Just For A Perfect Life

Chapter 11

RECAP:

I smiled looking in his eyes; I could see love in them. They were true but I looked away before he saw lies in mine. I gave him one last look before leaving.

Love is very strange; it comes to you in different forms, on slightest and silliest of things such as in parting for a small time even love makes you grieve. I knew I’ll see him around the school but still my heart didn’t want to go, I guess that happens in love, when your life revolves around that single person.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Soon winter/Christmas holidays came. Ryan had to leave early. They were to spend this Christmas in Europe. It was their traditional family thing that a place was selected and then they would go there where they would have no contact with outside world just them and their family. Kind-of like ‘family bonding time’. 

It was the first time one if us was going away for a long time and I felt as if part of me was separating from me. His sober yet loving self had enchanted me. I had promised to him that I would spend a whole day with him before he left. Ryan wanted me to meet his parents before leaving and so I was invited at his house, formally.

On Saturday I spent the whole morning getting ready. Though I felt excited but there was a sad feeling of separation. It was like the time dad went to jail or when my brother left home, though more intense as this time I was not very young and there was no criminal reason for it. 

I suddenly heard the lock click. Mom. It was 12 am, she didn't come till late at night. I ran downstairs to see her and found that she did not seem well. She was struggling with her breathing. Something was wrong with her, I panicked and did not know what was to be done. I hurriedly got water for her, led her to her room and helped her onto the bed. My hands were shaky and I barely controlled my tears, my all so healthy mom was looking so weak now. Then when she finally smiled that I became calm. She seemed fine now but I was worried.

She had taken a few hours off from her job to rest. I was worried but she had assured me that she was alright. Worried still, I was about to call off my plans when she stopped me and told me to go. I could see strength in her but my heart was confused. After her much insisting I agreed. I was half hour late when I walked in the park he had to pick me from.

As he saw me he rushed and hugged me. I felt so small in his arms yet protected. He led me to his car. On our way I told him about my mom and why I was late even though he didn't ask despite the worry that was evident on his face. He got more worried when he heard about mom. Though he had never met her but I was very fond of her, my only family and so I talked about her a lot. Indirectly he knew her and had insisted on meeting her but she is seldom home from her job. 

We went on a long drive and to the same place where we had gone on our first date. I was still uneasy about mom so I called her and asked her condition, she reassured me that she is perfectly fine and taking the day off, she was at her friend's place. I breathed a sigh of relief and became relaxed. Ryan seemed to do the same. Any one who didn't know Ryan, would think that he is emotionless person who doesn't give a shit about other people's problems, in reality he was very considerate but had his own way of showing it, hidden under a mask of seriousness and soberness. I was amazed at how he would have poker face one second and on the other hand he would be totally sweet and loving to me. 

We reached the place and I realized only, as the car stopped, Ryan and I were so engrossed in talking. It was sunny outside but still I thought twice before going out of the car, I was not a huge fan of winters. 

We chose a nice warm table in the sun on the outside of the restaurant. The restaurant we had dined in was now buzzing with people, as it was one of those rare days in which sun shone with full of its glory. The sea sparkled with the sunshine on it. It was of a beautiful blue green colour that looked simply amazing.