Alice opened her eyes slowly. The glittering violet eyes met with his peaceful ones. Her fingers tightly clenched, they were full of confusion, agitation and hunger. It was the hunger that gave Adam the courage to continue pursuing her. Placing a finger under her chin, Adam said," Alice, I like you."

Alice felt her mouth drop open at this confession. Her mouth opened to speak, though she did not know what and then closed again. Her brain urged her to cut him down to size, let him that she would never fall for a man like him but she found unable to speak. Finally, holding her cold hand in his warm one, Adam continued," But, Alice, I know that you don\'t like me. And I also know that at present you are not open to a relationship. However, is there no place for a friend in your life as well? You are at the peak of a mountain. Isn\'t it lonely up there? All I ask is that you let me be your friend so as to share in that loneliness. Alice, just friends, that is all. Nothing more. And nothing less."

This time, Alice looked away from his piercing eyes and looked out of the small window towards the darkness outside. So many nights, she had yearned to just be able to talk to someone. When she had thrown out her father, she had needed someone who would reassure her that she had not done wrong. When she had achieved the first success, she had wished that she could share it with someone. But then she had started becoming used to the loneliness. To suppressing the wishes. Suddenly, she did not know how to relate to someone. Gathering her thoughts, she turned to him and said with difficulty, " Adam, it has been a long time since I have had any one to call a friend. I don\'t know if now I can even be friends with anyone. And you... I don\'t know why you make me feel uncomfortable. I am a bit socially awkward while you are a master at handling people and this makes me wary. You are too smooth for me."

This admission made his heart ache. What happened to his girl. He remembered that she had mentioned having friends in the past. Then how did this happen? What happened to the best friend she had in the past. Another question that he had no answer to. Patting her head, he said, " Each of us reacts differently baby. My profession requires me to handle all sorts of people. But that is just a mask. Like your icy mask, I have donned a friendly mask for those who don\'t want to know the real me just the famous superstar. And the only reason I am taking off this mask is because I have sensed the same loneliness from you that I feel deep down. And baby, we all have secrets. Either you or me. And neither of us can promise to share those secrets with the other. But just being there for the other person is what is friendship. A listening ear when you need one and a strong shoulder you can rely upon. That is what I am offering you Alice. I hope you can accept this."

That said, Adam once again extended his hand. Alice looked vacantly at the hand as his words echoed in her ears. Just as Adam was about to be disheartened and take back his hand, Alice extended her own hand and placed it in his. A warm smile graced his face and he pulled the girl into a tight hug. Eyes widening, Alice also came to another conclusion. Adam may have donned a friendly mask for the world to see but he was really an extrovert and seemed to love skin-ship. He was always touching her or hugging her! But ever so slowly, her own hands raised and her fingers clenched over his shirt, returning the warm hug. Her head leaned into his chest and time seemed to stand still. For the first time in a long while, Alice had the feeling that all was well in her world. He had hugged her previously as well, but she had been too agitated then. However, this time, she could only feel protected and warmth down to her bones. Moisture filled her eyes and she ruthlessly tried to suppress them.

Soon, unable to control herself, she pushed him away and rushed into the washroom, saying behind her, "I\'ll go change.."

As the door closed behind her, she looked up and muttered," Mom, I now know, Adam gives the best hugs.. better than the teddy bear you brought me when I was a kid..."