At the end of the tunnel

Chapter 2

There was only darkness and I succumbed to it. The tears wouldn't stop falling and I didn't want them to stop. It reminded me of what I had and what I lost. An outstretched hand appears and hands me a tissue. I look up, my vision clouded, but I can still make out the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen, owned by an equally beautiful face.

“You a cry baby or what?" He says and gives me a warm smile. I take the tissue and throw it away, grumpily answering him:

"It's none of your business”. He holds my gaze for a moment and then he throws his head back and starts laughing. A deep, rich sound that leaves me wide eyed. What is wrong with him?

 "You are even cuter when you are angry” He takes a seat next to me and from his pocket he takes out another tissue. Before I can even react he starts wiping away my tears. I am still in shock and I just watch him. When he is done he looks me seriously in the eyes and says.

"You should never cry for a guy. They are not worth it if they make pretty girls like you cry “What? Wait. How did this happen? A guy? I am crying for a guy? Before I can process everything he is already getting up to leave.

 "I...." I stammer "my father, he died recently” I blurt out. I can't believe I am sharing something so personal with a stranger, but somehow I just could not have him believing I was crying for a guy. He turns his head in my direction and now he's looking at me with such sad eyes.

 "I know I should say 'I'm sorry ' but probably you are already sick of hearing it, right?” I manage a nod and he pats my head gently

"Hang in there kiddo, life may not be always pink but nevertheless it's a true gift and you should not let things like death bring you down " He looks up at the sky, almost lost in his own thoughts and continues.

“Treasure every moment “, then he walks away.

 ***

"Wow" Sarah says, wide eyed as she takes in my new look.

 "Katy sweetheart, you look stunning. I swear I could have never thought that the blue color would suit someone as well as it suits you. And the dress, it's totally hot. "

 "Thanks Sarah, I needed a change ..."

"Well, that sure is a hell of a change. I am sure you will get your number of suitors in no time “she says and she winks at me. I blush and start taking the dress off. We spend the evening eating unhealthy food and watching soap operas. My mood had improved considerably. Finally the "big day” or how Sarah had called it “my reintroduction into society " has arrived. Tell you the truth I was a bit nervous and the nervousness reached quite a high level when I saw that we were to go in a limo. I mean what the hell? Was this a movie premiere and I did not know? Brad and another guy stepped out of it and came before us.

 "Aren't I lucky to escort such beautiful girls?”Brad says and winks at us. I blush instantly.

"This is Thomas, ladies, and he is a good friend of mine." He gestured to the guy next to him. He was tall, almost as tall as Brad and I believe he has Latino heritage as his skin is a beautiful milk chocolate color. He is quite good looking, but unfortunately he does not appeal to me in that way. We shake hands and it seems that he has had a totally opposite effect on Sarah as she is grinning from ear to ear. We make our way to the limo and Sarah whispers to me

 "He's hot!" I smile and shake my head. Our destinations seems to be a beautiful mansion, obviously the owners are more than loaded. The architecture is kind of a gothic one, which I totally love.

"Aiden lives alone here; he's redecorated the house by himself. Isn't it amazing? “He asks, seeing me admiring the place.

"By himself?" I ask “How old is he?”

 "We are the same age, twenty two but I swear the man seems forty sometimes. He is quite dense but he's had quite a full plate growing up so I don't blame him. You two should stay away from him though, he's quite the ladies’ man and he does not do relationships. I am only telling you because I don't want to see you hurt."

 "God, Brad, believe me there is no need in telling us. I can very well take care of myself, you know me and besides, I am more than confident that Kate won't jump with him in bed anytime soon, right Kate?"

"Yeah , of course " I was kind of lost in thought , but of course , I would be the last person on earth to have a one night stand , I just don't have it in me I guess . We get out of the car and head for the front door.

"By the way, Kate?” Brad says as he eyes head to toe

 “That blue rocks on you." A small smile tugs at the corner of my mouth

 "Why, thank you Brad." He offers me his arm and we enter.

The interior is just as breathtaking as the exterior. I feel like I am in a museum. Everything is fancy and expensive of course, but in a way it has an air of authenticity. And, surprisingly enough, even though it looks just like a museum, somehow it's cozy and makes you feel...at home. Suddenly I am really curious about meeting the owner.