Chapter 19

언녕하세요! 여러분 뭐하세요? Hello guys, what are you doing? Here's a new chap, hope you like it ? * CHAPTER 19 NEOLA "After all these years, ma chérie, " he pulled me in and kiss my forehead. I shivered, not used to having someone treating me like Luke does. I stared at him, eyes wide, not believing he was here, golden mane and cheeks dusted with freckles, "Lyle?" my voice came out little and scared, I cleared my throat and repeat, "Lyle." "Le seul et unique, Lyle de L'ile, " he kisses each of my fingers which made me laugh, a bit nervous. " How, I mean, what a coincidence!" my voice came out like a whisper. I stared at him, still not believing that he is here. "I am here Loisa, I am really here." He pulled me in for another hug and twirled me. After a moment, he puts me down. We both look at each other. Gosh, he is so tall. I ran my hands to the tip of his mane. It was pretty in the afternoon light, golden like the sand. The sun hasn't set. He pulled me by the bench and just looks at me. "You haven't grown a lot, " he said, his tone playful. "And you are not as pretty as I imagine you to be, " He laugh, making me pull at his mane like I used to. "What a big meanie. You haven't changed one bit." I snapped at him but he brush it off. He stares at me, his features reminding me of Luke. "What happened to us, mon ami?" he whispered to me as he takes my hand. This reminded me of the good old times during my years at Switzerland. Zia Alonza and Zio Benny took me in during summers every time Gabriel has to attend boarding school and study. Because of that, I met Lyle. He was of French descent but their family were poor so he was taken in by his grandparents in Switzerland. We join camp during the summers and spend most of the afternoon rounding about, exploring the mountain. We climb the trees, bathe in rivers and hunt, doing some kind of adventure. He taught me how to be brave. Because of Lyle, I found the courage to fight back and stand on my own. He made me independent. We were so close to each other we always find a way to communicate even when I was sent back to Italy. We thought that everything is going alright. Lyle was perfect. He was everything to me. He was my protector and as the years pass it develop into something deeper. Something I couldn't hide anymore. I know, deep down he felt the same. I was about to confess my feelings for him when the accident happened. I was permanently transferred back to Italy and I forgot about him. We lost all the connections. All the years of spending summers at Switzerland came back in full force as I look at him, eyes boring into mine, reminiscing the good old days... "Why, my Loisa? Why did you forget about me? " he pulled me in, his hands holding me in place as he hug me close. My cheeks felt hot, and I can't help but feel pity for him. Though I felt some kind of yearning for him, it wasn't the same as before. I love Luke, and Lyle is just someone from the past. Someone whom I loved and have forgotten. My back stiffen as he tightened his hug. It felt uncomfortable for me, not like how Luke pulls me in. This felt like a chokehold. I couldn't breathe because I felt love towards him, rather the lack of oxygen made me push him back. I couldn't look at him. We sat there, awkwardly. He was the one who cleared his throat first and said, "Alright. I guess you are not familiar to this anymore. We used to be so close in the past, " he scratch the back of his head. His mane shining. He moves farther to the other side of the bench, avoiding my gaze. I bit my lip, "Well, we could still be what we used to be. We can still be friends." His head slowly lifts up as he looks at me. He gave me a smile before taking his corgi up into his arms. The corgi licks his face making him smile even more. "I'll take Bob inside now, I need to give him some treats after a very tiring day." He stood and nestle the corgi in his arms, " I'll get going, Au revoir..." he lean towards me but I suddenly stood, his lips missing me, "Au revoir." I bowed back before taking my sketchbook and tools, going at the other direction. * No calls. No messages. It seems as though Luke has forgotten me for good. Or maybe he is too busy. I look down on my phone and decided against calling him. I didn't want to disturb him from whatever is making him busy. He can call or message me if he wants. I will not appear like a desperate fiancée. It has been a week since I arrive here in Canada. I have applied for a job at the local pediatric hospital where children are being nursed at. They are hesitant to accept me at first but the head nurse took pity on me. I started two days after and have toured the kids around in the garden, telling them stories about princesses and such. Because of that, she appointed me as an entertainer for the kids and I am glad she gave me that additional job. Putting my phone back on my pocket, I went inside the Room B. I sigh as Simon followed me with his eyes, staring as I took Kendra from her bed. This little boy, his curiousity reminds me so much of Jacob. I check Kendra's vitals and change her nappies. "Tata, is it true that there are so many poisson (fish) in the ocean? " Simon finally asked when I finish putting Kendra to sleep. I fix his blanket and gave him some of the soup I brought, "Tata, why not answer me, Oui?" I brush his cheeks, adjusting his beanie, I said, "Of course, Simon. So many little and big fishes in the ocean, my sweet." " really?" his eyes widened and I whispered, "Oh yes, so many colorful poisson, too !" I tickled him, making him laugh a lot. "Can we visit the poisson in the ocean then? I'd love to see!" "Well, I am not sure..." he stills in my arm. His head lowering down, "Aww." I bit my lip. I didn't want to crush his dreams like this. I stared at the little boy and decided I should try. "Let's see. I'll call someone who might help us." Simon eagerly nodded at me, his eyes alight. He shakes with excitement. Putting my finger on my lips, I ask for him to keep quiet. I took my phone in my hand and went towards the window. I dialed and waited. "Neola." "Luke, " I bit my lip, not knowing how to tell him of my situation, "How are you?" my voice trembled as I ask. I can see him squinting his eyes, trying to figure out why I called. Oh Luke you could never guess the reason behind. "I'm great. Just a bit busy. I am at the garden. Weather is as gloomy as it could be. Oh, snow is falling here right now. It's exactly how you imagine winter, " I can picture him shaking his head as he look outside. I stared at the window, imagining my reflection as his image. My heart beats fast. "Really? Then, that's great. Well, here we are not so lucky to have sno-" "Snow! It's snow" Simon jump on his bed, interrupting my call. I can almost visualize Luke as he frown. "Neo? Who's that, is that Jacob?" "No, it is Simon. He's one of the patient, " I sigh, watching the little boy as he jumps on his bed. I look at Kendra to see her still sleeping. Well, that's a good thing. "You are working?" Luke inquires and I nodded even though he can't see. "Yes I am. I got bored easily and I wanted to help in any little way I could." I lick my lips and continue, " The thing is, I wanted to fulfill his dream. He wanted to see the fishes." "The fishes?" "Yep, maybe you can grant us some free pass at the Quebec Aquarium. It will be the greatest gift these kids could receive...please Luke, " I pouted, trying to convince him. A couple of minutes passed and I thought he already turn me down when he spoke, "Well... I called the manager of the aquarium and he have given me the confirmation letter. I sent it to you already. You just have to print and show it once you go." "Really?" "Yep, all for my princess, " my heart skipped a bit. I was startled when Kendra tug my skirt, "Tata, is that the prince?" I am sure that Luke have heard Kendra. I can hear his laugh through the phone. Taking Kendra to my arms, she taps at the window, happy of the sight. "Tata, take me too!" Simon grab my knees and I switch the phone into speaker mode so I can still talk to Luke. I put it beside the window and open my arms for Simon. Carrying him and Kendra, I ask, "Luke, are you still there?" His laugh rang out, I couldn't help but giggle with him as both kids in my arms hang tight. They are truly happy to see the snow. "Those kids, I hope I can see them, " He pause, his tone getting serious, "I hope I can see you too..." I imagine his face appearing at our reflection, his head leaning on mine as he help me hold the kids. It was hopeful. A very hopeful imagination. I shake my head and said, "Oh don't throw me that rubbish, Luke. I know you are enjoying yourself with Fleur so don't think about me that much. Remember, you have a kingdom waiting to be at your disposal. The future is at stake if you are not going to focus on your relationship with her." He was silent at the other line. I can almost picture him leaning back and frowning, his eyebrows almost meeting in the middle. "I know. And I know." He sigh before saying, "I'll call you soon." He ended the call in an instant, I put Simon down and gently tuck Kendra in her bed. She yawned once before her eyes closed. Simon watch closely before reaching out his arms. I took him and cradled him on my arms. It took him a while to fall asleep. I laid him gently and was surprised when he said, " Don't worry Tata, " he held my face and continue, "the prince will come here soon." I kiss his forehead and caress his cheek. I went out of their room, sign off at the lobby and stood by the door as I watch the snow falling. I am so engorged on watching them fall that I am surprise when Lyle appeared in front of me, "So pretty, oui?" "Oui, " "Have you eaten?" he inquired, standing beside me. I shook my head, no. "then, let's eat." His hands were cold as he pulled me towards the local restaurant. 계속 * Hey guys! So what can you say about this chapter? Let me know ㅇ.ㅇ