

As he offers the spaghetti to us I can't help but be nostalgic about the aroma and smell plus, it looks so yummy and presentable like it's one of those images you found on the internet. And now it's right on my face.

"Thank you again Mr. Torgeir." Jane happily said.

"Please Miss Jane refer to me as Arthur. It seems appropriate since we're the same age."

As Jane looked at me with a smirk, I couldn't help but be timid about it. I guess she made a good point about him. I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the spaghetti he made. It seems very Italian. So we're the same age huh?

"Wait you're the same age like us?" I staggered.

"Yeah, I kinda asked him earlier about it." Jane replied.

"Ahh so you must be the famous Lisa Robyn. Nice to meet you Miss Robyn."

As he offered his hand. I couldn't help but notice a scar on his hand. As we shook hands, Jane just melted away while being flustered about us shaking hands.

"I'm not that famous but thanks a lot."

"Anyways ladies I'll leave you two alone and enjoy the cafe."

I couldn't help but blushed on how the way he greets us. But he seems suspicious though, I don't want to let my guard down. I could see Jane melting away though. She's always like this when men like him exist. Though, I can't deny that he's a very charismatic person. And sometimes men like him tend to have bad intentions.

"I know you're very wary of him Lily but a man like him is trustworthy." Jane said.

I glanced at Arthur in the counter as he's working and checking every little thing. I can't help but see a kind man. I looked around noticing that it's pretty quite for a saturday. I guess they didn't really do good on the advertising, I think I can help them with that. But to think that this place is close around my place is assuring enough, it feels like having another safe place.

"Hey, Lily do you think we should go now? The council meeting is going to start around 1:30 pm and it's almost 1 now." Jane suggested.

"Yep, let's go. After that meeting I'm going to order here for dinner."

"Already made this place your favorite? Huh, I guess I'm right." Jane replied.

But before we leave I wanted to talk to Arthur about this place getting advertised and I would gladly help if it's his business. Since I made a rude behavior earlier. As we walked to the counter I spotted someone in the corner of my eye. It's a see through glass and I swear someone was watching or observing me just now. I couldn't help but be creeped out about it and especially what Jane said earlier about the stalking incident, I might check up on the news later. I walked up the counter.

"Hey, u-um thanks for the spaghetti earlier. And I'm sorry about my rude behaviour."

As I bowed down, Arthur sighed and smiled at me.

"It's okay Miss Robyn, it was partly my fault as the owner too. So no need to be sorry." he reluctantly replied.

"Well in order to make up for it, I will help advertising these place since it's the least thing that I can do. Is that okay?"

"Thanks for the offer Miss Robyn but I don't want to advertise Cafe Lilac for now. But I'll certainly look up to your offer soon."

"You know you can just call me Lisa right? No need for formalities, there's enough of plenty people calling me that and it's annoying I don't want you to be one of them."

It feels annoying sometimes people calling you with formalities but working with the government it's pretty natural.

"Oohh, Lily you're being feisty." Jane smirked

Arthur cackled and I lightly tapped Jane as I'm flustered. I take it back please have the formalities.

"Well It looks like you're on your way Lisa, I hope to see you again." He smiled.

I couldn't stare at him but we both said our goodbyes and as we left the cafe I couldn't help but feel creeped out as I glanced my surroundings. Huh? It's probably my imagination but I should tell Jane so she won't second guess what's on my mind.

"Jane, do you think someone's following me?" I asked.

"Huh? I think nobody is following you. I mean it's pretty quite around here and there's not much people." Jane said.

I guess it's on my mind but I just need to be wary for once. But for now I have to focus on the meeting it's almost 1 pm and I need to be there on time. I glanced back at the cafe. I saw Arthur outside as he waved at me goodbye.

Why did he go outside by the way? I wondered but maybe he's just like that, and as I went in the car. As I start the engine I spotted someone looking at me and to top it off, he or she was holding a camera. I lightly tapped Jane and pointed left. But as soon as she was about to see it that person was gone. And she looked at me dumbfounded. I couldn't help but feel stupid about it but I just shrugged it off and focused on the upcoming meeting later.