The Matchmaker's Secret

"A STEP AWAY FROM THE PAST"

CHAPTER 3

It was another busy day at school. The activities took off rather slowly than usual. However, the last bell rang, indicating the end of the day, but Sam sat still in her seat by the window. She was focused on the sun, watching as it set slowly. While other students rushed out, Sam stayed. She was not just staring but lost in thought. It had been years now since what had happened to her and Lily. She sighed as she hoped Lily was feeling a lot better than she was. Feeling a hand on her shoulder, she looked to find a pair of hazel eyes staring at her. It was her close friend Lexy. She probably thought she missed the sound of the bell.

"You've been here for some time, and the bell rang. We should go home now, yes?"

Lexy said with a smile. She may have been the closest to Sam, but she always felt a distance in their friendship which she never questioned. Sam had been the kind who did what she wanted. She was free-spirited but was very serious when it came to boundaries.

She was well aware that she was the closest person to Sam as a friend.

"It's okay, Lexy. I'll stay a little longer besides," she said, standing up, carrying her bag as she hung it on her back, "I still have my art project that hasn't been completed. I'll do that now." Sam said, walking away. She stopped by the door as she turned to Lexy,

"See you tomorrow."

With that, she went to the art room. She vested her time in completing her work. It was a sculpture she had yet to complete. She had left it for weeks now, but she now had the urge to complete it. She thought of that face—one that haunted both her and her sister for years. One they both wished to never see again.

She took her time, remembering the event that unfolded that night—the feeling of anger and fear she remembered.

She had spent so long in the class, losing track of time. She was distracted by a beep from her phone as she was observing the piece, which was now completed.

She took her phone, and the first thing that caught her eye was the time. She took off her apron, washed her hands, and picked up her bag, rushing out of the school. She bumped into the security guard, who, having no idea a student was in the school, watched her running figure disappear into the dark. Catching the face of the girl and where she came out from, he stepped into the class. Seeing the now-completed piece, he admired it before heading out.

"Sam," he muttered as he continued his duty. He had always known she stayed late in school on certain occasions.

Sam, getting home, decided to sneak into the house when she heard her name being called out by her sister, who sat by the dining table with her glasses on and her laptop facing her. She bent her head down as she said,

"I'm sorry I was late. I lost track of time while completing a project," she said, waiting for her sister’s response.

"Sam, I don't doubt your words, but you need to understand that coming back by this time is dangerous. You have no idea what may happen to stay out so late," Lily walked over to her, placing her hands on Sam's shoulder. "Let’s not have bad thoughts now. You're back safe, and that's all that matters."

Lily walked back to her chair, stretching as she spoke, "Go freshen up and come over. Let's watch a movie. I'll have some kernels popped."

Lily smiled at Sam as she wrapped up what she was doing. She would have them finished fully the next day.

She didn't scold Sam because she knew perfectly well why Sam stayed so late. It must be related to what happened with Liam.

No, she thought. She needed to start letting go of that. It was in the past and it should stay there.

Sam came back, meeting her on the couch. Both sisters sat close to each other as they watched a movie. Sam looked at her sister, who didn't seem down by the thoughts of what had taken place four years ago. She should take it off her chest. It would take time, but she would—for her sister. They both got lost in the movie, sharing laughter. Sam decided to clear the air. Perhaps this step would help them, so she spoke,

"I know you're still affected by what he did to you. Tomorrow would make it four years since that incident. You pretend to be fine because you want me to feel fine, but we aren't going to move on if we both pretend to be fine."

Lily stared at Sam, who laid her head on her shoulder, not seeing her face.

"Sam, it's indeed a trauma for us both, but we need to get through it completely. I've gotten a job that would help me, and being an excellent sculptor, I'm sure you'd put it behind you. Truly, it was hard enough to see you in pain. But now, he will never find us." They both looked at each other. "You should enjoy your days at high school and not let that night stop you from having true friends. Lexy, on the other hand, is truly caring, and I suppose you could be closer in the future."

Lily said to Sam, as she also didn't want to dwell on that part of theirs.

"I suppose. Thanks, Lily, for being there for me all these years," she said as they both got back to watching the movie.

The next day, they both woke up, preparing for the day. It would be a perfect day, Lily thought. She wore a corporate black gown which had a button design from her left shoulder all the way to her right thigh. She wore white shoes and had her hair curled, getting into her car alongside Sam. She had her dropped at school and then proceeded to her office—unknown to them, they were being watched...