I walk out of the hotel and went to the nearest park. With my head hung down, I silently wipe the stray tears on my face and continued my walk. My heart is still in pain and even though I told myself that I wasn't at fault and doesn't have the slightest connection on the events that have played earlier, I still couldn't help but blame myself.
After finding some seat, I settled into a bench across the big tree and silently sat on it. Looking up at the sky, the clouds turned and make their usual routine of just laying in there and casually distorting into various pieces.
Oh how much I long to be a cloud!
To be free like this with nothing to feel, nothing to cry on and especially, nothing to be pained on.
But even so, I would gladly turn it over to the heavens if I could see Noel smiling at me with his eyes gently gaze towards myself.
"What's with the sigh?"
The unknown voice of man startled me and as I clutch my heart in shock.
"You! Don't sneak up on me like that!"
Then he suddenly laugh.
His eyes were crescent and his laugh were like bells ringing from my ears. Some of the woman cast some glances towards us and the thin skinned me blushed in shame.
"Stop laughing!" I hissed silently as I pinch his forearms and glared at him.
He seemed to get the meaning behind my eyes and he covered his mouth immediately, muffing his laughter as his body continuously shake. I heaved a sigh of relief and was about to leave him when he caught hold of my arm.
And from that action, various pieces of memories made its way on my head.
......
I was now all alone in this area. I have literally no idea how I came here and now, I'm stuck with no one to call to.
After walking for a few times, my eyes laid upon a bar. The rundown style of it as well as the loud sound of the old music playing made me curious. Touching the cold handle from the door, I opened it and was soon bombarded with the delicious aroma of roasted chicken and a hint of some unknown spices.
The outside was like a rundown place ready to be smashed but when you look inside, you would be fascinated by the sight of paintings hanging over the peach colored wall. The chairs were painted with red and brown as the sculpted designs that were added gave a antique like feel to it. Numerous book shelves were placed and instead of books, figurines made from wood and clay were displayed, along with some exotic plants, the place exudes a unique vibe to it.
"Wow" I blurted out in the air.
"Pretty good right? My pops made it when I was just a mere boy and now, I'm the one running down this place"
A bearded man with a spectacles suddenly came on my side, his crooked grin brought a smile on my face. His eyes gave off the pride he have for his restaurant.
"This place looks awesome" I breathed out the last word as I look at the figurines in front of me.
"Want something to drink?"
"Oh no I don't rea-"
"Don't worry. It's on me" He said then dragged me away from the shelves and placed me on a wooden stool.
I watch him wave his cocktail shaker around the air, with his smooth and agile movements, I feel like I'm watching a show. Then he placed it into the glass wine and poured the red drink and topped it with the usual lime.
"Enjoy"
I took the glass, still unsure until he smile at me reassuringly. I know I shouldn't trust a man but I just did. I broke from my comfort zone and due to that, I grew confident and drank the whole thing.
After some minutes, several customer came in and the silent bar turned a bit more bustling and festive. The sound of the guitar playing in the background while some men and woman dance along the rhythm made me stand up. They twirled me and made me laugh until tears sprang up.
I never knew I could feel happy today.
The sound of my heart beating along the music as the warm light shined on me, I grew liberated.
As if I was suddenly free from the shackles that bound me to become who I am.
The silent and boring Eiri who knew nothing but to please her husband.
Suddenly, a man hold my waist. I was still intoxicated by the new found freedom that I've tasted. I was muddled, preferably from the drink the man gave to me. He told me that it wasn't really that high but if it was drank continuously, then someone would definitely get drunk from it.
He was about to lean on me when a sudden force took hold of his shoulders and drag him down. My consciousness was already waning and now, I can only close my eyes and feel the warm embrace on me.
....
"Hey? You okay?" His hands snaked up to my forehead and hold me in place by holding me in the waist.
"You--I'm okay now" I awkwardly took his hands off me and run.
I didn't see the smirk on his face nor the dangerous aura emanating from another existence that lurks behind the shadows.