Sheffield was always trying to get closer to her. Evelyn wasn't about to drop her guard.
"Evelina," Sheffield paused and muttered. "What a pretty name."
Then he started singing. "Like a lonely meteor traveling a light year, shooting across the vast, dark sky, in tireless pursuit... Who could change a heart committed for eternity? After the ups and downs, will you still love me..."
Evelyn listened as he sang. The look in her eyes, like the feelings in her heart, was complicated.
Sheffield was the first person to ever sing for her, other than her parents, of course.
He was also the first person who helped her apply bug spray. Although she had grown up surrounded by servants and bodyguards, Evelyn was always a do-it-herself kind of girl.
What she didn't know was that this was the first time Sheffield had ever sung for a girl he liked.
He had finished applying the spray, but he was still singing. He stopped singing and asked her with a smile, "You ever heard that one?"
Evelyn shook her head. She only listened to her mom's songs. She was somewhat sheltered.
Slowly, he released her foot. Then he lifted his own foot and put it on the seat in front of him to spray himself. "It's called Evelina. You like how I sing? I don't suck, huh?"
He looked at her expectantly.
Evelyn blushed a little under his gaze. She looked down and pretended to dust her pants. "Sort of. You're not as good as my mom."
In truth, Sheffield was a natural singer with an expressive voice and a handsome face.
But Evelyn wasn't going to tell him that.
"Your mom? What singers does she like?" Sheffield asked, still busy applying the repellent to himself.
Despite being flattered all the time, he could deal with a setback or two.
"Well, she likes Debbie Nian."
"Ooh! I know her! She was one of the best singers. That voice was amazing! But I heard her husband banned her from singing eventually."
she asked nervously.
He turned back and said, "I never knew my name was so musical." He loved it when she said his name.
"You didn't answer my question," she said.
"Where do you think? You're going to ride an elephant."
"Um...no, I'm not." She refused to go any farther.
"What are you afraid of? I'll be with you."
Evelyn felt embarrassed, but she refused to admit her fear. "I'm not afraid. I'm just not interested in riding elephants," she denied.
Sheffield coaxed her, "But I'm afraid. You look brave. I need you so I don't lose my nerve at the last minute."
Evelyn shook her head again. "I'll wait for you here."
Sheffield didn't give up. "Where did you come from?"
"The same as you," she replied. 'Why did he want to know?' she wondered.
'She's also from Y City?' He was excited by her answer. "We traveled around a thousand km to get here. Are you seriously going to tell me you're turning down a ride on the elephant? Wow...just...wow. Evelina, life's too short for regrets."
Evelyn found his words made sense. She agreed.
With the staff's help, she got on a ladder and silently climbed onto the elephant. As soon as she was seated, she looked back. She was glad to see that Sheffield had gotten on the same elephant and sat behind her.
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