In My Heart Is Where You Are

Eleven: Is It Too Late?

One day, Blythe opted to drive home from school one afternoon, rather than stay in the Gonzales clan's exclusive boarding house near the campus, known as The Turf.

This became her habit when she had no classes the next day. Thus, taking the liberty to cook her meal, watch TV without any disturbance, and sleep peacefully. Despite the boarding house's affluence and convenience, she always looks forward to coming home.

The past two weeks were a blur to Blythe, who was very busy with college, as usual. Fortunately for her, she hasn't had any encounters with Marvey since the basketball game.

She eventually forgot about it, until today.

As she alighted from her silver-colored sedan, she spotted a red car parked in front of the house. Her forehead knotted in curiosity.

This car looks oddly familiar, but I don't remember where I saw it.

As if on cue, one of the housekeepers promptly approached her. "Miss Blythe, you have a visitor waiting here."

Oh? "Who is it?"

She knew it wasn't Alex as they were together just an hour ago. He had to go somewhere else to work on a project.

"He said he's a friend of yours. I think you better go check him." The helper cheekily scurried away, leaving Blythe in the hallway.

Oh well, she shrugged. So my visitor's a 'he', and likely owns that red car. I better see for myself who HE is.

Blythe noticed how quiet the house was, like all the folks were out and about. She just shrugged at the thought.

She walked her way to the living room and found someone quietly sitting on the couch. Her eyes widened in surprise, stifling a gasp. Although she could only see the back of its head at that moment, she recognized its identity right away.

"M-Marvey?" She said tentatively.

Then she finally remembered that the red car parked outside was actually his! The memory of their first—and last—date slowly came back to her. He was driving that same car on that day.

The guy promptly stood up and faced her. It was indeed Marvey Almaraz, smiling at her.

"Hello, Blythe." He greeted her in a fine British accent. "How do you do?"

He looked so much different now, in terms of his clothing style.

He used to be comfortable with street casual wear. Today, he was wearing a pair of black trousers, a red and white oxford shirt, and a black cardigan. His hairstyle has changed as well. From wavy hair in high school, he was now donning a clean haircut.

Blythe idly thought he looked better with that hairstyle.

She didn't know how long she was staring at Marvey, until he handed her a beautiful bouquet of her favorite white calla lilies.

"Here you go; beautiful flowers for a beautiful girl like you."

That sentence not only made her tongue clipped further, but she also remembered that time when he first—and last—said that.

A nervous laugh bubbled out of her mouth. "Am... am I dreaming?"

"No, you're not; and I'm so glad to be here. I've really missed you..."

Marvey stepped forward to embrace Blythe, who promptly kept her distance by stepping back.

Naturally, her reaction alarmed him. "What's wrong, Blythe? Aren't you happy to see me?"

"No, no, no! I mean, yes... it's good to see you again." Blythe stuttered, avoiding Marvey's gaze.

She set down the flowers on the table. "I... I'm just surprised that you're here... right in front of me."