A Second Chance at Love

Chapter 3 (Dinner Party)

(At the weekend)

Dinner came and the house was very busy. What’s the purpose of this dinner? Well, no one actually knows. Mr. and Mrs Hiller just said that they missed everyone and it had been a long time since we had gathered together - sort of a reunion. Since Edward left, we don’t gather together that much anymore and everyone is trying to be busy with their own things. Amelia was also very busy studying at the Aviation School to fulfill Edward’s dream of becoming a Pilot. At first she found it hard, but thinking of Edward, she was able to graduate and became a Pilot already. Mr. and Mrs Hiller also invited a few of their close relatives and friends. They said they had an announcement to make tonight during dinner. Time flies and all the invited guests have arrived – Josh Lambert with his parents, Adam Taylor with his family, Steve – Joey’s boyfriend, Hiller’s relatives and friends, and Amelia with her parents. You can feel the happy ambiance in the house. Dinner had started and everyone was having a good time. During this time, Amelia felt that someone was staring at her but she didn’t know why she was feeling it and who was staring at her. The food’s great, everyone’s happily chatting and drinking together. Amelia’s happy seeing everyone doing well and happily interacting with each other. But she still couldn’t stop thinking of Edward and how good it would be if he was with them. Because of these thoughts, after eating and while everyone was happily chatting, Amelia excused herself and went to the swimming pool. Memories flooded while she’s standing alone. Edward and she used to swim a lot in this pool, especially if they were not busy studying. Remembering how Edward helped her overcome her fears of deep water and taught her how to swim. But now it is all just memories and will never happen again. She’s trying not to cry because she doesn’t want the people inside to worry about her. Tonight is a happy night for everyone and she couldn’t afford to spoil it. “Edward……!” Amelia whispers.

On the balcony on the second floor, a man is standing alone looking at Amelia in the pool area. Since he had arrived earlier, he couldn’t take his eyes off from her. He couldn’t stop staring at her. It’s been years since he last saw her. She was still with Josh’s little brother, Edward, at that time. I remember visiting this house in the past and seeing Amelia for the first time. Josh invited me to have dinner with his family. Amelia was helping her mother prepare the food. I didn’t know what happened but I was completely mesmerized by her just like love at first sight. I didn’t know at that time that she was in a relationship with Edward already. I had a crush on her and even found reasons to visit Josh’s house just to see her. And during Edward and Joey’s 20th birthday, I learnt that she was Edward’s childhood sweetheart and girlfriend. It was heartbreaking but I couldn’t do anything about it. I had girlfriends in the past, but my feelings for Amelia are strong and different. I couldn’t explain it. I planned to pursue her before when I thought she was single. But knowing her relationship with Edward and how happy and in love they were, I decided to accept the situation and try my best to stay away and not visit Josh’s house again. My parents have always wanted me to further my studies abroad and I fled and flew to America. Time passed and I was busy studying. I have been with a few women abroad also and one day I heard from Josh that Edward had been diagnosed with cancer and later died. I didn’t know what I felt and thought of Amelia. I wanted to go back but decided to just stay in America. I thought I had forgotten Amelia already until I saw her tonight. It was like in the past whenever I saw her - my heart beat fast. She is single now, but I don’t know if she has moved on already. Has she accepted that Edward is gone already? Has she moved on yet from Edward’s passing? Is she ready to accept another man in her life? “Amelia……..” Adam Taylor whispers.

Joey found Amelia in the pool area and went over. He said, “Amelia, are you okay? Why are you staying here alone? They are looking for you already. Dad and mom will announce something already.”

“I’m fine, girl! Just getting fresh air. Uncle and aunt will start the announcement already, ayt?”

“Yes! Let’s go inside now.”

“Okay, let’s go.” Amelia smiled.

Inside, Mr. and Mrs. Hiller announced that Mr. Richard Hiller will step down as the CEO and President of Hiller Company and Josh Hiller, their eldest son, will take over the position. All the people present during the dinner weren’t surprised anymore. Everyone was happy with the announcement and congratulated Josh for being the new CEO and President. Amelia came over to Josh to congratulate him as well. She smilingly said while hugging Josh, “Brother Josh, congratulations!”

“Thank you, Amelia! It is so good to see you again. How are you?”

“I’m doing fine, Brother Josh.”

“I’m happy to hear that, Amelia, and I’m sure Edward is happy as well to hear you say like that.”

“I know and thank you, brother Josh.”

“Hey brother, congratulations as well!” Joey said happily.

“Congratulations, Josh!” Steve said.

“Thank you, little bro and Steve!” Josh replied happily.

Joey came to Amelia and whispered, “Look, Amy baby! Adam is coming over here. Hehe”

“Josh, congratulations man!” Adam said.

“Thanks man!” Josh replied and said, “Anyway guys, you remember Adam, right?”

“Of course, brother!” Joey said. “Hi, Adam! How are you? Anyway, this is my boyfriend, Steve.”

“Nice to meet you, Steve!” Adam said. “Nice to meet you too, Adam!” Steve replied.

Amelia was just standing beside watching their interactions when Joey suddenly say, “Adam, you remember Amelia, right?”

“Yes, of course! Nice to meet you again, Amelia!” Adam said while staring deeply at her.

“Likewise, Adam!” Amelia said awkwardly. She couldn’t understand why Adam looked at her that way and it made her feel uncomfortable. Adam noticed Amelia’s awkwardness and coughed while saying, “Anyway guys, I will go over there first. Excuse me for a while.”

“Girl, what’s with Adam’s look? Why was he looking at you deeply? Hmmm?”

“How would I know? I haven’t seen him for a long time now, okay?”

“Hmmm.. Fishy! OMG, maybe he likes you, Amy?” Joey said while Amelia was rolling her eyes. She couldn’t believe Joey at all. “Nonsense! How is that possible? We don’t have that much interaction at all. And who is he? Do you think a man like him will be interested in a woman like me? NOPE!!” Amelia said.

“What do you mean a woman like you, girl? Don’t belittle yourself! You are Amelia Gomez – a woman with beauty and a brain. Not only that, you are a pilot and a great cook!!! Joey exclaims.

“Hahaha..Wow, Joey! Thank you for thinking so well of me. You make me love you more. Mwuaahhh!” Amelia said happily while giving Joey a big kiss on the cheek.

“Ewww, Amelia! Steve, look at Amelia.” Joey complains while Steve’s happily watching them while saying, “You know you love her.” Steve knows their relationship, so he isn’t worried and jealous of Amelia at all.

The party continues and everyone’s busy and happily chatting. It was already late at night when it was over and the guests left home.