Out of Reach (PUBLISHED)

32

“A BROKEN HEART is the deep pain caused by rejection, the loss of a loved one, or a cherished relationship. It can linger for days, weeks, months, or even years. Yet, time has the power to mend even the most shattered hearts. As we move forward, we mustn’t let the past hinder our path to a brighter future.”

 
***

Jackson Mendez was a man of striking handsomeness, a physique sculpted to perfection, and an undeniable charisma that set him apart. He was a celebrated figure in the realm of catwalk photography, known far and wide. Fashion companies coveted him, yearning to ink a deal, yet none had succeeded. Jackson cherished his freelance status, akin to his friend, a runway model gracing the very show he found himself in today. But he wasn’t just an attendee; he was here by professional invitation, hired as the catwalk photographer for the Spring/Summer Ready-to-Wear Fashion Week in the heart of Paris.

As the minutes dwindled on his watch, a mere twenty until showtime, he seized the opportunity to capture personal snapshots of the monochromatic venue. His Canon EOS R3 securely strapped around his neck. He stood ready to immortalize the impending fashion spectacle.

After thoroughly documenting the venue, He shifted his lens toward the lively crowd. People became his subjects, and he didn’t hesitate to approach them, particularly favoring the company of beautiful women. His natural allure allowed him to effortlessly charm and even flirt, coaxing some into sharing their contact numbers. Occasionally, his phone buzzed with messages from his three girlfriends, and he’d respond, assuring them of his intense longing.

Jackson, as it appeared, epitomized the classic womanizer. This transformation began when the woman he deeply loved shattered his heart.

Amidst his candid shots, one woman stood out. She possessed wavy dark green hair and enchanting green eyes, instantly captivating his attention. A mischievous smile crept across his face as he mused, Time to add another entry to my collection.

As he closed the distance towards the captivating woman, an unusual sensation gripped his chest. His heart quickened its rhythm, pounding wildly as she came into full view. The sight of her halted his steps abruptly. His heart, it seemed, had almost ceased its beating. His eyes remained locked on her, unblinking, and his breath seemed to have abandoned him entirely. Is this some sort of illusion, eyes?

Yet, there was no denying it. The woman recognized him too. Her eyes widened momentarily, then quickly averted, and she began to retreat. But, the man at her side reached out and grabbed her arm. “Where are you going, Sensen?”

It’s her. Undoubtedly, it was her—the girl who had irrevocably changed him. Jackson pressed forward, standing before them now. The woman’s eyes reflected desperation, a clear desire to escape, but he greeted her with a smirk. Then, he shifted his attention to the man at her side, who returned his gaze with an odd expression.

Jackson extended a hand towards the man. “Hi, I’m Jackson Mendez. And you must be . . . ?”

The man disregarded his hand. “Jimhuesh Anderson.”

He withdrew his hand, chuckling. “I apologize if I came across as strange. I assure you; I mean no harm. I just wanted to say hello to your girlfriend.”

Jimhuesh turned to her. “Do you know him?”

“Uh, yes, we went to the same university.”

Jackson’s sneer deepened as his hand delicately caressed his chin. “I still recall the last time we crossed paths, Sen. It was an unforgettable encounter, wouldn’t you agree?”

Senthie’s laughter rang out, though it carried an undertone of forced cheerfulness. “Oh, that? Yeah, sure. Anyway, please excuse me, I need to visit the ladies’ room.”