Chapter 44
"I know girls like shopping when they're upset, but I seriously don't see how retail therapy works," puffed Alex, as I dragged him into, yet another store. "Think about it, you go and buy things out of impulse, max out your credit card and then end up returning half the items, you originally bought anyway, but you get charged all that interest! It's just not viable!"
"Well… I'd agree with you, but all we have in our hands are fruit smoothies," I replied wryly, before taking a look around the colourful spotted room.
"But, yeah… that's because Sir Alex is here," replied Alex, striking up a pose.
"Mhmmm…" I murmured, grabbing a box of Kinder Surprise, Ferrero Rocher, Raffaello, Guylian and Lindt. "Do you want anything?"
"You're not going to eat all that are you?" asked Alex surprised, coming back down to Earth.
"I did think of sharing actually, but have you ever seen anyone share chocolate? I don't think so," I replied, walking towards the counter. "I know everyone's a Hersheys or Godivas fan, but not eating chocolate from European countries? That's absolute scandal!"
"Scandal, for supporting your country's economy?" asked Alex, dryly. "Hang those patriots! Hang the good lot of them, I say…"
Turning around, I glared at him, "That's not what I meant; and you know it."
"Of course not, darling" replied Alex softly, caressing my hair. "I was just trying to humour you."
"Darling? Bite me Alex! Go on just bite me!" I remarked, but it came out all muffled, as Alex pulled me into a hug.
"Aww… that's not something you see each they anymore is it? Young couples these day, embroiled in custody battles, scandals, divorce; and what not? It's not everyday you see such a devoted, happy couple," beamed a kind elderly lady behind the counter.
"Oh, we're not…" I began to reply before getting cut off by Alex. "Use to being told that, it feels a bit weird, but nice" charmed Alex, flashing the lady, a smile.
"Why not? You should be told that more often!" exclaimed the lady, as she put my purchases through. "So, how long have you been married?"
"We're not…" I tried again, but was again intercepted by Alex.
"Married yet, I'm afraid; but we will be in a couple of months. She wanted a spring wedding; and well… we must always give the woman, what she wants" replied Alex, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.
"Oh! Well Congratulations! You two look the part already!" beamed the elderly lady. "You must be excited, it reminds me of the time before my Arthur and I was to wed."
"Oh, how long have you and Arthur been married?" asked Alex, conversationally.
"Forty two years, this May. It was a lovely summer day… so I can see where the missus is coming from. So, that comes to forty two dollars and sixty five cents," said the lady as she placed the chocolate boxes in a plastic bag.
"Sure," I smiled, reaching into my bag.
Alex placed his hand on my arm, impeding my search for my wallet; and smiled conspiratorially to the lady, giving her a $50 note "Here, keep the change. Can't let the woman go paying for it; what kind of fiancé would I be?"
"Are you sure?" asked the elderly lady anxiously. "I can give you the change, no problem."
"Of course," replied Alex, taking the bag off the counter. "I'm afraid we're due at the airport, so we can't stay to chat. Have a wonderful New Year's."
"Yes, have a wonderful New Year's" I piped up, smiling at the lady.
"You too my dears," replied the lady, before looking at me directly, "He's a keeper!"
Laughing, Alex replied, "I sure am!"
"You just blew up his ego," I replied mock woefully. "Have a good night!"
"Bye bye!" waved the lady, as we walked out the store.
"Airport?" I asked inquisitorially.
"Yes, airport…" replied Alex sheepishly. "I just got a call, saying they recovered my luggage; and to come pick it up."
"I hope you demanded compensation," I replied, shaking my head.
"Naturally, I got to double my frequent flyer points and got a full refund, plus my next five flights will be upgraded automatically to first class, but of course, if I was to bring someone along, it'd be two and a half? What could be better?" answered Alex, hailing down a cab.
"And the happy to-be-married couple?" I asked, getting into the cab.
"La Guardia Airport, please" said Alex to the driver, before turning to me. "A guy can dream, no?"
"A guy can dream? That's the best you can come up with?" I asked amused at his lousy response.
"Well… what would you have me say Evans?" asked Alex frustrated.
"That you're a cad that took advantage of a poor old trusting lady." I replied smilingly.
"If that is what you wish, I'm a cad who took advantage of a poor old trusting lady. But darling, I did it for you, to see your gorgeous blue eyes light up with suppressed rage…" trailed Alex.
"You think I'm gorgeous, you want to kiss me... You want to hug me... You want to love me... You want to hug me... You want to smooch me... You want to..." I laughed, at his scrunched up faced.
"I actually remember watching that with you…" smiled Alex. "It's weird, we're out of college, we're pursuing our careers, but it feels like nothing has changed."
"Next thing you know, we'll be married with kids" I joked. "Why the sombre mood?"
"Because one wonders, what will happen tomorrow, what if we were to die? Would we have any regrets? Would we have made a huge impact on someone's life, be that important to one person, to be missed?" asked Alex seriously.
"If you think like that; and going to live your life like that, you'll be living ten years less than the rest of us. Statistics show that pessimists die 10 years earlier than optimists," I replied.
"That's not the point, Evans" replied Alex bothered, "Think about it? What do you have to show for what you've been doing these past years? A nice pretty degree? A blossoming bank balance? They're not going to hug you and be glad that you're finally home."
"You haven't been talking to my mother again, have you?" I asked, as I struggled to repress my giggles. "Because, she'll tell you the reason why you don't feel fulfilled, is because you don't have anyone to come home too. You don't have anyone who depends on and needs you."
"That's exactly it Evans! I want to settle down, I want to have a family," exclaimed Alex. "I want to be the centre of someone's world."
"Get a pet?" I asked, amused. "I'm sure if you get a dog, you'll be the centre of its world."
"Not funny, Evans" replied Alex, "You just don't get it."
"You're right, I'm afraid I don't. But we have another thirty minutes, because we're morons and decided to travel in peak. Care to explain?" I asked, repenting.
"I… I… How do you explain it to someone who doesn't know? I… I… I'm in love with someone, but she doesn't even know I exist," began Alex slowly. "I see her in my dreams, in my future, I see an alter with her standing by my side, I want to spend the rest of my life with her, but… she doesn't know. She DOESN"T KNOW!"
"Is that all?" I asked bemused. "It's not that I didn't enjoy the theatrics of it all, but why don't you just tell her; and then she would know; and then I'd get my non-moping friend back!"
"But I can't, it's complicated" replied Alex sombrely, "And she can never know. It would destroy her, and I could never let that happen."
"She's with somebody else?" I asked slightly worried, about my enthralled friend.
"She just doesn't see me the way, I see her…" replied Alex, looking out the window.
"Well… move on? "La Belle Dame sans Merci, Hath thee in thrall!" I cried vehemently, trying to gauge a reaction from Alex.
"Ah… she has indeed. I can't move on, because she is perfect in everyway and there's nothing I would change…" replied Alex softly.
"Why don't you try serenading her?" I teased.
"Mhmm… is that how you agreed to be someone's date?" asked Alex after awhile.
"Someone's date, would be?" I asked perplexed.
"I believe your words were I 'had no one else to go with and it was quite convenient. Besides, his not that bad'" mimicked Alex.
"Jealous?" I asked.
"Very… And the identity of this male?" asked Alex, as the cab began to slow down.
"Shall be revealed when you identify the love of your life," I teased, as I paid the cab driver and pulled him out of the cab.
"Hey!" exclaimed Alex. "I was going to pay that!"
"Like, I'd let you pay for me, all the time" I replied indignantly, shaking my head before walking off towards the customer service desk, that had a line, consisting of twenty already.
"Evans! Wait Up!" cried Alex, as he followed me and joined the queue.
"How long do you think it is, until we get any service?" I asked.
"Hmmm… twenty minutes? Besides I'll have fun, trying to concoct a way to make them nervous," grinned Alex sadistically.
"I betcha it'll be thirty three minutes," I replied, shaking my head at his sadism.
"Alright, you're on! If I win, you have to sleep with me, but if you lose…" smirked Alex.
"How stupid do you think I am?" I asked, smiling.
"Well… I shan't dare to justify that with a response," grinned Alex, "Alright, if I win, I get to choose what television shows we watch, and if you win…"
"You'll be my date to Kirsten's party," I responded, looking him squarely in the eyes.
"You're date? You mean… You're not going with anyone?" asked Alex, confused. "I could have sworn you said you were…"
"Ah, the skill of bluffing must be perfected for one to become a lawyer, no?" I asked, grinning. "And you better not say I had no one to go with originally…"
"Well… you have a deal, Gardiner!" exclaimed Alex, grabbing my hand and shaking it profusely.
"Oh, you're on!" I grinned as I began to stare at the clock.
"You know, it's been one minute, and my times the closest?" teased Alex. "Hello, television…"
"We moved an inch. Congratulations, Reinhart!" I exclaimed, returning to look at the clock.
25 minutes later
"BUZZ!!!" sounded a bell and the sign 'Next, please' flashed up.
"And, we have service!" exclaimed Alex excitedly. "That means it took twenty six minutes, fifty one seconds, which means my time of twenty minutes is closer than your estimate of thirty three, making me the sole winner! Oh yeah! You just got owned Evans!"
"Well… hurry up and get the service, so we can get back home" I sulked, as we went to the counter desk.
"Hi, how may I help you today?" asked the cheerful girl, but then her face must have recognised Alex's as she visibly paled. "Sir?" she squeaked.
"Yes," replied Alex stoically. "Ms Julie, concierge lady, May I present my attorney, Eleanor Gardiner of Andersons? My attorney, this is the lady who served me this morning, Ms Julie."
"Pleased to meet you," I smiled, pitying the girl's petrified face.
"Y-y-y-yes, p-p-please t-t-to m-meet you…" stuttered the girl. "M-m-mr R-r-rein-hart, your l-l-luggage is h-h-here b-b-behind the c-c-counter. Your, d-d-doc-cu-ments are h-h-here. I'll go get it!"
As the girl moved away, I gave Alex, a look-what-you've-done look, trying to make him feel guilty; but all he did was give me a nonchalant shrug and an I-did-nothing look. I rolled my eyes; and spun back to the counter. The girl came out, willing a trolley laden with five big suit cases, a carry-on and a pile of papers laden on top. "Here you are sir," piped the girl more confidently, "If you could please sign here?"
"Certainly," replied Alex retaining the stiff, stoic character.
"Thank you. Have a lovely day, sir" replied the girl, shakily walking back to the counter.
"Why so many suitcases?" I asked surprised.
"Well… I'm moving back to New York, so I kind of need all this stuff…" replied Alex. "Do you think I can store all these at your place?"
"Can't see why not?" I replied, "So, you're telling me, you arrived here with nothing?"
"Well… yeah, I had my carry-on though. So I just changed into something comfortable and gave them my carry-on to take care of" replied Alex nonchalantly, as he began to place the papers in his carry-on.
"What if you hadn't run into me, where would you have stayed?" I asked confused.
"At a hotel," replied Alex, clearly amused. "C'mon Evans, don't you want to get home?"
"I don't think that's going to all fit in one cab," I replied, eying the suitcases.
"Good thing, I have you then!" exclaimed Alex, "We'll divide the stack in half; and we'll have a race to see who gets there first!"
"And the winner?" I asked, agreeing to the plan.
"Gets to have 'me' as a date!" exclaimed Alex. "C'mon lets go find a cab."
Rolling my eyes, I followed behind Alex, before catching up with him. He was pushing a bundle of suitcases after all. When we walked out of the main entrance, it was COLD! The wind had picked up and it was snowing lightly. I couldn't help but shiver involuntary, but we quickly managed to find two cabs, side by side; and I got into the cab with a carry-on and two large suitcases, while Alex got into the other with three large suitcases. After biding good bye, my cab drove away first; and I soon lost sight of Alex's cab and was left to my own thoughts.
It had only been several hours ago, since Will apologised, but I still have no idea what to think. I couldn't talk to anyone about it, because it was only one date; and I didn't want a big deal to be made about it. Being around everyone, I had to hide it, I had to be a performer, a person putting on a show. Besides, having Alex keep me company, held me together, as I knew Alex would have went after Will, if I had let anything slip. Smiling slightly, I looked out the window. The snow had let up, but the ground was still very slippery. I couldn't tell you how much, but by the look of intense concentration on the driver's face, it must have been slippery.
"I'm sorry…"
That's all he said. Why would he say it? What did he mean? Was he sorry about what happened with Wickham or was it because of us breaking up? Well… it couldn't be the latter because he had Claire, right? And there's no way he would just hurt her, to get back with me… Claire doesn't deserve that; and there's been something between them before… But, he said he loved me… Was it all a lie? Why just two words, though? I don't understand…
"Don't say you love me, you don't even know me…" chimed my mobile, breaking me out of my daze, "If you really want me, then give me some time…"
Composing myself, I answered the phone. "Hello, this is Eleanor Gardiner speaking."
"Elle, is that you?" asked a warm, deep voice, that I knew well.
My composure fell. "W-will?" I asked shakily, hating myself for showing weakness.
"I… is to say… just that…" began Will agitatedly. "I… I… That is to say… I believe you."
Those words stung, and eroded the cement holding my broken heart together. "Why?" I asked, my eyes filling up with tears.
"Because… because I know now," replied Will uncomfortably.
"What do you want from me Will?" I asked, unable to keep the haunted tone out of my voice.
"I want you," replied Will softly. "I want you back."
"And Claire?" I asked, trembling, not caring about the tears racing down my cheeks.
"She doesn't matter. I want to be with you," replied Will softly. "I don't care anymore; I know it's my fault. I'll do everything to make it up to you. I swear, I just need to know that you still love me; and there's still a chance. Please, just tell me. Please."
My heart was beating faster. I felt lighter than before. "I… I don't believe in second chaces, Will" I replied calmly, as more tears fell.
"You don't believe in second chances?" asked Will. "But, that means you still love me."
"I never did," I replied stoically, just wishing that this phone call was over. My vision had become pixelated.
"But… you kissed me! And I knew you meant it! You meant it!" replied Will desperately. "You said you… Elle, please. I know you're mad, I understand. I would be too. I was a cad. But, please. Give us another shot. Please, Elle. Don't end it like this. I love you."
"I'm sorry," I murmured, hanging up on him.
Putting my phone back into my bag, I rest my head on the window, seeing the now, familiar streets. It was not very long until we reached my building. Furiously drying my tears and wiping the tear stains on my face, I had a look in the mirror of my hairbrush, seeing my eyes redder and puffier than normal, but otherwise unscathed. Deeming myself ready, I got out of the cab, helping the cabbie unload the luggage.
"Thank you," I smiled as the last suitcase was emptied and brought up to the steps, where Ben was.
"No problem, miss. I hope you and your friend can work it out," replied the cab driver, getting back in his cab.
Following him, I give him a 20 dollar, 10 dollar and 5 dollar note, telling him to keep the change, before walking back up the stairs, towards Ben.
"Where'd all the suitcases come from?" smiled Ben; before catching a look at my forlorn face. "What happened?" he asked concerned.
"My eyes got into a fight with some snow; and then my hands tried to ally themselves with the eyes but treason occurred; and the snow became the victors," I lied, smiling a fake smile.
"Oh, well okay," replied Ben, looking slightly amused. "Do you want me to bring these up to your room for you? Or will you be alright?"
"I'm actually waiting for a friend, who'll be bringing more suitcases, so if you can bring this up, it would be great!" I replied, smiling a genuine smile.
"No problem," exclaimed Ben, before he actually tried lifting them. "Can I leave you with the carry-on?"
"Sure, thanks Ben" I responded.
"Don't worry about it," grinned Ben, limping away with the two suitcases.
I remained outside for probably another twenty minutes, the cold air chilling me to the very bone. Where Alex was, I had no idea, but I was definitely going to kill him, after I murdered William Darcy. Oh! That name! How I hate it. Tears began to appear on the corners of my eyes, but I suppressed them, when I caught sight of a yellow cab pulling up. Watching slowly, I saw Alex pay the cab driver and lug three suitcases up the steps.
"Evans! Are you alright?" he exclaimed when he took in my state. "What happened?"
"The cold and the unreasonable long wait." I replied accusatively, putting him on the defensive.
"Oh, well I just went to order us a pizza for dinner, but I didn't mean for you to wait for me out here" exclaimed Alex, putting the suitcases down; placing a hand on my forehead. "You're freezing cold! That's it, get in!"
"Pass one of those suitcases; and I will" I reasoned, picking up the carry-on.
"Alright," Alex reluctantly acquiesced. "Now, get in!
We got into the lift; and got off at my floor, when we ran into Ben.
"Is this your friend?" asked Ben, threateningly.
"Ben, Alex. Alex, Ben." I introduced cheerfully. "Ben, helped me to bring your suitcases up."
"Oh, well thank you very much, Ben" replied Alex, "And indeed, I am Evans's friend"
"Right…" replied Ben cautiously. "If you need anything, just give me a ring, alright Elle?"
"Sure thing, Ben. Thanks again!" I replied as Ben began to walk away.
"No problem," said Ben before getting on the lift.
"I don't think he likes me," replied Alex. "So, which one is the lovely apartment?"
"Ha ha," I laughed sarcastically. "I'll make you sleep outside if you're going to be like that."
"You wouldn't!" gasped Alex in mock horror.
"Yeah, you're right," I grinned, opening the door. "Come on in!"
"We have a guest room, but I don't think it'll fit all your suitcases. Two will have to come in my room" I spoke up, while Alex was admiring the apartment.
"Can I stay with you, please?" asked Alex. "I'll even pay rent!"
Rolling my eyes, I dragged the carry-on and suitcase into the guest room. "And this shall be your room," I spoke up in a hostess voice.
"Cool!" exclaimed Alex. "It has a bed!"
"Most guestrooms have a bed," I replied dryly.
"Yeah, but I was thinking I would be sleeping on the couch," replied Alex awestruck.
"That can be arranged," I replied. "I'll go get the other suitcases and put them in my room; and then I'm going to shower. Choose which ever shower you want. We've got three."
"Alright," replied Alex, as he began to open up his carry-on.
Walking out, I dragged the suitcases into my room and then undressed, hopping into the shower connected with my room. I probably stayed until the hot, steaming water for about fifteen minutes, cleaning myself of today's problems, before getting out. Putting on a pair of fleecy pyjamas, I got my hairdryer to dry my hair, but was almost finished, when the doorbell rang. Opening the door, I came face to face with the pizza guy. Running to get my wallet, I returned paying the pizza guy and carried the pizza into the living room, letting in the pizza aroma to permeate through the apartment.
Fixing the ducted air conditioner, so that the room temperature would become 78ºF, I walked towards Jen and mine's DVD collection looking for a movie. Picking a movie, the Da Vinci Code, I put it in the DVD player; and moved to get the drinks. Coming back with some bottles of iced tea, creaming soda, lemonade and sarsaparilla, I was greeted by the sight of Alex in a long sleeve sweat shirt and flannel pants, reclining on my couch.
"Ah, finally!" he exclaimed, catching sight of me "Food time!"
Dimming the lights, I walked over to my couch, placing the drinks on the coffee table. "Is the Da Vinci Code ok?" I asked.
"It's (munch, munch) alright (munch, munch)" replied Alex, stuffing a pizza piece down.
Sighing, I sank down and we ate and watched the movie in a comfortable silence. After the movie was over, I went and got the bag full of chocolates out and opened each one of them. "Chocolate time!" I declared happily.
"We're not eating all that, are we?" asked Alex apprehensively.
"Of course not, but I want you to see what you're missing not eating any!" I deadpanned.
So, we went and had a few from each box, but to my dismay, Alex didn't favour the Lindt or the Ferrero Rocher, but was most happy with the Kinder Surprise. I watched helplessly as he opened up the little, round, plastic containers, spilling out the contents; eagerly building the toys. Rolling my eyes, the last thing I remember is Alex, trying to fit his kangaroo into a car, before I succumbed to sleep.
10 minutes later,
I blearily opened my eyes, as I felt myself being lifted upwards. "Alex?" I asked incoherently.
"Shhh…" he replied. "I'm taking you to your bed."
"Ok," I murmured closing my eyes.
I felt myself being placed down on something soft. "Alex?" I asked sleepily.
"What is it?" asked Alex affectionately.
"Stay with me!" I murmured rolling over, to give him some room.
"I… uh…" stuttered Alex.
"Sleep with me," I mumbled, opening my eyes.
"Ok, ok…" replied Alex uncomfortably, as he got in under the covers with me. "Now close your eyes and go to sleep."
"Ok, good night," I replied, rolling over to my side.
"Good night!" replied Alex, with finality in his tone.
Five minutes later, after Elle had fallen asleep, Alex was still up, wondering whether he should leave and how to best execute that. Elle suddenly rolled over, trapping Alex, from possibly going out, as though she had read his mind. Glancing down at the figure wrapped around him, Alex emitted a sigh, "Evans, if only you knew. I see you in my dreams, when I think about the future, I love you and always have, since the day I met you."