He's Mr. Cinderella

CHAPTER 2 - Living Reality

SECOND CHAPTER

Avan's POV

"Mandy we need to talk."

"I know we do." she answered from the other end of the line.

Seeing Sabrina like this, it breaks my heart especially knowing that I can't cheer her up. I know that she needs time to grieve and what her feeling is totally normal, I would know. I have been in her place. But atleast I had Matt. It took time before I could open up to him but it's because he's my friend. Sabrina on the other hand, she's not talking to anyone.; not with Mandy, not to me. Not even to her own father. I am afraid that she'll spiral. I know that she's a strong woman but I can't just stand here and do nothing about it. That's why I've decided.

"Meet me in the Lagoon's Café in 20 minutes." I told Mandy.

"See you."

~ in the Lagoon's Café ~

I sat there patiently waiting for my girl's bestfriend. What is it with girls? Always late.

Few more minutes and I saw Mandy entering the café. She immediately saw me and made her way towards the booth I'm sitting.

"Hi. Sorry I'm late, took forever to get a cab" she asked the moment she sat down.

"Have you ordered?" she continued as she picked up the laminated menu resting at the top of our table. "Hmm... how about burgers and fries?" she finished.

I looked at her sternly and she rolled her eyes understanding what I meant "What? Can't we talk while eating? I haven't eaten you know?" she protested as she continued to scan the menu.

I grabbed the menu from her hand and laid it back at the top of the table again before speaking "Look, you can eat as much as your stomach can handle AFTER we're done talking. Okay?" I took a short pause before threading "And this pretty important Mandy. It's about Sabrina." I saw her mood shift from something stubborn into a very concerned one.

"Okay fine. What about her?"

"You know what happened right?" I paused as she nods her indicating that she's fully aware of what I am saying and so I continued "Have you talked to her recently?"

"I have. I went to her house a couple of days ago. I was trying to get her talk about what she's feeling but all she did was shut me off. And so I tried to take her mind off of it by going to the mall, watching a movie, shopping or to just simply chill wherever she wants, she brushes me off. I don't know what to do Avan. I am worried about her. She's usually so strong." she paused and release what seemed to be a big gulp of air she was holding before finishing "What are we gonna do Avan?"

I knew I wasn't the only one exasperatedly worried about her but ironic as it seems I'm happy that she's also worried for her.

"That's why I called you up. I was at their house few hours ago, and like you, I also tried to reach out but she's just so closed off. She's acting as if she has moved on and that she has accepted everything. She thinks she got us all fooled but truth to be told, we all know she's hurting. And I want to be there for her. I want her to need me. I want to be her rock but I can't seem to do that because she won't let me." I explained.

Mandy reached for my hand looking sympathetic, her eyes softens and I know she understands me "Avan, I know that it's hard. I know what happened to her is the most untimely thing ever. Summer has just hit, you have plans with her to enjoy the summer, you were at the peak of your "honeymoon stage", and then this happened. I know Avan trust me. I know that it breaks your heart to see her like that and to be completely powerless but.." she stopped and the once sympathetic eyes turned into something stronger "you have to know that it's not about you. It's not about how you feel. It's about hers."

She has not said a word I was not aware of yet. I know that it's not my feelings which is important; it's hers.

"That's why I asked you here for your help."

Mandy looked confused at the same time driven as if some light has been finally shown to her.

"Of course. Anything for Sabrina. What do I need to do?"

"You a have cousin that works at the carnival near the Mystic Lake right?" I asked

"Patrick. Yea. Why?"

"I don't know if this is possible but do you think we can rent out the whole carnival for a night?"

She narrowed her eyes as if she lost me.

"The whole carnival? Like no sharing with the other town goers?"

"Exactly." I confirmed. "Is it possible?"

She paused for a while deciphering my plan and when I think she finally got it, she smiled and said "Consider it done."

"Great. Thanks." I stood up was about to leave "I'll give you a call once I got everything in order. Okay?"

She nodded "Now, here" I handed her the laminated menu that I snatched in her hands a while ago "Have as many fries and burgers as you can. "

"On you?" she asked surprised. I shook my head walking backwards towards the door "Of course not." I saw her groan but still have a hint of smile in her face.

I can't wait to make my girl happy again.

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