Just as I start to apologize, I'm rendered speechless when I see who I bumped into... It's her.
Getting over my initial shock, I offer her my hand to help her up. When she grabs on, my eyes widen when I feel the crackles of electricity surge from every spot that our skin is joined. "I'm so sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going," I confess. Noticing our hands are still joined, I lose my train of thought. I start to look over her to make sure she isn't hurt all the while keeping her hand safely in mine.
"Are you okay?"
"I wasn't watching where I was going either. It seems we're both at fault," she laughs, smiling at me.
Completely lost in her eyes and her brilliant smile, I open and close my mouth like a fish out of water. After a few seconds, I shake off my stupor replying, "I'm Damon." For whatever reason, I don't want to let go of her hand. I shake it as in a greeting before I finally let go.
"I'm Elena, it's nice to meet you, Damon. Are you new here?"
"No, I.. um...," figuring I may as well be honest with her, "I'm doing my community service here. I was convicted of driving while intoxicated. I'm quite ashamed of myself but I'm beyond grateful that I didn't hurt anyone with my foolishness."
"Yes, you're very lucky. One mishap can be forgiven but don't do it again," she cautions, waving her index finger at me in a scolding manner.
Shaking my head, I laugh. "Um, are you allowed to leave here? I'd like to buy you a cup of coffee or a soda, Frappuccino maybe?" I ask, hoping she'll say yes.
"Can I have a rain check?" I have an appointment that I can't cancel if I want to get out of here.
"Tomorrow maybe? I'm not scheduled to be here but I could meet you at the Starbucks down the street. Would that work?"
"That would be perfect. I'll meet you at say two o'clock?"
"I'll see you then," I tell her then start to back away, not wanting to turn my back on her. Our eyes remain fixed on each other's till I reach the door. Then the spell is broken when someone pushes the door open from the outside. When I look up, all I see is her back as she walks away from me.
When I get up the next morning, I decide to go into my office today for a few hours. My dad's flight arrives this evening plus I have my coffee date with Elena this afternoon. 'Elena' is such a pretty name. It suits her. Once I gather my wits about me, I take a shower and get cleaned up for the day. I let my employees dress casually as I want them to be comfortable. I don't have many. We design and market the games to the bigger conglomerations. I enjoy the hands on part of the job rather than the marketing part of it. Stefan is really good at it so a big part of me hopes that he'll change his mind and want to stay. I do pay him a good salary.
Maybe I can get Caroline on my side. She likes that he can pretty much set his own hours. He's home with her on evenings and weekends. I want him to stay but a part of me doesn't want to prevent him from finding something he's as passionate about as I felt once upon a time. That is until it all came crashing down just over a year ago. It's been hell for me. I need to claw my way out of it but it's so hard and I feel so lost and so alone. Nights are the worst. At least during the daytime, I'm either here or at Happy Dale. The fact that I'm enjoying my time at the facility is quite shocking really. But I can't deny the sense of accomplishment I feel when I can help these people.
After getting dressed, I pour some coffee into my travel mug. I grab my house keys and make sure it's locked before taking off down the street to wait for the bus. I have to ride the bus until the sixty days that my driver's license was suspended is complete. Strolling along down the sidewalk, I arrive at the bus stop just as it's pulling up. Pulling my pass out of my wallet, I show it to him then climb aboard. It's approximately two to three miles to my business. I suppose I could walk or jog but I don't want to be all sweaty and disheveled when I get there. Of course there are bathrooms but there isn't a shower on site for me to use to clean up. As such, I'm content to ride the bus for now.
"Good morning, Damon?" I hear when I step into the building.
"Ric, what are you doing here? Did I somehow screw up my community service?"
"No, calm down. Nothing like that. I just wanted to check in with you after the hospital stay and all."
"Thanks for your concern but I'm fine," I tell him, looking away.
Moving to stand in front of me, he looks into my eyes, "You're not fine and you know it. You're not only the biggest pain in my ass, you're also my best friend. I don't want to lose you," he tells me, his face serious.
"My dad is coming this evening. He'll be staying with me," I reply, my voice trailing.
"I'm glad to hear that. Listen, I have to get to the office. Jenna said to tell you that she loves you and to take care of yourself."
"Tell her thanks and you know I love you guys too. It's just so hard, Ric," I confess, dropping my eyes.
"I know. I mean, I can't know what you're feeling inside because thank God, I've never had to experience such loss but I'm here, Damon. You do know you can talk to me or to Jenna, don't you?"
"Yeah, I know. you better go, I'm going to put some hours in on the drawing board. Stefan is driving us to the airport tonight to pick up dad." After giving me a shoulder squeeze, he leaves. I watch him as he walks out of the door. Now that he's gone, I walk into my drawing room, power up the computer and then start a new pot of coffee. I refill my cup before taking a seat and begin fine tuning the new prototype that I've been working on.
Getting lost in my work, I suddenly remember my appointment with Elena. Glancing at my watch, I see it's one fifteen so I quickly save my work before running into the bathroom to wash my face and hands. Just as I'm about to step out of the building, I run into Stefan.
"Where are you going?" he asks. I can tell by the look in his eyes that he's annoyed.
"I'm just going to get some coffee. I will be back a little later. I promise that I'm not going to drink any alcohol." After giving me a long once over, he steps back allowing me to pass.
"Don't forget that we need to pick dad up," he says, reminding me.
"I'll be back around four," I utter without turning around to look back at him.
Fortunately 'Happy Dale' and the coffee joint aren't all that far from my workplace. Knowing it's several blocks though, I pick up the pace walking fast. Feeling winded when I finally arrive since I kept a swift pace all the way here, I take a moment to catch my breath before walking inside. I look around hoping to spot her and it's then that our eyes meet. For whatever reason, it feels like everyone else just fades away as Elena and I stare into each others eyes till once again someone bumps into me.
Rolling my eyes because the place isn't that busy, I'm about to snap at the person until I hear crying. Looking down, I see that it was a little boy, crying because his drink is spilled all over the floor and on the tops of my shoes. I stoop down to his level to ask him where his mother is. When he points to her table, I look up to see that she's not paying any attention to him at all which infuriates me even farther.
"I.. I'm sorry," he blubbers, tears leaking from his eyes.
"It's okay kid. It was an accident. Come on, I'll buy you another one." Knowing he's scared, I smile as I nudge him ahead of me towards Elena.
"Hi," she says softly, her eyes on the little boy. I can't help but notice the wistful, far away look in her eyes as she stares at him. I glance at the boy for a moment and then back to Elena. Just as quickly as it came, that look in her eyes is gone.
"Hi Elena, I'm glad you're here."
"I told you I'd be here," she replies, raising her eyes from the little boy to me.
"I'm just going to get him another drink. What would you like?"
"I'd like the 'Very Berry Hibiscus Cooler'."
"That sounds good. What size?"
"The trenta please," she replies, her eyes still fixed on the little guy beside me.
"I'm going to get him a new drink and then take him back to his mom's table. I'll be back shortly." With my hand pressing against the little boys back, the two us walk over to take our place in line. Fortunately the crowd is sparse today so I don't have to wait long to place my order with the barista.
Once she puts our drinks on the counter, I hand one to the little boy. "We'll take these to my lady friend over there and then I'll walk you to your mom, okay?"
He looks at me and nods with just a hint of a smile. I smile back at him when I hear the slurping sound of him sucking on the straw. Taking the other two drinks, I set them down on the table with Elena.
"I'm just going to walk him over to his mom so he doesn't spill again," I explain. After nodding at me, she picks up her drink, sticking the straw in her mouth. I can't help but stare at her till I feel a tug on my tee shirt.
"My momma is over there," he tells me, pointing to her once again.
"Okay little man, let's go." Keeping his drink clutched tightly in his little hands, I nudge him forward. When we get to her table, she doesn't even look up till I clear my throat.
She looks at me with a disgruntled look on her face. "Did you want something?"
"Yes, I have your little boy here. He spilled his drink so I bought him another one. Perhaps you should keep a closer eye on him? Did you even notice that he hadn't come back?" Although it's not my place to chastise the kid's mother, I can't help myself.
"It's really none of your business," she sneers at me.
"I made it my business when he spilled his drink on my shoes. You should pay more attention to your child. There are some not so very nice people in the world," I scold. When she rolls her eyes at me, I almost lose it but somehow manage to keep my temper in check. I shake my head and walk back over to Elena and sit down across from her.
"Stupid woman," I mumble, shaking my head.
"From what I could see, she didn't seem too concerned about the little boy. Some people just shouldn't be parents," she says, frowning.
"Are you okay, I didn't hurt you when I knocked you down?"
"I'm fine, Damon. This wasn't necessary but thank you. I don't get out much so it's a treat for me."
"Do you live at Happy Dale?" I ask, curious to learn more about her.
"I do. But I'm going to be released next month. I need to find a place to stay and get a job so I can fend for myself."
"Please tell me if I'm overstepping my bounds but do you have any family to help you out?"
"Not here. I don't want to go back to them. They put me in Happy Dale because they were ashamed of me," she reveals, a look of sadness filling her eyes for a moment. With a sad smile, she looks into my eyes again.
"I don't want to talk about them anymore. What about you, your life?" she asks.
"Well, I'm a game designer. After I flesh out an idea, I make a prototype so I can present it to companies that make the gaming systems. Mentally, it's hard work but I like the challenge. Right now my brother is working with me but he wants to spread his wings so to speak. I design the games and he meets with the buyers. I'm just not good at that sort of thing. But if he does leave, I'll have to find a replacement for him," I shudder internally at the thought.
"That's really interesting work. I've put in some applications but when they see that I've been in a mental health facility they turn me down. I really hope someone or some business will give me a chance," she says, gripping her drink cup tightly. She lowers her head to take another drink. I can't stop staring at her. I don't know what it is but there's something about this girl that draws me right to her.
"If Stefan does decide to leave, I'll be in need of someone. You seem to have pretty good people skills from what I know of you," I mention, taking a swallow of my own drink.
"You would do that for me?" she asks, her face lighting up.
"Yes."
"You'll let me know when you know, won't you?"
"I will, Elena," I tell her placing my hand over hers and when I do I feel vibrations humming along the palm of my hand. I stare at our hands for a long time, letting go only when I hear her say my name softly.
"Um, I'm sorry about that. I guess my mind was elsewhere for a little bit," I tell her honestly.
"No worries." We spend the next hour chatting about trivial things. I feel so at ease with this woman, my heart doesn't feel so heavy when I'm with her. I happen to notice what time it is when I pick up my glass to take a swallow. I almost spit it out when I see it's nearly four o'clock. I was supposed to be back by then.
"My gosh, Elena, I have to go. My dad is flying in and I need to go to the airport with my brother. Can we do this again sometime?"
Smiling widely, she nods, "I'd like that."
"Do you need a ride home? I'll have to take a cab, we can drop you off," I ask, concerned that she'll get back safely.
"It's only a few blocks. I'll walk but thanks anyway."
"You're welcome. I don't want to go but I have to. I'll be at the center tomorrow. Will I see you?"
"I don't know," she replies, shrugging her shoulders before continuing. "I hope so though."
"I hope so too but I really have to go." Standing up, I sigh and walk towards the exit, my hand on Elena's lower back. When I put my hand on the door handle, she steps to my side. I look at her, sad to see that her eyes are downcast but she doesn't notice. Swallowing thickly, I look at her one extra moment before walking out of the door. After I jump into the cab, it dawns on me that I all but offered her a job that I have no idea if she's qualified for. For whatever reason, this girl completely mesmerizes me. I'm certain Stefan would stick around long enough to train her plus he'd tell me in no uncertain terms if he felt she wasn't up to the job. Perhaps I could find something else for her if need be?
"It's so good to see you, Damon," dad tells me, pulling me into his arms before pressing a soft kiss to my hair like he used to do when I was a little boy. Truth be told, I miss having my dad around. Now that mom is gone, maybe between the two of us, Stefan and I can convince him to move here. My house is plenty big enough for him plus Stefan and Caroline live just a couple of blocks away.
"I'm glad you're here, dad," I add as soon as he lets me go.
"Stefan, Caroline," he says, greeting them with a hug as well.
"It's good to see you, too, Owen," Caroline says, smiling at him when he bends over to kiss her cheek. After we're done exchanging pleasantries, we walk over to the luggage claim area to find out which one is attached to dad's flight. Once we collect his luggage, we head out to the parking garage to go home. The airport is about an hour's drive from my house. When Stefan finally pulls up in front, I jump out so I can get dad's suitcase out of the back end. I invite Stefan and Caroline to come in to get something to eat. I can throw some omelets or something else together but Caroline is tired so they decline and go home.
Once I carry his bags in the house and upstairs into his room, I give him some privacy to change into something more comfortable. I go into my own bedroom to do the same. Feeling hungry myself, I go down to the kitchen to see if anything I have in the refrigerator looks good. I happen to notice some cold cuts and cheese so I take it out of the fridge to make some sandwiches. I'm tired and I don't feel like making anything elaborate tonight.
"I hope subs are okay. I think I need to go to the grocery store." After putting the lettuce, tomato and some salad dressing on the bread, I slice up the hoagie so we can share it.
"That's just fine, Damon. Can I help you?"
"No, I'm done. Have a seat." Knowing that he's about to get into things with me, I suck in a breath while handing him a plate and silverware. I set the sandwich on the table then go back to the refrigerator to grab some condiments. I happen to have a tub of coleslaw too. After looking to see that it isn't outdated, I grab a spoon, shove in it the container and set it on the table before taking a seat myself. I open my mouth to take a bite but stop chewing when I raise my eyes to see my dad staring at me. Grabbing my water, I swallow it down quickly after I finish chewing my mouthful. Once I swallow it down, I notice the sad yet knowing smile on his face.
"Dad?"
Reaching over he lays his hand atop mine. "How are you really, Damon? I mean, right now you seem 'normal' but I know you, son. You're very good at masking your pain but I can see it. I just wish I knew how to help you," he says, squeezing my hand then letting it go to take a bite of his own sandwich.
"I wish you could too, dad. I just feel so lost and alone most of the time. This big empty house is like a mausoleum. I miss the energy and the joy that used to fill these rooms."
"Is there anything that makes you happy right now? What can I do to help you, Damon?" he asks again, his eyes sorrowful.
"In all honesty, the time I spend fulfilling my community service requirement is oddly pleasing to me. It feels good to help those people but once I put in all my hours, that will go away," I lament.
"Surely you can volunteer?"
"I never thought about that actually. I'll give it some thought." After finishing off the last bite of my sandwich, I clear off the table and wash the dishes while dad wipes. We spend the next hour talking and watching a little TV. When I see him trying to hide a yawn, I get up and turn off the TV.
"Come on, let's go to bed. I'm pretty tired myself," I tell him as the two of us walk up the stairs to our rooms. After pulling him into a hug, I tell him goodnight, watching while he pushes the door closed. I then go to my bedroom, collapsing on the side of the bed. My eyes focus on the picture that is sitting on top of my bedside stand. Reaching over, I press it against my chest. Unable to stop the tears that start to leak from the corners of my eyes, I lay back onto my bed, curl up as tightly as I can, all the while clutching it to me. My heart aches as if someone stuck their hand in and pulled it out through my chest wall. I'm so lost in sorrow, I don't hear my door open nor the footsteps that make their way over to me. It's only when I feel his strong arms encircle me that I realize that my dad is here, trying to make it better like he used to do so often when I was a child. Emitting a deep shuddering breath, I reach up and clasp his hand. Feeling safe in his arms, I finally let my eyes close as I fall asleep in his embrace.
Surprise extra update this week. Thank you so much Eva. You know I love you and appreciate you wisdom and guidance so much.
Thank you, all of you for your reviews, favorites and follows but an extra shout out to those of you who do take that extra couple of moments to write a review.
Title: 'What Becomes of the Broken Hearted' by Jimmy Ruffin
I posted a one-shot, 'Love Story' on Friday. I hope some of you will give a read and review. Especially those who like to cry...
'The Unforgiven' was updated Friday as well. 'Rainy Days and Mondays' updated yesterday. I did post the final chapter of 'What If I Was Nothing' last Thursday. I hope you'll give these stories a review. They really are the life's blood for a writer.
Stay safe and have a lovely Sunday and a wonderful week ahead. Until next time...