Second Chance At Love

Chapter3

Chapter 3: The Very First Time

Jennifer's POV

It's been 2 minutes since we ended the call with Auntie Alva. I lean against the headboard of my bed and then let out a sigh. The weight of her request weighed heavily on my heart like a rock dropping into the deep Ocean.

Everything just doesn't feel alright, even though I made a promise to help Aunt Ava but it just felt like I'm opening the doors of demons.

Ever since high School, I have never had a good time with Daniel, unlike others who meet, smile and share good memories. And then remember everything when they grow older and wiser. For me, the very first time I met Daniel, it was like I was the awaiting enemy that his heart was waiting for.

He is handsome, good-looking and the perfect man every girl will ever dream to be with. God knows I did my best to get his attention. I tried everything to look sexy for him and did all whatever it takes to steal his heart away but what I got from him was nothing short of hatred, irritation and public disgrace.

He has never opened his lips to say something encouraging, caring or even to appreciate me. All he did was to say demeaning words to me and treated me cruelly like an animal. I couldn't see the signs back then. Maybe the love I have for him was so strong that it blinded me to see the signs that he doesn't really love me and will never do.

We were young back then but even at that it baffled me how a person of such a young age could harbor so much hatred towards another person. It was as if I was an antichrist that he hated. He had no trouble showing the good part of his heart to others except me, and that made it obvious but I was blind to see it until now.

It was in the moment he knelt on one of his knees and then proposed to Lilian, one of my best friends. It was then I realized that I have been chasing shadows all along. At that point, I made a promise to myself, not to ever love another man again. Things we definitely do to safeguard our mental peace, right?

But here I am, with a twisted heart, still hurt and about to do a favor for someone who I love and respect so much; to go find the last person on Earth who I promised not to have anything to do with, ever again. I pushed away those memories.

I picked up my phone and scrolled through the contact list and then dial Mary's number. It rang twice and then straight into the voicemail. I hang up and then try again but no response.

“f**k,” I hurl the phone on the bed, the thud sound startling my cat. It gave me the meanest look a cat will give its owner.

“Sorryyyy, my little boy,” I apologize. “I didn't mean to startle you.”

As if he understood what I said, he meowed at me and then leaped off the bed.

Aside and then cut the phone again staring at the screen it was already 7:30 am in the morning. I managed to drag myself out of the bed and then walk straight to the bathroom.

I brush my teeth and then wash my face. I stare at the reflection in the mirror that is staring back at me, the eyes in there look tired.

I grab the edge of the sink with my pale hands as I stare at my reflection. Am I ready for this? This isn't just a favor for Aunt Ava, but going back to the very past that's almost broken me.

I took a deep breath and then washed my face again before strolling out of the bathroom. I don't feel alright today after what Aunt Ava said to me about finding Daniel. I didn't fancy wearing any beautiful clothes today. I stroll to my closet and the first cloth my eyes landed on is a baggy T-shirt and a black sweatpants.

My cat Meows at me, I already knew he is hungry.

I went straight to the kitchen counter and poured some milk into his bowl. And without hesitation, he jumped from the sofa he was sitting on and came straight to it.

“Be a good cat, I won't be long.” I said to my cat, rubbing his fur, hoping I could absorb some strength and courage.

I stepped out of my apartment, the fresh morning air hit my face. It was cool and calm. I took a deep breath, inhaling every ounce of air I could take in, and then exhaled everything out. The street was already busy with pedestrians. I whistle at a taxi that was parked not far from my block.

The taxi drove to my side and parked. I quickly step into the back seat.

“Morning Miss.” The driver greeted me with a warm tone.

“A very good morning to you too.” I replied evenly.

“Where to?” He asked, looking at me from the rare mirror.

That was when it fell on me, I am about to go search for Daniel but where should I start with. No lead, no plan, nothing nothing. From the moment I ended the call with Aunt Ava, I didn't think of where to go and look for Him. The hum of the car engine revved under me. The driver is still waiting for my answer.

Right now Daniel could be anywhere. Aunt Ava trusted me to be her best shot in finding him. Truthfully, I knew him very well back then in college, when I was still obsessed with him but that was seven years ago. Right now, I wouldn't say confidently that I know much about his activities.

He certainly won't be at the club, Daniel is too proud of himself and wouldn't want people to see him grief. Then where the hell will he be?

I ran my fingers through my hair, thinking of where I could go now and find Daniel. I tried as much as possible to think of every possible place but my memory keeps coming back blank. I can't lie to Aunt Ava that I can't find Daniel, the disappointment in her face when I face her will break me down. What should I do now? I definitely don't want to let her down.

The driver was still waiting for my answer, “Ma’am you haven't answered me. Where…”

And that's when it clicked in my brain, suddenly I remembered that there is only one place where Daniel could be right now. He definitely misses her so much and this is the only place he could be where it will remind him of her.

I didn't realize I was smiling until I looked into the rear view mirror. There was a hidden spot that only her and Daniel knew about. I wasn't supposed to know but for some odd reasons best known to her, she told me.

“Straight up north.” I said to the driver and then he matched the acceleration, the engine roared and then we drove away.

However, a part of me was screaming to return back home as we drove. But f*** I'm doing this for Auntie Ava.

When we finally arrived, the car came to a halt. I paid the driver off and then stepped down from the car and began walking.

I took about seven steps and that's when I saw it, his car. I felt relief but at the same time dreadful. The cold wind blowing from the cliff wrapped me but it couldn't cool off the rage of thoughts boiling within my chest.

Hundreds of thoughts began to spiral in my heart. Our memories, long forgotten, caused havoc in my chest. I took a deep breath and then continued walking.

‘Maybe I should turn back.’ a little tiny voice in my head said.

And then suddenly, I froze again. Everything went still. ‘Are you sure about doing this?’ a tiny voice said again.

I couldn't nod my head in agreement however I can't turn now, it was already too lat

e. Maybe if I had known what was going to happen, I wouldn't have come here.