The Baron and his Lady

Eleven: Secret Affair

If Emma doubted what I said it clearly didn't show on her face. She was very quite, her eyes are now serious. Her hand reached out to me and touched my cheeks.

"Then it shouldn't be difficult to choose. You are certain about him?"

I nodded, feeling very helpless. "I can't get him out of my mind, I kept hearing his voice over and over again. I see his face wherever I go." I sighed, "But he doesn't really want me for who I am. He... I remind him of his dead lover." I wish I could tell Emma that the man I love is probably dead too. His remains just haven't turned up yet.

"Oh dear. That's terrible. You deserved to be loved for exactly who you are," she brushed off a stray strand of hair away from my face, "you have a remarkable face. Strong, witty, alluring...and you're very honest. He can't possibly ask for more."

Her compliment was overwhelming. "Thanks Emma."

"Did you tell him how you feel?"

"No! I.. I don't think I can.."

"Well sweetie, if you think he only likes you because he reminded you of someone else, you have to tell him how you feel. So that you'll know what you are to him. If he can love you back the way you love him. Don't torture yourself."

"I'm not sure if he wants to talk to me.. its been days since.." since I first saw him and talked to him and kissed him. "I don't think I can face him again."

"That's not the Krista I know, who is girl in front of me? Showing cowardice at the first instance?"

"You.. you think I'm brave?"

"Of course you are dearest. You just don't realise it yet."

"Oh Emma, you just know the right things to say to me. What will I ever do without you?"

She smiled, I swear she gets prettier evertime I see her. "That's because I care for you Krista. I promised your Dad that l'll be there for you always."

"And he's the luckiest guy to have you."

That made her blush. Opps, better stop right there. "Say, why don't we order pizza?" She asked me, we don't eat out a lot because Mom wanted to monitor my eating habits. "This talk about men is making me hungry for some serious carbs."

"Peperoni?"

"You got it." We both slid off the bed and went downstairs. Oggy trailed behind.

Few days later

I spent the rest of the week meeting up deadlines for essays and reports. Coach Randy allowed me to leave earlier after I told him there was an emergency at home. I hated lying but I need to get to the airport as soon as I can, plus I wanted to avoid Enzo.

Though he stopped calling, he'd stalked me at school. Sharing my table at the cafeteria, stopping by at my locker and passing by my classroom. I hated him for it, with all the attention I was getting from his exes and rumoured flings. I might as well have a shooting target on my back and they were just waiting for the right time to strike. I can't let that happen.

Fridays are the busiest for commuters, so I planned to catch a bus. My books and papers crammed on my bag, no time to leave them in my locker. I'll just drop it at home, pack a few clothes and gather Oggy. I can't leave him with Emma though she loved him dearly, she's very busy and I don't plan to be a burden. I almost ran towards the exit by hurrying so much, I didn't realise someone else else passing thru. It was too late when I bumped into Carla Springer.

"Hey! Watch it!" Her high pitch voice rang on my ears. Her books scattered on the floor around us.

"I'm sorry. I didn't see you.." I went down on my knees and started picking up her things. She just stood there watching me.