Heart's Tempo (Wattys2014) [EDITING]

Chapter 17

Fourth stared blankly into the laptop screen. He couldn’t make Nisa’s image go away from inside his head. It’s been five years since they last saw each other. She was definitely furious that time, when they saw each other at the airport, no doubt about it. Anyone would feel the same way Nisa does with what he did – leaving her, disappearing from her life; just like what Henry did before. No, what he did was worse. He chose to go to Prague over his relationship with Nisa.

For some reason, he felt that she didn’t want any communications from him anymore. He tried calling her a day after he arrived in Prague, but her number was already disabled; even his emails were being returned. If there was one thing he regrets now, it was not telling Nisa the truth about the Prague scholarship.

The question now was, should he try to talk to her again? Why not? Would she talk to him? He didn’t think so. He will just humiliate himself trying to do that. But he needed to apologize. He’s close now…he actually saw her in the airport…

He looked at the music pieces he’s supposed to teach his students tomorrow at a music school owned by Henry’s family. Yes, he even chose to work as a classical music instructor so as to get a clue to where Nisa was. After graduation he got news that Nisa moved to another place and decided to work for Henry as his executive assistant. He knew it would be impossible to study in Prague and look for Nisa at the same time, so he concentrated on his music studies, and promised himself to look for Nisa after he graduates.

For more than a year after graduating he had been playing piano all over Prague; in different concert halls with different orchestras. He became famous, but he chose to go back to look for Nisa – it was a promise he couldn’t break. It was just pure luck that Henry’s family opened a music school and it was a piece of cake when he applied as a music professor, given his credentials when he was in Prague. Now, all he had to do was to ask around and find out where Henry is based, for sure, Nisa is there with him.

“Henry, why did you refuse Aidan’s offer to handle your family’s music school?”

Nisa asked. They were on their way home now from the family meeting. Nisa knew of the music school years before and she actually thought Henry would be the one to manage it, but he gave it to Aidan. Now, Aidan was giving him the chance and he still said no.

“…I just don’t think I’m ready to take on another responsibility…”

“Seriously? You’re managing five restaurants and…”

“No, not yet Nisa. Maybe in the next two years, I’ll take on Aidan’s offer but not now.”

Nisa knew it was just an excuse. She knew Henry when he’s giving an excuse and when he’s telling the truth. He has this mannerism of doing a fake cough when he’s about to lie or give an excuse. And he did just that before he answered her question. Whatever, she can always look over the music school’s files anytime she wanted – and that will be first thing in the morning tomorrow.

She felt Henry had all the experience in running their own family’s music school, him being a music school graduate and a professional violinist, although it was just for a short time. Just when he’s name was slowly being recognized, he decided to stop and join the family business.

“We’re here, so…see you tomorrow? Henry said as he stepped on the breaks in front of Nisa’s house.

“Of course. Where else would I be? I’m your executive assistant, right? Good night, Henry. Be careful driving back, alright?”

“I will. I’ll call you when I get home.”

Henry gave her a light kiss on the lips before she went out of the car. He watched her walk to the front door, and before she got inside, he got out of the car and followed her, took her by surprise when he embraced her from behind.