Veiled Affection

Chapter Three

I woke up that next day to the sound of my alarm, and as I got up and got dressed, Gregory stirred a little and asked me why I was up so early, to which I responded I was going out to take a morning walk, which was precisely the truth. With a brief interlude, that was. But that needn't be told so early in the morning, would it? I just wanted to get going without any questions being thrown at my head at 05:30 in the morning. And for someone who's usual bedtime is but a few hours prior to that, I'd say my morning mood didn't quite add to the equation. But all of that was forgotten once I stepped out the door and made my way to that bench.

Our second meetup was quite the same as the day prior, actually. It was when I got home that day though, that I had come to a transformative understanding.

But let's not miss moments here. Our second meetup was, just like the first one, undeniably wonderful.
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''Good morning stranger.'' I heard from behind, as I was already seated.

I turned my head around and was surprised to see her so radiant already at that time of day; blonde strands of hair falling besides her face in an untroubled manner.

''I thought we were past that stage.'' I said, and she smiled.

''How about acquaintance, then?''

''Better.'' I gestured to the empty spot besides me. ''I saved you a seat.''

''How very kind.'' She said and took a seat beside me.

We looked at each other, kind of giggly as a matter of fact. It was this feeling of ludicrousness merged with gladness. Because thank God we both showed up, but what in the world's name were we doing? Two strangers, meeting to talk? It had a kind of secretive air to it.

''I'm barely awake. This is too early for me, Cate.''

''Who said you would have to be here?''

''I felt forced.''

''By who?''

''You.'' I pronounced rather loudly, not understanding her disregard.

''I'm told to be persuasive.'' She calmly said, and I saw her intention in that moment, for she knew exactly what I had meant.

''Besides,'' She continued. ''You think that this-'' She looked sideways at the multi-colored sky, ''is not worth it?''

I followed her eyes, and found myself to be charmed. ''You've won me over.''

She didn't speak for a moment and neither did I. We both just looked ahead enthralled; under a spell by the paint worthy view.

Us being together in that moment felt like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, I can admit that now; I can realize that now, looking back. Back then, however, I couldn't place that what I felt, and I only knew it felt good.

She spoke at last, looking at the sky still: ''Where do you live?''

I turned my head to her. ''Cutting right to the chase, are we?''

''Might as well.'' She said and her eyes found mine. ''Besides, I haven't seen any 'for sale' signs in some time. Now, do I have to worry about sitting next to a convict?''

''You don't.'' I said and smiled. ''And we were quick to bid, leaving virtually no time for a sign to be hung.''

She looked at me delighted. ''Quick on your feet?''

''You have no idea.'' I responded, then explained. ''I live about a ten minute walk away in that direction,'' I gestured my hand sideways to the direction I came from. She nodded agreeably, to which I returned the question, ''What about you?'' And before she could answer, I remembered our conversation from the day before.