The Sight of Tomorrow

Chapter 5

In the past few days, it’s a normal routine for both Audrey and Ian not to talk to each other. Since the night that he had an argument with Audrey, which he didn’t knew had happened at all, they hadn’t talk that much yet. And Audrey, on the other hand, had been very busy at work. Although, the shop had already stopped the boyfriend-search since a few days ago, the sales had been into its greatest growth because of this. Most of the tourists visit them, and she had been very famous along the city. She was, at least, wonderstruck to what it came up after that incident, but most of the time, she insists that people should treat her as a normal people like them. In Audrey’s idea, it wasn’t usual and the fact that she’d been receiving a lot of bonus, she didn’t want to earn money because of that. She believed what her father said once, that he’s earning money because of hard work. And as a daughter of that man, in her thought, it would be at best if she followed that step forward. After all, she’d been employed to work and not to use her popularity to earn money. All of the things should come from blood, sweat, and tears of hard work.

Ian, however, didn’t came up the same way. He’d been stuck in the house for almost two weeks in count, and he thought that he had acquired a cabin fever already. He only had a few places that count on his daily life: the house, the beach, the house, and lastly, the beach.

It was very obvious that he’d been bored. He wanted to socialize, he wanted to breathe fresh air, but it didn’t turned out that way he imagined. He didn’t know anyone from this place, and it felt very alone. And given the fact that Audrey’s not talking to him that much, and they seldom meet each other, because she sometimes went home late, he had no idea why—it seemed like—she’d been avoiding him. If he just knew the reason, maybe he’d make a way to resolve it. However, the problem was that he didn’t. Imagine, Audrey herself didn’t talk to him, so that means he had no chance to confront her to what the problem was.

He’s not used to it. They promised that they’d be friends, but it seemed like it didn’t turned out that way. He didn’t know if it was him that had a problem about understanding what’s friend really means, or otherwise, Audrey had a different perspective in coming about that aspect. But he had nothing to do. Everyone should find their people—the ones who understand them at any time and place—and also, accept the fact that everyone not being under their control. It was a very nasty fact, but it’s how the world interacts with people itself. Knowing that not everyone could be as same as a single person, it gave everyone a matter that it was a ninety-nine-point-nine percent fact that in every single flake of snow there’s differences among others and has its own unique way. Everyone should understand that, because it’s one of the ways of being a human being; and so, Ian. He’d been, most of the time, but he had this question in mind, “What’s really the problem?”

Sitting uneasily on the sofa, he abolished all the thoughts he had in the past few seconds. It was all mind boggling, and he didn’t know if he’s still in the right dimension at the same time. He breathed all the doubts in one delivery, and now he could feel the easy interaction of his body and soul. He hated the feeling of being drowned by everything: first, the fact that Audrey’s avoiding him; and second, the dream that until now, kept on visiting him. He thought that it was gone, but he thought of it as a temporary restraint of that nightmare now, that it did not actually left him but to just let him rest in that deceiving matter.

He stood from his position and stretched his body to gather all the strength in one push. He could feel how every vein inside his body shivered into an electrifying sensation that pulsed the blood all over his body. It was fulfilling, and it’s like she’d been revived from the death he nearly had in the past few days. His energy had been charged, and like a dead battery that once had died, it was alive and full of electricity again; ready to work and move, that’s what he felt.

I need a work, he told himself.

In the past few days, that’s what turning his mind up and down. Since the misunderstanding—that started it all—he realized that he should work on his own. He’d been shy, and although he’s grateful with the help that Audrey’s giving him, however, he realized that his own future demands his own work. The fact that once he carried his memories back to normal, he had to prepare some fortune to amend all of the things he’d lost. And he’s also sure, that once he found his true self, he’s not living this after all. Just like what his dreams were showing him, maybe he’d just been here because of the rip-roaring waves that washed all of his memories away. What if he lives in the other country? That matters very much.

Ian fixed himself presentable, and once he’s done with all the submission of his uncut silky hair, he took his first step out of the door. The sun hit his foot, and the overwhelming sensation that the warm breeze was giving him, he put his eyes into a close, and for a few seconds, he felt the atmosphere that made his aura complete.

The feeling was better than anything: the feeling of being stuck in the house for two weeks, and the cool gentle wind of a cold November morning. It was his first time to feel this kind of warmth—with exception of Audrey’s body. The warmth that in the first time, he confirmed that his feeling was more than he imagined.

When that thought entered his mind, all the moments ghosted him. From the time he brought Audrey from the floor to the legendary sofa, and up to the time that he leaned his skin against her, his body startled for a moment. And he thought, he could not remove that experience as he wrote his story.

All the visions vanished slowly. And until, he opened his eyes and formed an unfathomable smile in his handsome face. He couldn’t explain that different feeling that excited his body, and at instance, he could feel how his heart beaten very, very fast. Like a runner itself, his heart raced as if he could win from a raging sports car, and his chest pounded into a strong push that he didn’t expect to be possible.

Calm down, he told himself, Calm down, he told again.

And when his heartbeat turned normal, he stepped out of the porch, and began to trace the lines that were drawn on the ground. There were curve, straight lines, zigzag, and dash-like lines that led him to different places.

There were eateries, stores, bakeries, etc., and all of them needed an employee. However, as Ian asked them if he could avail at least a position, everyone said that they couldn’t manage to have any employee that had no ability to show records that would fit him into such position—and to be specific was that, someone who had amnesia, someone who had no capability of working because of its fatal weaknesses.

But as he walked even more, and until he reached a garage three streets away from where he lived, there he had a great feeling that this was his chance now. As he observed the place, it was nasty. And he thought that this place would never be very careful in standards of their workers.

The garage was placed along the houses in St. Martin’s Street, where a lot of junk were scattered over places and cars alongside the street. The workers inside were full of grease over their hands, and they looked pretty dirty, which at the same time full of sweat all over their faces. Most of them were working on a car, while some were washing them on the side, on a mini-parking reserved was place.

Ian walked toward the shop, and an old—well, tall and huge—man faced him with wonder all over his huge face. His skin was curled, and as Ian could say, maybe he’s on his sixty’s because of his white hair, and some part of his head, balding. However, in order to hide it, he’s wearing a cap that was patched Patriot, which was obvious to be his favorite American Football Team. He turned it over his head, looking cool even with his old phase. “Excuse me, how can I help you?” the man asked as he touched his mustache that had turned white—as well—because of old age.

“Uh, I’m just wondering if you’re hiring some worker,” Ian said confidently.

“Well, we are.” The husky voice of the man lingered in his ears as he spoke. “Why, are you applying one?” he asked.

“Um, yeah?” He sounded unsure. “I’m Ian, by the way. Just Ian,” he greeted and stretched his hand toward him.

“I’m Robert Harrison. I’m the owner of this shop,” he greeted back and reached for his hand as well. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“It’s nice to meet you, too.” Ian smiled at Robert, and released the pressure in his hands after seconds.

“Well, talking about application, do you have any experience? Working, I mean?” Robert prompted, criticizing his application.

“Well, unfortunately, I’m diagnosed with amnesia, so I’m not really . . . sure?” Ian said.

“I see.” Robert made a nod, and cupped his face as he analyzed Ian’s case. “Well —”

“— But, I am a fast learner,” Ian instantly interjected. “To this I am sure, for the past few weeks that I have been awake, I am sure that I learn things very easy and I nail it.”

“O-okay,” Robert stammered as he jolted his face. “Then if that’s the case, would you like to stay here for a minute and orientate you. If you got that right, and performed it successfully, then you’re hired.”

“That’s gonna be fun. Yes, I’ll stay.”

❧

Not every time, costumers were accustomed to be assisted. Most especially, if there were no certain reasons that a person should be. But for twenty-seven year old, Audrey Calhoun, it’s seemed to be different. She stood from the metal stool behind the counter’s post, and fixed her hair into a bond. It’s been, so far, at least, twenty calls from a single costumer, outside, on the eating lounge.

She walked with a sigh, and looked at Emily whose cheeks were reddish as her lips. “Twenty-seven this time,” she whispered in her ears once her skin brushed against her.

“That’s all right. Remember: costumers are always right,” Emily quoted as she rose from the wall when a costumer came for an order.

“All right . . . . Take it from the veteran,” Audrey joked.

Casa Montero was not as crowded as it was in the past few days. Given the fact that costumers were arriving more than usual, but it was better this way. No more guys visiting her at last, thank you! Although there were some who still dared to do so, however, it’s not as jam than it used to be. Plus, there were no weirdo guys now.

However, it’s seemed to be back again. In fact, there’s one and only guy who’s bothering her for almost an hour. And guess who? Well, it’s none other than, Matt. As in Matthew Evanson. The sophisticated, handsome businessman whose genetic hit the jackpot. And to be honest, Matt was not just bothering her for this day . . . well, for three days straight! Imagine, who would love that? Well, not Audrey. As much as she tries to bear that annoyance, however, this is too much. She didn’t know if she should confront him or not, because he’d been good to her, the way Matt treated her in their first meeting, it’s very polite of him. And because of that, she now, didn’t knew how to say no.

Once he reached him on the eastern wing, behind the window glasses, she looked at him through sluggish eyes. “What do you need now, sir?” she said, her voice sounded as if irritated. She glanced at him once again, but he only replied a profound look. His intense gaze, as if passing through her body.

“Nothing, I just want to see your face,” Matt replied. He formed a smile on his lips. “Oh, you can have a seat,” he mentioned.

This is it, Audrey told herself. I will confront him, she added.

“Okay, I am off with this. All right? I don’t wan’ to be rude, but this is too much. Look, I am working, but you kept on calling me. So, I couldn’t assist others. Just for your information, you are not just the costumer here. Okay?” Audrey blurted . . . with mouthful of air in every words. It seemed to be, that she’s very annoyed. But, Matt, couldn’t make any sense but to laugh. Honestly, if someone would see that rather than Matt himself, they’d laugh. As she spoke, her reddish cheeks, her expression, and how deliberate every word could be; and for Matt, there’re no other words to explain that but . . . sexy. “And, for your information, you have been eating that ravioli for almost two hours in count. What are you planning for the next hours?”

“Chillax, okay? I already paid your working hours today, so, it’d be all right if you spent time with me,” Matt said with sweet voice in it. He bit his lips and looked at her straightaway.

“What?” Audrey exclaimed. It was too loud that made other’s look at their direction. “Sorry,” she mumbled a few times, and back to Matt again. “What did you just say, you already paid my working hours today? Did I heard right?”

“Definitely!” Matt pointed her with a finger and winked.

“What? Seriously?” Audrey complained. Then she turned and gave Emily an intense gaze. But, Emily, on the other hand, just replied a shrug.

“I’m sorry . . .” Matt said.

“All right, you don’t have to be sorry. It’s like you really are. Besides, it turned out that it’s other’s fault. So, you deserved the chillax word more than mine.” Audrey gave a fake smile.

“Don’t be like that, please? I am trying to give my best shot, all right?”

“And why is that?”

“Have a seat first.” Matt took a half-spoon of ravioli and chewed.

“Will you tell me, if I do?”

“Let’s see. It’s like you’ll listen. As far as I know you—well in the conversation we had in the past few days—you told me that you’re a hard listener. Is that is?”

“Well, you remember that. So, in the first place, you already have the idea if I would not listen to you.” Audrey smiled again.

“So you wanna talk now?”

“Okay,” Audrey replied and sat on the spare seat.

“Okay,” Matt replied back.

“So, what do you want to say?” she asked with wonder.

Matt breathed deeply, and without hesitation he spoke, “I like you.”

And Audrey, as if struck by lightning, paralyzed. The words lingered inside her head, and couldn’t understand what he meant. Was this confession, real? Audrey asked herself. Until now, she couldn’t move. She still couldn’t manage to believe these things. A total stranger, saying that he liked her? That’s impossible, in Audrey’s meant. Well, it’s okay, but, why she couldn’t believe . . . or move at all? She looked at him, and he’s giving her an intense gaze that she couldn’t carry. He’s wearing a wide smile, and as if nothing happened.

“Uh . . . uh,” Audrey’s words began to startle.

“What is it?” Matt wondered.

“Um, I—I think I’m just gonna go. Y-you know-w, gonna clear my thoughts first,” Audrey stammered as she rose from her seat. Her body began to shiver, and she could feel the cold feeling inside her. Her stomach ached, and she didn’t know if she could manage to work now. But clearing those thoughts in her head, there was one thing who stood out: how could she face the nightmare she just entered out?

Matt, on the other hand, just smiled as if he’s never affected to what’d happened. He’s confident, and if anyone could see him . . . he’s the type of man whose confidence was lighter than his personality. He takes things easy, and he’s carrying it on as if it’s never existing. But one thing everyone didn’t know about him was that: behind those smiles, there was sadness who conquered his universe.

But who cares about it. Anyway, he’s rich . . . he’s full of wealth, and no one would think about that. Besides, behind those reality there’s this belief that, who are you to complain when you already have anything deep within? Plus, he didn’t care about his family for the past few years. And abandoning him was an enough reason for him. And there’s no doubt about that.

Audrey, now, turned away. She walked out of Matt’s atmosphere, and she went directly to Emily’s position, dazed and confused. She didn’t know if how she should react to what’d happened, but she’s one thing sure in mind: all would be complicated from now on. But, she couldn’t understand the feeling that was pumped through her blood. She didn’t know if she was (or should be) angry or not. Why did Emily had to do that? Was she desperate enough? And how dare she to intrude one’s life? Yep, they’re friends, but Audrey was now being evasive with her thoughts. Emily knew what she’s facing as of the moment, and as friends she wanted to open things up, and no keeping secrets. But what she couldn’t bare now was that how Emily acted in the past few days. Her decisions were irrational, and she’s not considering things if they were getting affected. And now, Audrey could feel her eyes darkening as she looked at Emily. She wanted to slap her, but she couldn’t. And now, she just wanted her question to be answered, clearly, indeed, and to be fathomed by her thoughts. “Why do you have to do that?” Audrey asked with anger and annoyance.

“Do what? What are you talkin’ about?” Emily asked back. She put her phone down and looked at her.

“Why did you let Matt pay my working hours today?” Audrey accused.

“No, I didn’t,” Emily defensed and back off.

“Yes you are.”

“No. Honestly, I didn’t. Matt might’ve lied to you. You know I won’t do that again. I promised.”

“But he just told me,” Audrey trailed off.

“Audrey, I am holding the record book. And it would be impossible for that to happen without me knowing,” Emily explained. Trying to comfort Audrey whose eyes were now turning red and about to cry.

“Except—” Audrey and Emily had an eye-to-eye contact. It’s like they could read each other’s minds.

“You gotta be kidding me,” Emily grunted.

“I’m sure, we have the same person in mind . . .” Audrey whispered.

Then, instantly they ran inside the counter area and immediately opened the drawer underneath the desk, then grabbed the thick record book inside. Once gotten, Emily managed to open the book and she—and Audrey as well—was shocked to what was written inside. Matt’s words were real!

“Now I realize,” Emily promptly said. “That’s why, Mrs. Mason was here earlier before you came!” she exclaimed.

Audrey on the other hand could feel her knees dazzling in confusion. First it was Emily, now it’s Mrs. Mason. And now she has nothing to do. Audrey’s an employee, and Mrs. Mason owned this shop, so for the sake of her sales even to sell her employees was countable in her contract.

Audrey just didn’t know how she should handle things on. She’s not over with Ian yet, and now, here things coming, like a ghost who had an unfinished business.

“Ugh!” Audrey gushed, and stamped her head with her warm palm. “I don’t know what to do . . .” she whimpered.

“It’s all right. Everything’s gonna be fine.” Emily took a step toward Audrey and gave her a tight hug. “I’ll be here for you.”

“Just to inform you,” Audrey started, “Matt said that he liked me,” she added.

“Are you serious?” Emily mumbled.

Audrey nodded. “My God! I don’t know what to do. Please, help me!”

“Shhh, that’s all right. It seems like Matt’s a nice guy.” Emily rubbed Audrey’s back, and after, she released the pressure and looked at her.

“You see?”

“Yeah, I think you should give him a try,” Emily advised. “Plus, maybe in that way you could get rid of that Ian feels.”

“But I don’t want him to be a rebound,” Audrey seriously said.

However, Emily red-faced and who’s about to laugh said, “Don’t mention the word rebound. You haven’t been together. Don’t presume too much.” Then afterward she laughed.

“Hey!” Audrey hit her. “I am dead serious, okay?”

“Chillax, I’m just saying the truth. And to be serious, it’s your only option for now.”

“So, you think I should date him?”

❧

That night, it wasn’t easy for Audrey to take things that wonderful and easy. And it seemed like, every time that thought entered her mind, she couldn’t help but to be confused and dazed with that incident. It’s not that she didn’t like Matt, but it’s just so happened very fast. And with that, Audrey felt like a rush.

Yes, she wanted to get rid of the feelings she had for Ian without hurting the real Ian itself. Like, it was the restraint, but she didn’t knew that it would be this hard for her to get rid of that. Not without affecting anyone like herself. But she couldn’t blame anyone. In the first place, she wanted this . . . and there’s no turning back.

In her idea, if she just acted normal and just pretend that anything never happened, maybe in that way she could get rid of these things. And so she did. Now that she’s in front of her house, she breathed deeply. And she’s wondering if how she should face Ian after days of ignoring. Yep, she admitted it now, she actually tried to ignore Ian for several days with the thought that in that way she could get rid of how she felt for him. But it didn’t happened to change anything, and like how it started, it still the same way. So, she left no choice now but to consider what Emily said: The Matt thing . . . the date. Emily said that it’s the only choice for now. Not until everything changes.

Now, she stopped the engine and got out of the car quickly. She walked easy, and pretending that she’s not affected to what’s happening around her. When she reached her house, she opened the door gently, and surprised that Ian was there, standing and without making any move.

❧

There’s something that Ian wanted to tell everyone. And tell it like he was the only one who had this urge and happiness. Well, it’s no big deal, actually. But for him, it was, and always gonna be was. To be honest, since this afternoon, he couldn’t get his smile out of his face, and the enthusiasm and the overwhelming feeling . . . those were the ones which were overflowing through his blood. Like it was his heart was pounding but with this positive feeling . . . this positive side that until now was carrying him on overrated.

Bert—short for Robert Harrison, and the name that he wanted everyone to call him—considered Ian’s application for once. He believed in his hidden talent, that even amnesia couldn’t cover up. According to Bert, Ian’s a fast learner, and his business needed someone like him. Someone, even in the state of wonder, who’s willing to learn and work, that’s what he wanted for an employee, and all of those were fit to Ian, and that’s when he made his decision of employing him.

In fact, that decision were hardly made at first, but after Bert showed to Ian how to fix the gears and something around the car, Ian did it very, very easy. Like it was a blink of an eye, Ian finished the car for less than an hour. And so, there’s no doubt now on employing him. And if Bert didn’t, he might be in total regret right now.

While working earlier, Ian had this talk to Bert, mentioning Audrey. And as expected, in this small northern town, almost everyone knew each other; and so Bert; according to him, he once ate at Casa Montero with his family, and he met Audrey and Emily there. Ian told him about how he thought about Audrey, and how he should treat her in this kind of situation. To be honest, Bert had no idea too, but in his opinion it should be a best way if he’d confront her instead.

And now, that’s what Ian’s planning to do. When he heard the engine shut outside, he stood across the door, and when it opened at once, Audrey faced him with an unusual expression.

“What?” Audrey asked lifeless.

“We need to talk.” He held his gaze toward her, and he gave him the tension of his words. It’s very unusual of him, but to provoke her, it’s the only way. No doubt.