shuhaige
Running into him.
(ARIELLE'S POV)
"Dwayne, right?" I asked the young man, to be sure I was not mistaken.
There was a look of amusement and surprise in his eyes as he nodded. "Yes, Dwayne. I'm flattered you recognize me, and still recall my name. It's only bad I didn't get to know yours before your friend arrived and whisked you away the last time."
I laughed, that was Ashley he was talking about. Incase you're wondering who Dwayne is; I met him in the garden of the hospital I was rushed to when Sofia pushed me down the stairs.
"So what's your name? I better get it now, before your friend arrives," he said, playfully stealing glances around.
I laughed, he is so dramatic. "My name is Arielle."
"A beautiful name for a beautiful lady. It's a pleasure meeting you again, Arielle."
"Yeah, same," I said, accepting the hand he offered. The handshake prolonged, and I skillfully withdrew my hand.
"So tell me, what brings you here?" I asked, trying to sound casual.
"Just a few things," he replied, holding up a bag of coffee beans. "I'm a coffee aficionado. I can't start my day without it."
I chuckled. "I'm more of a tea person myself."
"Aren't most women?"
"Really? Are you saying our preferences are influenced by our gender?"
"Of course not, it's just that, more women love tea than coffee."
"I see-"
Ashley's voice suddenly broke the spell, calling out from across the aisle. "Arielle, got what you want?" She appeared almost immediately, and an "oh," escaped her lips.
I nodded, tearing my gaze away from Dwayne's. "Yeah, I'm just getting this," I said, pointing to the sanitary pads, somewhat embarrassed.
But Ashley was not looking at me now, her eyes were trained on Dwayne. "I think I've seen you before....oh, wait, you're the guy Arielle was talking to at the hospital garden months back." Dwayne chuckled. "That's right, and I must say, you and your friend have got quite the memory.
"Thank you, it's good-"
"What's going on?" Mum asked, appearing too. "How come you girls left me alone?"
"Oh, mummy, I ran into an old friend and we were just conversing," I said.
"I see," she said, looking Dwayne up, her face neutral.
"Hi, ma," Dwayne greeted.
Mum gave him a curt nod, and faced me. She's been weary of men since her issue with my Dad. I wouldn't blame her, she still have not gotten over the heartbreak. "Can we continue with why we're here? You need to rest," mum said.
"Oh, sure," I said, and turned to Dwayne. "It was nice seeing you again."
He seemed like he wanted to say something but thought against it when he saw the look on my mom's face.
"Alright. I guess I'll run into you some other time," he said, gave a polite bow and walked off.
I returned to picking the sanitary pads, while avoiding eye contact with Mum and Ashley. We were soon done, paid at the checkout and walked out.
As we reached Ashley's car, a voice called out behind us. It was Dwayne, and he was jogging towards us.
"Umm... would you like to grab coffee with me sometime, Arielle?"
I was stunned, at a loss on what to say. I didn't expect that, to say the least. But before I could respond, mom was already talking.
"Young man, I'm guessing you're unaware that she's married," mum said, and Dwayne gasped.
"Married?" He asked, eyeing my fingers. I instinctively clenched my fists.
"Yes, married. Now please, back off.
"Oh, sure. Apologies for the disrespect, I didn't realize she was married," and with a nod in my direction, Dwayne hurried away. "Mom, that was a bit rude," I frowned, as we got into the car.
**************
The days flew fast.This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
Mom had returned to her place and visited as often as she could. Ashley went to work and returned in the evening or mid-noon. As for me, stayed home doing nothing, as
Ashley and Mom wouldn't let me resume work just yet.
To keep myself busy, I did the chores, despite Ashley's complaints. And on most days, I met with my lawyer for my divorce process.
One of those days was today, as we sat in a quaint cafe shop. The divorce papers were finally ready, and I was going to sign them, after which they would be sent to Jared to sign.
"Sign here, ma'am," my lawyer said, handing me a ballpen and pointing to the column that needed signing.
As I accepted the pen, my hand
shook. I hesitated for a moment, my
head with doubts. Memories of
Jared and flooded my
thoughts our sweet moments, countless dates, and passionate nights. I recalled how he used to tease me and get me gifts. A jolt of nostalgia overtook me, and I
wondered if I was making a mistake.
I paused, trying to think things over, but the image of Jared and Sofia together flashed in my head. I remembered the pain and betrayal felt lying on the deserted floor of the street bleeding and broken. I
recalled his response to my text
message when I asked for his help.
The memory of my lost child twisted my heart, and my grip on the pen tightened. I forcefully scribbled my signature on the page, drawing a concerned look from my lawyer.
I passed the papers to him afterwards. "Here, all signed."
He nodded, returned the papers to a folder, and rose to his feet. "I'll get back to you soon," he said.
I nodded, watching him leave. After he left, I discreetly scanned the café, ensuring no prying eyes were on me. Satisfied, I adjusted my scarf and dark shades, and gulped down what was left of my tea. I rose afterwards, dropped wads of dollar notes bills on the table, and walked out.