Lies again?

****Elena****

I unlocked the door of my new home, making mental choices of what would help my fucked up situation right now. Maybe a glass of wine would help, maybe I needed something stronger.

I kicked off my shoes on my way to the kitchen, one of the shoes flew south and the other north. The next thing that went off my body was my bag. I walked into the kitchen, took a wine glass from the small rack suspended somewhere up on the kitchen wall. Then I headed to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of vodka.

"Oh!" I groaned, closing my eyes as I let myself drop onto the couch in a plunge. 

I rested my head back so that my face pointed heaven wards. 

'I've had one hell of a nasty week!" I mumbled, pouring myself a half-glass full of cold Palmsway vodka.

I took a sip and squeezed my eyes as the liquid travelled down my throat. 

The last words he said before leaving the office rang in my head the umpteenth time in few hours. I flared my eyes open, balanced the wine glass on the table and went through my phone, searching for the copy of the E contract, wanting to find out the reason he wanted me to review it after the deal has been done.

I came across it without ado.. Asides from having to share my office with him, I'll have to work as his personal dietitian for the next three months as a token of my appreciation??? My eyes widened and read the line over again. What does he want from me? Why is he trying to make things hard for us? My mind reeled and I started to blame myself.

How?? How the hell did I not come across this before? My trembling hands threw the phone across the cushion.. I was too desperate for the money that I didn't bother checking things up appropriately. I groaned out of frustration. I can't let this work.

A thought suddenly crossed my mind, apparently causing me to jump on my feet. I need to be somewhere.

****Lucas****

My hands tightened around the bunch of white flowers I held as I treaded carefully on the narrow path that led to her grave. It's second anniversary of her death and as always, I was the only one who remembered it. I let my ass sit on the grass and placed the flowers next to the sculpture which had her name inscribed on it. I tried not to feel, not to blame myself again for being the cause of her death... My veins popped in my neck, my eyes squeezing shut frequently because I was trying so hard to keep the wail in... I never imagined I'd lost her that way, I never for once thought I'd be here, praying for the impossible, hoping that she comes back alive...

The sound of footsteps behind me made me turn. I sprang to my feet, adjusting to comport myself well enough when I saw who it is. She was dressed in casuals now. A pair of jeans and sweat shirt. Her blonde hair packed into a pony tail.. She smiled at a little boy who walked past her and I caught my breath. She is beautiful. However, The lines on my forehead creased in confusion. She was here for my mother, that's an undeniable fact. The question is why's she here? She didn't show up on the funeral, she never sent her condolences, up until this moment. Why's she here then?

She stopped in her tracks when she finally noticed my presence. I glanced at her perfect round face. It was easy to realize she was contemplating whether or not to stay or leave. I tore my gaze from hers, slipped back to the grass and concentrated on my mum's grave.

She came closer, dropped the flowers and settled beside me. Minutes of silence passed between us till she decided to break it ...

'I've not had the opportunity to share my condolences for your loss. I'm sorry' her voice was gentle as she spoke, making me want to cry. 

'Thank you' I briefly responded, afraid my voice would give me away if I converse some more. Vulnerability was at its peak right now and I cannot let her see me that way.

She folded her knees closer to her chest, wrapped her arms around them. 'I heard about her death after she was buried. That's why I couldn't make it to the burial. Now, I come her for every anniversary. She was a nice woman, although. I owe her that' 

Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw her grip the sides of her trousers like her life depended on it. She threw her head back while a huge sigh escaped her lips. 'I didn't get the opportunity to apologize to her for my stupid actions on the wedding. The guilt in me is really tearing me up. That day, I had the chance to take one last glance at her and do you know what I read? Disappointment, sadness. She didn't expect I would act that stupidly. Crazy me.. I let her down'

'She probably understood your reasons' I said, hoping it'll make her feel better.

'Whatever my reason was, Lucas. Its not enough to make an excuse for acting so stupid.' 

'You didn't like me.. that's a valid excuse'

'Stop!! Just stop! You're making it all worse.' she yelped 

I looked at her and we locked glances for a long time.

'Do you regret your actions that day?' it took a lot but I had to ask. I was dying to know. If she found herself in that situation over again would she change the decision she made back then.

She tore her eyes from mine, concentrated too hard on the grass.

'No.. I do not regret it. If we go back in time over again. I'd do the same thing, Lucas. I'd say no to marrying you' her words were devoid of emotions.