Not over yet - Zanessa

Chapter 7 - The right thing to do

The happiness in that restaurant contrasted with Vanessa's psychological. Austin's family was super excited, dancing and taking lots of pictures with them. At that moment, Vanessa only asked for a minute alone to try to figure out what was happening. The sound of phones ringing, all the messages and calls, and the hustle and bustle was too much. After many calls, even by people she didn't remember who they could be, Vanessa took advantage of a more rested moment and went to the garden of the restaurant, away from the eyes of everyone, especially the paparrazis.

She sat down on one of the benches there, she needed to realize what happened, if it was real, if this is a dream or real life. She wondered, trying to figure out why she said yes, when her heart told her to say no. She thought it would be better, and she chose reason to heart, hoping she wouldn't hurt herself. Then, she thought about Zac. Was he really the love of her life? Did he already know the news? And if he knew, did he feel anything?

Lost in her thoughts, she was interrupted by a touch on her shoulder. She turned to see who could it be and saw Ashley, her best friend, smiling slightly. 

- Can I seat? - She asked.

- Sure, Ash! 

- So, how's the latest Hollywood fiancee? Happy?

- Yes of course! Finally, he proposed! -  Vanessa laughed, trying to hide her insecurities. 

- You sure? - Ashley insisted.

- Yes, Ash. I'm sure. Austin is the man I love, wasn't expecting the proposal, but it was something simple and private, as I wanted. For me, it's quite obvious that it's with him that I should marry.  

- Vanessa, I've known you since forever ... I can see there's something behind all that fake happiness. What's bothering you?

- Fine - Vanessa agreed - if you want to know so much ... But promise me that nothing comes out of this bench!

- I Promise! - Ashley said.

Vanessa told her all the insecurities and how she's been thinking of Zac since she and Ashley had that chat the other day. She said she knew deep down that Zac was the man of his life, but that marrying Austin was the best thing to do and that she couldn't be attached to something that wasn't real, she had to forget her whole story with Zac. 

- Oh Nessa...I already knew, or atleast had a clue that Zac was the reason. The day we had that conversation, I already knew that Austin was going to ask you to marry him. The all conversation served to clear my doubts and I think I took them ... You still love Zac. You can care for Austin, but Zac will always be the love of your life!

- What?! You already knew that he was going to propose to me? Good job covering itl! But tell me, after almost 8 years, how can I still love him? We had our chance, it didn't work out. And Austin did something beautiful for me and I want to "pay him back", I have to marry him.

- Are you listening to yourself? You don't have to marry! You marry if you want. And if you still love Zac, it's not fair to be fooling Austin like that. Deep down, you know it's not him who fills your heart with love, the man you really love is out there and he's waiting for you!

- How do you know he's waiting for me? That's the problem! I love Austin and he's giving me the opportunity to marry him, to be happy with him! I can't throw myself at Zac, and, furthermore I haven't talked to him for a long time. I don't know what he feels, I can't throw myself like that into the unknown.  

- Vanessa, you two dated for 5 years in the most complicated market in the world, at the most complicated age!  You lived a lot together and that wasn't an accident! That happened because you were crazy for each other, you are truly the soul mate of each other and this doesn't dissapear. I know this, you know this and Zac knows this too! There's a reason he doesn't have a long relationship with anyone since the one he's had with you and that reason is you. You are the love of his life too!

- If it were as simple as you say, Ash...Unfortunately it isn't It's with Austin that I have to get married, it's the right thing to do!

- The right thing to do is go after the man who would do anything to see you smile, the man who went to rehab because he couldn't forget you, the man who still punishes himself for letting you go! Sometimes, love is right in front of our eyes, we just have to open them, for real.

- How the hell you know all this about him? Have you talked to him?

- Not recently - Ash lied - but trust me, I know Zac the same way I know you. 

- I don't know Ash... My mind want me to get married, so, for now, this is my choice.

- I hope you don't regret this decision, I really hope so! - Ashley said.

- By the way - Vanessa said, changing the subject - one thing that's making me curious is trying to understand how the press knew about it. It's amazing how many journalists are out there!

- I know, don't even tell me! I don't know how they came here, but they only bring more problems! Avoid the statements afterwards because it will be worse!  

They both entered the restaurant again, Ashley knew that Vanessa wasn't happy, but for now, she would have to accept her decision. Or maybe not?