The Heart Never Forgets

Chapter-14

CHAPTER-14

Adam and Melissa Parker are extremely busy today. A private house party has been arranged at their residence. Since Ethan has completed his studies, they are now preparing to return permanently to their home in California. To mark this occasion, they have invited all their relatives and friends in Virginia to their home to enjoy a special banquet. Among those expected to attend are Della and her mother, Lisa; Lucas and his family; Billy and his uncle; and many other prominent families from the city.

Adam and Melissa Parker do not want there to be any shortcomings in their hospitality. Consequently, both have been bustling about since morning, personally overseeing every detail. From the work of the decorators to the activities of the chefs, the couple is busy meticulously supervising everything. Meanwhile, Ethan is in his room, chatting away happily with Della. Ethan is gazing at Della via video call, unable to take his eyes off her...

Della: Ethan, please don't stare at me like that; it makes me feel shy.

Ethan: Alright, I won't. —Saying this, Ethan covered his eyes with both hands. Della burst into laughter.

Della: Hey! Why did you cover your eyes?

Ethan: Well, you were the one who told me not to stare at you!

Della: Okay, okay—you don't have to cover your eyes like that now. Just look at me while you talk.

Ethan removed his hands from his eyes.

Ethan: So, Della, what outfit are you planning to wear to the party today?

Della: You tell me—what should I wear?

Ethan: Alright, listen up then... You should wear a short skirt and a top. Make sure it's really short—short enough that I'll be completely mesmerized and won't be able to take my eyes off you!

Della: No way! My mom would absolutely kill me if I did that! Ethan: Oh, so you’re not wearing the outfit I picked out just because you’re afraid of your mom!

Della: Not exactly—it’s not out of fear of Mom. Actually, I don’t want to try to impress you with my clothes. Besides, I wouldn’t want to wear that kind of outfit anyway. To me, a person’s heart matters far more than their clothes.

Ethan: Oh, well, that works out perfectly then!

Della: What do you mean?

Ethan: I mean, you won’t have to wear any clothes at all! Just bring your heart to the party. Ha... ha...

Della: Hey, Ethan! I’m warning you—that’s not funny. You completely misunderstood what I was trying to say.

Ethan was teasing her a little, but Della didn't quite catch on.

Ethan: What do you mean? Wouldn't I understand? Am I a little kid? I understood perfectly well. You're actually wearing revealing clothes, but you can't wear them because you're afraid of your aunt—isn't that it? Otherwise, you would definitely have worn the outfit I picked out just for me to the party.

Della: No, Ethan, you still haven't grasped what I meant. What I was trying to say is that even if I wore the outfit I liked best, you would still gaze at me with total adoration.

Ethan: And how would that happen?

Della: Well, it would happen because you look at me with the eyes of your heart. Did I get that right?

Ethan remained silent for a moment.

Ethan: ...Yes, you’re absolutely right, Della. The fact that you understand things like that is exactly why I like you so much. I’m going to miss you terribly once I move to California.

Della: But it won't be for long; we’ll see each other again in New York.

Ethan: Yeah—and until then, we’ll just have to see each other via video calls.

Della: Mm-hmm, exactly.

Della’s mobile phone suddenly rang. She glanced at the display and saw Lucas’s name pop up on the screen. Della: Ethan Lucas is calling; I’m signing off now. See you later—bye!

Ethan: Okay, bye.

Della answered the call.

Della: Hi, Lucas! How are you doing today? Tell me, what have you been up to lately? You’re practically impossible to find these days!

Lucas: Is that so? I’ve always wanted to meet up with you, but you never seem to have the time to see me.

Della: What are you talking about? You’re my friend—I’ll meet up with you whenever you say the word!

Lucas: Alright then, get ready and come on over. I’ll be waiting.

Della: Okay.

Della and Lucas arrive at a deserted park. Finding an empty spot anywhere in the city is incredibly difficult these days; high school graduates seem to be everywhere. It is, after all, their time right now. That is why Lucas had brought Della a little way out of the city—so they could have a quiet, private conversation.

Lucas: How are you doing, Della?

Della: Hmm, I’m doing well. Is there something you wanted to tell me, Lucas? Is that why you brought me all the way out here?

Lucas observed Della intently for a few moments. This was the first time he had seen her face-to-face since their last rehearsal. In the past, Della, Ethan, and Lucas used to hang out together constantly. They’d share meals at restaurants and go to the movies together, but lately, everything has changed so much. Time itself seems to have shifted abruptly. And don't people change, too? Take Della, for instance—a girl who used to be so childlike—she, too, seems to have suddenly grown up. Their bond—once so inseparable—now feels shrouded in mystery. Nowadays, if Della and Ethan go out on a date, Lucas doesn't even find out about it; he has to learn everything secondhand from that third party—Billy, with his yellow-stained teeth. What a shame!