I'm so sorry it took a while to update. I was going to update sooner but I had some personal issues to solve. Everything is fine now so I hope to update more frequently.
Thanks for all the reviews to the first chapter. I wasn't sure at all about this direction ... I'm still not really sure. But I have a plan. I hope you'll like it.
As always, please review and let me know what you think, good or bad. All reviews make me happy.
Sorry for my English mistakes.
Enjoy and Merry Christmas! :)
"Ranked 13 in our list is Zoe Wilkes. Zoe grew up in a small town in Alabama and moved to the big city 4 years ago. Today she is a true New Yorker in every aspect. Zoe graduated from NYU medical school and began her residency in surgery at the "New York-Presbyterian" hospital; her goal is to become a cardio-thoracic surgeon. In her past there is a two years relationship with Nathan Abernathy, from the Abernathy family, one of the most powerful families in New York. So, where does Zoe Wilkes stand today when it comes to love?
We met on a Friday morning in one of the cafes in Manhattan, near her workplace. One thing you immediately notice is her style. She comes to the interview dressed casually, wearing jeans, a white blouse and a Chanel jacket. She doesn't go out without her high heels. Her hair is Loose and sunglasses are on her head. She sits down and orders a latte
"So, you're number 13 on the list of most eligible bachelorettes in town. What do you have to say about it?"
"It's pretty exciting, I must admit. I didn't expect it. Thank you, I suppose? No, seriously it's very flattering. And who knows, maybe something will come out of it"
"Let's start with your career. You've always wanted to be a doctor?"
"Yes, ever since I can remember. My father is a doctor and I was always interested in this field"
You moved to New York four years ago. What is your favorite part about living here?
"My favorite part is that there's always something going on. You never know what's going to happen which makes for an exciting life.
Which place do you prefer, New York or Alabama?
Tough question. But my heart is in Bluebell, my hometown. It will always be my home. It's an amazing place. Everyone knows everyone and it's great. Although sometimes it may be a bit disturbing ...and I love the silence there. It's peaceful.
When was the last time you visited there?
A few months ago, I plan to go for a visit soon; my best friends are getting married.
What do you think about weddings? Do you see yourself getting married in the future?
Yes of course. When it's the right time.
And once you find the right guy.
(Journalists note – Zoe smiled at that and took a sip of her coffee)
Wade stopped reading. He took a long swig from the bottle. "Guys, I'm going out. Thanks for dinner, Lemon. See you tomorrow," he took the magazine with him and went out.
He wanted to be alone. He entered his home, slumped on the couch and continued to read
How many relationships you've had?
Two.
One of them we know, Nathan Abernathy.
Nathan and I were together for almost two years. We met in med school. Love just faded away. It happens. But we are on good terms.
And the other relationship?
My first boyfriend. We were together for eight years.
High school sweetheart?
Something like that. We were best friends first and then it evolved
Did you love him?
Yes, deeply. But it's in the past.
Wade reread that sentence a few times before moving on. The interview focused mainly on Zoe's thoughts on life in New York. He read these questions quickly and moved on.
How would your best friends describe you?
I think they'll say I'm a good listener. Loyal, outgoing, and fun. And a little crazy sometimes.
What do you look for most in your significant other?
Just someone who can be a great best friend and also someone who I can constantly learn from, and who can learn from me. Someone who makes me want to be better every day, in some way, and vice versa. "
Name the most romantic thing you've done for someone.
I was 16 and I saved all my money to buy my boyfriend a guitar. It was a surprise. It wasn't a birthday present or Christmas present. He just really wanted it so I did everything to get it for him.
What's one lesson you've learned about love?
That It is rare and precious
This was Zoe Wilkes, our 13th place. The magazine is Confident that she won't be single for much longer.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
A week later…
Lavon, Annabeth and Lemon sat in the living room. The girls were busy talking about Lemon's bachelorette party and Lavon played with his daughter, Daphne, when the door opened and George came through.
"Where have you been? I called several times," Lemon said exasperated
"I'm sorry; I had something important to take care of"
"What could be so important? There are plenty of things to do, everyone is here except you"
"Not everyone," they heard another voice emerging from the entrance
"Zoe!" The girls screamed with joy and ran to her "so good to have you back," Lemon said
"Thanks, it's great to be back here again. And please don't be angry with George. We weren't sure if I would be able to come sooner than planned so we didn't say anything, and then when it turned out that I could come early, I wanted to surprise you"
"This is the best surprise we could get," Lavon said, standing with the baby in his hands, "I missed you, Big Z!"
"Me too, now let me see your little girl ..." She took the baby to her, "Oh, she is beautiful. And she's so big!" she gushed
"They grow fast ... been a while since you've seen her ..." Annabeth said as they all sat in the living room
"Six months," Zoe muttered, "I can't believe it's been this long'
"What about you, Big Z?"
"I'm fine. Really. As I said to George, you can stop worrying," she said while continuing playing with the baby and not looking at them
"Well, we can't. You're out friend it's obvious we'd be worried. But let's talk about important things. How long are you staying?"
"A while. Until the wedding for sure. And maybe a little after. I haven't decided"
The baby fell asleep and Annabeth took her and went to put her in the crib
"This is going to be so much fun! Like the old days," Lemon was excited
"Okay, wait, can we talk about this house? Lavon, this place is amazing. And huge"
Lavon gave a huge smile, "Well, the mayor should have a decent house, you know ..."
"Or you just need a place for your alligator ..." George muttered
"Your what!?" Zoe almost jumped from her sit
"Yes, he has a pet alligator ... so don't go wandering there alone" Lemon added
"You know this is crazy," she looked terrified
"Don't let them scare you," Annabeth was back with them "they're messing with you, Burt is harmless. He won't do you anything," she sat down next to Zoe and patted her on the knee.
"Now that you're here, how about we have a welcome home party for our most eligible bachelorette? Lavon offered and everyone laughed
"You've read the article" she groaned, "Oh; I can't believe I let you show them!"
"Hey, it hurts! We're your best friends. We need to know about things like that" Lemon protested
"Let's not talk about it anymore please ... at least not today. I'm tired. I think I'd better go rest and we can do something tomorrow night?" She offered
"Wait, where are you staying?" Annabeth suddenly asked
"Uh, my parents old house, why?"
"Well, if you like, we have a place for you right here in the plantation ... a little carriage house. Cute little place... so you'll be closer to us. It'll be fun!" she said enthusiastically. Lavon cleared his throat.
"Uh ... you know what, that sounds good. Can we go there now?"
"Yeah sure!" Annabeth chirped "Come Lemon, the guys will stay here with Daphne, we'll help her with her suitcase"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Okay so it's nothing fancy, but you got everything you'll need," Annabeth told her on their way to the carriage house, "Well, everything except the kitchen. But you don't cook, so you'll just come to us," she smiled
"I can't believe I'm back here, and for more than just a few days" she breathed in the air and the tranquility. She missed it. So different from New York.
"We missed you. Bluebell is not the same without you"
"I think I'm not the same without Bluebell" she said thoughtfully
"Can we talk about the article?" Lemon tried her luck
"Nope"
"Come on, Zoe. You have to talk to us"
Zoe stopped to think "I will. Just not today"
"Fine. We I'll try again tomorrow" Lemon huffed
"Here we are. That's it," Annabeth called
"Aww, this place is adorable!" she circled the place from the outside "I have a neighbor?" She pointed to the other side of the lake, where that gatehouse was
Lemon and Annabeth looked at each other in panic "uh ... Yes" Annabeth faltered
"Okay, let's go," Zoe went up the stairs, Annabeth and Lemon felt relieved that she hadn't asked more questions
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Zoe just woke up from a long sleep. She noticed it was getting dark outside. She decided to go to dinner at Lavon's house, but before that she had to take a shower. She was charging her phone and went into the shower. Half an hour later she was already dressed, she wanted to straighten her hair so she connected the Hair straightener to power and began work on her hair when she suddenly heard an explosion and everything went dark…
Meanwhile at the gatehouse…
Wade was sitting on his couch with a guitar in his hand. He was tired; Saturdays were always filled with people so he was at the bar early in the morning. He was playing the guitar and wandering in thoughts when suddenly he heard an explosion, and the power went off.
Fuse box exploded, he thought to himself
He sighed. He wondered if he should fix it now or leave it for later. After a few minutes he decided to go out and check the damage. He took a flashlight and went outside. He came to the fuse box, shining his flashlight when he a heard a voice
"Ow"
He walked toward the sound and froze in his place.
He saw her sitting on the steps of the carriage house and holding her ankle
He stood there in shock, rooted to the spot. His blood seemed to freeze in his vessels.
"by the look on your face I get no one told you I'm here ..." she looked at him, her shoulders instantly tensing and her heart thudding so hard she thought it might break out of her chest altogether
"No..."
"What are you doing here?" She asked
"I guess I could ask the same thing. How did you get here?
"Well, I'm staying here ... starting today"
He closed his eyes "of course," he murmured softly
"What?"
"I live there," he pointed to the gatehouse
"You're kidding," she shook her head.
"No." He ran his hand through his hair. He had a nervous feeling in his stomach. He didn't know what to say. The last time she was in Bluebell he went out of town. Deliberately. Their last meeting was almost a year ago. It ended with a fight and Zoe running back to New York, leaving him to deal with all the questions from their friends. Their encounter now only the fourth time they saw each other since their break up. His thoughts immediately strayed to the day 4 years ago...
*** Flashback ***
"Zoe, why are you doing this?" he pleaded for an explanation. He was on the verge of tears. "We can work it out. We can do something ... do not throw this away" he was begging and he hated it. He swallowed hard and waited for her answer
"I'm sorry ... I just can't" tears streamed down her face. A part of her was yelling inside that she was making a mistake
"Why?" was his only question? It stung her deeply
"I'm so sorry Wade" she kept repeating. She turned from him and closed the door softly behind her
He could not move. He could not believe that she had left just like that. After everything they'd been through, all those years together ... she just threw it all away
He sunk to the floor and finally let the tears come out.
"I…" he stared and she looked up to see him lost for words. He didn't finish the sentence, instead leaping into another one." How have you been? "
She narrowed her eyes, trying to see inside his head, something she was good at once
"I've been fine, Wade" she said, her words slightly cynical. He sighed
"Ahh" she gritted her teeth, holding her ankle, trying to stop herself from crying
He bent down next to her, came close to check her ankle
"Don't"
"Don't be a baby. Let me see that everything is OK"
"I can manage on my own"
He didn't argue. He stood and waited patiently, watching her with concern. After a few minutes he got fed up. He came over, pushed the flashlight into her hand, lifted her in his arms and began to climb the stairs.
"What are you doing!?" She squeaked and hit him in the chest
"You're too stubborn to ask for help ... and you didn't really think I'll leave you alone in the dark, on the stairs, with a wounded leg"
She Huffed. She knew he was right.
"Like I thought. Actually, it worked in my favor. If you didn't need me I am certain you would have cursed me by now or find some other nice words to throw at me"
"You know me so well," she scoffed at him
"Better than anyone else" his expression was serious; Zoe had no idea how to respond. Instead, she said nothing, just looked down at her hands again.
They managed to make their way in the dark. Wade came close to the bed and gently placed her over it.
"Wait here," he said
"Hey, wait! Don't leave me like this alone," she shouted, but he had already gone out the door.
5 minutes later, the power returned. He came back.
"Can you bring me the bandage from my bag?" She asked
"You need ice"
"No, a bandage is enough," she insisted
"Alright. You're the doctor here," he rolled his eyes
"I know it hurts you I'm a doctor," she stung him "you should try hiding it better"
He sighed. He pulled out a bandage from her bag. He came back to the bed and sat down beside her. He began to bandage her ankle gently, trying not to hurt her. She held her breath.
An awkward silence enveloped the room as they studied each other.
"So ..." she said "you're different"
He tilted his head inquisitively "what do you mean?"
She shook her head and watched him turn his head away "just the way you look ... everything"
He chuckled and turned back to her "you look different, too. But ... in a good way"
"But you're kind of the same though" she said, the words slipped from her mouth. She did not regret them. It was a reminder of what they had once ... how close they were so long ago. She did not want him to forget. She did not want to forget.
He Nodded and stared at her
Zoe felt her cheeks warm under his intense gaze and glanced down at her hands. She needed to change the subject.
"I heard about the Rammer Jammer" she raised her eyes to look at him "I'm proud of you"
Their eyes locked with an intensity that used to mean something else but now they had to force themselves to look away and break the connection.
"Thanks. It means a lot" he said before he glanced down
He finished with her ankle and stood up.
"Thank you," she looked at him standing in front of her with his hands in his pockets. She wanted to say something
"Look Wade, can we try to be friends?" She offered
"That's what you said last time I saw you. And I guess you remember what happened"
"Yes. But I when got here the last time you weren't here. Miraculously, you had to get out of town"
"I had things to do," he tried to avoid
"Whatever you say," She rolled her eyes. "Look, you don't want us to be friends for us? Fine. But let's try at least for the benefit of our friends," she was frustrated.
He looked at her for a few moments, "Okay. Friends it is"
She breathed a sigh of relief.
"Okay. Good. Now can you help me get to the main house?"
"You won't hit me this time?"
"I'll try" she gave a soft smile