Chapter 6

Gwyneth drove her car that night. far, far away from Laverna. She didn't want to see or hear anyone she knew. She's already aware of the "I told you so" and the "See, I could tell he wasn't that into you" coming from her friends and family. Tonight, she rather not hear any of it. After driving down to the beach several miles away, she sat quietly inside her car thinking to herself whether or not she should walk into the ocean and never return. Misery had set in deep for her.

While thinking this over, her cellphone rang. It was Mary. She thought for a moment if she should answer it.

"Fine." She said to herself and answered the phone in a weary tone.

"Hey, where are you? Please don't tell me you're planning on doing something stupid." Gwyneth smiled after hearing her tough, yet soothing voice.

"Is that what you think of me?" Gwyneth said in anger. "What do you care anyway? You were the one that said he wasn't that into me anyway. Aren't you happy that I am no longer with him?"

There was a long pause on the phone. "Hello?"

"Gwen, I'm not the enemy here. I only wanted to check on you because I'm worried sick. I trust that you're smart enough and that you'd make a sound decision. Take your time. But please, come back. You still have your whole life ahead of you. What you're going through is only momentarily setback." and then the call ended.

Gwyneth was abruptly shrouded with shame. She can't believe she just casually blurted out those harsh comments in a spur of the moment. She rubbed her temples and let a deep sigh. 'Mary is right. Nick is not worth it.' She gathered all the composure that's left with her and get off her car.

There was nothing on the shore but sand and a faint light coming from the moon. She sat on the sand and watched the waves as she felt the breeze touches against her skin. As if the breeze could sense Gwyneth's desolation, it swept over her face gently in comfort. She hugged her legs closer to her body and leaned her head on her knees. Drops of cold sea water occasionally splashed on her face.

She tilted her head skyward as she tried to stop the tears that are threatening to spill from her eyes. But she was greeted by countless stars and constellations. She moved her hands behind her to lean for support so that she can continue to stare in awe at the sight she usually does not get to view quite often. Her heart swelled with comfort and serenity. The starry night allows her time to think. It grants her time to reflect on her life and rediscover herself. Suddenly, she had a light bulb moment.

She stood up, dusted herself off, and turn to leave. She looked behind for the last time and already her footprints were fading as if she had never been there.