To New Beginnings. Sequel -(On Hold)

Chapter 8

Candice

All I could do was gasp and gape once Rey finally decided to open up. The night shifted drastically from relaxation to ghastly. Never in all my years that we've know each other, would I think she was going through so much hell and grief. I felt disappointment in myself as a friend, who had been around her all these years and never saw the signs.

A year after high school graduation. I flew back home for a week to visit my mom who had decided to take a much needed rest, finally putting to use years of accumulated vacation days. Derek had moved out and was living an hour out with a college buddy, so it was just us women occupying the house, free to spend unlimited time together.

At first the trip was simple, consisting of Spa days with mom, followed by dinner and a movie later. I felt we achieved some overdue mother and  daughter bonding time, even though there still remained a slight resentment for sending me away. On day three, I  met up with Rey for lunch and to my surprise, she brought along a male guest to join us. At first, I thought nothing of it and figured she was happy, living as carefree as I knew her to be, but upon deeper examination, I felt a familiar energy present, a massive tensions between her and an acquaintance to me, Kai.

He was medium built, lean, tall with flawless olive skin and ambiguous features. It was hard to pinpoint what his origins could be but all in all, he was a handsome guy, nothing alarming about him initially. For the most part, he was well spoken and respectful to Rey throughout our entire interaction, until, towards the end of the lunch, Rey had to use to ladies room and I was ready to follow, with clear indication that we were going to chat about he mystery man.

As I attempted to slide from my seat, I suddenly hear a light slam. My eyes manage to catch Rey, back in her seat and Kai's hand gripped over her tiny ones. I looked back at that day, utterly ashamed for how oblivious I was to the exchange. The rest of our meeting was filled with quiet and Rey refusing to make eye contact. She looked off into the distance, seemingly disconnected.

Once it was time to pay our checks. I notice she'd pulled out her purse, sliding her debit-card to pay for both her and Kai's meal. He didn't bat an eye.

"So do you usual pay for every meal Rey or do you guys take turns?" Was all I let out, sadly that being my number one concern. Rey stammered and couldn't find the words to repsond to my question. Kai on the other hand, shot a glare her way and her head fell as she refused to make eye contact again. The energy grew stronger and it became apparent that it was not positive.

Kai later turns to fix his eyes in my direction and it was hard to decipher what was going on behind those muted greens. Rey never spoke much about him or anyone being in her life for the moment... I tilted my head and matched his stare with attitude in my expression. He quickly turns his head in the opposite direction, with a disturbing grin peeled on his face, nostrils flare and head shaking. I disregarded every red flag that flew my way only to shoot the situation down with my selfishness. I remember  ultimately choosing to end the hang out early on the insensible thought that I felt uncomfortable.

I suggested to Rey that we should hang out one last time before I flew back and she hesitantly agreed. I didn't bother to acknowledge Kai. Blurring him from my perphials, to say my goodbyes to Rey, Promising to text her later that day. When I arrived at the house, I sat and thought about the day for a while.

Was Rey in trouble? She was so strong, she would never let a man break her down like this! I kept thinking over and over.

I opted on dialing her number that evening and waited, hoping to hear that it was all a ruse and that she was ok. There was several more rings later before I thought she would never answer.