The Love That Found Me

CHAPTER 02

A NEW START

“We were strangers, starting out on a journey

Never dreaming, what we'd have to go through…” −Richard Marx, Donna Lewis

AYA

I needed to get as far as I could. That was my only plan. So, there I was, waiting for my flight abroad, where no one could identify her. It was a scary thought for someone like me, sheltered and well-provided all my life. Heck, I never had a job and all I have now is my savings and investment money. This was a risk, I know, but I’d rather go through the great unknown than stay.

I withdrew some money in the ATM machine and exchanged it to the appropriate currency. Most people think having no money is the worst problem they could have. But the thing is, when money doesn’t seem fit as the solution, we become at the mercy of miracles.

Another hour had passed and I got myself busy with the free broadsheets inside the airport’s coffee shop. As I flipped through to the business section, I was agitated with its headlines.

Elizabeth De Vera Finally Engaged to Alejandro Gonzales

"The beautiful hotel and resort heiress finally announced her engagement to the young president and owner of the Yapeza Luxury Shopping Malls..."

Recalling the event that transpired this morning −with Vincent's sudden return, his senseless offer and all his hesitant emotions − it now made sense. He wanted me to stay because Elizabeth dumped him for another man! And I will be a good cover-up for his broken ego. Such a cruel man! A sardonic smile is all I could do as I shook my head in great disbelief.

The tables have turned to him. Too bad, I am already fed-up. Though I am far from being happy, I can’t say I feel sorry for him either.

Suddenly, a man’s voice snapped me out of my reverie. I turned my head and realized I had a seatmate, who was one seat apart from her. The man was on the phone and he seemed a bit impatient with whoever was on the other line. I averted my gaze and went back to my own business as it is rude to stare at strangers. I tried not to listen; however, the man’s voice was clear from where I was. I could hear his comical conversation. It’s either eavesdropping or read the article about Elizabeth, I chose the first one.

“Yes, mom, I got my vitamins with me… I’ll be fine, don’t worry, okay”

“Yes… yes… okay… No, don’t. It’s embarrassing, Mom!”

As inappropriate as it seemed, I found myself smiling.

He sighed. “Fine, I got to go now. Bye. Love you too.” Then, he hanged up.

“Sorry ‘bout that. You know how Moms are…” I turned to him and saw him looking back smiling.

“I… I was not listening.” I lied.

“Oh, I thought I saw you tittered.” he smiled knowingly. 

“No! It was about the article I am reading” I averted my stare and look down to the broadsheet I am holding, pretending to read.

Oh damn! I was never good at lying.

I forced myself to go on with the article. After a while, in my peripheral sight, I noticed the man kept glancing at me. I started feeling conscious and it was annoying. I hastily folded the broadsheet and turned to him for a confrontation, since I am already in a bad mood.

“Sir, it is rude to−” I was stunned with what I saw- My candid portrait! He’s got a big talent there, I must admit. He stopped smudging some coal on his sketchpad for… I don’t know what but in make-up it’s called contour.

Looking very apologetic, he smiled and said, “Sorry, I didn’t ask your permission on this. I was planning to give it to you anyway.”

I remained silent. Part of me wanted him to go on and another was telling me to make him stop. He is still a stranger and I should beware of him. 

“Your eyes are sad.” He said while staring back and forth to me and my portrait.

“Excuse me?”

“Didn’t sleep well for days and cried this morning too, huh?”

I gave no response though in my mind I was bewildered at this man’s ability to know stuff like this. I made sure to put on a good concealer before leaving the house. I averted my gaze and drank my cold bitter coffee.

“I have been sleepless for a week too. And when I think that everybody is asleep, I would cry. It was ironic to be sad when I am practically a step away from my long-time dream.” He went on with the talking while doing some more strokes on his sketchpad.

How absurd it is to be seated with someone filled with hope while I, on the other hand, lost every bits of it? I wanted to tell him that I had my long-time dream too but I suffered and cried for having it. With that thought, my eyes went misty again.

“Oh no, please don’t cry!” He was grimaced with worry. I took out my hanky and wiped my end lids.

“I am okay. Thanks.” I tried to smile.

Responding with a boyish smile he said, “You are the first woman who cried because of me… Please don’t tell my Mother about this.”

And that turned my forced smile into a genuine chuckle. It felt good to laugh again.

“There you go, at least there’s a little light in your eyes now.” He said, smiling and went back to sketching.

I nodded and patiently waited for him to finish. I just hoped he’d be done before my flight announces its arrival.

“I am Eugene, by the way.” He glanced to me from time to time and I found myself cooperating in this unexpected art session.

“Ad− Aya. It’s Aya.” I said.

“Aya, nice name.” He smiled, showing his dimple on one side of his cheek.  He looked close to my age, and a boy next door type. Vincent was like this when I first met him.

Vincent. That got me back to my reality which I have forgotten for a while. I turned melancholic again. This small chat with Eugene seemed to be a good distraction, a good break from my weariness.

“So, Eugene, where are you heading to?”

“Singapore.”

I was stunned. What a coincidence!