Collin’s point of view
I pulled up to the inn, knowing our day was coming to an end. Jamie thanked me for the ride, but I didn't reply. I just nodded, keeping my hands tense, one gripping the wheel and the other clutching the gear shift. I was afraid of losing control, not just of the car, but of myself. I didn’t want her to step out, let alone walk into the inn. But I also didn't want to be selfish. In hurry, she unbuckled her seatbelt and made her way to the inn. In a flash, she was gone. And then - just then, I understood one thing.
She felt it too.
Jamie's point of view
I felt relieved only after slammind the door of my room behind me as I leaned against it. My eyes were wide with shock as I tried to imagine what might have happened in the car if I hadn’t left in such a hurry. I shook my head to erase the scenarios I had instinctively created before locking my door and heading to the bathroom for a good shower to cleanse myself of my impulses.
That was really intense.
***
The weather was a bit more overcast so I decided to stay in my room, painting, reading, and gazing at the landscape like a good girl that always was. I took this opportunity to call my father, who also happened to be my confidant.
“You seem to be keeping yourself busy in Chaston. Are you planning to move there?” he teased.
“The idea crossed my mind, but it can’t happen anytime soon, I’m afraid.” I took a small sip of my coffee, sitting on one of the chairs on my terrace.
“Oh really? And what about that famous Collin?”
“What is Collin doing in this?” I frowned, feeling my heart start to race at the thought of what my father might be thinking.
“Oh sorry, I thought something was going on between you two since our last conversation. I must have misinterpreted.”
“Indeed, very much misinterpreted. I just arrived in Chaston. Well it's now almost a week but…”
“And so?”
“What do you mean And so, dad? You don’t really think I’m going to start having feelings for someone I just met, do you?”
“Funny, I have the strong impression you’re talking more to yourself than to me.”
I didn’t reply and simply sighed at the truth my father had just stated. He was right; I was trying to convince myself that my feelings were absurd given the short period of time I’d known Collin. I had a specific expression for my current situation - a déjà vu feeling that forced me to hold back: hormone issues, I called it. Even with my inhibitions, I’ve had a few one-night stands like everyone else. Was it a sin? Maybe yes, but I also saw that as a way to release tension: making small sins to avoid larger ones or letting loose occasionally to keep from going crazy.
“So something did happen.” dad concluded. “Tell me about it.”
“No, nothing happened. At least, not yet…”
“Not yet?”
“But I’m afraid of what will happen if I stay here a few more days.”
“You talk as if the biggest great drama was about to unfold.”
“My life itself is a whole drama. I just realized I’m anything but emotionally mature. How is it possible to develop feelings for someone I’ve barely met?”
“It doesn’t take much to appreciate someone, you know.”
“I know.” I said, getting up from my chair and heading to my bed where I flopped down.
“And the brain is the most outstanding organ, working 24/7, 365 from birth until you fall in love.”
“That’s Sophie Monroe’s quote and you’re implying that I’m in love which is not the case. Is it the case?”
“Is it obvious?” he asked.
“No! I mean, I think. Feelings can be illusory.”
“Still need to be confirmed.”
“I know it’s just another trick of my hormones. It’ll fade once I leave Chaston. The distance will do its job and it’ll be as if it never happened.”
“How obvious, but the real question is do you want to keep that distance?”
“Dad, you’re not helping at all. I need answers, not a psychological review.”
“Listen sweetheart, I can’t provide you the answers you’re looking for. All I can tell you is that each love is fleeting, and you - and only can really decide whether it’s worth it or not. But remember, just because it didn't last long it means it wasn’t real.”
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See You Again
ChickLitIt's an excerpt from Victor Hugo's "Les Misérables". He says: "The power of a glance has been so much abused in love stories, that it has come to be disbelieved in. Few people dare now to say that two beings have fallen in love because they have loo...
