A Second Chance at Love

Chapter 13- I don't believe in fate

~ Chapter 13- I don't believe in fate ~

Caught off guard by the change of subject, Matthew took some time to let what Ellie said sink in. then he exclaimed; "No way!"

Realizing that his speedy outburst was quite incriminating, he cleared his throat before saying more calmly, "I like to go to the park at this time of the day. It helps me to relax and be in a place that reminds me of home, you know?"

"Really? Where do you come from?" Ellie asked her curiosity evident in her voice.

"Well, I grew up in a village in the countryside. Not so far away from here, if you go by the plane that is" he said. "We have trees and greens everywhere. I used to love painting or simply walking around the day. I always loved green spaces, so the park was an obvious choice for me when it came to relaxing at the end of the day in the gallery."

"I completely agree with you on that point," said Ellie. "There's just something about green spaces that make it more peaceful and refreshing at the end of a long stressing day." She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, a smile forming on her lips.

"And a good place to write," Matthew added with a chuckle.

Ellie opened her eyes, "yes, to write too," she laughed.

Again Matthew found himself admiring her beauty. Her whole face lights up when she talks about writing, just like when she talks about Amber and her family.

I wonder if her face lights up when she talks or thinks about me, he asks himself. Get a grip dude, what makes you think that she loves you, his subconscious sneered at him.

I'll make her love me no matter what, he resolved.

"So what are you bringing to the picnic tomorrow?" Ellie asked, bringing back to reality.

"I don't know yet," he replied, turning to look at the playground, "maybe some snacks like prawn spring rolls, cheese bites, onion rings," his eyes focused on the swings where Amber was playing and laughing with the little girl beside her, she was really beautiful. Like her mother.

"Will Amber come tomorrow?" he turned to Ellie, eyebrows raised in question.

"Yes, she loves the park", she replied, touched by his thoughtfulness. She watched him nod before turning back to look at her daughter with a soft look. Like a father watches his daughter, she thought. Stop it, he's not her father, Dean is, her subconscious scolded.

"You coming by car?" he asked suddenly, turning to look back at her expectantly.

"I think so," she appeared thoughtful. "I was supposed to come with Angie and Emy but considering the demonstration of her driving skills today, I think that I will take my car." She finished with a shrug.

"I could pick you up if you like," Matthew offered. It will allow me to spend some time with her, he thought. Man, you sound desperate, he mentally face palmed himself.

"Oh, you don't have to," Ellie quickly replied. "Besides, you live just across the park." She pointed to the east.

"Yes, but I'll be coming from the church on the other side of town. So it's not like I'm going to make a big detour or anything," he smiled.

"Oh, what church do you go to?" She asked curiously.

"The same as you actually," he replied.

"Okay... this is getting a little creepy," Ellie said with a frown. "You come to the park every day at the same time as me, for the same reason, you go to the same church as me, have mutual friends. That's a lot of coincidences, don't you think?" She narrowed her eye at him, scrutinizing his face, trying to figure out what he's thinking.