story continues...

To my least expected, it was Craig who was standing before me. And, beside her is Jack.

“Bridget, I was doing my research when this guy appeared from the farmhouse,” she commented with a shoulder raised “and, he seemed to be good in Biology.” After excusing herself, I am left with him alone.

“Why from the farmhouse?” I tried to keep to my voice casual.

“Does it matters?” he threw back the question to me, “It has been three years and it’s rather surprising this was the first question to me! Why wouldn’t you ring me up?” he was furious.

I couldn’t find any excuses that we’d a short, uneasy paused. I hid my trembling hands behind my back, looking away at my own shadow.

He walked a few steps forward as he speaks, gasping hard on my shoulder, “I waited for you, and I don’t see why you keep hiding your feelings?”

“No I didn’t!” I protested deliberately.

“Liar,” he raged.

I looked down the dried leaves, and wished I could simply utter whatever that have buried in my bloody vault all these years. And, who is he I should reveal these secrets? Since when, I am an open book? Have we gone this far in relationship? But, was this the shadow that has been creeping near my window that day or …

“Bridget, I’m not pushing you but I have been here for you, and I just wish you could know” he clarifies, turning away, hands hauled inside his cargo pants pockets.

A weekend has passed but I didn’t happen to seeing him anywhere around.

I walked to the locker, uneasily, to take my cardigan. Upon opening the locker’s door, a memo flew to the ground. There were some notes on it. I bend forward to pick it up. I scanned through the contents, the unfamiliar writings read:

Bridget, I lied.

I have come on a biz trip as a sub-contractor and will be staying here for good. On your family situation, I knew you are ‘unprepared’ so I am leaving it to you to decide what’s best for both your family and you. I shall be seeing you again, if you pleased, a fortnight from today to discuss ‘bout your upcoming plans and shall see what I can do to help. Trust me; there will always a brighter tomorrow.

Luv, Craig

(to be continued)