A Tale In Every Tone

Chapter Two (Part Four) Blame It On The Rain

   "We'll go to Village Cafe' and meet him.I want him to know you,and we'll get to meet his girlfriend."

   "O-okay." she stuttered. "But,I can't go like this. She pointed to her wet clothing.

Me too.I have to dry clothes.

   "We'll go to your home,then you can change.I'll use your dryer,if you have one." She stared at my dripping clothes.

   "I'm sorry." she murmured.

   "I don't mind."

                        ***

She had slipped into dry clothes,in her usual shirt,jeans,and sneakers.I used their dryer to dry mine.We're in a taxi at the moment,still a kilometer or two away from Village Cafe'.It's gonna be close to an hour before we get there.

   "Why do I have to meet your best friend?I don't really have to." said Alvira.

   "You're a friend now.That's enough reason.Plus,he's curious about you."

Alvira beamed at me too long before she answered.

   "I didn't think we could be friends."

   "We are now." I said.

Arriving at Village Cafe' after an hour,Alvira and I got out from the car.

   "I gotta pee." Alvira begged when we entered the coffee shop.She honestly can't handle her nerves.

   "Really?Do it fast."

She nodded and huddled to the toilet to do the deed.I searched for Bryce.

There was no one in the shop's tables and chairs,aside from a woman sitting with her legs crossed,sipping her cup of Americano.She had wavy,voluminous hair,resembling someone I know.I made my way to approach her,oblivious.I felt my stomach curl.I have a bad feeling about this.

She looked overly familiar as I got closer.It's her,Vanessa.Why is she here,of all places?She's Bryce's girlfriend?

I gathered all courage to face her.I've been waiting for this day for so long.I looked at her intently,and she looked back and her eyes shot a look of panic.She put down her cup and stood.

   "Clyde." she stammered.

I seized her hand and hastily dragged her out of the shop.

   "Clyde,I don't want to talk about this here." she spoke loudly and her teeth chattered nervously.

   "That's what you say in four years? Oh god."

   "I'ts been four years,I believe you have moved on."

I let go of her hand to face her.

"How could I have moved on.You left without any proper reason.You almost made me crazy.Why are you doing this?"

I grabbed both of her shoulders and gazed at her hazel brown eyes.It blinked numerous times,trying to miss my painful gaze.

"I-I .  .  ." Her words stumbled.My hands,which were tensed just a moment ago,relaxed.Her anxious nature hasn't changed.I usually made fun of her during these times.But now all I feel is anger .  .  . or regret?

   "I realized I don't love you anymore!" she spoke out loud. I froze.It numbed my senses.I can't think of anything.

"You moved to New York without even seeking my approval and left me hanging in New Jersey,and you dare ask me why I left?" she said further. "You promised we'd go to the same university so we could be together,but you changed your mind and went to the city,all by yourself.You didn't even bother to give a call or message.I never thought you could be so selfish."