Will Love Ever Come?

Chapter 70

ESCHEWAL SPINS ON HIS heels and slides across the floor as if he is performing and singing on stage. He is on his way to meet Manna and surprise her with a romantic night out. He puts the final grooming touch to the sweet-boy standard and steps out the door.

It has only been two days since he has seen her, but it feels like two weeks; he is even happier because she has invited him to her house. Unknowingly, it is a setup. She plans to display a picture of Salacious, and when he arrives, she'll inform him that the girl in the picture is her cousin and best friend. She will then wait to see if he admits to knowing Salacious and how.

Eschewal has arrived at Manna's house. His heart is racing as he waits for the front door to open.

She opens it with a forced smile.

He notices but thinks nothing of it. He bends over and kisses her.

He follows her into the living area.

With the most natural manner, she can manage, she points at Salacious' picture, which is perched atop the TV. "Ah, that's my cousin and best friend, Salacious," she says.

As if fighting a gale-force wind, Eschewal moves towards the picture. As the face comes into view, his legs feel as if they are about to buckle underneath him. His heart gives him the sensation as if it has snapped in two at knowing the only girl that he could ever love at that moment has disappeared from his life.

He regains his composure and looks at Manna to see if she has read his facial expression.

She has her back turned; she does not want it to be confirmed.

As he speaks, shivers run down her spine.

"Oi, Manna..."

She wants to block her hearing.

"Um, listen," he begins, "I've left my phone in the car. I'm just gonna go down and get it, yeah?"

Manna relaxes and then nods.

Eschewal walks out of the room and heads outside; he needs time to think.