Eternal Echoes

Chapter Nineteen: Cleaning Up The Past

Michaella's POV

I woke up the next morning with a resolve to clear my mind by cleaning and organizing the house. It was my way of coping with the chaos inside me. I decided to start the day by treating myself to a warm vanilla-flavoured cappuccino from the nearby café. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and vanilla filled my senses, providing a small comfort.

Afterwards, I headed to the supermarket to grab some missing essentials. As I walked down the aisles, I suddenly saw Alex again. He spotted me and his face lit up with a smile. I felt a pang of annoyance, not really in the mood to socialize, but the kind person I am, I couldn't just ignore him.

"Hey, Michaella! Fancy seeing you here," Alex said cheerfully.

"Hi, Alex," I replied, trying to sound polite.

"How have you been? You look great," he said, looking me over with an appreciative smile.

"Thanks. I've been okay, just busy with work and all," I responded, hoping to keep the conversation short.

"Busy with your podcast, right? I listened to a couple of episodes. They're really good!" he said enthusiastically.

"Thank you, I appreciate that," I said, genuinely touched but still wanting to wrap things up.

"So, I was thinking, maybe we could grab a coffee sometime? I'd love to hear more about your work," he said, his tone hopeful.

I sighed internally. "Alex, I appreciate the offer, but I'm not really looking to date anyone right now."

He chuckled lightly. "I get it. But we could just hang out as friends. No pressure."

I smiled, trying to be gentle. "I really just need some time to myself right now. I hope you understand."

Alex nodded, though he didn't seem entirely convinced. "Sure, I understand. But hey, I just followed you on Instagram. Maybe I'll shoot you a message sometime. You never know, right?"

"Sure, Alex," I said, trying to remain polite.

I quickly paid for my items and left the store, feeling relieved to be heading back home. Today was all about cleaning and organizing, a task I knew would help me think more clearly. I threw myself into it, scrubbing surfaces, dusting shelves, and sorting through clutter.

As I moved to clean my room, I opened my accessories drawer and found the bracelet Gabrielle had given me on our second anniversary. It had 'TO', an infinity symbol, and 'AB' carved on it. My heart clenched as memories of that day flooded back.

We were in the park, sitting on our favourite bench. Gabrielle had pulled out a small box and handed it to me, his eyes twinkling with excitement. I opened it to find the beautiful bracelet.

"For you, Michaella," he had said softly, taking it out and putting it on my wrist. "I hope you'll never take it off."

I looked at him with tears in my eyes. "I promise I won't," I had said, and we sealed that promise with a kiss, our lips meeting in a tender moment that felt like it could last forever.

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Michaella's POV, that was interesting how she ran into Alex...