My Heart Will Go On

Epilogue

It's said that people change with time, and so do their feelings. That’s true. Time has got the capability to change others. It's been 8 years since we shifted to Italy. I completed my higher studies from abroad, and now am a psychologist in Germany.

I missed Australia a lot, especially Ashley. I didn’t get the chance to meet her in these years. Right, I haven’t seen her in 8 years. Darla and Felix are finally together. I'm happy for them, at least they didn’t make the mistake that I
did.

“Dr. Rosabella Marino, may I come in?” “Mom.” My mom came with a cup of
coffee in my room. “Thank you, mom but there was no need to take permission before entering.” I chuckled. She sat down beside me. “You came after a long time.” “Yeah, and I'll stay for a long time too.” “Of course!Why not!” We both laughed.

She caressed my hair, “My daughter has grown.” “Mom, isn’t that obvious?” “I
know. Now it’s time for you to get married.” I put the coffee cup on the
nightstand, “You ruined my whole mood.” “Why do you get so much irritated with the idea of getting married.” “Because I don’t want to.” I picked up the cup and started sipping again. “Is it because of Rey?”

‘Thompson...’ I missed him too. After coming to Italy, I changed my number, I
didn’t use social media. So, there was no source to contact him. That would be an excuse, the real reason is that I refrained from talking to him. I didn’t want to hurt myself more. But at times, I wanted to know how he’s doing. I asked Ash, but she too wasn’t in contact with him anymore.

“Of course not, mom!” “You aren’t lying, right?” “Why would I?” “Hmm. Luca is a
good man.” “Mom, I consider him as a friend only. And I already told you I don’t want to get married now.” “Fine! But do consider what I said. No one will be better for you than Luca.” I gave her a look, “As if.”

She isn’t wrong though, Luca really is a nice guy. Not going to lie, he too has all those qualities that I need in my future partner, but the only thing is that I don’t want to get married now.

I finished my coffee and handed her the cup. “Thank you, mom.” As soon as she
left, I got a call from Luca, “Hey, Rose.” “Hey, Luca. What's up?” “Nothing much. I was getting bored. So, I thought of going somewhere. Would you like to come?” “Sure. But where?” “I’ll come to pick you up and then we’ll decide.” “Ok. See you.”

I went to the living room and waited for Luca to come. A few minutes later the doorbell rang. “Who’s there, Rose?” “It must be Luca.” “Luca’s here!” She came running to the living room. “Mom, relax. You aren’t meeting him for the first time.” I opened the door, “Welcome, Luca.” My mom welcomed him.

“Thank you, auntie.” “Have a seat.” “No auntie, Rose and I are going out. So, I came to pick her up.” “Okay.” “Rose, are you ready?” He asked me. “Yup. Let's go. I'll be back soon, mom.” “Bye. Enjoy.” She gave me a cheeky smile.

We went to his car and sat inside, “Where should we head to?” I asked. He thought for a while, “How about amusement park?” “Great!” “Excited girl.” He chuckled and drove away.

Soon we reached the amusement park. “After a long time. Last time I visited was with-” I stopped mid-sentence 'Rey!'. “With?” “Uh, with.... Ashley. With Ashley.” “Oh. Come on, let’s go.” I nodded and we went inside.

We went on different rides and filled our stomachs with food. “Wow I'm full
already.” I spoke. “Don’t want to have ice cream?” “Why not? Let's go and grab some.” I pulled him by his arm and went to his car.

We sat inside, and he started to drive, “So, when are you planning to leave for
Germany?” he asked. “Not so soon.” “Good. We've plenty time to spend
together.” “Yes.” We laughed. I glanced at him, while his attention was on the
road, ‘Mom was right. I should consider what she said.'

“You must miss Australia a lot, isn’t it?” “Hmm, I do. I miss that place; I miss my
friends.” I sighed. He cupped my hand with his free hand and gave me a soft
smile. “By the way, Rose. I've to purchase something from the grocery store. So, we’ll buy ice cream there. Is it okay with you?” “Yeah, I don’t have any issue with it.”

He drove to the grocery store and reached there within minutes. We got out of the car and went inside. Luca did his shopping and I roamed around in the store. I came across the Cheezels counter and picked one packet up.

Just then I saw an item lying on the floor. ‘It might have fallen from someone’s cart.’  I was about to keep it back when someone stopped me, “That’s mine.” ‘That voice..’

I abruptly turned around and was dumbfounded to see that person after 8 long years. My eyes were wide like saucers with tears in them, and my heart started beating fast. I whispered his name,

“Rey Thompson…”

Sequel 2? Hell yeah!
Stay tuned for it!

And also a huge thanks to the co-author, editor, IlluminatingSunlight 💜.