He is my Forbidden Fruit

Chapter: The End

Time heals
...

"Cassandra," Marley, the manager at the cafe finally snaps me out of my thoughts.
I look at the tall man. "Sorry sir, what can I do?"
"Lunch break is over, need you at the cashier," his Louisiana accent shows. He is tall and brown skin. He looks like a sergeant more than a cafe manager to me.
"Yes," I nod and put on my green cap. I go to the front and say hi to Grandy. Her blonde pony tail moves to the side as she walks to do a frappacino. I go to the cashier and say hi to the customer.
He finally turns around as he was talking to a girl behind.
"Hi Ms. Cassie," it is Mr. Delaware-Brian.
He smiles. "Wow, you came to California to work at this place?"
Wow, it has been 4 years since I left the small town where my father was mayor in.
"Hurry, the line is getting long," Grandy says. I nod. "What can I get you sir?"
"Oh I see," Brian nods, "I'll have a iced tea please."
"That will be 3.25"
He hands me exactly the amount and I put in the register.
"Thanks," I fake my smile. Brian walks to the side to wait for me to prepare the tea. I do it as quick as possible and call him.
"Thank you," he takes it. I help the other customers. But my brain is having a ride. I can't believe he is here.
As I continue my work, I see Brian there slowly drinking his tea while on his phone.
After 3 hours, I'm finally out. As I go to the back, I don't see Brian anymore. I check out and say goodbye to the crew. I exit and walk to my car.
"Ms. Cassie,"
I stop at my tracks and turn. Brian smiles, "Can we talk now?"
"Why are you here?"
"Im working as a writing teacher at the university near by, don't feel special," he chuckles.
I roll my eyes and take off my cap. "I wasn't implying that Brian."
"How about we walk? The sun is still out. We can walk on the beach,"  he asks.
I sigh, "why?"
"It's been 4 years since you magically disappeared. I think there's a lot to catch up don't you think?"
I nod. I guess he didn't know anything or if he does, he could care a crap about it.
"Let me change. My apartment us just two blocks away from here."
"Sure."
...
I feel the sand in between my toes and my skirt rise a bit against the breeze. I paired it with a blue crop top. I have my shoes in my hand. Brian is next to me. He has a casual button down shirt with black pants and white shoes.
"So you moved here because it was the farthest place you knew," Brian finishes my story.
I nod. "Yeah, and I always wanted to see the beach."
"Why though, you said because of Harold, but I knew that why then?"
"Ben saw us kissing and he was told his father. I knew somehow the whole town was going to know so I left to make it less troubled if i left."
"Do you know what happened after?"
I say no.
"Your dad didn't run for another term. He said he needed time to be with his family. No one knows about Harold and you by the way."
"Really?" I stop walking and look and him. He stops, "Yeah. Well there were some rumors and at school from the kids conversation.  But then it fainted."
"Still, it was a good thing I didn't stay."
"Okay, is that how you think,"
"You still like me?"
"Of course," he smiles.
"So why did you become a college proffesor?"
"Nicer pay, nicer kids," he shrugs, "I also wanted to see the beach."
I lightly smile, "and is my dad still living there?"
"I think so, why? You don't talk to him anymore?"
"I do, well we send letters twice a month," I say. "I know he has use the same address as the home but for some reason I feel he is lying about where he is."
"Why?"
"I think Kelly doesn't want him to talk to me at all, which is fine, but maybe he moved out already. I haven't received a letter yet."
"I have no idea."
We go back to my apartment and talk more.
I miss having a friend. I do have buddies but it is mostly at school we hang out. I'm getting my masters in veterinary.
"So," I ask. "You still with a guy?"
"Nope,"
"Why?"
"I'm dating a girl now."
"Cool"
"You?"
"No, i like boys," I chuckle.
Then someone knocks on the door.
"You were planning a guest dinner?" Brian asks.
"No."
I open the door and see Angel and my father.
Father smiles wide and hugs me. "Im happy to see you."
I pull back, "father, why are you here?"
He chuckles, "got a paid vacation."
I look at Angel. She is still pretty. She has short shorts with a white spaghetti strap shirt under a gray cardigan.
"Hi Angel," I say.
She waves hi.
I open the door more. "Come in."
"Mr. Delaware?" Angel asks.
"Oh hi, hey Mr. Darwin," Brian says. "It is not what you are thinking. I saw her at a cafe and we decided to talk."
"Whatever," Angel says. She sits on the couch next to Brian.
"I guess I should be thanking you for coming," I say. I help father with a small bag and set it on the round dinner table.
"It is nothing and I just wanted to see you. It has been a long time," he says. We go back to the living room and sit.
"How are you Brian?" Father asks him.
"Good, how about you sir?"
"Well, so," father turns to me, "how has school been?"
"Good,"
"And work?"
"A bit better," I lightly smile.
"So the twins said that they want to see you again."
Wow, they still remember me? "Sure. I will like to see them too. Are they tall now?"
"Yep," Angel says.
I want to ask about Harold, but should i?
"Harold went to the army," Angel comments, "he is station at Forth Worth right now for some training."
Wow. "Great."
"So, I should go now," Brian smiles, "its was nice to see you all. See you later Cassie." I wave goodbye with a smile as he leaves.
Father places a hand on my leg. "Kelly and I would like it if you come back and live with us,"
"What?" I ask.
"We already forgotten and forgiven. Harold is going to marry already. He has also moved on and I see the same with you. It was something childish to let you leave."
"I would like to say that I forgiven you too," Angel says. "Austin told me everything as well as Harold. I never gave you the chance to explain yourself."
I'm so shocked. They want me to come back?
Angel comes and suddenly hugs me. "I also know your mom wasn't at fault with my parents divorce. My mom told me a while back. We are sisters. I always wanted one." She pulls back and smiles.
I feel so many emotions that I begin to tear up. "I always wanted one too."
We chuckle and hug it out.
Father joins us. "Now. How about we start fresh?"
"Yeah."
....

The end.