Shattered Illusions

CHAPTER 5

The next several days were unclear. Prisca ignored Barry's calls and walked into her room to try to gather her thoughts. Zack saw that she needed some time alone, he gave her some space since he assumed she needed some time to take everything in.

One evening, she heard a buzz from her phone and noticed that Barry dropped a message.

Barry: I am very sorry Prisca. Please come talk to me. I would like to offer my apology.

Reluctant to disagree, Prisca gave a nod and replied "OK.” She was looking for an answer to the betrayal she was experiencing, a sense of closure.

The Next day, they met at a Park close to Prisca’s place. There was a hint of unease in Barry's typically confident manner.

Barry growls, "Prisca, thank you for coming."

Too focused on her coffee cup, Prisca hardly gave him a look. "What do you want, Barry?"

Barry replied, leaning slightly farther, "I want to apologize." "I sincerely regret offending you; I apologize." My reasoning was fuzzy. I was conceited and selfish."

Prisca brushed away the tears that welled up in her eyes. Barry, you went above and above to be hurtful to me. I am broken by you.

As Barry extended his arm over the table, Prisca retreated. He sighed and ran a hand over his hair. "Yes, I am aware. Furthermore, I want to apologize to you. I got you an apartment. an isolated personal space from the outside world. A new beginning to ease things off.

With a look of both incredulity and rage, Prisca turned to face him. “ Would you think giving me an apartment can make up for what you did?"

Barry denied the idea.” No, but it's only for you to heal from all you might be going through. somewhere safe that you may visit."

For a long moment, Prisca remained mute, caught between a deep sense of rage and a great longing to start again. Barry, what do you want? What's the catch?

Quickly Barry said, "No catch," with sincerity in his gaze. "My only objective is to help you. While I understand that there is nothing that can be undone, maybe I can still help you go on.

Weeks later, Prisca stood in front of a lavish apartment complex. She felt uneasy as she gripped the bulky keys Barry had given her. She took a long breath and stepped in.

The apartment was ideal; it had all the conveniences she could want, and it was spacious and light. She felt like she was walking into someone else's life, which was strange.

Gazing about, she continued to consider Barry's words. Is this the first of many? Or was his kindness hiding something more than it seemed?

Barry dropped a bottle of wine down at her door that evening.

His eyes gleamed as he said, "Can I come in?"

Prisca was slow to respond. "Alright. But just for a short while."

They were in total silence, sitting together on the sofa.

Barry provided a glass of wine for each of them. "I hope this place can be a new beginning for you."

Prisca looked at him as she took a sip of her beverage. Barry, what's the real deal on this? What benefits do you have?

With a sigh, Barry glanced down at his glass. I suppose that I'm not trying to end our relationship. even while posing as a companion. Prisca, I know I made a mistake, but I still love you.

Prisca regretted it in a little way. Even though it was difficult to trust people these days, she wanted to believe in him. "I don't know if I can ever trust you again, Barry."

Barry said, "I get it," incoherently. "But I'll do whatever it takes to make it up to you."

Prisca needed a few weeks to adjust to her new living situation. Even though she hadn't felt comfortable in a long time, there appeared to be something about the space. She reconstructed her life, concentrating on her profession and her father, who was getting better little by bit.

Barry kept his distance so she could have the privacy she wanted. He would sometimes leave little presents or letters for her at her door to let her know he was still thinking about her.

Prisca found a bouquet and a message one evening.

Barry:I hope that things are going well for you. I am always available to assist you.

Prisca let out a sigh, her rage still brewing underneath the little solace his actions had provided. Even though she felt like she had a fresh start at the apartment, Barry's shadow was always there.