A Way Back

Chapter 12

Chris's POV

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"I think we made your employee jealous," She said pulling off. I smiled at her and murmured in her ears " She got  jealous of This beautiful creature in front of me" She placed her arms around my neck gazing at me with eyes full of satisfaction.
"It's your eyes who are beautiful baby "I kissed her on the forehead and let go of her. " any plans for the evening? Because I'll love to have some fun with you" She Said As I was returning to my desk.
"even if I do, Everything will be called off for you sweetheart" I grinned. She returned the gesture and place her hands on my shoulders. " You should get an award for being the best boyfriend in this world ."
"I'll pick you up at 8 Okay? "I returned to face her as she gave me a quick kiss.
"I'll be waiting. Now I should go and let you complete your work love you" She picked her bag and left dramatically. I left my office when it hits 5 pm. Before I took the elevator I glanced at Elizabeth chatting with Daniel. They were making their way in my direction laughing. What is the thing that can make her laugh like that?
Daniel was the first to see me, He immediately changes his facial expressions  which make Elizabeth shook her head questioned. Her face dropped when she looked in my direction. Her smile faded and I could see those sad brown gazes before she looked down. I couldn't keep my eyes off her. Something inside was discomforting me.
"How are you doing Sir?" Daniel uttered. I nodded with a smile.
"I'm good"In which I answered.
When the elevator arrived we get into it the three of us. Daniel was beside me while Elizabeth was right in the front. all I can see is her beautiful long hair. I remembered that she has never liked to grow her hair. She preferred it to be short. And I liked it that time as much as I still do. Daniel was talking about the company and so do on. But I wasn't focused  Since all my attention goes to "her". She was breathing hard, I can hear. It's like she was waiting impatiently for the elevator to stop. And like I said, as it stopped Elizabeth hurried outside. Even without saying goodbye to her mate Daniel.
The home was calm as usual. Just the sound of Elena preparing something in the kitchen. I took off my coat and found my way to it.
"I can smell something tasty But unfortunately I'm going to dine out," I said as I lay my back on the encounter. Elena turned around with a smile.
"Is it Haley ?" I nodded "So she came back from Paris, didn't she? " I nodded again. I tasted the plate she made While she was glancing at me confused. "Do you love her ?" she asked. And I place the fork down surprised.
"How can I not like her ? she is an outstanding woman. And you saw her." She smiled looking down and then at me "I said do you love Her. I mean you can like a lot of people but you only fall in love once" I was shocked by her talking. I've never wondered  if I love Haley. Love, Elizabeth. Those two words match perfectly.
"I fell in love once! It was with Eliz ."
"I've never had the chance to meet her. You were always talking about her. She has a special place in your heart " I shook my head.
"No ! not anymore, She is no longer in my mind  " Elena was looking at me with playful eyes "Okay" she snapped . 
"Well, I need to head off, enjoy your meal, Elena "

Haley wasn't ready when I reached her. I waited outside for half an hour before she appeared. She was wearing a short black dress which fit her perfectly. Her hair was tied in a low ponytail. She gave me a quick kiss and get in the car. I followed her immediately. she hold my hand and uttered "sorry if I make you wait  baby" I smiled at her mouthing "It's fine "And lost my attention again. My mind was somewhere else, It's all about "her" The girl I'm unable to forget neither to be with. But doesn't it sound bad I mean being with a girl and thinking of another? That's unfair for Haley. but It's not like I'm going to marry her. I've known many models. And none of them stuck with me for more than a month. I get bored quickly.
We reached our destination. Haley walked beside me as I rest my hand on her back. The waiter leads us to our table. We gave  him our orders. It was a calm dinner. Haley kept talking about her last trip and the photoshoot she made for a famous brand. She is building her career successfully.
The food comes and To be faithful I hadn't the urge to eat. We sat there in silence before Haley snapped "What wrong Chris? U seem misplaced. Since we came here I was the one who talk while u didn't drop a word. Should we go somewhere else?"I grinned at her taking her hand "everything is fine, sweetheart. I'm just a little bit tired. But it's okay as long as u are here " She didn't seem too convinced but at least she smiled back.
My phone rang, It was an unknown number.
"Chris Richardson with you? "
"Chris!  I'm Elizabeth .can u please come and take me. I'm struggling here all alone " I stood up from my place frightened "Where are you ?"
"I don't know.  It seems like no one lives here .and my  feet hurt so bad. "
"Okay just calm down I'll be there in few minutes okay? " I shut the phone and find my way to the door to hear Haley calling after me. Oh, God! I forgot about Haley !!
"What's wrong with you Chris? "
"I'll call Martin to take you home. there is a problem okay? goodbye". I jumped in my car And Called my personal assistant  "Leo ! Elizabeth called me from an unknown number and I need to know where is she now . I'll send the number  to you" Waiting for Leo's response I called Martin to Pick Haley from the restaurant. luckily,  Leo sent me the localization. It's a payphone in a cheap neighborhood. Elizabeth must be so  frightened. But why would she walk around alone? Where is her driver? That's an irresponsible gesture.
"Mr. Richardson  I'm on your service " He uttered " Where are you now? Aren't you with  Elizabeth ?"I asked angrily.
"No Mr, She told me not to come for her today. She said she want to  smell some fresh air " I felt angriness felling my blood.
"Fresh air ! are you kidding me? At least u should have followed her. Who knows? maybe something bad happened to her. U are employed to be her driver and  her protector " I screamed On the phone While driving my car speedily.
"Sir!  it's not my fault. I just followed her orders since she is my boss " he said in a broken tone.
" I'm your boss too did you forget. U are working in my hotel. So whatever she said you should tell me first. Well, We will complete our talking later. I need to find her now".
"Is she in danger? "He asked frightened "  you should wish she isn't ".
I ended my call  and finally get to my destination. I glance at a lady resting her back to the telephone stand shaking from the cold weather. Her hair was hiding her face. But I could recognize her easily "Elizabeth!" I breathed in relief. She was still in her work clothes.  I parked my car and jump out of it. She raised her head to my destination and before I could spell a word she rushed to me and hold me tight.
"Chris! thank god you are here! I was so terrified. "
I placed my hand on her head and hugged her back.
" I'm here, okay? I'm here now. Nothing will happen to you " she buried her face in my chest.
this situation reminds me of us when we were in high school. We were in a camp in the middle of the forest. She got lost while searching for woods to put in the fire. She was screaming calling my name. When I reached her she hugged me the same way she is doing now, With the same strength. I can't believe she is still afraid of getting gone astray.
"Elizabeth ! let's get away from this place okay. Get in the car" She nodded and hurried insIDE; "I'll take you to my house. Is it fine with you?" I asked her perplexed. To my surprise, she nodded again without looking into my eyes . We didn't talk the whole way. It wasn't strange actually because we got nothing to tell each other. At least she is safe now.