Everyday I wake up, I am starting to believe a little bit more that everything is beautiful. I am one step closer to finding you today, last night I met with a private detective named Bentley Wise. He seems honest enough and he promises to put me in contact with connections in New York. So I can't help myself today, I am so very happy. I am one step closer to bringing you back to me.
I have this need within me to really take the atmosphere in; there is just something about this place that leaves me in awe. Like yesterday I saw the sun set, and it wasn't like I've never seen a sunset before. But the fact that I was seeing it in Egypt made it all the more special, all the more unique. I guess I am just floored by the beauty of it and I have this urge to remind myself at every turn that I may never be here, exactly as I am now, ever again.
I guess because of this I have a mind to go out and enjoy Cairo for what is. I want to explore all the city has to offer. I want to do more then just observe my surroundings. I want believe that as I pass buildings, and take in the history and watch the people, that there is a chance I may meet someone I can actually just talk to I miss the simple conversations I used to have about the weather, it would nice to just be able to talk about the weather again…
I better go. My dear friend Margaret has a mind to tear this journal from my hands any moment now. Just know that wherever you, you're never far from the thoughts. I love you; I'll always love you.
Your Father,
Liam
Liam quickly closes his diary shoving it in his carry pouch as Samuel and Margaret make there way to him through the busy crowds. He loved them dearly, but he wanted to have a little space from them, to be given an opportunity to explore without them fussing over him every second. He didn't need Margaret looking at him with concerned eyes and he didn't need Samuel snapping at her because of it. He wanted to actually try and enjoy himself and to be treated normal. That is why he partly likes the anonymity he has while walking the streets of the market. No one really knew his name or his story. He was just another Brit enticed by the mysteries of this country. Ducking away from their view, Liam maneuvers his way through the crowd before stopping at a booth of fine jewelry.
He spotted a lovely necklace of emeralds and immediately he thought of Carla, emeralds had always brought out her eyes. He stares at the necklace remembering the day they had spent in New York together, how they had stared at their reflection in the mirror. He couldn't keep his eyes off of her and she couldn't tear her eyes away from him. Perhaps it was the first time she had looked in the mirror and liked what she had seen. There was no Mark Donovan breathing down her back, no Antony threatening her with stories about death. It was first time he had looked in the mirror and truly liked what he saw as well.
"It's all an illusion, you know."
Liam looks up taken from his trance by a young woman now standing beside him. She had dark brown hair and blue eyes, with a warm smile. He is momentarily tongued tie, because he is curious to how long she has been standing there. Finally he musters up the words for a response.
"I beg your pardon?" he says neither returning her smile nor out rightly glaring at her either.
"That girl, you've been thinking of while you stare at that necklace…you've been staring at it for sometime, probably thinking about what could have been. I'm just telling you now sir, don't waste your time. It's all an illusion, you made the right choice…whatever it was."
"And how do you know this?" says Liam slightly annoyed.
"Well for starters, I've been there staring at little sentimental trinkets and just getting lost in the moment. And secondly, you haven't denied it."
"Denied what exactly?"
"That it's a girl you've been thinking about."
"If I was, it wouldn't be any of your business," says Liam his eyes drifting over the necklace, Carla was never far from his thoughts. He began to pull out his wallet. He doesn't know why, but he wants to buy the necklace. Perhaps so he can look at it and think about putting it around her beautiful neck one day. He motions to the vendor beckoning him over with a wave of the hand. Liam was annoyed that the woman was still standing there and looked back at her pointedly, "I'm sorry, but can I help you?"
"You're getting the necklace?"
"Yes, it would seem that I am. What's it to you?"
"Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"Why wouldn't it be?" says Liam trying to keep his composure. This woman was so annoying. He turns to the vendor, "How much?"
"20 Ginehs."
Liam hands the vendor the money and watches as he carefully begins to wrap the package. He feels like if he continues looking ahead maybe this woman will get the picture and leave him alone. Whatever happened to simple conversation? Why must everyone breathe down his neck about every little thing? Why couldn't a stranger just talk to him about the weather for once instead of trying to pry into his soul.
"Let me guess, you're going to save that necklace until you see her again?"
"Again, what is it you? I don't even know you."
"Well then you can get to know me, can't you?"
"Thanks for the offer, but I'll pass," and grabbing the package he throws it into his carry bag ready to blot. He did not much like having a creepy know it all stalker prying into all his business.
"Oh you handsome ones are always so difficult."
Liam raised an eyebrow slightly amused by her persistence. But his amusement was as far as it went. He'd only ever have eyes for one woman; there was no point in entertaining anything with anyone else.
"Sorry Miss, but I am not interested."
"Oh well I hate that girl, whoever she that is getting that necklace. Won't you even give me your name?"
"Sorry, no such luck today, I'm afraid." He slowly turns making his way through the crowd. He was going to walk towards the area where the river was. He hoped to God that the woman wasn't following him. Suddenly he feels hands coming around his hand and blocking his vision. He gives a startled jump.
"Gotcha," says Margaret, "We were wondering where our beloved got to."
"Yeah," says Samuel, "If we didn't know any better one would say you were avoiding us."
"I just wanted sometime to myself," says Liam managing to break free of Margaret's grasp, "I thought you two could do with some alone time as well."
"Well that was thoughtful of you and all, but the whole reason for this trip was so that we could all spend time together. Don't think for a second that you are a burden," Margaret lectured him.
"Yes," adds Samuel, "Now how would you both like if we took in the sites near the River Nile?"
"That would be nice," says Liam.
"But Samuel," pouts Margaret, "I thought we were going to Giza today, I want to see the Sphinx."
"Not today," says Samuel irritably, "We can go tomorrow. Today we are just sticking to Cairo."
"Yes," Liam adds agreeing with Samuel, "We might as well take in the sights while we're here. Giza can wait and it's so close so there isn't any way we'd avoid going Margaret."
"Okay fine. But if your going to take pictures Liam, will you show me how?"
"Of course," says Liam.
"Shall we," says Samuel motioning for them to walk.
"Well," says Liam winking at Margaret, "I can feel the Nile already calling out to us. The wind is calling our names."
Together the three of them headed in the direction of the river Nile.
