The Many Layers Of Isabel

Chapter 3 - A Trip Down Memory Lane

Since she discovered she’s one step closer to meeting Rafael again, her days in the gym have increased. Every time she needed to think or hatch a plan, she would put her running shoes on and head straight to the 5-minute-away local gym. She was even on first name terms with the other gym users. Today was no exception. Inserting her earphones into her ears, she puts music on and begins to jog on the treadmill. Her mind, for the last couple of days, had been doing nothing else but figuring out how she would track down Rafael and if she supposedly does find him, what she would say. One part of her is furious at him for not trying hard enough to stay in contact with her. How dare he? After he promised nothing would keep them apart. After he swore he loved her. She couldn’t begin to understand what could have happened for him to break all associations with her. The other part of her, a much weaker part, is filled with grief. A part of her that longs for his presence since the day they had separated. She feels a burning passion to be reunited with her love and carry on with life as if nothing has happened. This is the piece of her that hurts so much and the part that she needs to invest so much energy in to continue to live her days in Dubai and later Abu Dhabi. There was no doubt that this part of her was the hardest. It is easier hating someone.

She also couldn’t quite put her finger on the reason why Rafael would abandon her like that. What on earth had happened to him to do a complete 180o turn? She had previously feared for the worst put those thoughts had been put to rest when she found his records. She convinced herself that all she needed to do is to go to Essex and sort it all out. For all she knew, he might have had his reasons and Isabel vowed that she would give him a chance to air his views on their love story.

She turns the treadmill to run one level harder and resumes to her thoughts. She remembers how she and Rafael first met. That smile he gave her when she turned up late for a lecture she had and indicated with his eyes to sit on the empty chair right next to him. She took that seat without hesitation still burning inside from embarrassment as she had a whole hall full of 300 something students stare at her make her entrance. She looked at him to say her thanks but he was already engrossed with what the lecturer has to say. She said it anyway.

“Thanks.”

He looked at her with those deep green eyes she still vividly can imagine.

“You’re welcome.”

That was all that was said between them that day.

Their second encounter was probably the one that sealed the deal for their future. Few days later after their first introduction, Isabel decided to accompany a few friends to a house party that night. Not really in the mood, she agreed anyway. Mainly really to see how parties here in London would differ from those she was used to back at home. As they approached the door, Rafael unexpectedly at that moment opened the front door and barged past them, oblivious to the fact Isabel stood there. Not taking much of it, she followed her friends into the house and soon found out that was a big mistake. The party was a university student in England’s definition of a social setting. With drinks being passed on, loud music pumping from every speaker implanted, loud yelling (that were supposed to be part of the music) and young people dancing like they’ve been given an hour to live, Isabel had seen enough. It really wasn’t her environment, Call her boring, but she preferred her quiet, peaceful get-togethers. After lasting for only 15 minutes (enough time to put her curiosities of English students’ parties to rest), she excused herself and left the party. On her way to her flat, she came across a Rafael who was on the same bridge she was walking on, looking over at the river. He looked back and noticed her walking in his direction and turned around.

“If it isn’t you again, the party wasn’t for you either, was it?” he asked

“I am a little tired,” Isabel said, as she stops to talk to him.