Ethan's POV:
The last thing I wanted to expect was her running away. But I guess I should have expected that even if its slightest. Cause if i did then I wouldn't be as shocked and confused as I am at this moment.
"Ethan." The sound of my name was what snapped me out of it. Instantly I turned around to see a shaking Eileen.
I wanted to ask her so many things but instead all I did was stare at her. I should be telling her to lets go because she is shaking, she had her arms wrapped around her herself. But instead I was just staring at her. I was trying to find the answers to my questions from her face. She was looking down. Why is she not looking at me? Will she look at me if talk to her?
"Can you take me home?" She beat me to it and spoke first.
"Lets go." I decided to just halt my questions and thoughts for now. Its important that she gets warmed up.
I led her to the car. The path was a bit dark but after what happened I couldn't ask her to hold my hand so that it wont be difficult for he. So instead I just stood by her side and led the way. As soon as we got in the car I was more than grateful that I had downed the AC in the car. If not, the car would have been extremely cold and it would take too much time to warm up. I turned off the AC and turned on the heater. I took my coat from the backseat and gave it to her.
"Put this on. It will warm you up." Without saying a word she wore it.
Through out the whole ride to her apartment, we didn't say a single word. I was occupied with my thoughts and I was trying my best to hold myself from asking anything.
Drive to her building took two hours. Weirdly the silence in the car wasn't suffocating. I had let her know that we are here once I stopped the car. Without saying a word, she got out and left and just like that I saw the moment from six years back replay right infront of me. Even six years ago also she had walked away in silence and even now. I just stared at her form which was walking further away with every step. I waited for her to enter the building before I went my way. Its another 45 minutes drive to my house. I felt really tired from all the driving but since driving relaxes my mind, I forgot all about how tired I felt.
As soon as I reached home, I had got out of the now dry clothes and put into the washing machine and took a warm bath. The moment at the hill was replaying in my head repeatedly. From the shower to the cup of coffee, it didn't leave me and I knew its gonna be a long night.
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A week have passed by since that day. I haven't heard from Eileen even once through out the whole week. Many times I had picked up my phone to call her and try to get some answers but every time i changed my mind thinking she would call when she is ready to talk to me. In this whole week I have gotten numerous calls from my aunt who had wanted and update about the photography for her book's cover page. As much as I hated ignoring her call I had to. And I was successful in doing so for a whole week but after last night I couldn't keep doing that anymore. Worried; my aunt had called her sister sharing her concern regarding me not answering her calls. When my Mom called me last night and told me about the phone call, a load of guilt hit me. So I after my call with Mom, I had called my Aunt and apologized to her and informed her that I will visit her today. So here I am. Standing infront of her company building just staring at the big automatic doors as if I am a stranger to the place.
Goodness Ethan! What is wrong with you? This is your Aunt's company. You are here for a reason. Lets just go in!
I inhaled lungful of air and relaxed. Or at least tried to. Shaking off all the hesitations I walked in. Thankfully I saw no Eileen when I went to the elevator and more thankfully, the elevator did not stop on any floor and took me straight to the top floor. That is where the CEO and the Managing director is.
As I stepped out of the elevator, for the first time since I entered the building, I relaxed. And that was a big mistake. I should not have been relaxed. Because if I wasn't relaxed then I would have been able to hide my reaction when I came face to face with Eileen as I took the turn to go to CEO's office.
"Hey." She was the first one to speak.
"Hey." I was trying my best to hold back myself from dropping any question on her.
"How come you are here?" She said after a few seconds of silence.
And weirdly that question angered me. How can that be the fist question she ask me?
"I am here to see my Aunt. She must be waiting so excuse me." I quickly started to walk away but I wasn't able to walk far when Eileen called my name halting my steps.
I turned to face her once again to see that she was looking at my side. I didn't say anything and just waited for her to say what she wanted to.
"Can you pick me up for dinner tonight? I have something I need to tell you." I don't know why but hearing her say that made me extremely nervous. Maybe that's I didn't say anything and instead gave a nod and continued on my way.
The whole time when i was in my aunt's office and on my way back to my company all I did was think. That is why by the time I entered my office I knew that if I don't do anything to keep myself distracted then I will go crazy before dinner. And instead of going pick up Eileen I will have to go to a hospital. And there was only one person who can help me right now.
I pressed the call machine on my office table and asked my secretary to come in. It didn't even take a minute for her to come in.
"What's my schedule for rest of the day?" I asked immediately.
Asking me to excuse her for a second, she opened the small book in her hand to check what I have. Thankfully I didn't have to wait much but the answer I got was so disappointing.
"You are free for rest of the day." She said with a big smile. She must be loving the fact that I have no schedule. Because that also means she have no schedule. I know she loves the job but I also know that my busy schedule takes a toll on her. Rebecca has been my secretary since day 1. She use to work for me in New York but when the work for opening our branch in London, I sent her here so that she can look over the things and since then she has been here. It has been two years since this branch was opened.
"You can leave for the day if that's the case." If I had no schedule or any paperwork there was no reason for her to stay until I leave.
"What about you sir? Are you not going?" She asked.
"Not yet. I will be here for a while. But you can go."
"Thank you but I don't need to go. I have somethings I need to do for tomorrow. I will take my leave then." Without waiting she left.
Defeated I sat down on my comfy chair. What should I do now? Should I go out? But that could tire me out.
Maybe I can do some paper work? But do I even have any?
Or maybe I should go take a walk in the building. Like a informal inspection. Yeah that's a good idea. That would keep me distracted.
Before I could change my mind, I quickly walked out of my office.
I started with the bottom floor. I was able to look around without being noticed since everyone was busy. The shops were packed with customers. When I was done with the bottom floor, I went up to the first floor. And I was delighted to see that even the first floor was packed. I tried my best to be discreet as much as possible. I was almost done walking around the first floor when I noticed that the employees were starting to notice me. And I knew better than anyone that it wont even take more than five seconds for the information to reach the employees on the top floor. I stopped at the coffee take-away stand and ordered two Ice Americano to pretending that its what I came for. Putting a pause on the inspection for the day, I went to my floor with the coffee I ordered.
I stopped at the secretary desk to tell her to come to my office. There were certain things I noticed and I needed her to look into them.
Soon I heard a knock on the door.
"Come in." I responded. When she got on, I asked her to sit down. Discussions cant be held while standing.
"I was taking a walk at the bottom and first floor doing a informal inspection and I noticed something which I need you to look into."
"Like what things sir?" She opened her notebook and asked.
I told her all the things I noticed and from that what I would like her to look into and things I want changed and improved. The discussion went on for long and that saved me from over thinking. It was almost 19:30 when we were done. It was around 17:00 when it started.
Dismissing Rebecca I left work too. Even by car it takes almost 20 minutes to go to Eileen's work place. Right before I started my car, I texted Eileen letting her know that I am on my way. Not a minute later I got her reply telling me that she will be waiting outside. The whole ride to pick her up my mind was going crazy. The guessing was back. The questions were back. But I did my best to be calm and not let the craziness in my mind get to me.
As she said she was waiting for me outside. As soon as I stopped the car, I was about to get out and go open the door for her. But before I could do that, she got in.
"Any place in mind?" I cut to the chase. I didn't want to do small talk yet. Too nervous for that.
"Huh?" She looked at me confused and I saw that confusion change to realization. and look away. "Oh yeah. There is this Italian place I have been wanting to go to if you are okay with it." She didn't look at me even once she spoke.
"Yeah I don't mind. Can you type the address in the GPS?" I asked starting the car.
I saw her give a nod and lean into type the address. The ride to the restaurant was quiet. Neither she or I talked. There was a awkwardness in the atmosphere. Then again its given because of what happened between us that night in the rain.
Thankfully the restaurant wasn't that far away. Upon reaching the place, it wasn't easy to find a parking space. Thankfully valet service was available and we didn't have to drive around to find a empty spot. Giving my car to the valet, the two of us went in. I was mesmerized by the interior design. It was like I had stepped into Italy. Luckily we were able to get a table. By the time we reached the table, I was more than excited to taste the food. I know food should be the last in mind at this moment but what to do...I love eating. And because of that I take extra extra care of myself.
"How did you know about this place?" I asked as we sat down.
"My PA told me about this place a while ago. But I never got a chance or a reason to come until now." Eileen was still not looking at me.
"I am curious now. Shall we order?" The waiter had placed the menu in front us as soon as we sat down.
"Yeah. Sounds good." She opened her menu and started to look through it as I did too.
Everything on the menu sounded absolutely delicious but I had to make a decision.
"Good evening. Are you both ready for order?" The waiter came right one time.
"Yes. One small size chicken Bolognese pizza and one Cola." I gave my order.
"Alright. What about you Madam?" The waiter's Italian accent came out strong when he talked.
"I will take one Pasta alla Carbonara and one non alcoholic passion fruit mojito."
The waiter confirmed our orders and left.
As we waited for the food I tried making small talk. She asked me about my trip to her workplace this afternoon. Thankfully the awkward conversation didn't go on as the food came much quickly than expected. The delicious smell of the food erased all the awkwardness as we indulged ourselves in the food.
Once we were done with eating, I paid for the food and we left.
"Should I drop you home?" I asked when we got in the car.
"Lets go on a walk." She suggested.
"Where?" I asked her.
"Bridge." Her short answer made me chuckle.
"Which one?" London has too many bridges.
"The one over River Thames. It has been a while since I went there. You okay with that?" She asked.
"I don't mind. Lets go." The specific reach was also a fifteen minute ride from the restaurant.
I was able to find a parking area upon reaching the bridge area. As soon as we got out, the cold wind hit my face hard. Winter is a month away and London gets quite cold.
As we walked side by side with each other once again neither of us talked. I didn't want her to think that the silence was killing me so I pretended to look at the sea. The darkness brought me a immense about of peace. Maybe I was too immersed in it that I didn't realize that Eileen had stopped walking and I was going ahead alone. I didn't realize until I heard her call my name. I turned around and saw that there was quiet a distance between us. I started to walk towards her but I wasn't able to take more than a few steps until she held up her hand stopping me. Confused I stopped.
"There is a reason why I asked you to pick me up tonight." With the few steps I was able to take I was close enough to hear her clearly and see the nervousness on her face.
"Yeah. You said that there is something you needed to tell me. What is it?" I tried my best to hide my nervousness.
For a couple of seconds she didn't say anything and that was making me more nervousness. I wanted to break the silence and give a slight push for her to speak but sometimes that isnt such a good idea so I stayed silent too.
But when she did spoke, it was something I never thought of.
"Six years ago, the reason I walked away is because... I was pregnant."
Shocked and confused I just stared at her. Did she just say she was pregnant? She was married?
"I am sorry what?" I tried my best to not let the shock be evident in my voice.
"That day I had found out that I was pregnant and when you confessed to me I had to walk away. My baby was my priority. She still is."
So this is the reason? She has a child? Did she think I would not feel the same way if I knew the truth? Did she think my mind would change if I knew the truth? Did she think I would walk away? Is that why she has put this distance just to tell me about it?
I walked towards her and stopped until there was a palm distance between the two us.
"Why did you stop me from coming to you just now?" I asked her lovingly.
"I was afraid you might away once you hear the truth." My guess was correct.
"I am not gonna walk away." I eased her fear.
Surprised she looked at me. "You are not? Why?" She couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Why should I? Because you have a child? I don't car about that. I mean I care about your child. But it doesn't matter to me where you are a single mom or a divorcee or a widow. For me what matters is your feelings for me. And as for my feelings, its still the same or more since six years ago." This was the first time since that day I said my feelings out loud.
"I am so sorry for hurting you that day. I really didn't want to but at that time my baby was much important than your feelings. I know that sounds harsh and selfish but its the truth and I don't want to lie to you anymore." I could fee the sincerity in her words.
"You are mom and of course child comes over anything. I understand now and any anger that I had felt towards you vanished to thin air the moment you told me the reason. But thankyou for saying sorry. That means a lot. And I am also sorry. I was quite harsh that day at your office." I realized how my words could have hurt her since I said all that to her without knowing the truth.
"Its okay. You don't have to say sorry. In a way I deserved that. I am just so glad that you aren't walking away after knowing the truth." She smiled through the tears that was falling from her eyes.
Lovingly I wiped her tears. "Never. And I am never letting you go either."
"I don't mind that." Her words made my flutter like crazy. I have been waiting so long to hear something like that from her.
"Should we continue this talk while sitting? Want to grab a coffee?" I suggested. With a beautiful she gave me a nod. We turned to the direction we came from. And I couldn't stop smiling. Surely we have a lot to talk about and this was just the start of it all.