(Christopher was sharpening his blade in front of his hut when he looked up. Carissa greeted him with a warm smile. he eagerly got up)
CHRISTOPHER: You came.
CARISSA: (rolled her eyes) obviously. I couldn't afford to have you continue to risk your life trying to make me a better version of myself.
CHRISTOPHER: (laughed) glad you see it that way. (led her) you can sit here.
CARISSA: (reluctantly sat. saw him searching her eyes) why do you do that?
CHRISTOPHER: I just want to know if you are okay.
CARISSA: great, cause I thought you just couldn't look away.
CHRISTOPHER: (chuckled) That too.
CARISSA: Did you find what you're searching for?
CHRISTOPHER: (nodded. started packing up) it's not yet time but I think we should go somewhere.
CARISSA: where?
CHRISTOPHER: The salon where my sister styles her hair.
CARISSA: you want me to go pick up your sister?
CHRISTOPHER: technically it's me, but yeah.
CARISSA: (confused) why'd I do that?
CHRISTOPHER: because its far more comfortable for you anywhere other than here. (she is amazed. they started the journey and he took her hand) just so you don't get lost.
CARISSA: (retrieved her hand) I look like a child to you?
CHRISTOPHER: children asks the same question too.
CARISSA: (rolled her eyes)how far is this place?
CHRISTOPHER: not too far, depends on how much cooperation I get.
CARISSA: I can't believe I'm doing this. (on the way) how did you know?
CHRISTOPHER: That you didn't feel safe there?
CARISSA: yeah .
CHRISTOPHER: it's written all over your face.
CARISSA: my mom says I'm unreadable. and very detached.
CHRISTOPHER: she must not have known you long enough (they both chuckled)
CARISSA: I must say, you have a knack for surprising me.
CHRISTOPHER: let's just say there's more than meets the eye.
CARISSA: I'm curious now too, what were you going to say that night?
CHRISTOPHER: Something along the lines of 'catherine is no different '
CARISSA:(aghast) How could you tell?
CHRISTOPHER: I think it's going to be impossible to know what goes around her house. But mostly, your eyes tell me what I need to know.
CARISSA: (Impressed) I'm sincerely amazed. I didn't peg you to be the smart guy. you looked like a ne'er-do-well, I even had a hard time figuring if I should approach you or not.
CHRISTOPHER: so you've noticed me before that day when you came?
CARISSA: (smirked) they were casual looks, nothing serious
CHRISTOPHER: (amazed) more than once??
CARISSA: what does it matter if it were casual?
CHRISTOPHER: it must have been something else if it was more than once. what caught your eye? my build? handsomeness? Skylar said you asked of the handsome guy.
CARISSA: I remembered saying good looking.
CHRISTOPHER: all the same.
CARISSA: (laughed) you are so infatuated with yourself.
CHRISTOPHER: (after a while) won't you ask what I saw and admired most in you?
CARISSA: is that necessary?
CHRISTOPHER: your confidence. (she paused, attentive) you didn't look down on people but neither were you shy, timid or afraid. (they boarded a bus. got sandwiches with a ton of other people. he held her shoulders to keep her from tripping. they soon alighted) That's something you definitely don't wanna try again, right?
CARISSA: are you kidding?? (laughed) I loved it!
CHRISTOPHER: (taken aback) you love being sandwiched on a bus?
CARISSA: it's the most fun I've had in a while.
CHRISTOPHER: (laughed) Okay, cause we're doing this again.
CARISSA: (excited, breathed in the clear air) I love everything about this trip.
CHRISTOPHER: I love to know you love this. (they continued their journey. got close to the place and pointed) there she is.
CARISSA: (confused) I thought you said it was a salon.
CHRISTOPHER: Makeshift. but it works.
CARISSA: I'm totally not judging.
CHRISTOPHER: (chuckled. walked in. sights Skylar) Hi sis.
SKYLAR: (excited) you came early today! (noticed Carissa standing next to him) oh, you brought her too?
CHRISTOPHER: she insisted. I had no choice. (Carissa frowned at him)
CARISSA: Hello Skylar. (the hair stylist went to bring a glass of water)
SKYLAR: (shyly) hello my lady.
CARISSA: (quickly) please don't call me that. I'm just Carissa.
CHRISTOPHER: (led Carissa to a seat. returned to receive the water from the stylist. to Skylar) Everything good?
SKYLAR: Not really. you're waiting here for the first time and you brought a lady?
CHRISTOPHER: (scratched his head) guess I didn't really think that through. (went to sit with Carissa. they didn't say anything to each other)
HAIRSTYLIST: (called out) Are you two dating?
CARISSA: (appalled)That was direct. (looked at a bemused Christopher) was there anything that gave you that impression?
CHRISTOPHER: (cut in) no, we aren't. Just friends. (teasing Carissa) aren't we though?
CARISSA: I guess you're right. we are friends. (they waited for an hour more before they left with Skylar who ignored them all through their ride back. whispered as they reached the mansion) I think your sister's very angry.
CHRISTOPHER: I know. I'll talk to her. (Skylar entered the mansion first and was summoned instantly by Diane. the others came and didn't see her, but thought she was in the house) Thank you for walking with me.
CARISSA: When did I? I wanted to see the street and you happened to be going that way.
CHRISTOPHER: (smiled) alright. see you tonight?
CARISSA: Don't. I'll be available tomorrow. (left without another word)