Gavin Knight: From Rags to Richest

Sync

Gavin gave his word to Ali, so she can get that review she is hankering for. She went to her counter and went through some bags in there. She came back and brought a bag with her.

“Here is your advanced payment.” Ali handed it to Gavin.

Her gesture surprised Gavin, but when he opened the bag; he found a new smart phone. It is not at the same specifications or as top of the line as his lost phone, but this one would be more than enough for simple tasks. He felt his spirits lifted, knowing there are people that are continuously looking out for him. He may not be able to repay their kindness right now, but in time Gavin surely will.

“Oh, I will pay for this, Ali.” He said when he accepted the phone.  

“Well, get that review and we are even.” Ali cleared it to Gavin that she was still for the review of the mysterious regular customer.

Gavin went to his studio apartment to set up the phone. He excitedly logged in the cloud to see how Aya was doing. Aya loves taking photos of random things and usually her mood would be very clear with her photos. You cannot see her genuine feelings in her social media posts, but in her unpublished photos.

“Syncing, please wait.”

Gavin continuously tapped his fingers on the table while waiting. He groaned, feeling like the wait was taking forever.

“Ding.” The phone alerted and when Gavin saw the words “Syncing complete,” He hurriedly browsed their shared folder.

“This is strange; it’s been more than a month already, and she did not take a single photo.” Gavin rubbed his temples, trying to make sense of what might had happened to Aya. He browsed their photos together and saw so many stolen shots of him from Aya’s phone. He downloaded their photos together and his favorite photo of her used it as his wallpaper.

He is debating with himself if he should go contact Aya. He is desperate to know how she’s doing but at the same time he can’t present himself as is; specially knowing what Aya has been through because of him. He downloaded a messaging app, nonetheless.

“How do I contact her without being too obvious?” He dropped his body on the bed and stared at the ceiling.

He rolled on his abdomen and took a deep breath before he opened the messaging app.

***

Aya’s store was closed since the incident. She temporarily moved to the old villa up in the mountains. She wants peace and quiet and the truth is… She feels closer to Gavin in this place. Aya spent most of her days lounging on the veranda hoping to get in contact with Gavin she is going crazy trying to figure out if he is doing fine.

Although she was told by Don that Gavin is safe somewhere in Victoria, a single message from him might have been better. She longs for him like no one can imagine, and since they parted, the overwhelming of emptiness had crept inside her.

“I miss you so much, baby…” Aya whispered and heaved a sigh. Thinking of Gavin is like a part of her being. It is as natural as breathing. 

“ding,”

Her phone had a notification. It is unusual for her because it came from an unknown number. No one knows her personal number except for really close people.

“Hi. Are you Sofia White? I guy walked up to me with this piece of paper. I thought I should send this to you,” Aya received a photo together with the message. It was a handwritten message.

‘Baby, I am safe for now. I hope you are too. Please take care of yourself. I will do my best and work hard until I am capable of you. I love you so much, baby. Always remember that you are the only woman for me.’ Then her name and number were written on it.

Aya’s hand trembled. She can’t believe that Gavin finally tried to reach out to her. She hastily replied to the message she received.

“Hi, yes, I am Sofia. Is he there with you now?” She sent the message with high hopes.

“I’m sorry Sofia, no. It looks like he just randomly passed by here. I'm sure he does not live around here as well. By the way, my name is Ava.”

Aya felt like her high spirits left her again. But then again, this is a welcome improvement than nothing at all. “Thanks, Ava. How does he look?” Aya was curious about how Gavin was recovering, considering his state when she saw him last.

“Wait, is he your boyfriend? If he is, I’m sorry to say this, but he is hot as fu*k” Ava replied. It made Aya chuckle, she breathe a sigh of relief as she was sure that Gavin was okay.

“He is… actually he is my fiancé. If ever he passes by your place again, can you show him my message?” Aya sent her heartfelt message for Gavin.

‘Baby, I am so glad you are okay. Please come back to me when you are ready. I will wait for you. I love you so much. Always take care of yourself.’

“No problem. I will show this one to him.” Ava replied to Aya. “I am deeply moved. Honestly, I've never seen people so in love like you two. Are you okay?” She asked Aya.

“Yeah, I guess I am fine. I mean. Thank you for making this possible for us. I owe you a lot.” Aya responded, truthfully feeling grateful that the person Gavin passed that note actually sent her the message. Come to think of it, why would people get hassled by random people like that? 

"You owe me nothing. Anyone would do what I did. Well, just want you to know that you can talk to me whenever you want. I am ready to listen. No worries; no judgement here." Ava responded to Aya.

Aya placed her phone over her chest, thinking carefully if this new person was worth the trust. 

***

Gavin quickly browsed the saved photo on their shared folder and deleted the photo he just took after sending it to Aya. He did not want a trace of his work. 

"Everyone can say that I am pathetic for doing this, but a desperate man in love will do a desperate measure." He thought while he kept his fingers crossed excruciatingly wait for Aya's reply.