FATE'S SECOND CHANCES

Chapter 33

        Nicole hadn't slept a wink the entire night. All her focus now was to get to East as soon as possible. The only way she can do that was through Ben. He was the only one who could possibly know where he lived. Where he was headed back. It was a Saturday and though it was embarrassing for her to come barging in on Ben at his house she had no choice. Ben was her only hope.

Nicole looked at herself in the mirror. She was a ghastly white her cheeks hollow with dark circles under her eyes. She looked horrible feeling the guilty feeling of all that she had done to East. How terrible she treated him when all he did was love her with all his heart. She felt truly ashamed of herself but she was going to make up for all her sins with East. Even showing him how much she loved him that she wanted so desperately to be Mrs. Nicole Kelly.

Nicole dressed casually in a pair of jeans and a light cotton blouse. She was in a rush as she tied her in a high ponytail and was off. It was a bright sunny day giving her the positive vibes that all will go well. She was a bit uptight about seeing Ben not knowing what his reaction would be at seeing her knowing fully well she had broken his best friend's heart. But she was wiling to show Ben how sorry she was and that she will do everything in her power to win East back.

Nicole was already in front of Ben's house with her heart hammering and her palms all sweaty. It was now or never. Ben answered on the fifth ring looking as if he just came from bed.

When he saw her he became suddenly stiff was even formal to that effect making Nicole uneasy and totally at a loss for words. Who could blame him. East had been all good to her and what did she do to him but only give him heartache and suffering.

Ben sorry to bother you on a Saturday but I really have to talk to you. It's urgent Ben. she cried out to him.

Ben could only look at her and nod ushering her inside. He was looking silent for a moment waiting for her to talk. He wasn't saying much only giving her a condemning look which made Nicole feel so small deep inside.

Ben I know how must feel about East. The way I treated him. I've been so stupid Ben. So stupid a million times. All East could do was love me and spare me from pain and look what I've done to him. I'm sorry for everything Ben I love East so much. And I will move heaven and earth to win him back just to show to him how much I love him. I want to spend my lifetime with him. Nicole said in torrents as she cried in front of Ben tears streaming down her cheeks.

East loves you so much Nicole. All he wanted to do was spare you from a life of misery and pain with Kevin. He doesn't love you he's played you all these years. But you never listened to East not even giving him a chance.

I know Ben. I've been really stupid maybe even scared of getting myself hurt all over again not wanting to take the risk of falling in love with East. But now I know what I really want. Please help me Ben. Please help me get East back. And I'm willing to beg on my knees to have him back.

What about Kevin? Your engagement to Kevin you are still engage to him right? he asked looking straight into her eyes.

I broke off with Kevin for good Ben. Even the engagement. We're over. Nicole this time told Ben of the details of what happened. She was honest baring her soul to him.

He got what he deserved. He can never be like his father who was a kind decent man who had the principles in life. Kevin used power play to satisfy his needs even threatening to use it on East.

Please help me Ben. All my focus now is getting to East as soon as possible. I don't want to lose him so while there's still time I want to show him how sorry I am and how much I love him.

Ben grinned with a knowing look. So you're going to chase after East this time? Grovel on your knee? he teased further.

Nicole rolled her eyes. Anything. I'm willing to do anything to win him back for good. She was that desperate.

East gave me his address in New York before we parted. He's headed there. And he said with a flourish winking at her. He gave me his key. He grinned naughtily.

I'm giving it to you on one condition. he said mischievously.

Anything Ben. I'll do anything. Nicole implored.

That I'll be the first person you'll invite to your wedding. he smiled widely.

Oh Ben it's a deal! Thank you so much. she was overwhelmed with emotion. She hugged him spontaneously as she laughed and cried not knowing how to react. She was right Ben indeed was her savior.

Go to him Nicole. East loves you so much maybe even greater than his own life. You both deserved to be happy. he said feeling misty eyed at the wonderful turn of events. This was really true love that will last a lifetime.

As Ben watched Nicole go with happiness written all over her face. He knew this time how much Nicole loved East. She would truly moved heaven and earth to be with him. Ben could only shake his head smiling to himself. East's entrusting the key to him came as a blessing. There was no better timing than this. What a beautiful surprise would await his friend. You deserve to be happy my friend. Ben could only say wishing all the best of luck for both of them.

Nicole was beside herself as she came home. She had to organize the things that needed to be done and fast. She quickly called her secretary to arrange for a flight to New York as soon as possible. Next she wanted to surprise East with a ring of his own. Nicole wanted to ask his hand in marriage with a ring. A platinum white gold band bearing all her love. She had found the perfect ring for East in a Harry Winston jewelry shop. It would be so perfect she thought. She was so excited she could not contain herself. But she had to do something more at the top of her walk in closet she reached for the lego set she and East built together when they were in college. It was not just an ordinary lego structure. It was their dream house they built out of lego together. The shutters. The colonial style architectural design. The arched railings that surrounded the place. The balcony. It was all they dreamed about when they were so young and in love. She had still kept it all these years. Always making sure it was well taken cared of. This would be a reality soon with both of them as husband and wife. Nicole would do everything in her power to make it happen. To give both of their lives a second chance at happiness. I love you East. It won't be long my love. I'll win you back East Kelly. she smiled happily to herself as she started to pack hurriedly.

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East felt desolate. He had been feeling that same hollow feeling the entire week even the electricity of being back in New York didn't excite him as it once was. All he could think of was Nicole. Losing her. Imagining her in a loveless marriage being played around at her back. Why can't she even listen to him? Why didn't she believe in him? She could have chosen him. They could be so happy together building a family together. Sharing their love for their careers as husband and wife. Why Nicky? Why didn't you give me the chance to prove my love all over again? Why ? he cried out loud at his empty penthouse. It was beautiful even luxurious but it didn't mean anything to East. He just felt so alone that moment.

He was leaving New York soon. In a few days. He was just tying up a few loose ends he needed to arrange but he wanted to leave as soon as he was ready. To be far away from America as possible just to get away from the pain of losing Nicole. London would be his home for a few years. He had accepted a new project. A mall and office complex in the bustle of the city of London. It was something new for him. One that East intended to pour out his heart into just to forget. Work would consume him so he would have no time to think about Nicole and what he had lost.

The only bright spot was a call from Ben. He just wanted to know if he was doing alright. What could he say. That he was wallowing himself in misery. Call it a sixth sense but he felt he was hiding something from him. Like a hidden surprise he wanted to tell him but was just restraining himself. What puzzled him even more was how happy he seemed. The irony of things while he was so downright depressed. But whatever happiness his best friend had he would be happy for him. Maybe it was a promotion East thought. But it was more than that it was as if Ben was happy for him. He was starting to imagine things. Weird. he could only say to himself shaking his head as he lied down on his bed with his aching bones falling fast asleep.

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