Begin Again

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

When I entered the house, I was awestruck. It was amazing. All the furniture are made of wood, as well as the floor tiles. Even so everything was made with perfection.

I can say that the artist of the furniture is very talented and creative. I would like to meet him someday if I could. If I were to say, this place is a perfect getaway, so peaceful and beautiful. I would like to come back here for a vacation.

"Ahem...Ms. Lopez, I'll take you to your room while waiting for lunch. It'll be served in 30 minutes."

"Please drop the formalities ... call me Cindy... Anyway, why do I need a room? I thought we'll just be talking and then you'll take me back to the city?"

"I thought so too... but there was a change of plans that I am not aware of. They fetched some clothes for you. I already brought it to your room."

'What plans do they have and how will it involve Clark? Why did he even agree to take part in this ridiculous event? What does it have to do with me anyway? I'm quite sure I looked and acted perfectly fine for the past few months.' These thoughts just keep on running on my mind. I'll have to ask him later over lunch. Maybe then we can talk about this little trip that I wasn't aware of.

"Let's go?" I just nod my head as an answer still confused with the situation. He led me to my room on the second floor. He may have read the expressions on my face but he didn't say a word.

"Please make yourself comfortable. I'll call you when lunch is ready." After saying that, he left and went downstairs. I decided to relax for a bit and just ask him later about everything. Then I will be enlightened.

~~~~~~~~~

I heard a knock on the door before it opened. I forgot to lock it but I didn't really mind thinking I've had enough relaxation.

He comes closer to bed where I was lying looking at me. He offered his hand to me. "Shall we?" he said.

'If you were just as gentleman before as you are now, I wouldn't have been rude you know.' I thought. He smiled. A shy smile.

"Did I just say that out loud?" I asked confused. His smile widened.

"Yes you did. And I'm sorry about earlier. It's just that I saw you entered the café and assumed you will approach me since I thought I've given you an impression that I was approachable... but you didn't and you continually ignored me even after staring at you the whole time."

"Well... I just find it awkward to walk-in and introduce myself when there was a pretty woman at your table... If you were alone I might have." I said.

...Silence...

We sat on the dining table facing each other.

"I know you have a lot of questions in mind" he started.

"...And I know you're wondering why I'm here."He looked at me. I didn't say a word. I waited for him to carry on. He took a deep breath.

"The first time I saw you on that café I know I like you..."he said.

"But then I found out something and I thought it'd be best to stay away...

When I saw you the second time I thought maybe we can at least be friends...That's when I approached you."

"I'm sure you won't like the news I'll be breaking in but I told Celine that it's best that it came from me. Anyway she found out about it because of what I told her. But before that let me ask you this first..."

-Silence-

"Have you ever wondered why Sean and your ex-boyfriend don't get along? Especially after a year in your relationship?" he asked. I thought for a moment...then nodded.

"We could never bring them in one place together. Sean would always refuse on our group dates." I told him. He nodded.

"Probably Sean didn't tell you nor Celine since he might cause a rift between you two...and he doesn't like meddling in with other people's relationships. Not even with mine." He looked so serious talking that I feel so nervous of what might he say next.

"I want to show you something but please promise me you'll let me explain later." He looks so worried that I couldn't seem to say No. I nodded. I put down my fork and held his hand with mine. I squeezed it to assure him and plastered a reassuring smile on my face.

~~~~~

After lunch, Clark asked me to change to something comfortable since we're heading to town. Luckily for me, they managed to bring me a pair of sneakers and a matching dress. We rode in his car and entered a village. We stopped on a roadside near a two-story house.

Clark took a deep breath upon turning the car engine off then faced me.

"Cindy, I know this will shock you... no, hurt you but I know for certain you want to know what happened... You deserve to know the truth."

Before I could speak I saw the front door opened. A woman about my age came out holding a cute little girl in her arms. She looks happy and contented. I was about to ask Clark who she is when I saw a familiar figure following her. He was wearing a cap but I am certain it is him. We might not have seen each other for more than a year but I'm sure...I am sure...it is him...

I was holding back my tears. I wanted to be strong enough to act as if it didn't matter... that I could care less. I wanted to act tough but I couldn't. The pain in my heart for the betrayal of the once perfect relationship is suffocating me.

I felt a hand touch my shoulder, squeezing it a little.

"Can I cry?" I asked. I couldn't hold it in anymore. Tears fall from my eyes like water flowing from the faucet. He holds me - closer to him... hugs me... tight... I can feel his hand in my back stroking it up and down soothing me. Making me feel better. Making me breathe. He just let me be... I settled in his embrace.

I don't know how long it has been. All I know is that he was there for me. I didn't move. I just breathe in deeply closing my swollen eyes. I feel relieved

"Wanna grab some Ice cream?" he asked.