Before she Died

Nightmare of The Past

Before She Died

Part 2: Nightmare of The Past

“Are you okay darling?” Mom asked.

“I-I’m okay.” I said as I looked at her.

“Anyway, I would like you to meet Mr. and Mrs. Stewart’s son.” As soon as Mom finished her sentence, he and Nadine stood up, and our eyes met. He gave me a smile as he extended his hand to me.

“Good evening, I am Gerald Stewart.” he started.

“A-and I am…” I couldn’t even finish introducing myself when I suddenly remembered how Nadine cried and got mad because of what happened between him and her.

Is this okay, introducing me to this guy knowing he is Nadine’s ex-boyfriend? Is this okay doing this in front of her? I can’t help but feel ashamed of myself. She is my sister. I should not hurt her feelings, but the hesitation I have been feeling suddenly gone when I saw my sister smiling at me while giving me signs to accept Gerald’s hand for a shake hands. Somehow, I feel strange towards my sister. I looked at him who is still smiling.

“Jenny Lynn Cruz” I said as I accepted his hand falteringly.

“Jenny is a cute name.”

“T-thank you” I said looking away.

“Okay-okay” Mom interrupted. “I know that you are mesmerized by the beauty of my daughter, but I just want to remind you that you’re here to discuss some business with me, aren’t you?”

“O-of course! I’m sorry.” then he let go of my hand. “It is just because this is my first time to meet such a beautiful lady.” a crease formed on my forehead, first time? I thought.

“Let’s go Gerald. We’ll have our discussion in the library.” Mom said as she started walking ahead of them and so, I am the only one left in the living room.

“Liar” I told myself as I sat on the sofa. “How could he? Why did he lie?” this isn’t the first time we met—this is the third time! I just shook my head because of irritation I felt.

Since they’re going to talk about business which I don’t have interest in, I might as well go the garden to feel some fresh air. I stood up and went to the garden. It is very pleasant and peaceful here. No noise you can hear. I was about to close my eyes when I heard someone talked.

“Who is that?” I asked as I stood up from sitting on a bench.

“Hey! Hey!” I saw Gerald doing a stop sign as if I am going to run and give him a hit. “It is just me, so don’t panic. Your prince is already here.” I rolled my eyes crossing my arms, and then sat on the bench again.

“Oh, the liar is here. What are you doing here? Where is mom? You should be in the library right now.” I uttered. He started walking towards me.

“What did you say? A liar? Me? Oh come on!” he chuckled as he sat on the same bench.

“Move away!” I told him. He didn’t even answer my question.

“What is really your problem?”

I glared at him. “Isn’t it obvious? Why did you lie awhile ago, when you know this isn’t the first we met?” his playful smile gone. Now he looks so serious, so I looked away and moved a bit away from him. There it is again, silence, and I really hate it.