Academic Temptations

Chapter 48

I smiled as I looked at the huge sign in front of the restaurant. There was no doubt—this was the place Harriet had mentioned. I loved that her dad named it after her first name. I could only imagine the debate they had before she agreed. I took a deep breath and stepped into 'Coreen's'.

Harriet was right; this place had a relaxing and comforting vibe. Maybe it was because I knew how much she loved it. The interior had a vintage, Renaissance-inspired look. It felt like a fine dining restaurant, yet it had the comforting aromas of home-cooked meals and freshly baked pastries. I was glad they served coffee because I didn't have much of an appetite for anything heavy.

One of the staff mentioned that during the day, they operated more like a cafe, while at night they became a full-service restaurant with multi-course meals. The staff also mentioned that the owner had a strong French influence. Harriet had never told me that her dad was French, which meant she didn't have any Filipino heritage.

I ordered my usual and noticed that Harriet's father wasn't around, unlike yesterday. He was the one who served me then, and I was so nervous I almost left. But it was my turn to order, so I had no choice but to face him. I thought he didn't recognize me, but he seemed to be eyeing the ring I wore yesterday and even gave me a knowing smile. It made me think he might know something, which is why I left as soon as I finished my coffee and the free pastry he gave me.

Today is my fourth and final day here. I've been gone for four days, and I know my family and friends are worried. Even Harriet. I realize it was a bad idea to run away, but I didn't know what else to do. It was my first time going against my family, and I thought that staying away for a while might help them cool off and reconsider.

Now I feel anxious about going home—Harriet is probably upset I didn't tell her. I think if I had told her where I was going, she would have followed me, and I didn't want her dragged into my stupid decisions. I sighed, already regretting my impulsive choice. I should have just stayed and begged my parents until they said yes. I've only made things worse.

I didn't realize how long I had been staring at the instruments on display until someone cleared their throat behind me. My eyes widened in surprise when I turned to see it was Harriet's father.

"Do you know how to play?" he asked, standing beside my table.

"I—I was just wondering why there's never a band here, even though there are instruments," I replied shyly. There were instruments displayed in the corner, but during my visits, there had never been a band playing.

"It was taking up too much space at home, so I decided to put it here to give the customers the freedom to play something they want. My daughter, Coreen, was trying to figure out what she liked, so she studied a lot of instruments. But she later realized she's not really into music." He explained. I was surprised to hear this—I never knew Harriet could play any instruments. It made me realize I didn't know as much about her as I thought.

"D-does she also sing?" I asked, and he suddenly laughed.

"That's what made her stop. She said learning instruments was pointless if she wasn't a good singer. I believe she can do anything, but singing is not her strength. She did master the piano, though. How about you? Do you sing?" The question caught me off guard. I didn't want to lie, but I felt like saying I could sing might sound like bragging.

"Well, I guess you do," he said, smiling.

"Would you like to perform?" I quickly shook my head and glanced around. There weren't many people here since it was still the afternoon, but I didn't feel confident enough.

"Come on. I'll play the piano for you," he offered. I wanted to refuse, but he was already setting up the piano.

I slowly stood up and walked toward him. He was adjusting the piano keyboard and setting up the microphone.

"I only know how to play the piano. That's why Coreen mastered it—it was the only instrument I could teach," he explained. Then, he handed me the microphone, which I accepted nervously.

"I'm sorry. Where are my manners? I'm Pierre De Veré," he said with a thick French accent, extending his hand. So, their last name was De Veré all along.

"Isla Ledezma," I replied, shaking his hand.

"Isla—what a beautiful name. What song would you like to sing?" I couldn't think of anything because I was too nervous, so I just named the song I'd been listening to recently.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, focusing on the piano notes Mr. De Veré was playing. He was really talented. I cleared my throat and started singing the first verse.

My voice was shaky at first, but Mr. De Veré whispered that I had a beautiful voice, which gave me the confidence to continue through to the chorus. I sang from the heart, remembering when I first met Harriet and how it all began.

I had all and then most of you
Some and now none of you
Take me back to the night we met
I don't know what I'm supposed to do
Haunted by the ghost of you
Take me back to the night we met

When the night was full of terrors
And your eyes were filled with tears
When you had not touched me yet
Oh, take me back to the night we met

I could feel tears threatening to fall, so I opened my eyes to distract myself, but what I saw made those tears spill over. My eyes met the chocolate brown eyes I had just been thinking about. My heart seemed to stop, and a lump formed in my throat—I couldn't even sing the next part. I just stood there, staring at her. I couldn't believe how I had just been thinking about her, and now she was right in front of me. Was this even real? I tried to open my mouth to say something, but nothing came out.

I missed her. I hadn't realized how much until I saw her. I wanted to run to her and hug her, but my feet felt glued to the floor. Yet, as if reading my mind, she dropped her duffel bag, walked toward me, and wrapped me in her arms.

"I fucking missed you, Isla," she whispered, her voice shaky, tears rolling down her cheeks. I put my arms around her waist, pulling her closer, ignoring the curious looks from everyone around us.

"Don't leave again, not without me, please." She said, but I didn't reply—I just hugged her tighter, inhaling her scent, feeling her warm body against mine. I could stay in her embrace forever. This was where I wanted to be, and I wouldn't let anyone take it away from me.

I can no longer imagine my life without her. I know it won't be easy, but I also know that the things most worth having never are. Whatever it takes, I will stand by her, I will fight for her, and I will never let her go.