Rod - The Weapon

Chapter 14: Surprise

I wake up a little earlier than usual. I go to restroom to freshen up and then the kitchen to drink some water and eat some nuts. I look at my phone and immediately Henry calls. I pick up the phone and say, "Hey man, what's up?"

To which he answers, "Yeah hey, I was wondering if you don't mind me bringing a few other people on our trip today."

I am completely okay with that because more the merrier. But out of curiosity I ask him, "Oh I don't mind at all but who are you bringing with you?"

He replies, "Well my girlfriend wanted to join me and she wanted to bring her friend. By the way I have a surprise for you today."

I just say, "Oh surprise, definitely curious now. Are you guys having double dates? Am I third wheeling you folks?"

He laughs and says, "Don't worry, Guy and her are not dating. You don't have to worry about anything. I'll arrange food and drinks."

I say, "Yeah I think it is good that you boys are hanging around with people other than me. There has been too much testosterone around lately."

He just chuckles and says, "Yeah, okay I'll see you at 8 by the office and then we can rent out a car or something."
Then I suggest, "If you guys have no issue, then I can bring my car. That is not a problem at all."
He hesitates to tell the truth and beats around the bush and says, "Uhm, your car, uh, well do you think you can fit five people?" I could understand what he was trying to say, 'You have a crappy car!'.

I reply, "Dude I have another car, don't worry, I'll bring my car. It won't be a let down I promise."

He just sighs and says, "Whatever, but just don't be late okay? I'll get you your coffee." He is so sweet but I reply, "Thank you, but unfortunately I don't drink coffee before road journeys because I get sick. You definitely don't want me to throw up while driving."

He chuckles and says, "Alright see you in an hour." I cut the call and go up to my room to get ready. I get into the shower wash my hair with whatever Rachel used to use. Her products were the best even though I used to deny it in front of her.

I wear some beige cargo pants and a deep blue oversized T shirt. I wear a fanny pack around my shoulder, wear some cologne and some rings too. Those are the only accessories that I actually wear. Then I wear some shoes. I haven't had breakfast yet because it is too early for me but I still grab a toast just in case.

I grab my car keys, not Rachel's college car which I use almost everyday, but the car which we bought together. When I tell you it is expensive, I mean it. I mean, we both put in our savings which, let me tell you, we saved for a long time.

We invested some and ended up with a pretty sufficient life. It has been so long since I used this car and boy was I happy to do it. I love cars, especially Mercedes. Yeah, we have a Mercedes, yet I choose to use Rachel's 15 year old car. I think at this point it is just begging me to leave it alone.

Well, I start the engine. I recently serviced the vehicle and it is in a better than good condition. So I confidently go down the lane and enter the main road in my baby. I am kind of excited for today, I forgot to tell Henry and Guy about Eddie but I for sure will. Henry also said that he had a unique but maybe weird surprise for me. So now I'm definitely intrigued because I'm not the type of person to be surprised.

I reach their office building, where the four of them were standing. I couldn't see the girls' faces because they were surrounding Guy. I think that they are talking about the route to the lake. I roll down the windows and when Henry can see properly inside the car, he gets shocked.

How long have I waited for that reaction. He then casually says, "Damn dude, I thought you were really going to take us in the other car of yours. But you really are rich."

I just shrug while laughing and say, "Well get in and introduce me to your friends. You said that you had a surprise for me? Please don't just tell me that its my coffee."

Henry looks at me for a second and hands me my cup of coffee while saying, "Ok, I don't want you to freak out now. I would like you to meet my friend Valerie who is joining our trip. She is Ginny's friend, a junior. I just invited Ginny but she insisted on bringing her friend and this is actually the first time I met her. Wait, I'll save the words and just call her."

He looks back to the group and says, "Hey Valerie, could you come here please?"

I see some coffee stains on my steering wheel from the coffee and pay no attention to Henry. As I am scratching of the wet and dry stains, a sweet yet familiar voice calls out. Something that I have heard before so many times, yet feels so distant. I think for a second and look up in confusion. To my horror, or bewilderment, I couldn't believe my eyes.

For the first time I have been surprised, and the award goes to my fellow friend Henry. I look at Henry for an explanation and he gives me an awkward look and shrugs as if he is saying, 'I know, but I don't know what to do!'

I look stunned for ten whole seconds and say, "What the fuck?"
Its been a whole year since I swore, not that type of guy. And I don't swear in front of people half my age too.

She looks taken aback and says, "I'm sorry? Is something wrong?" I just stare at her again, I'm pretty sure that she is creeped out by me and my staring.

I reply, "Nothing, uhm," I pause for a second and continue, "I'm Aiden, their client," I say pointing at Henry and Guy.

After an awkward pause she says, "Well it is a pleasure to meet you and yes Henry told me a lot about you. I'm sorry for your loss, I have heard some great things about her."

Yeah my wife. Exactly my wife. What the hell is happening right now? I can't even comprehend what I'm seeing.

My wife, in her late teens talking to me again. She looks just, young and full of energy and just like the time we met each other. I stutter a bit while saying, "Yeah, pleasure to meet you too."

Who is this woman? She looks like Rachel, and when I say looks like, I mean identical. She leaves the spot and Henry turns to me to say something when I interrupt him by saying, "Don't. Just get your friends in the car after a minute. I need a moment to myself."

He nods and I roll up the window. Tears roll down my face as I start to sob. She looks, alive, and fresh. She, just, I don't have any words to describe what I'm feeling right now. I'm sick in the stomach, all the emotions are rushing back and I'm hit with a brick on the head with nostalgia.

Today, I don't know if it is the worst or the best day of my life.

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Hey guys, how are you today? I was so excited to complete this chapter today because of this twist. I hope you enjoyed it and stay tuned for the next chapter!! Please vote, comment and follow!