Memories of Autumn

Chapter 5

The next day, Anne went to Nate's house to see how the child was doing. They were sitting on the lawn set in the Manor's beautiful garden. It was filled with exotic flowers and impressive landscapes. Arthur was playing at the swing on the playground not too far from where they were. "Nate, I still have a lot of questions to ask you." Anne started. "That's why I called you here, didn't I." he replied. "Fire away." he added as he sat comfortably on his chair. Anne cleared her throat "Why did you do this? I mean, why of all people would you choose to recreate John?" she said. "Well, after what happened to John, his grandfather; Lord Gaviston; knew about my profession and offered me a quarter of his fortune to recreate his grandson. But I refused. Eventually the rich old man got sick and as his death wish, he told me to recreate his grandson and if I do, all his fortune would be mine. You know John had been orphaned at an early age with no brothers or sisters so his grandfather was the only relative he had. He was the sole heir of all the wealth. That's why I inherited all his fortunes instead." Well, it belongs to Arthur anyway." Nate stated. Anne gave a sad sigh "Oh I see.". Nate gulped as he saw the sad expression on her face. "I will be forever grateful to him" Anne said as she looks down and touched her chest. Suddenly Nate winced at the pain that he felt in his chest. "E-excuse me, Anne. I-I-I need to leave for a while." he said as he pressed a button on his phone . The butler appeared "My Master has something important to tend to. May I offer you a tour of his manor? I believe you will find the European artworks quite fascinating." the butler said. Anne was greatly concerned about Nate, nonetheless she smiled softly and went with the butler.

Nate was in his room, sitting on his bed with a doctor in front of him."I told you before, Mr. Thompson, you can't be too emotionally stressed. As your doctor, I advise you to settle your personal problems before it causes a threat to your health. You know that your heart now is in a delicate situation; too much stress can cause it to malfunction. It's not like the heart that you use to have, you know." "I know, Doctor, thank you .." Nate replied.

After a few minutes of looking at Nate's collection of antiques, Anne was ready to go home. It seems like Nate wasn't coming back, he must be very busy. "What could have happened to him?" she said to herself. Suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder "Anne.." When she turned around, she saw Nate who was a bit pale but he reassured her with a smile. "Oh Nate, a-are you alright? What happened?" she asked worriedly. Nate smiled "Oh it was nothing; it was just a small nausea hehe probable a sign of aging." Nate said jokingly. He was a good liar; Anne believed him immediately and eventually smiled back. "Uhm so I see you have found my interesting fine china collection. Some are even from the Ming dynasty all the way from China." Nate began talking. "I see that your gruesome taste hasn't changed a bit." Anne replied teasingly with a soft giggle.. Nate smiled at her; admiring her cute laugh. "I see you're still as childish as ever." He replied and both of them laughed as they proceeded to go down the hall. But they stopped when they were at the end of the hall where a basketball encased in with glass was displayed. The aura suddenly changed as Anne watched the ball closely and saw John's signature. "Uhm..this was John's, it was here when I moved in so I decided to keep it here." Nate said as he looked at Anne's sad expression. Nate secretly regret why he left it there.

'It was three years later and I was satisfied with my relationship with Anne. We were close frineds now while I stayed bestfriends with John. Everything was going well, whenever John and I were bonding as best buds, Anne was always there. Even though I get hurt every time they show off their love for each other, it was more than fine with me until John was chosen to be the captain of the basketball team. That was when everything changed.

"I just never loved basketball. That's all." Anne said to Nate, forcing a smile.

'I always hated basketball. It's always the reason why John isn't at my side. When he became Captain, his schedule changed so he spends lesser and lesser time with me. Especially now that the leagues are coming. "John.." I looked at him sadly as we were sitting on a bench. "What is it?" he replied, looking back at me. "We never get to hang out like we used to." I said with a pot on my face. "Awh, I'm sorry, baby. I'm just busy practicing. You know the leagues are coming." He cups my cheek with his hand. "I promise, when this is all over, I'll give you my undivided attention." He said and kissed my forehead then held me close. It made me feel good. His warmth tamed my grieving heart. He was still mine and after the championship, everything will be back to normal. So I never brought up the subject again. I trusted him with all my heart.

"Haha I know. Just as you never loved it when someone pinches your nose." Nate replied as he pinched Anne's sensitive nose which made her sneeze. Her sneeze was adorable; similar to a squeaky-toy. "Hay! No fair! You know my weakness." Anne said as she chuckled. Nate gave a sigh of relief, thank goodness Anne changed her aura. When the laughter died, Anne started talking. "Hehe we're acting like little children." "Well you started it." He replied. After a few more jokes and laughter, the two finally decided to sit down and talk seriously. "So Anne, I was hoping to get a favour from you." Nate said. "Sure, anything for you." She replied. "Well it's not that simple. I was hoping that you would accept my offer. As an exceptional teacher, I'd like you to be Arthur's private tutor. Well-erh- not just a tutor but also..a mother figure. I don't have any women in my life so I can't think of anyone suitable for that position. But of course, the price will be competitive. I can afford any price you give, knowing that it will be beneficial for the child. Thanks to Lord Gaviston." Nate mumbled. Anne admired how he was still as humble as ever. "I'll think about it, Nate." She replied.