Chapter 65: Chapter Sixty-five

It’s been two years since we parted. However, even if we are apart, we wouldn’t stop loving each other. After all, this parting is just temporary. A sign for a new start in life. A fresh start in our relationship. We would soon meet again.

“Rachel!”

“Y-yes?” I sat up straight at the voice of my strict yet kind teacher in creative writing. I fixed my reading glasses and chuckled sheepishly at the sight of her staring at me. “Sorry... I was thinking of a new poem to write yet I fell asleep.”

It’s been two years since the accident. Two years since Rebecca Montgomery was put to jail and serving her sentence. Two years since Chad and I decided to part ways.

“Goodness.” She shook her head and pointed at the watch. “You were supposed to be finished with that. Well, don’t bother… just finish it tomorrow, our time has ended anyways.”

I squeaked, realizing what time it was. “R-really? It’s already five?! Thank you, Miss Kingston and see you tomorrow!” I hurriedly packed my stuff and grabbed my bag. Leaving the building, I fastened my pace.

Percy greeted me outside, the car ready. He opened the car door with a smile. “Good evening, Miss Maxwell.”

“Hello Percy! Good evening to you as well…” I got in and set my bag aside. “Can we step on it? I need to meet Francine at the park. I promised her that we’d go out to eat ice cream today.”

“Right away, Ma’am.”

“Is Mom still at her office?” I questioned as I fixed my notebooks and pens.

After telling my mother what my true passion was, she was skeptical at first. Not sure if I was really telling the truth. However, when I did my best she approved and allowed me to take creative writing classes. She wanted to support me with my dreams to be a writer and I’m happy that she understands.

Still, even if I’m not the head of the company anymore, I still help around which pleases my mother.

And she finally accepted the fact that Dad died in a natural way. Rebecca admitted that she committed all her crimes except for killing my father.

“It wasn’t I who killed Damon Maxwell…” she mumbled. “I only said that to make them livid. I admit that I really wanted to kill the man because he was annoying but my son stopped me. Before I could even carry out my plans, Damon Maxwell died.”

Dad did die because of a heart attack. Mom didn’t want to believe it at first, said that Rebecca might be lying to reduce her sentence but she wasn’t. There was no proof that she killed him by injecting drugs or anything.

“Yes, Miss Maxwell. She’s still in the office.” Percy answered. The car turned left smoothly, it wasn’t traffic tonight but there were still a lot of people around. “Harvey is at home playing games with Henry.”

I laughed. “I see. Poor Henry… he must be tired.”

Taking one of my notebooks, I opened it and sighed as I flipped through the pages. Percy took notice and asked. “What’s the matter, Miss Maxwell? You haven’t decided what story to submit?”

“Yeah… I mean, I wrote a lot but they seem unappealing to me.” I scratched my head. “And I thought being a CEO was hard. Being a writer is difficult as well, especially when you’re still an amateur. There’s plenty of professionals and I probably won't be like them one day.”

“Nonsense. You’ll be a great writer one day, Miss Maxwell.” Percy gave me a thumbs up. “I’m sure your father would say the same thing. He’d be a very proud man. He’s probably very proud at the moment.”

After a few minutes, Percy made the car come to a halt and came out to open my door. “Have a great time with your friend, Francine. Don’t eat too much ice cream.”

“Right.” I chuckled and waved. “I’ll call you once we’re finished, okay?”

Heels clicking as I walked, I went towards the spot where Francine told me to meet her. Confusion was evident on my face when I didn’t see her. “She still hasn’t arrived?” Waiting, I sat down on a bench. Watching strangers walking by with their friends or loved ones. Others were busy talking on the phone or were taking pictures.

It was just another normal day in October. Feeling a cold breeze pass by, I felt the chills and hugged myself. “Geez, maybe I should’ve bought a coat with me…”

Opening my bag, I took out my notebook and pen. She’s not yet here so I might as well write while waiting… Minutes passed by and it was getting colder. I stopped writing to look up and just observe the people again.

Where on earth is Francine? She should be here right now. Is something holding her up?

My thoughts went to Patton but I dismissed the idea. There was no way he’d take up her time since it’s the other way around. Patton quit in the military and decided to settle down. He got a job as one of Mom’s friends as the head of security. However, that wasn’t the greatest thing I ever heard from him yet.

The good news I received from him five months ago was that he and Francine were officially a couple and blew my mind. It was heartwarming to hear that news that I remember jumping up and down my bed like a monkey that night. I was even scolded by my mom, who said I was noisy and I had to pipe it down.

Francine would turn redder than a tomato every time I would bring it up. She was still working to support her family and even got a promotion. I could see Francine and Patton getting married any day. It’s just crazy to know that both of my best friends are together but I’m their number one fan. I want them to be happy.

Rubbing my hands together, I blew heat on the middle and hugged myself. “Maybe I should call her or something…” Fishing my bag for my phone, I found it and rang her up. A few seconds passed yet she didn’t answer. I frowned at the odd behavior.

That’s funny. She never ignores my calls at all. Maybe something occurred—

“Hey, don’t you think Chad Montgomery is so hot?”

“Yeah, I know right!”

My head instantly turned to the person who mentioned the man’s name, a name that brought up so many colorful memories. Seeing that they were young girls, I relaxed. I stared at the two girls who were chattering away until they disappeared from my view.

Even until now… Chad is still popular with the girls. What is that buffoon up to now?

After Chad and I decided to part ways— it was a mutual decision we shared —I went on with my life as a Maxwell. Busy with important things that benefit the family. Even if I didn’t want to, Francine would regularly update me about Chad. I didn’t know why she would do that but it was through her I got to hear whether Chad was in the country or not.

And he travels a lot. I would hear he’s in Paris and the next he’s in New York. He’s spent a week here in Cleveland and the next he’d be in London.

When Rebecca Montgomery was thrown into jail, it affected Montgomery's reputation and their company. It went to a point where their company had to shut down due to how Rebecca’s imprisonment became known to all. However, that didn’t stop Chad from working hard. He gave up the dream his mother wanted him to do and pursued his own.

He really is a talented violinist. Chad would play, plus those charms of his and everyone would be in the palm of his hand. He even decided to open up a business of his own, selling expensive yet good quality instruments.

That man…

I closed my notebook and leaned back, releasing a breath.

He probably has a new girlfriend by now. Probably kissing some French woman or a British babe. Oh god… why does the mere thought of him having another woman irk me to the core? I should be focusing on other things… such as why it’s taking Francine so long!

Dialing her number again, I waited for her to answer yet she didn’t. I then decided to send her a message.

To: Francine Heyyyyy where are you? I’m here at the meeting place. Are you busy?

Much to my surprise, she answered quickly.

From: Francine Hello Rach! Sorry if I replied just now and I didn’t answer your call. My mom ran into a little trouble and I have to help her out. So sorry :( I guess we have to eat ice cream together another time.

I heaved a sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. “I should’ve known this would’ve happened…” Typing a quick reply to tell Francine that it was all right, I stood up and began to walk away.

This sort of reminds me of that day. It was October, I think… I remember I was writing something on my journal that day—

I gasped when my left foot got stuck, almost making me fall to the ground when I got a hold of my balance. Looking back, I cursed under my breath as I tried to wiggle my foot to get the hell out of the drainage’s hole. My troubled state is already gathering attention from passing by. But I kept my calm on the outside while screaming inside.

Damn it, why won’t it—

I successfully got it out but it cost me my balance. Hand gripping my phone tightly, scared that it would fall and break. Heel broken, I gasped and closed my eyes, bracing for impact. Ready to kiss the ground and embarrass myself again in front of all people here at the park. The same thing already happened in the past.

However, a hand came and steady me from behind which surprised me. “Whoa, you okay Miss?”

I laughed sheepishly, tucking back my hair that blocked my sight. “Y-yeah! Sorry, my heel got into the drainage holes and I lost my balance…” Looking up, I had the biggest smile on my face. “Thank you kind Sir— ” My words were immediately cut off as I gazed up at the one and only Chad Montgomery. “Chad…”

He had even a look of surprise until a huge smile spread across his face. “Rachel, you cut your hair…”

I couldn’t help but laugh at how random he said it, my fingers finding the tip of my hair and twirling a strand. “Yeah… it was getting heavy. I wanted a fresh look.”

“It looks good on you.”

But you say it randomly after two years of not seeing each other…

“Are you alone?” He scanned the area and scratched his head. “At this time of night? Do you really want to get kidnapped?”

“No one would try and kidnap me… especially when I’m with the great Chad Montgomery.” I chuckled. “No need to worry.”

“Don’t try to boost my ego up, Rachel. It’s been wounded since my mother hurt you. I admit, I haven’t been the same since that day.”

“I see…” Looking down at my heels, I sighed. “It seems like I’ll be going barefoot while waiting for Percy. Damn it, this was my favorite pair of heels as well. Mom’s going to kill me.”

I let out a small squeak when Chad hoisted me up, carrying me bridal style and it felt like I went back to the time where he did the same thing. My heel broke that day and it was Chad who brought me back home. It feels like a long time ago though…

“C-Chad, what— ”

“I’ll bring you home.” he then smirked. “Plum.”

I stared at him with wide eyes before smirking back at him. “Of course, Mr. Montgomery.”