SHADOWS FROM THE PAST
832 Words
Daisy woke up the next morning with a smile she couldn't hide. The memories of yesterday replayed in her mind- the lunch, the laughter, the peaceful walk through the garden and the moment Kelvin had caught her before she fell.She had tried convincing herself it was just another outing between friends,but deep down she knew something had changed. As she prepared for work at The Garden Brew cafe, her phone vibrated.
Kelvin: Good morning, Daisy.I hope you slept well. She smiled before replying.
Daisy:I did.Thank you for yesterday.
A few seconds later another message appeared.
Kelvin: The pleasure was all mine . Have a wonderful day.
Daisy tucked her phone into her handbag, feeling lighter than she had in years.
Across town, Kelvin walked into the architectural firm carrying a cup of coffee. His co-worker Brian, noticed the unusual smile on his face."You look suspiciously happy today," Brian teased. Kelvin chuckled. "Do I?" " You've been smiling since you walked through that door. Should I congratulate someone?" Kelvin laughed. "I met someone." Brian's eyebrows shot up.
"Finally! I was beginning to think you'd stay married to your blueprints forever." Before Kelvin could answer, his secretary knocked on the office door.
"Sir.... there's someone here asking for you."
"Who is it?"
The secretary hesitated."She said her name is Vanessa."
Kelvin froze. His smile disappeared instantly.
"Tell her..... I'll be there."
Vanessa stood near the reception area wearing a stylish black dress. She looked confident , but beneath the confidence was a regret. When Kelvin approached, she offered a small smile.
"It's been a long time."
"What are you doing here, Vanessa?"
"I wanted to see you."
"You could have called."
"You blocked my number." Kelvin sighed.
"I had my reasons." Vanessa lowered her eyes. "I know."
Silence settled between them. Finally, she spoke again.
"I have come back to Nairobi."
"And?"
"I thought..... maybe we could talk." Kelvin folded his arms.
"We have nothing left to talk about." Her expression tightened.
"So you've really moved on." He did not answer. That silence was enough.
"I saw you yesterday," she admitted.
"You followed me?"
"I happened to see you." You were watching us." Vanessa looked away.
"So there is someone else?" Kelvin's voice became firm.
"My life is no longer your concern." Without waiting for another word, he turned and walked back into the building. Vanessa remained standing outside, fighting back tears.
"I won't lose you easily,"she whispered.
Meanwhile, Daisy's shift at the cafe was unusually busy. Customers filled every table, and she barely had time to breathe.
Around noon, Kelvin walked in unexpectedly. Her face brightened immediately. " I thought you were working."
"I am," he said with a grin.
"But I needed coffee."
"You drove all the way here just for coffee?" He leaned closer.
" Maybe." Daisy laughed.
"I will pretend I believe that."
She prepared his favorite cappuccino while he waited. Several of Daisy's coworkers exchanged knowing smiles. One of them whispered.
"He is definitely here fou you."
Daisy tried to ignore the teasing, but she could not stop smiling.Just then, the cafe door opened. Vanessa stepped inside.Her eyes searched the room until they landed on Kelvin. Then she noticed Daisy standing beside him.She walked over confidently.
"So..this is her." Daisy looked confused.
"I'm sorry?" Vanessa extended her hand.
"I'm Vanessa."
"Daisy." Kelvin's expression hardened.
"What are you doing here?"
"I came for coffee."
"No," Kelvin replied calmly.
"You came because you followed me." Several customers turned to look.Vanessa ignored them.
"I just wanted to meet the woman who replaced me." Daisy looked from Vanessa to Kelvin.
"What is going on?" Kelvin sighed.
"Vanessa is my ex-fiancee."
The words hit Daisy like cold rain.
" You were engaged?"
"Yes." Vanessa smiled bitterly.
"We were supposed to get married." Daisy's smile faded. Kelvin quickly added."That was two years ago.She ended the engagement." Vanessa looked away.
"I made a mistake." Kelvin's voice remained steady."And I accepted that. But my life has moved forward." Vanessa turned to Daisy.
"Be careful."
"Vanessa...."
"He looks strong," she continued, " but when he loves someone, he gives everything." she paused.
"And when he's hurt...he never truly recovers." Without another word, Vanessa left the cafe.
The silence she left behind was heavier than her presence.Daisy looked at Kelvin.
"You never told me."
"I wanted to."
"But?"
"I was afraid you'd think I was carrying too much baggage." She smiled gently.
"Everyone has a past Kelvin." He looked into her eyes.
"I'm not afraid of my past "
" What are you afraid of?"
"Losing another chance at happiness." For the first time since Vanessa had appeared, Daisy reached out and held his hand.
"You won't lose this one because of honesty." Kelvin smiled with relief.
Outside cafe window, however, Vanessa stood across the street.She watched them holding hands. Her eyes filled not only with sadness -but determination.
"If I can't have him," she murmured, " then she won't either.
A dangerous plan was already beginning to form.
- Writer
