Past Redefined

PART TEN

Olivia kept asking about her and I kept lying that she will return.

Two days later,

I walked to the tomb and stood there in silence.

"I can't... I can't believe that you are just going to be a memory hereafter." I said, devastated and falling down on my knees near her tomb.

It was because of me. If only I had stayed back, that would have happened. I grew angry on me. Frustrated, I punched the ground and howled. My voice went unheard. I saw blood oozing out reminding me Ashley laying in pool of blood. My eyes were swollen as I didn't sleep for last two days.

I'm not sure whether I would be able to sleep hereafter. The images of Ashley surrounded by blood haunted me. It was me, I could have saved her. As the tears shed, I pulled out my shades from my pocket and wore it. I walked away as the chauffeur opened the door for me.

The press was waiting for a statement but enough said and known already. I didn't want it to keep reappearing.

I got into the car and the chauffeur drove. I could see him noticing me and turned towards him. He handed me a first aid kit. I noticed my hand bleeding and it pained my heart.

"Will it stop hurting?" I asked removing my shades. My voice choked. The chauffeur remained silent.

~

PRESENT

"Will it stop hurting?" I asked Sky.

"It is been a year and half... and it is still hurting." I said unable to stop the pain.

"Chris" Sky called me. I turned to see her.

Her eyes filled with tears. She cupped my face and caressed her finger against my stubble. Her eyes still looking deep into my eyes.

"You can cry. It is just me here." She said. I knew she noticed that I was trying to control my tears.

She nodded and that words that it was just her here and I can pour out my feeling made me hug her and cry uncontrollably.

It took few minutes for me to stop. I backed from the hug. We sat there looking at the night sky.

"Chris, you know what? Don't take it as an advice but..." she was about to say something and at that moment, even if it was an advice, I just wanted someone to be with me and talk to me. I listened as she continued.

"... I understand that she is not going to come back and it hurts to hell but what is the point in hurting yourself? If she was there or not, Ashley would want you to be happy. There are memories of her just to cherish. Why do you keep hurting and reminding yourself only with the last memory of her? Let it go and remember her for her happy life with you. You gave her a world full of Love and Happiness. She would want to be the same for you."

I looked at Sky as she made me understand. I nodded and looked back at the night sky.

It was a beautiful life with Ashley and she was my blessings for life.

I could feel my body relaxing. I took deep breathes and closed my eyes. The pain reduce. It did hurt but that got familiar and bearable.

"Ashley!" I said with a smile, as I opened my eyes.

And I knew that it was years since I pronounced her name with this feeling.

I turned to see Sky looking at me and I said "Thanks for coming back into my life, Sky."

"Sky?" She asked and I corrected myself "Scarlett Sky."

We sat there smiling and looking at the blank sky with clouds blocking the moon and stars and yet there were stars that twinkled.

There was just breeze and cold breeze. I drank the champagne and walked to the railings.

I stood against it and shouted, "Ashley, I love you."

Sky laughed behind me. I turned to see, Olivia snuggling in the bed and blabbering.

"God, she reminds me of Ashley so much." I said sitting next to Sky.

"She looks just like her mother." Sky said.

"Yeah! And I love her."

"Olivia?" She asked.

"Nah! Angel... My Angel." I corrected and we went back to the room.

~

Morning,

I woke to find myself in Scarlett's bed and Olivia to my right. I was covered with blanket. I walked outside to find, Sky sleeping in the other room which had cartoons painted on the wall.

Must be her siblings' room.

I walked out and found myself in the kitchen. I made an instant coffee and walked to find the wine glasses in the balcony reminding me what happened yesterday.

I felt the one and half year's pain get off my shoulder just by those words.

Gina called that there was meeting in an hour and I had to attend.

I saw Sky sleeping peacefully and I adjust the blanket.

So, I just wrote a letter to her.

'Yay! Good Morning!

I had to leave and didn't want to wake you up.

And...'

After writing a long morning note.

I picked up Olivia and went to Rodriquez Mansion.

~

Scarlett Finney's POV

I woke up to find myself in my Carol's bed. Stretching my body, I turned to take my mobile and saw a note below it.

Chris!

I remembered what we spoke yesterday.
I read the note.

'...
And... Thank you for listening.

You may not know, but that 'what-you-called-an-ADVICE' was all I need.

May be somewhere, I knew everything you told and still didn't want to let go.

And more than that I just wanted someone to be at my side.

As mine.

And whom I can share things with.

Thanks for coming back Scarlett Sky.

I am sure, I will no longer miss you.

-Christopher Rodriquez'

Though that letter made me feel content, the last line made me annoyed. I didn't like the fact that he wrote his name as 'Christopher Rodriquez'.

"Christopher Rodriquez" I scoffed and walked to the kitchen for a coffee.

When I walked back, I found his watch and wallet in the drawer of the bed side table.
Chris!

He is still careless.

I texted him.

'Good morning,
Got your letter,
Mr Christopher Rodriquez.
Welcome!

PS. Idiot! You left your
wallet and watch.
Shall I come and give it to
your Receptionist if you
are busy?'

I got ready to leave for the hospital when I got a message.

'Nope. Don't worry.
I will come and get it,
Idiot!'

I laughed at the fact that he mocked at me.

Idiot, Chris!
I said laughing to myself and getting to my routine.