New Beginnings: Stories from Beauville

Chapter 7-2

The ride to the hotel is silent. I don’t know what to say or if there is anything to say. I just met Hae-in. We hardly know each other. To even say we’re friends is a stretch at this point. Hae-in takes a deep breath.

“I only just met you and now you’re leaving.”

“I have to be there for my family.” It’s the only explanation I provide.

“I understand. I’d do the same for mine. I wanted to get to know you. Introduce you to my world.” Hae-in’s voice is firm as he speaks. Normally his voice has a low, deep timbre to it, now it sounds high and some of his syllables c***k.

“We can still talk. It won’t be cheap but if you’re willing to make the effort, I will too. Or we could use that one app talk something.” I can’t remember the name of the damn app.

“No, I have a SNS account I can give you that is better. It’s private.”

“What’s SNS?”

“It’s an app where we can chat and make calls, even video calls, and we’re not charged.”

“That’s like the app I was talking about. Let’s exchange both apps with each other.”

Hae-in looks over at me from the driver’s seat. “You’re serious, right? You will not give me a fake number or anything like that.”

Chuckling, I shake my head. “You’re the hotshot movie star. If anyone gives the wrong information, it would be you.”

“No, not me. I’m serious about you.”

“Okay, we’ll see.”

Hae-in smiles widely and his dimples pop out. He can be dangerously handsome when he wants to be.

Silence looms in the car again. And because I don’t want things to get awkward, I reach for the radio. Hae-in’s hand touches mine when I pull back and his fingers intertwine with mine. He lifts our joined hands up between us and twists left than right.

“Look how good our skin looks next to each other.”

I don’t respond.

“Did I say something wrong?” he asks.

“No.”

I can’t look him in the face. My ears are hot from embarrassment. He lets go of my hand and I’m left with mine hanging in midair. The car comes to a stop and we both stare out the window. I see his side profile out of the corner of my eye and clear my throat.

“This is all kinds of awkward.”

“Hmm.” Is Hae-in’s only response.

“That’s all you have to say?” I pull in a deep breath and let it out before crossing my arms. Hae-in reaches for the radio and turns it on. Music floods the inside of the car. I don’t speak and neither does Hae-in. The uncomfortable moment passes with time, and I find my thoughts take a more somber path.

I think of my babies and wonder what we’d be doing if they were here. What their giggle would sound like if I tickled their feet. They’d be rolling over by now or at least attempting to now. Their hair would be curly and up in a baby bun. Zoe would have a cute headband, and both babies would wear something cute. I can see them clearly. Chubby cheeks, chunky legs, and belly. They’d be chunky and full of giggles. A vibrant flash of pink catches my eye and I all but bounce in my seat. My emotions are all over the place.

“What’s that over there?” I point out the window. It looks like fat pink snowflakes are falling from the sky.

“Cherry blossoms. It’s windy, there is a grove nearby and the petals float covering the cars and the road.”

“It’s beautiful,” I breathe out. “Can we pull over and get a picture?”

Hae-in changes lanes and pulls onto the shoulder. We aren’t the only ones who pulled over. Hae-in turns the car off and unbuckles his seat belt. Before I understand what he’s doing, he leans over to unlatch mine. He’s close. Close enough, I can feel the heat of his skin against my face. Time stalls and I’m frozen in place as he unclicks my buckle. The sound is distinct. When he moves to return to his side of the car, his cheek grazes mine. I suck in a deep breath, and I swear there is a slight sound of pain or maybe discomfort coming from Hae-in. He swallows and I watch as his Adam’s apple rolls down and then up before he clears his throat.

“I’ll get your door.” His voice is barely a whisper. I say nothing. His door opens and with it comes a fresh burst of air chilling my skin. I watch as he makes his way to my side of the car. The blossoms float around him as if drawn to him. I let go of the breath I’m holding when the door opens, and another wave of fresh air hits me. The sun is out, the sky is blue, and mixed in are bright pink petals floating in the wind. It’s a beautiful backdrop. I walk over to stand closer to the side rails and pull out my phone to get pictures. I even take a video. When I turn, I catch sight of Hae-in. He’s wearing ripped jeans and an oversized black poet shirt and black boots. The look fits him. His dark hair is messy, and he has both hands in his pockets. When he notices me, he smiles, dimples and all. I can see why the camera loves him. He has an alluring look that borderlines dark. His facial expression flirts with the possibility of interest. Why at me, I’m still unsure. Hae-in pulls his hands out of his pockets and steps closer. His voice deep and soothing as he reminds me. We need to get back on the road.

“I don’t want you to miss your plane.”

“You’re right,” I agree.

“Even if I don’t want you to go.” His tone is somber, and I can tell he’s serious. He really doesn’t want me to leave, and if I’m honest with myself, I don’t want to leave either.