Rocky’s expression soured when he recognized the person who snatched the Whiskey bottle from him.With the sudden expectation he felt, the excitement rapidly vanished, quickly turning to undisguised disappointment when instead of seeing Leigh, he saw the last person he wanted to see.“What are you doing here, Regina? Aren't you supposed to be in jail?” Rocky asked coldly, sounding rude and gruff.“I post bail,” Regina admitted in a meek voice, feeling like she has lost some of the courage she mustered when coming here. In her mind, her plan seemed to work, but faced with Rocky’s undiluted hostility, she faltered in her steps, undecided whether to pursue her purpose or not.But then, she already lost a lot. She had to risk whatever was left of her to be able to regain what she had lost.She stepped forward - slow tentative steps - so as not to alarm the man who seeme
Rocky woke up with an unusual smile on his face. He groped the side of the bed where Leigh usually sleeps, and when he found it empty. He sighed. He had the most wonderful dream. Leigh came to him in his sleep and they made wonderful love. It felt too real. He remembered her “I love you.” and his eyes took on a sparkle. Even in his dream, Leigh has the power to calm him. Rocky got up in bed, surprised to find him naked. He found his discarded clothes bundled on the foot of the bed, thinking he undressed in his sleep. He used to do that in the middle of the night, but when he tried to place the event in his head, he could not remember a thing. The only thing that plays vividly in his mind is making love with love. Until now, he could still feel her special scent wrapping around him, her softness enveloping him. Rocky went to the bathroom, took a shower, and did his other rituals. When he emerged from the bathroom, a towel slung low on his hips, his body glistening in water
“Congratulations!” The dean of their college greeted Leigh when she received her diploma amid the applause of her batchmates and the school board. Then, she faced the crowd to meet the eyes of the man who attended her graduation with her. This same man greeted her when she got down the stage with an exuberant embrace. “Congratulations.” He hugged her and kissed her on the cheeks. Leigh smiled. “Thank you. I thought you wouldn’t come.” She elbowed him on the ribs, earning her a boisterous laugh. "And miss this important event in your life? Of course, not." He told her arrogantly, but when she hit him with her elbows, he stopped and massaged the spot she hit. “Can’t you take a joke?” He told her before he slung his arm around her. “Mommy!” A child ran to her. His small face looked stormy when they landed on the arms resting on his other's shoulders. He glared at Adam Fowler, forcibly pulling his mother away from him. “She’s mine! Don’t hug my mommy like that. Only I get
“No, dad!” Leigh grabbed the edge of her seat, tension gripping her arms when she argued, telling her father she was not the least bit enthusiastic about the idea. Adam Michaels watched his daughter, saw her pale face, and almost took pity on her. Almost being the operative word because when he shook his head, it was as if the indecision did not happen. “Our main branch is in Somerset. You are aware that after you get your degree, you will take on the company just like what you wanted.” He sprung the idea in an enticing way that would make Leigh snap it up in seconds, but the reaction he expected following his announcement. was not forthcoming Adam Micheals still has something up his sleeve. He was not a ruthless businessman for nothing. He looked his daughter in the eye, daring her. “Or,” He dangled the word in suspense before continuing, “... Are you perhaps afraid to come back?” Adam knew his daughter well for him to challenge her this way. Leigh would not back down
Aboard their family van, Leigh watched as the familiar landscape of Somerset rolled through her eyes. The scene felt familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. It had been years since she had been her last - after senior high- to be exact. “So many changes.” Leigh could not help the gasp that came out her lips when she saw a billboard of a familiar man on the road and nudged her friend.“Adam Fowler, you purposely omitted to tell me I am hobnobbing with a celebrity!” Eyes grew wide as saucers, Leigh’s pleasure spread all over her face at this news. Adam laughed and opened his arms wide like it was no feat to achieve such a status. From a basketball varsity player drafted into the NBA, he was now making history on the professional court. “I am still your old friend, Adam. Nothing changed.” He told her. At the same time, they both heard a snort from the back. It was Sam. “You have any problem back there, Sam?” Adam asked cheekily, knowing how Sam tried to cut him off when h
At his office, Rocky was surprised when a flying newspaper landed unannounced on his messy table filled with proposals and documents he needed to sign. He shoved the newspaper aside, opting to concentrate on the more pressing business matters. Then, his eyes landed accidentally on the front page of the newspaper, and his jaw automatically clenched.Printed on the banner photo was the face of Adam Fowler and Rocky’s ex-wife Leigh Michaels Bolton. Something akin to pain pricked his chest. His eyes took in Leigh’s appearance. Gone was the girl who liked to wear ordinary clothes to fit in the usual crowd, replaced by an elegantly-dressed woman who looked more beautiful than the last time he saw her.Rocky looked at her face and studied every feature, taking on the changes that time brought in her. Like land in drought, he lapped up the image, trying to quench his thirst for the sight of her.Then, his eye
Leigh shook her head. Rocky was part of her past that she had to get used to. Sooner or later, their lives will cross again because of Axel. As early as now, she needed to adjust and get accustomed to his presence.She’s stronger. She has changed a lot.“I was just surprised, but it’s alright.” She assured a concerned Adam.Adam does not look convinced. He studied her face in scrutiny, making her uncomfortable at the scrutiny because of the distance separating their heads.She pushed his head away playfully. “You’re taking advantage.” She snorted, but none of the sting. To anyone, it sounded more like she was making fun of him.She knew Adam for years, and he never took advantage of her. Not even once. Well, except for the casual arm-slinging or hugging, he didn't venture beyond the line of friendship.Adam grabbed her
Leigh sat on the passenger seat with a huge scowl on her face. “What do you want?” She demanded without looking at Rocky, crossing her arms over her chest, unmasking annoyance at being dragged from her date.Rocky made sure they were well out of the establishment before he replied. “Can’t I have a small chat with my ex-wife?” He asked casually.This time, Leigh turned her head to the side and was presented with a view of Rocky's profile.“We have nothing to talk about. We were divorced.” She reminded him before pulling her gaze away from him and back to her front.The night is still young. It was way past the rush hour, and traffic flowed smoothly. The sidewalks were filled with people. Some walked in droves, smiling or chatting.Palm trees lined the center island of the avenue. “You don’t have to remind me, Tiny.”