Destined

Encounter

It was almost 3pm when I reached the gardens of Greenbelt. I decided to roam around for a while before settling in either a coffee shop or a restaurant. There's no rush. This is officially my first day of independence.

I was looking into the movie schedules when my cellphone rang. I immediately answered when I saw it's Michelle. "Mitch!" I happily shouted.

"Miss me already? I got your message. What's up?" She asked.

"Oh, that. Never mind that." I got embarrassed remembering my little episode a while ago.

"Lizzie, I know you. You wouldn't call me and send me an SMS like that if it was nothing." I am imagining Mitch looking at me cynically with one eyebrow up. "Besides, who is this Dr. Brown Eyes?? Don't tell me you have a suitor already?? It hasn't been a whole day yet! Please. Teach me your ways!" Ugh. My best friend. Melodramatic as always. I couldn't help but laugh out loud at her words.

"Mitch! He isn't my suitor, and I wouldn't want him to be. You know what i've been through right? It's hard for me to just trust someone again. My last relationship gave a huge blow to my ego and self esteem. Besides, I don't even know his first name. He might not even remember me when we see each other again. All I know is that he is Dr. Beckett and he has the most dreamy brown eyes I have ever seen. But that's about it." I sounded defensive but I didn't care. It was Mitch after all.

So I told Mitch the whole story. Starting from when I met with Mr. Dubois, up to the moment that she called me.

She seems really excited. If you ask me, there's really no need to give a fuss about this. The truth is, the next time I see him, I probably will not even recognize him. I didn't even have the chance to really see his whole face. So let's just leave it at that.

"Whatever, I still need to see this Dr. Brown Eyes. I'm intrigued. Besides, even if it doesn't mean anything now, i'm happy that somehow, this is a sign that you are opening up yourself to the world again." Mitch said hopefully.

"Well anyways, The Little Women is now showing. Come visit me this Saturday, let's have a movie date. You know how much I adore Timothée Chalamet, right? Please?" I pleaded with puppy dog eyes even if Mitch can't see me.

"Oh sure! You know I love watching movies with you. See you Saturday!"

After a few more minutes of talking, I said goodbye to Mitch. I'm also kinda hungry already so I proceeded to looking for a place to dine and chill.

...

I was craving for some italian food, so I went to Lusso. When I stepped inside the restaurant, the ambiance is perfect. It's quiet and they only have two other table with customers.

The maître d' greeted me and allowed me to sit anywhere I please. I chose the table opposite to the other customer. She's a woman who appears to be just about my age.

Since I already know what I want to eat, I ordered as soon as I sat down. "One order of Risotto - Crema Di Scampi please." I skipped the appetizer 'coz i'm not in the mood. The waiter took my order and excused himself.

I took out my laptop and opened it. I better start reading my emails now before my food arrives.

Call me old school, but I still prefer reading emails on my laptop. I hate reading emails on my cellphone, especially when trying to view attachments.

I was halfway through my emails when the man who just came inside the restaurant caught my attention.

He has this aura of confidence that makes you want to look at him. I discreetly looked him up and down. He was wearing a black skinny jeans and a black soft touch crewneck long-sleeve t-shirt. It was an ordinary outfit to be honest, but he wore it well. He looks effortlessly hot.

I was obviously checking him out so I looked away and reprimanded myself. He went to the table in front of me. To the woman, the other customer, and kissed her cheek. Must be his girlfriend. Oh well. I looked away so I can give them some privacy.

I was about to continue with my emails when the waiter arrived with my order. 

While my order was being served, I can't help but glimpse at the man again. He is now sitting down in front of the lady, facing my table. I can clearly see his face from this angle.

My eyes widened when I recognize who the man is. This is ridiculous. What are the odds? Yes, you guessed it. It's Dr. Brown Eyes.

I ducked and hid half of my face in my laptop. I felt silly for doing it but I didn't want him to see me. Regardless if he recognizes me or not.

I quickly got my cellphone and took a five second video of him. I will send this to Mitch! She will freak out.

I was studying his face while hidden behind my laptop. I felt like a spy for some reason getting intel from an asset. Haha.

He looks so casual now compared to this morning. No one would think that he's a doctor. I mean, i'm not stereotyping, but he looks so young and fresh! The way he talks, he's so animated. The wide smile is always present.

Wait a minute, Eli. What are you doing? This isn't you. Why are you checking the guy out? You shouldn't be ogling like that. Clearly he has a girlfriend. We don't swing that way. Especially after what happened to you. It's embarrassing.

I figured I shouldn't stay here much longer so I called the waiter. Billed out and told him i'll just eat my order at home. I busied myself with my laptop while waiting for my change and food.

When the waiter returned, I thanked him and started packing up my things. I need to leave this place and stay at home.

It's funny how I went outside to distract my mind from thinking about you know who, only to find out that I will be seeing him here. Ugh. It's like destiny is playing a trick on me.

I slowly stood up, careful not to make a scene. "Thank you for dining with us ma'am. Hope to see you soon." The waiter said with a smile. I smiled back hoping we didn't catch their attention.

Unfortunately, since we are the only customers there, I saw him glance my way. We made eye contact. He squinted, obviously trying to recall where he saw me before. Then his eyes widened with recognition and once again a wide smile appeared on his face.

I walked casually towards their table as he stood up to acknowledge my presence. "Hi. Ms. Ellis, right?" He asked and I nodded in response.

"Dr. Beckett. Good to see you're not bumping into anyone tonight." Walls up, girl. It's better to be a snob in situations like these.

He chuckled, obviously amused at my snarky remark. "Don't worry, you're safe." He countered as he raise his hand to feign surrender. "By the way, Dr. Beckett is so formal. Call me Mari. It's Marion Beckett, but I prefer to be called just Mari." He said as his hands are now resting on his hips.

"Okay. It's good to see you again, Mari." I smiled then turned to leave.

"Wait!" I heard him call out. I turned to face him again. "I didn't get your name." He said looking down and scratching his head.

"Elizabeth. It's Elizabeth Ellis." I gave him a small smile then turned to leave again.

"Alright. See you around, Eli!" I heard him say as I stepped out of the restaurant.

...

As I was walking back home, I couldn't wipe out the smile that seems to be plastered on my face. What's wrong with me? I look like an infatuated high school girl.

I finally gave up trying to stop myself from smiling. I let it be and just enjoyed that little moment we had or whatever that was.

I am almost at my place when I saw a familiar face. Familiar, but not in a good way. Familiar in the worst way possible.

It's Matteo - the famous ex boyfriend.

Immediately, the smile vanished from my face.

Come on destiny, why are you doing this? What do you want from me?

...