𝐸𝓋𝑒𝓁𝓎𝓃

Chapter 6

Evelyn

4,320 minutes. 72 hours. 3 days.

It has been 3 agonizing days since Vincent had stayed for dinner, and Evelyn hasn't heard or seen from him since.

8,640 minutes. 144 hours. 6 days.

It has been 6 days since she had last seen Kaleb during his visit to her cottage, and yet, she couldn't understand why she didn't feel the same longing she did for him as she did Vincent.

Why did she want to wake up in his warm embrace again?

Why did she like the secret glances and teasing smiles he sent her throughout the dinner a few days ago?

Why was she so worried for him?

Why couldn't she stop thinking about him?

His tall muscular frame that made Evelyn feel so small yet safe at the same time. Those large veiny hands that she knew could protect her from anyone who tried to harm her. The dark art carved onto his skin that moved and formed with each muscle, always whispering their hushed stories to her. Soft chocolate brown hair that reminded her of the monstrous bear with kind eyes she had seen in the zoo as a child.

And, no matter how hard she tried, those deep azure eyes never seemed to leave her mind. They followed her wherever she went. She saw him in the vibrant blue Delphiniums that grew tall and proud in her garden. She saw him in the dark blue ribbon that Grandmama Sue tied around the vase of flowers on the dining table. She saw him in the vast lake that sparkled oh so beautifully at sunset. She even saw him in the blue stripes of a stranger's sweater at the local mart. She saw him everywhere.

But, why?

This was the first time she had ever felt this way about anyone.

Was this considered a crush? She had a crush on Kaleb, and it didn't feel like this. The way she felt about Vincent was almost suffocating. It took her breath away and gave her clammy hands. Thoughts she has never had before pop up left and right. Unwanted feelings of desire and greed grow stronger and stronger each time she thinks of him.

She hated it.

Evelyn hated the way she couldn't control her feelings or emotions whenever she was around him. She hated the fact that she always went weak while with him. She hated how easily she let down her walls for him. She hated how much she has already grown to trust him in just the span of a few weeks.

But, more than anything, Evelyn was scared.

Although it didn't seem like it, she had learned at a very young age how dangerous a game love was. The faint memories of her mother warning her how men were evil people who just wanted to hurt you. No, hurt was not enough to describe the menacing desire hidden in their hearts. They wanted to break you. You were nothing more than a toy for them to play with until they got bored and moved onto something better. Someone better. Men didn't care about your feelings, men don't care about anyone but themselves.

Of course, Evelyn had learned through years of experience and therapy that this was not all that true. Her Papa (grandfather), Kaleb, and Auggie proved that not all men were out to break her heart and leave her for dead. But, there were times when she lingered over the haunting words of her missing mother. After all, love was the reason why she was no longer by Evelyn's side.