Skyline

Chapter 29: You never really can fix a heart

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I WAS BEYOND PISSED.

A week has passed since my encounter with Alexei and I haven't seen him since then. My dad just got back from his business trip in Asia and as soon as he walked in the room, I blurted the question that's kept me restless since Alexei had said them.

"Did you really ask Alexei to stay away from me?" I blurted. My dad froze, and then frowned. His face scrunched up in worry but he didn't say anything. Silence means yes for me so it pretty much answered my question. My heart dropped.

"How could you do that?!" I cried out, my eyes burning. I love my dad so much but this is beyond me. How could he do this? It felt like someone was squeezing my heart from the hurt I'm feeling.

"Calm down, Colleen. I only did it to protect you," he explained, his hands reaching out for me, his eyes pleading. "His father kidnapped you—"

"That's not his fault!" I argued.

"He befriended you because his father said so!"

"But that doesn't give you a right to drive him away," my voice broke and tears spilled down my cheeks. I quickly wiped them away.

"I know," he said quietly. "I'm sorry, sweetheart." His face suddenly looked tired, like he's been carrying so much weight. I bit my trembling lip. I can't say that I don't understand. He only did what he thinks is best for me.

I let out a huge breath. My throat suddenly felt dry. I need some fresh air. I need a break from this.

"I need to clear my head," I told him. "I'll just go out for a while, get some fresh air."

"Colleen—"

I acted like I didn't hear him. "I'll come back in a few hours. I'll just use my car so you can track where I go. I'll also put an extra in my shoes. I'll see you later."

I didn't wait for him to reply. I went to the garage and got in my blue convertible. It's a good thing that it's not necessary for me to have a driver now. This is one of many things that changed in me. I can finally drive without getting myself in an accident.

It's true what I told my dad. I really need to get out of the house. I felt like clearing my head and going on a drive seems like a good idea. I don't have a particular place in my mind so instead, I let my subconscious lead me.

And after minutes of driving, I realized where it's taking me. It led me to the lake. The lake that held my past, my stories, my secrets. The lake where Alexei took me to get to know him. The lake which became an oasis of serenity amidst the turmoil in my life.

It was empty along the way. No hikers were in sight. But it didn't mean that the lake was. A lone figure sat on the deck, his feet dangling over the edge, submerged in the water. It didn't surprise me.

I picked up a small rock then threw it to the lake where the water engulfed it, causing ripples. The lone figure straightened up to crane his neck at the source of the disturbance. He stood up when he realized it was me. His bruises have healed and his face has been cleared of injury.

"What are you doing here?" Alexei asked, looking a bit distressed. He looked around us for any other signs that I have company.

"You don't have to avoid me anymore. I confronted my dad and he didn't deny it. It seems that no one in my life can tell the truth. Now I just need to hear your side of the story," I stared at his dark blue eyes feeling anxious.