Their walk to the town\'s Southern Deli restaurant was tiring, but it served its purpose, covering as many details of what Amanda wanted to know about Pelagy and Christopher\'s predicament. Even if Christopher refused to tell him where gates are in Trinity Bay, she thought to find out, one way or another.

The two had breakfast at the restaurant while under the intriguing eyes of her colleagues and that of her boss, Andrew. At that point, however, she did not care about their opinions. She let herself enjoy her meal while having light conversations with Christopher.

To Amanda\'s surprise, Andrew asked to speak to her in private, seeing they had finished their meal.

From outside the restaurant, Andrew spoke, "So much for our talk about the guy, Amanda? Not investing any emotions? But holding hands? Obviously, something is going on between the two of you."

Through the glass window, Amanda gave a smile in the direction of Christopher before she returned her attention to Andrew. She said, "It - it just happened. And for the most part, I am sincerely concerned about him - "

"So you deny having feelings for him?" He asked with a voice raised. He was almost berating at her.

Her mouth parted, unable to answer. She then pursed her lips before saying, "I - I admit that I like him."

There was no reason to say otherwise considering she and Christopher were, in fact, holding hands as they made the long walk to the restaurant. Moreover, Christopher was being extra touching.

"But really, I don\'t know where this leads to - Andrew!" She pulled back her hand in his attempt to hold her.

The Grimace on her face was clear before the fear of actually hurting him. She was not wearing any gloves that day. Had Andrew touched her successfully, she may require the aid of Trisha and make him forget.

Andrew\'s jaws dropped her avoidance. He had been friends with Amanda the longest. Despite this, she did not allow him to hold her, not once. Now here came Christopher, a man she had known only about two months, and yet she was willing to get close to him.

It made Andrew jealous of what Christopher had that he did not. Still, he will respect Amanda\'s decision as he was a gentleman, regardless. He stepped back and said, "If he hurts you - "

"Don\'t worry. There is no amount of pain that can hurt me," she said. To Amanda, the agony of having been alone for long was far too great. To her, it was the worst that any pain she might experience, should that ever come to happen.

"Is there any problem, Andrew?" Christoper came outside, seeing Amanda and Andrew\'s intense look at each other.

"Nothing, Chris. Let\'s go," said Amanda. She did not even wait for his response and walked to the road.

Christopher frantically handed cash to Andrew, not asking for the change. He immediately ran after Amanda, who walked briskly down the road.

He first brought Amanda to her home and told that he would be back again when he could take her to his world. He said, "After two weeks. That is the most that you\'ll expect me to return. The potion should be ready by then."

Amanda frowned. She was positive she did not need any potion. Her body was strong, and she had the help of the crystal.

However, she could not reveal this to Christopher. She could only hope that he was wise enough to protect himself. She said, "If it comes down to you being so outnumbered - or sensing that you may lose, just - just fly away."

"Since when are you the expert?" He pinched her cheeks and smiled before saying, "Thanks, Amanda. Thank you for your concern."

Christopher first looked around and rubbed his hands on his pants before he gradually leaned over.

Amanda quickly flushed knowing what he was suggesting, but ultimately, she did not avoid him. Their lips touched and for a moment, they indulged in sweet and gentle kisses while their hands slowly wrapping around each other.

They found themselves making out outside Amanda\'s door.

Eventually, Christopher pushed her to the wooden frame and started deepening his kisses. His actions quickly sent shivers down Amanda\'s spine that she held firmly to his neck.

They kissed for what it felt like an eternity before breaking off, nearly out of breath.

Panting, he leaned again to give just a peck and said, "I\'ll see you soon, Amanda. I\'ll be back, I promise."

She nodded and said, "I will beat you up if you don\'t come back."

Her words made him smile and warranted another kiss before he finally pulled away.

Amanda watched as Christopher made that long walk back to the road. Her head was full of thoughts of him and her heart was surprisingly aching. She earnestly hoped that he could pull through until such time that she could aid him with her strength.

She clenched her hand into a fist and muttered, "Be safe."

After being certain that he was gone, she called for Abasi in her head. She said, "Master of time and space. Lend me your knowledge."

"What the fuck is all that formality, Amanda," Abasi responded to her.

"Nothing. Can I see you, please? Where are you?" She asked while stepping inside her house.

"Now? I\'m investigating a meteor that fell from the sky last night!" Abasi replied with an objection.

"Yes, now! Take me to wherever you are and we can talk while you are investigating," she replied back and in just seconds, she found herself vanishing. Abasi was already taking her for a ride.

Reappearing before Abasi, she found herself in the middle of a volcanic crater in New Zealand, The White Island.

"What the? Why are you here?!" She asked Abasi with a frown. Steams of toxic chemicals were coming out of nowhere. It was clear to her that the volcano was very active and can erupt at any time.

Letting out a heavy sigh, Abasi revealed, "It\'s a long story. But before me, what do you want?"

"I want to know... How to find a passage to another world?" She asked outright, not thinking of the consequence of her words. "Tell me."

With a frown on Abasi\'s face, he asked, "Why?"