Second Chance

XIII

"The halibut, salmon, and swordfish are great if you love seafood. If your not a fan of seafood, the hamburgers are great as well. The Cauliflower pizza is yummy if your not into meat." Suggested Nolan over lunch.

"Sorry to be so nervous. I just haven't done this in a long time. I mainly work and visit with my family and friends. I do have 2 daughters. She is older though. I see more of my oldest than my youngest. Both are raised." I informed Nolan.

"I love children, so don't bother me. I completely get it. I work a lot as well, but I try not let it consume me." Nolan stated.

Nolan and I had a great time. Felt great to meet such a great friend. Turns out he lived not far from where I lived. He worked from home and did go in office when needed. We agreed to see some sights some more and when back home to hang out. What I loved the most was that he respected me. He didn't push. He kept everything on a friendship level and there was no awkward moments.

"There you are. We heard about Nolan from Faith. We want all the details." Cindy teased.

I told them all the details about Nolan. How I bumped into him. How he didn't push and was understanding that I just wanted friendship. Everyone was happy for me, including my daughter which met even more.

Faith went back with her sister Zoe, so she didn't suspect anything. Faith was going to look for jobs in a town not far from me to be closer. That way no one would suspect anything when she moved. Everyone in the family was having a hard time processing me gone. It was awful that I couldn't be honest with my family. Just thankful I had Faith at least and possible Zoe in the future depending on how things went and what the investigation would go.

Vacation was so much needed. I loved the ocean and the beach. The sound helped me sleep at night. One thing I learned was if I had to be somewhere no one could find me a beach would be perfect place to be.

From a distance I observed Zoe. Memories of her came back slowly as a little girl. I missed her a lot and hoped someday we could be reunited. She had these beautiful eyes that looked almost black at times. She was doing so well considering how much she went through as a kid. It wasn't fair that I couldn't be near my own child. I fell asleep that night and awoke from a nightmare of not having my Zoe. I just wanted this whole nightmare to be over with.