Freya scourged her closet looking for what to wear. It was like everything in her closet was outdated or too long or too short or just plain ugly. Pink , green , red , black...she was undecided.
'' I'm too old to be this excited. '' She picked up a towel and dried her hair. She hissed angrily. It was nearly 7 and she was still confused. '' What am I...''
Her blue eyes focused on a velvet green dress that had so many memories for her.It was her favorite many years ago. It was a gift from Alec when he was in his early teens.
'' Well would you look at that. '' She took it out with care as she eyed it from top to bottom. '' Hmmm ...maybe.''
She crossed her fingers and prayed it still fit her. She slid into it and it was a perfect fit. It clung to her body and brought out her mature curves. She looked in the mirror and felt ten years younger .
'' This will do.''
Bain had reservations at ' Aimable ' , he'd heard it was good so he wanted to see for himself. He glanced at his watch. It was 7: 30 . Freya wasn't one to be late. Maybe she was in some kind of trouble.
'' I should call her. '' He dialled her number.
'' Hey. ''
'' Where are you ? '' Bain sipped his glass if water. '' Is everything ok ? ''
'' Look to your left. ''
'' To my...'' his words ended and his mouth stayed swinging. She was standing outside the restaurant in a green dress. Everyone else seemed to vanish . Her golden hair was glowing in the street light and her cheeks were plump and rosy. Bain kept staring until she walked in and sat in front of him.
'' It's beautiful.'' Freya looked around. The restaurant was well decorated and classy.
'' You...are beautiful.'' He spoke with certainty and a handsome smirk on his face.
Her blood was boiling. She felt her lungs might explode if she didn't look away from his dark eyes. Freya couldn't hide the redness of her face.
'' I mean it.'' Bain smiled and right then , Freya was sure her heart stopped.
'' Working late? '' Leander peeped from Gwen's office door. '' it'll be 10 anytime now.''
'' Yeah , I had some work to wrap up so...I'll be done soon.'' Gwen sipped her fifth cup of coffee and leaned back in her arm chair.
'' Don't over work yourself. '' Leander advised . '' Well , Im done here. See you tomorrow.''
'' Good night .'' Gwen waved .
KKKKK! KKK!KKK!
'' Did you forget something --" Gwen frowned .
'' I...Hey.'' Leo stood at the door with a smile on his face.
'' Come in.'' Gwen tried to brush off the uneasy feeling that hovered over her. She watched her childhood friend's face closely. How did they end up in this situation?
They sat face to face , neither said a word , neither had ever imagined,not even in their wildest dreams that they'd be at odds.
'' I'm sorry. '' Leo's words were quick but carried great feeling. When Gwen met his gaze , he lowered his eyes. '' I won't be able to forgive myself for try... trying to do that to you.''
'' I love you . '' Gwen spoke without any expression.
Leo stopped breathing for a second. His ears rang with her words. The room was as silent as a grave . You could hear a pin drop.
'' What...are you saying? ''Leo was stammering.
'' Is this what you've always wanted to hear? '' Gwen smiled bitterly .'' What else have you always desired ? ''
She rose from her seat and stood over him. He had raise his gaze to see her eye to eye. With her hand , she slowly traced the edge of his lips. He trembled at her touch and as she leaned in , he had to grasp the end of his seat in order to control himself.
She came close enough. Their noses brushed against each other. '' This is what you want , right ? ''
'' I...'' He failed to talk. He shut his eyes. '' No. I don't want this. ''
He stood and held Gwen's hand in his. Then slowly , he put her hand over his heart.'' I was you too feel my heart beating. I want you to hear it calling out to you. ''
'' But deep down , you do know that this can only be your dream. A fantasy. '' Gwen pulled her hand away. '' I can't say anything about the future , but one thing I'm sure about now is that I love Alec. I love him with every fibre of my being , every piece of me yearns for him. ''
'' Gwen , he isn't good for you- ''
'' I honestly thought you would be happy for me. He changed me . He showed me a better , happier , version of myself. '' Gwen felt tears well up. '' And I hoped you would understand. ''
'' I do. '' Leo held her hand again. '' But , trust me , he's not right for you. ''
'' I don't think I need you to tell me what's right for me. '' She tore her hand away . '' You lost that right a while back. ''
'' I had a lovely night , Bain '' Freya laughed as they left the restaurant.'' I won't forget tonight.''
'' You made the night lovely. So...'' he took her hand and kissed the back of it.'' All the credit goes to you. ''
Freya felt her stomach jump. Why was she feeling like this ? What was she doing ? She was married! Infact , she was married to a gang boss! And yet here she was falling for yet again , another gang leader! She found herself smiling.
She was digging her own grave , but it was too late to turn back now. So why not lay in it and enjoy the view.
'' What's making you so happy? '' Bain squinted.
'' lm married , Bain. '' Freya held her breath. She hoped he wouldn't back off. She regretted reminding him about this. He held her hand and brought her to his broad chest.She fumbled and kept her eyes everywhere else but on him.
'' Then you should keep that in mind. '' He lifted her hand and kissed it tenderly again. '' You're not wearing your wedding ring. ''
Freya nearly sank into the ground. She felt like she was in a soap opera. Her mouth was open but no words came out. She hadn't even realized that she wasn't wearing her ring.
'' Dad?!.."
Both of them turned to the voice that called. Bain distanced himself from Freya.
'' Honey , what are you doing here? '' Bain hugged Alison. He turned to Freya . '' Let me do the honours. ''
'' Freya , Alison. Alison, Freya. ''
The colour drained from Freya's face. Alison!