FATE'S SECOND CHANCES

Preface - East

East Kelly felt his eyes starting to close. It had been a long drive from New York to Boston. He just wanted to stretch his tired bones and sleep. He had been offered another challenging project. This time in the heart of Boston. This would be another major project up in his belt amongst all other mega projects he had done in the past. From a big ultra modern office building in Chicago to one breath taking mall in New York. This was what kept the adrenaline pumping for East the thrill of seeing a structure built from the ground up making him one of the most renowned and sought after architect at only the age of 27.

But at the end of a long tiring day East felt lonely and very empty. It was only work that kept him going. He thrived on this hard work making him forget about things in the past that he wished he had done differently. The mistakes he wished he could reverse. The pain haunting him even till the present creating a deep void inside him that he could not fathom.

He decided to stop for coffee to clear away his drowsiness. Two more hours and he would be in Boston. He had already been driving for 6 hours straight. For East there was always a thrill of excitement of being in a new place. Boston seemed the idyllic setting. The atmosphere laid back coupled with the beautiful scenery gave him a sense of peace. Far much different from the cut throat frenzy of New York. It was another fresh place to start a new chapter in his career.

His career as an architect was the only thing that mattered to East. Looking at his life at present he knew he was eating and breathing work with nothing left in between. Oh yes there were a few flings but they remained insignificant to him. No girl had even come close to Nicole. He was still dwelling in the past bringing back forgotten hurts that never seem to go away.

East Kelly was born from a rich family. He had the world at his feet. Left without a mother who died of cancer when he was only 5 years old. He was spoiled rotten by his father who catered to his every wish. He had the easy life going through school with a life of partying and having a good time. His studies for him were a breeze getting good grades without even studying that hard. Even girls came easily to East. His tall dark good looks and charm attracted them without even trying. Life for East was heavenly with no cares in the world.

Life in college was no exception still remaining happy go lucky in his ways. Enjoying his friends and being the life of every party. But there was only one thing he was serious with in his life. His girlfriend Nicole Shepard. East loved everything about her. She exuded innocence yet was all woman deep down. Nicole kept him on his toes. To her fiery temper, hard to get attitude. She also had her soft side showering him with her caring ways and the sweetness that was only meant for him. Girls would come and go in his life but never the love he had for Nicole. For East, Nicky was his soul mate. She was the only person who understood him well and loved him for who he really was.

East wanted Nicky to be his wife in the future. To propose to her after their graduation. They even have the same passion for building becoming famous architects in the future as they dreamed of working together side by side like husband and wife in a project they both love. It seems their minds ran as one complementing each other in so many ways. But it was only one dreadful incident that changed all the love and dreams East shared with Nicole.

East stirred his coffee lost in his thoughts. It was but one incident he had lost everything. All that he held dear to his heart. Funny he had all the success in his field but he felt so downright empty. He could only recall that dreaded day.

On the eve of his 21'st birthday, East was in his element being with his friends partying hard, being intoxicated till there was tomorrow. Living for the moment enjoying what it felt like to be a man. There were lots of girls eager for wild one night stands but East was careful. Even if he appeared like a flirt but he was never a player. He was loyal to Nicole she would always have his love no matter the circumstance.

He felt a sharp stab of pain in his chest recalling all the events on his birthday. Nicole wanted to surprise him. She was bringing him flowers a dozen red roses, balloons and her special gift. What Nicole saw however as she opened his dorm room was a naked girl sprawled around his bed. East was on the floor dazed state coming from a bad hangover as his eyes focused on Nicole taking in his almost naked state. As if putting one and one together. All East saw was the tears streaming down her face feeling very betrayed. The tremendous pain he had caused etched in her beautiful face. She had misinterpreted everything. He could never do this to her. Never. He would rather die than lose her. All East could remember was her face. There were no slaps, no harsh words only tears as she dropped the roses on the floor and threw her gift on the bed running away from him as he chased after her even in his naked state. From there Nicole was lost. He could never reach her. His explanations held no meaning. No amount of them. He could not bring himself to apologize he wasn't guilty of anything. If only Nicole had faith in him. Trusted him enough that he would never do anything to hurt her. But in her eyes he was the sinner. East Kelly would never be forgiven no matter how hard he begged. How hard he cried at her bedroom door. It was the end.

Everything went downhill for East after that. He lived life in a bubble filled with all the luxury and riches. When the bubble burst starting with the death of his father. East realized what kind of false lies his life had. Beyond the luxurious lifestyle his father died a pauper his debts even enormous than his life. Everything he treasured was taken away from East. His father left him penniless. All that was left of him was his pride.

He had left his third year of college. Even the fees he could not afford. All of his so called friends abandoned him treating him like trash. They didn't want anything to do with some impoverished guy. A rich has been but now as dirt poor as any guy off the street.

East remembered those hard times. How hard he struggled juggling work and his studies. The meager jobs he had to accept just to pay for his rent and save up for school. The times he just wanted to give up with only one hour's sleep a day just to continue with his studies. He learned everything the hard way finding the strength to get up against all the odds.

But there was light at the end of a dark tunnel for East. His boss saw his potential. He treated him as the son he never had opening a new door for him. In East's eyes he was his second father encouraging and guiding him in everything he did. He took light of all his hard work and his determination to succeed. He gave him the opportunity to study on a full scholarship in Oregon University famous for giving a good educational foundation in the line of Architecture. For East it was the golden opportunity to grab his chance and start anew as he doubled majored in Architecture and Engineering. All his dreams falling into place. Graduating with the highest honors made all his struggles worthwhile.

East was back on the road to Boston seeing a flashback of his past. How life throws your way a thorn you cannot seem to escape from but only sheer determination your only ally. He had learned everything the hard way. He had matured far much more than his years. Realizing that nothing in life was permanent God could take away everything with a snap of his fingers if he chose to. East was wise enough this time. More grounded and humble in his ways. He knew now what was important in his life. He was not the same East who was irresponsible and immature but a man learning hard from all his mistakes.

East only regret in his life was losing Nicole. How that bad circumstance can ruin all the love and trust they had built with each other for so many years. After all these years he still kept the old fashioned locket watch Nicky gave him for his 21st birthday with a picture of both of them together. It was East's cherished possession never failing to look at their picture before he went to sleep. Reminiscing all the beautiful moments they shared.

East always believed in miracles. Believing that if fate were good to him. Fate would play it's part and bring her back into his life once again. A second chance with Nicole.