One Last Time

Chapter 13

You are not who you were

and the old you is all I want.

- Dika Augustin

Lana

His hawk like glare held me as I shift uncomfortably under it. I began to chew the insides of my cheeks as the bundle of nerves crawl up to my body, suffocating me until I was nearly about to loose unconsciousness. His brows tensed above his eyes as he did not, not even for a second leave me with that tormenting glare. His glare did not leave me at all, instead it felt like it was yelling... screaming at me for a sinful act I have committed. It felt like he was judging me, which I mostly despise. I felt my stomach quiver as I stare back at him, dumbstruck.

"You two know each other?" I blurted,

Me and my stupid mouth!

Stephan pulled away from me and watches me from my side. I could see from the corner of my eyes that confusion ran past Stephan's face as he watched me under his perusal, while I kept my surprised gaze on Ivan who seemed like he was going to explode any minute now.

"Well..yeah. We're working together. Ivan is a solicitor and has been visiting our branch ever since I've become manager." He informed me, "Lana, what's the matter? Why do you seem so surprised?" He leaned toward me and whispered,

I peel my gaze away from Ivan's hard face to Stephan's soft one, and immediately the pit of my stomach was swallowed by a dull pain at the realisation that my ex-lover and my new love interest have met and for a matter of fact, are aware of each other for god knows how long. The shock coursed through my blood that I began to sweat under their scrutiny, and my head was spinning. How did I not see this coming?

"I... I'm going to go out. I'll wait for you." I drift from them and finally meet the atmosphere that I was in dire need of. The cold breeze was much more appealing to me rather than the one inside because I was absolutely drenched in my sweat, from the hot anger that was radiating from Ivan. I was able to feel the tremble that my body was enduring and the mental effect it had on me, of just seeing Ivan after the last encounter we had; the kiss.

Ever since we kissed that day, which was a huge mistake, I hadn't seen him for a couple of days which was a relief. I had no idea his presence was going to be here today. If I had known, I would've refused to come here definitely.

Suddenly, a sudden grasp caught my attention and I gasp at the lack of awareness I had within me to recognise the touch. I swing my head around to see a very worried Stephan in front of my face as he held me. I was still trembling but I was endeavouring to keep still.

"Lana, are you okay?" He asked out of concern,

"I feel sick... can we go home?" I say as I avoid his gaze,

He cupped one of my cheeks with his hand and nodded his head,
"Of course, lets get you home. You don't look so great too."

The drive back home was honestly what felt like the most longest experience I have ever endured. I have never felt so eager to reach my home, definitely not after an event like this. I usually enjoyed a night out with a friend like this but today was different, exceptional actually because it was my first date with Stephan, which should've happen years ago. I felt like I've just ruined it all today, and I felt absolutely horrible about it regarding the fact that Stephan put in a lot of efforts just for tonight to happen. I wanted to cry my eyes out but not just yet because Stephan was in the car with me, and he was wordless.

We reached home and Stephan walked me to the door, in silence. The silence was eating me because I had no idea what he was thinking. I wanted to know so I stopped in front of my door and turned to him.