FATE'S SECOND CHANCES

Chapter 2

        East had a heavy feeling deep inside as he left the office building. Nicole's obvious hatred for him after all these years still remained. The fact that she and Kevin were couple was another pain piercing through his heart. But no matter how badly Nicole was treating him he knew he wouldn't give up on her. He still wanted to talk to her. He couldn't help himself as he parked his BMW further in the corner. He would wait for her if he must just to corner her alone.

East waited even catching sight of Kevin and Nicole kissing in the corner arms wrapped around each other. He wanted to look away but there were in plain view for him to see. He felt over wrought with jealousy unimaginable. A big pain in his chest that wouldn't go away.

After almost an hour of agonizing wait. East had his chance practically blocking Nicole's path before she can unlock her car. He had no choice garnering the strength to talk to her. She looked startled but at the mere sight of him her face hardened. Her voice cold and brusque.

East gave her a rueful smile trying to be confident but deep inside his knees were ready to give way.

I'm sorry I didn't mean to startle you. Just wanted to talk to you that's all. he said quietly.

I don't know you! You're blocking my way! she exclaimed almost shouting at him.

But East was not to be deterred. He was going to talk to her whether she wanted to or not. The hell if she slapped him. He didn't give a damn.

Nicky he tried to pacify her. Please don't be like this. Hear me out for just a minute and I'll go. His voice soft and pleading. His deep set grey eyes solemn willing for her to understand.

She paused but her eyes that met his were very cold devoid of any emotion.

Haven't you forgiven me my old fault Nicky? his eyes searching hers. It's been six years. Haven't I been punished enough.

Nicole could only look at East how humbled he looked before her. She also could see how it meant a lot to him to have her forgiveness. There was also still love for her in his gentle eyes. But she was stone faced. She was not the same Nicole he once knew who believed and worshipped him in everything he did. She had learned from all that pain and vowed to herself that she will never get hurt by East Kelly again.

Please Nicky. Please give me a chance to make everything right this time. If I need to grovel, kneel down in front of you just for you to forgive me I would do it right now. Please I beg of you. Let me make it right this time. Give me another chance Nicky to prove myself to you.

But Nicole had hardened herself. She was not easily moved by East words. Even if it was calloused of her she still wanted to continue punishing East for what he had done.

There's nothing to forgive East what we had was nothing. I've closed it up from my life. Tore every piece of memory we have. I'm not the same naive girl you use to know who believed every word you said only to be betrayed in the process. I have Kevin now and he is everything you aren't! Nicole spatted shoving every word in his face.

East face looked haunted devoid of color. He was silent not saying a word. The East he once knew would have argued pick up a fight but she was seeing a different side of him now. A humbler East who was begging for her forgiveness.

She continued on hurting him further but deep inside her heart was breaking at all the harsh words hurled at East.

As far as I'm concerned we're both mature individuals. We will work together on the project. See it's completion. We will be civil to each other for the sake of work and nothing more. Tuscany means everything to the Whitman's and I'll make sure this project is a great achievement for both of them.

East felt his head throbbing even stronger. He didn't say anything. All he could see was the hatred Nicole had for him. But East knew Nicole it was a facade cause of in spite how badly he was treating him. There might still be a glimmer of hope. He would take all the painful words. He still loved her. He was still determined to win he over. To slowly inch his way back into her heart.

I'm not the same East anymore Nicky. I've learned things the hard way. That you will know in time. His blue grey eyes searching hers but she looked away.

And I don't care to know East. Get out of my way. I want to go home. You said what you had to say so be it.

How about tomorrow? You can back out now if you want to. East challenged her. I know how much you hate me.

East's eyes were daring her and she saw some of the East she used to know as if challenging her.

Off course. I'm just following orders. It's an obligation so don't read anything to it!

Again East was silent but Nicole's attitude hurt him like crazy. She was like this cold unfeeling person with all hatred towards him. She was still punishing him senselessly.

Okay I'll be there Nicky. he finally said. Those were his last words to her as he walked back to his car his head bowed low.

Nicole could only look at him with guilt. She was hard on him she knew. It had been six years. Even the incident East was never at fault. It was just plain circumstance coupled with bad luck. Even his friends knew East had always been faithful to her. But she was still punishing him. She felt like a louse feeling close to tears. She was really crying now. She was hurting herself just as she was hurting East.