PART 17
Two weeks later…
Isabel sat on the edge of the fountain, running her hands through the cool water. She smiled blissfully. She had never felt so free and joyful in a long time. She was free from Richard, she had met her family again and she had the best friends in the whole world. How did I even leave this all? She wondered.
Her reunion with her mother had been tearful but her mother was glad to have her back. I don't need any other mother. She's all I want. Diane Evans is my mother. She thought.
She felt close to the others once again. She smiled to herself when she realised that Michael and Maria hadn't changed much at all. They still loved to argue but she could see how much Michael loved her and how he couldn't wait for they baby to come. Her thoughts turned to her brother and Liz. She was so grateful to them. They had helped her so much during these past couple of weeks. They had helped her get her back on her feet. She loved her job at the hospital. She got to be around kids and did what she loved best, helping them design clothes. At least the money helps them. She thought.
And Alex…how could she ever repay him. Things were still a bit tense but she knew it would get better. She had hurt Alex, she knew that but she was willing to do anything to make it right.
She suddenly felt that familiar pricking feeling. She turned around. There he was standing behind her, watching her silently, a gentle smile on his face. She smiled at him.
"Hey."
"Hey."
"How'd you find me?" She asked.
He shrugged as he came up next to her. "Just took a guess."
"You always knew me best." Isabel said quietly.
"You come here a lot?" Alex asked changing the subject but not before Isabel caught the slight hurt in his voice.
"Not really. Just once in a while."
Alex just nodded and sat down next to her. He caused a ripple to stir through their reflection. After a while Isabel spoke up. "Can you ever forgive me?"
Alex looked genuinely surprised. "For what?" he asked.
"For leaving. For breaking your heart…for marrying Richard…" Isabel said, tear welling in her eyes.
Alex said nothing for a few seconds. Isabel felt her heart lurch. He will never forgive me! She thought and was about to turn away when she felt Alex hold her hand. She looked at him as he leaned forward and kissed her very lightly on the lips.
Her eyes fluttered close as familiarity filled her sense. But before she could kiss him back, he broke it off. She saw the gentle smile curve his face. Her heart fluttered at the gentle, loving smile.
"Don't you know me at all?" He asked still smiling.
For a split second, Isabel couldn't believe her ears but then grinned and fell into his arms as he enveloped her into a hug that was forgiving as well as loving.
*****