A surprise visit

Chapter 3

Cole is back in town, and whenever I go out, I’m always aware of the possibility of bumping into him. Just yesterday, my mom returned from grocery shopping and mentioned running into him. She was thrilled, saying, "Oh my goodness, Anne, you should visit him! You two were so close back then, and I know you were heartbroken when he left. He asked about you, though!" Cole asked about me. While part of me felt happy about that, I also felt insecure. He turned out so well, but I didn’t. Will he stop talking to me if he sees who I’ve become? Similar to Diane, who not only stopped chatting with me but also took away the love of my life, "I suppose I’ll see him soon," I said my mom beamed with a smile, and throughout the evening she kept raving about how attractive he had grown, mentioning that Cole resembled a gentleman straight out of classic films. I couldn’t help but feel envious; I suppose I’m just human, after all.

I had just completed cleaning a client's home and was heading to the library, where I usually spend my free time reading books. It helps me escape and serves as my personal comfort zone. Upon arrival, I noticed there were more people than usual, so I decided to leave since I prefer less crowded places.

I pivoted and began to stroll away when a deep, husky voice called my name, "Annette." It sounded both familiar and unfamiliar; my heart raced for a moment. I acted as if I hadn’t heard him say my name. Fortunately, the earplugs were still in my ears, as I had worn them to listen to music while cleaning. I turned off the music but forgot to take out the earplugs.

I continued walking, begging, "Annette," louder than before, yet I didn’t turn. I focused on my phone, feigning busyness, and walked quickly. One of the town’s ladies, Mrs. Bridget, waved at me from across the street, attempting to catch my attention that I was being called upon. Just why did she choose now? I had no choice but to stop moving as I turned and took out my earplugs.

Although people were aware that he had called my name, they still surrounded him. The sight of him took my breath away; I hoped nobody noticed. He was no longer the teenage boy I used to play with; he had transformed into a handsome, well-groomed man. I felt an urge to flee when I heard him ask, "Could you please excuse me?" With a smile, he said politely to the crowd surrounding him, "thank you," and they stepped aside as he approached me.

Why does it have to be today of all days when I look so disheveled after work "Annette," I managed a smile "hi," which felt so awkward, but it was the best I could think of. Standing close to him, he appears enormous next to my size, with his stunning onyx hair glinting in the sun. His face looked like it was carved, and his striking hunter eyes with long lashes perfectly complemented his features. His heart-shaped, full lips confirmed my mom's praise; he looked exceptionally elegant. The Cole I once knew seemed to have vanished; the one standing here is unfamiliar to me, so please excuse me if I struggle to find the right words.

He tussles his hair; it appears I’m not the only one who feels uneasy. "Hi," he responded. Maybe we can begin there. "Welcome back, Cole," he acknowledged with a nod. "I asked your mom about you; I truly apologize for not having the time to visit." His explanation seemed unnecessary unless he felt guilt for leaving me thirteen years ago without notice or contact, not even with anyone. "She mentioned it; perhaps next time, Cole. I’m quite busy today; my apologies." He nodded as if he understood, though it felt clear to me that we both recognized it was merely an excuse. I turned and walked away, sensing his gaze on me until it faded.

I hailed a taxi and made my way home; once I arrived, I couldn't hold back the tears streaming down my face. I had reunited with my best friend whom I hadn't seen in thirteen years, and I failed to greet him properly. I struggled to make eye contact because I felt so small next to him. I wiped my face, hoping that when I see him again, I'll be able to greet him properly and smile, even if it won't be like the good old days—a simple greeting would suffice.

On that day, I felt quite foolish; I would frequently chuckle at my own expense. I was certainly occupied when my phone rang—it was Emilia. "Hey big sis, what’s happening?" Hearing her voice brought me joy, distracting me from my embarrassment. "Not much, but I miss you. When are you returning?" She laughs, "this Thursday." I was thrilled; it's Monday, and I can't wait to see her. "Oh, Anne, Mom told me your childhood best friend is back in town." Please, just when I thought I had moved past my foolishness, she brought back memories of what happened today at the library. "Yeah, you were just a kid then. Do you recall him?" I said, hoping I didn’t sound upset, “no, I hardly remember him, but I knew you were really into him and he departed without saying goodbye,” and I couldn’t properly say farewell. "Indeed, he has returned; what’s the situation with your crush?" Trying to shift the topic, which succeeded, as she chuckled from her end, puppy love is truly something. "So, you recall I mentioned that Harrison confessed he liked me, but I replied that I liked his friend Xavier? It appears Xavier had the same feelings for me, but he couldn't express them since Harrison claimed he liked me", Oh, this is interesting! "I hope you didn't lead Harrison on?" because that wouldn't be amusing if she did. "Not really, I was honest and told him I wasn't into him but rather his friend." Oh my God, she really didn't! "you're so cold," she laughs. "Well, it's better to be upfront than to let issues fester. I told him directly, and I honestly believed Xavier would reject me, but to my surprise, he has feelings for me too," she says while giggling. "I doubt Harrison will take it well if his friend starts dating you." I felt a bit sorry for Harrison, knowing the person he loves is interested in his best friend. "He'll move on; I can’t force myself to be with someone I don't have romantic feelings for." That's true; I only want the best for my sister—her happiness is what matters. "I just hope you know what you're getting into, and don’t mess around with feelings." I wish I could follow my own advice.

Once I ended the call, I concluded that I should visit him. Perhaps I’ll stop by Mrs. Rachel’s and request her to bake me a tasty pie to bring to Cole’s place. No one ever mentioned Cole’s wife, just his son. She might not have wanted to spend Christmas in her husband's hometown. I shouldn't jump to conclusions; what am I even thinking? It's really not my concern; I'll simply bring the pie to him, apologize for what happened earlier, and engage in some light conversation, and that will be all.

"Am home," my mom says as I walk over to greet her after her return from the clinic. "Welcome, Mom! How was your day?" I remarked, "that's wonderful! I bumped into Rodney at the hospital, and though I know I shouldn't be discussing this, I couldn't believe that he was the guy who promised you everything, all while being affectionate with Diane," she responded. Despite my efforts to convince myself that I've moved on from Rodney, I came to realize it wasn't simple; I invested four years of my life with him, making it my longest relationship. However, as Rachel pointed out, he wasn't really mine. Although I've given up on finding love, "well, I expected less, Mom. By the way, I'm planning to visit Cole soon; would you like to come along?" I was thinking of asking Mrs. Rachel to make her tasty pie", my mom responded happily "Oh, that's wonderful! Of course, we can go together. What a lovely suggestion! I’m certain Mrs. Rachel would want to join us." I'm sure of that as well; this will be the perfect way to visit him.