Almost, Always

17. Confusion

I went home after telling Mateo about what happened with my meeting with Elizabeth. I went straight to my room and contemplated today's event..

What is about Elizabeth?

So far, from the conversation we've had I've learned that she loves horse riding, painting, archery, and baking. She volunteers for charities, she's an only child, she have few close friends, yet she is approachable and friendly. She's soft spoken and confident. Talking to her feels like finally experiencing a passing calming breeze on a hot summer day.

It's just what you've been waiting for.

I hate to admit it.. but I couldn't find an excuse to hate her. I find myself wanting to be friends with her. After all, it was her beauty that inspired me to improve how I look, to push myself harder because I have always looked up to her. I've adored her even before knowing who she is. All this time...she's the woman that captured Anthony's heart.

Elizabeth, if it's you.. out of all people? How can I even pick a fight? When your beauty alone is enough for me to surrender.

But.. I can't be swayed. I must ask about Anthony and learn more about him.

After the meeting with Elizabeth I realized I need to meet her again. I have to be her friend.

I need to see her again so badly...this is to learn more about Anthony. Right?

I grabbed my phone and dialed Mateo's number.

"Emi." He said.
"Ferri. Elizabeth Ferri. Tell me more information about her. Anything else you can find. Meet me at the office when you do. I'll be waiting." I hang up and took a deep breath. I know Mateo will know enough to understand what I mean by that. We have been waiting for a long time after all.

All this for revenge?

Yes.. I will never forget what happened in the past. What Anthony and his family did...

My thoughts were cut off when I got a call from my secretary, Claire. She reminded me about the scheduled meeting I have with Dave. I've been avoiding Claire for a while now. I didn't want to mix my personal life with work. I can only ignore her for a while, but it's impossible to run away from things forever. I confirmed the meeting with her and hurriedly prepared to leave for the office. It took me longer to leave than usual, I find myself thinking about Elizabeth every now and then. I couldn't understand why I feel this way.

I arrived in the office. I ran fast and went straight to the elevator. I opened the door and was greeted by a familiar voice

"Hi, Ms.Bauman, where have you been? I've been trying to contact you for a while now. Dave was getting impatient here and says he is about to leave soon" 

"Right, right. Okay, I'm going back there now. I'll be there in a bit." I replied as I walk past her.

"Ms.Bauman! Ms.Bauman!" she said. Annoyed with Claire as she tails me around, I ignored her and went straight to Dave who has been patiently waiting for me.

"Ah. There you are. I was about to go...Dear. I thought you've forgotten about our meeting. This is so not like you." Dave said.

"So.. I assume, something amusing happened. Care to tell me?" He added.

"You wouldn't wanna know. Trust me. Glad you stayed." I answered.

"This office has the best coffee. You should open a coffee shop," he replied changing the topic. That was the nicest thing I've ever heard from Dave. I sat on the chair facing him.

"So...what was I saying before? I remember during our last meeting you told me to tell you how everything started. What happened to me and how I ended up here." I said.