Liam's Journal
Entry#428
I came face to face with what could have been my future tonight, but as fate would have it, my purpose will yet again supersede any personal desires I might have entertained. I have traveled all over the world and witnessed beauty in ways a photograph could never fully capture, but tonight my eyes and my heart caught a glimpse of heaven on earth. In a few words… the woman of my dreams.
Tonight is to be our last night here in New York City and the guys wanted to make it a memorable one. I was definitely in no mood to celebrate, but since they came all this way for my bachelor party, I couldn't very well avoid participation and I'm glad I didn't.
After breakfast, we wandered through the already bustling streets, visiting a few shops and sampling foods from several small vendors set up along the way. My favorite part was when we reached Central Park. It is amazing to see how this one little piece of earth is tucked so carefully amidst the commercialized surroundings, as if refusing to succumb to the expectations of its vastly moving counterpart.
I chose to sit on a bench and enjoy this simple pleasure, while the guys wandered off in pursuit of yet another thrilling adventure. I don't blame them for wanting to have fun but having down time for me was a welcomed reprieve from the non-stop entertainment of the past few days. I just needed a moment of solitude… a moment to try and resolve this ongoing conflict raging inside. The fact that I must now choose a bride for the sake of the monarchy is unreasonable in my opinion but expected and with the social season upon us, that choice will have to be made sooner than anticipated.
As expected, when the guys found me in the same spot they left me earlier, they were all ready to find a bar and hopefully get something to eat. The one Drake chose was a quaint little tavern tucked between two towering structures and one might not even notice if it weren't for the flashing neon sign that read 'OPEN' hanging just outside the entrance. We walked in and it was relatively quiet except for faint shouting coming from the back. Nothing alarming of course, and we figured this was normal since most people we'd encountered here seemed to speak rather aggressively to each other. While waiting to be seated, I excused myself to freshen up and when I returned the guys were sitting in a booth and the waitress was taking their order.
I stood behind her waiting to take my seat and I was immediately lured by the tone of her voice. It was both strong and soothing and I could only imagine the face behind it. When she turned around, it was as though my worries and thoughts of earlier had simply vanished. What stood before me, was an answer to my prayers… a prayer that I would meet someone that captivated and intrigued me… someone to awaken my senses. I have to say, in that moment alone, I felt more alive than I'd ever felt before.
Each time she came to our table, I found myself more and more drawn to her subtle charm and I just had to know more about this intriguing, beguiling woman. It was almost as if my life depended on it. I was quite surprised when she accepted my offer to escort us to a club that the guys wanted to visit and even more so when she suggested a secret cove instead. While the guys were having fun in the water, Catherine and I sat by the fire Drake had started and simply talked to each other about everything under the sun, or moon, as it were. And for once, I could be an ordinary guy with hopes and dreams for the future like anyone else... not one who is burdened by his circumstances. I knew it was pointless to imagine having something more than this with her, but that didn't stop my longing.
The best part of the evening was when she took me to see the Statue of Liberty. The few times I've visited New York, that was the one thing I wanted to do more than anything else but never had the opportunity. I know I shouldn't have mentioned it, but I certainly wasn't expecting her to act on it either. For some reason, it seemed to please her that she was able to, so I happily gave in to her demands. No one has ever done something so special for me before and seeing it for the first time was an experience I will never forget but having her next to me at the same time… it was magical. I found myself wanting to touch her but knowing if I gave in, it would only make my departure even more difficult.
Catherine must have sensed my longing because in that very moment, she pulled me into a kiss that quite literally took my breath away. I was stunned by her boldness at first, but the timing was perfect… she is perfect for me in every way.
She's witty, caring and most of all, she only seems to care about me… not my title. Honestly, even after only a few hours of spending time together, I could see myself with her in the long term. There was just something about her… something bright, fresh and oddly comforting. But as it were, we come from two separate worlds which dictate our destinies and unfortunately, they do not converge. If only I could have chosen my own path. If only Leo hadn't abdicated. If only I had more time. If only…