Forehead Kisses (ONGOING)

Part Eleven

     It's been days since the storm stopped. I tried going back to the restaurant but they said that there isn't any camera in the garden. Sev wasn't there so I can't really talk my way in. Not unless I made any reservations. Heck, even if I did made reservations, would I know what to do next? My budget can't even make the cut. Not when I spend most of it for travelling.

     "You ready now, Ret?"

     "Just a minute!" Retty came tumbling down on her luggage. "OK, Jill. Don't be too clumsy." I helped her out. She immediately rushes to the parking lot to start the car while I was the one appointed to lock up the apartment. Technically, it was Retty's but she decided to share it since she made a spare key just for me. She pays the bills most of the time. I only pay whenever I decide to stay.

     And that is why this hamster always loves it when I come over.

     I shut the door and locked it. I even jimmied the knob just in case. It'll be a long time before I decide to come here again. Just as I turned around, I saw old Mrs. Morris standing in the hallway, leaning on her wooden cane. She lives next door since... well, since as long as I can remember. 

     "Mrs. Morris... I almost didn't recognize you," I stretched my arms to embrace her. She narrowed her gaze on my face until she finally recognized the stranger who just hugged her. "Elizabeth!" she exclaimed joyfully. "It's been a long time... Oh look at you looking all mature." She held my arms. Her smile faded the moment her eyes laid on the burden I was pulling earlier. "You're leaving so soon, dear?" Her face looked so sad. Adorable... but sad. "I really planned chatting with you once I get here but I couldn't. I'm on a schedule, Mrs. Morris. I'm so sorry." How could I forget this beautiful old lady? I kissed her cheek and headed toward the elevator, never leaving my sight off her. I bid her one last goodbye as the doors shut.

     I hate goodbyes.

     Retty and I drove for hours. It was pretty nostalgic. Passing through familiar houses, familiar neighborhoods, people... Being out of the states for 7 months wasn't quite new to me since I used to travel with my dad when I was a kid. But then I had to go to school so dad left me in Dallas, spending elementary and high school there. He promised that if I finish my education, I get to go with him in his trips again.

     People shouldn't make promises.

     I don't know what to expect when I get to Dallas. Would Aunt Annie be home? Would anyone be home? Are they all going to throw a party? I always come at unexpected times. Most of all, would Victoria wake up? She's in a coma for almost 10 months after her car skid along a highway. She was driving on a rainy day. Thank God the ravine she fell into wasn't so steep. 

     "So... you and that Pembleton guy dating?" Retty asked.

     "What? Why would we?"

     She shrugged her shoulders while calmly steering the wheel. "I think you too look cute together." A grin grew in her face.

     I sat straight. "I told you, Ret. I'm over all of that. I told you before and I'm telling you now." The car pulled over a gas station. Retty looked at me. "You always talk like that. Like- like everyday is just another fresh heartbreak to you, Liz. You say you're over it but you're not. What. Over Scott? Your family? Your past? Love? Don't you feel like you're just running in circles and you just have to pretend like you're not? Life is about moving forward, Liz. In a straight line. Not straight into where you just came from." She sighed. "I'll go buy some snacks," she said and got off the car. I watched her enter the convenience store. 

     She's somewhat right, I guess.

     But looking at my life now, I'm not really going in circles. Am I? I have a job. I can travel the world. I learned lots of things I never did before all because of my past. I learned being strong and getting up after a fall and running my own race.

     Isn't that what moving forward is all about?

☺☺☺

     Hi guys! Retty's such a good friend, isn't she? Well, despite being crazy and moody. So... what do you think? I'm probably assuming you would want Sev and Liz together in the next chapters, huh? That'll have to wait first my dear readers. I want you to see Liz's life first. Well maybe just a sneak peek. Ta-ta

Aiyra xx