Chapter 22: Memories.

I don’t know how to talk to him.

Should I directly confront him or am I supposed to wait for him to speak?

God! This situation is so awkward.

We have been walking around in this park for the last five minutes and Andrew has said nothing since we bid Anna and Monica goodbye. The fact that he brought me to the same park where Alex and I broke up is already making me very uncomfortable.

I sneak a glance at him from the corner of my eye to see him gazing ahead mindlessly following the path deeper into the park.

Giving up on getting an explanation anytime soon I look around at the familiar scenes I had been so used to just a few weeks ago.

We had long ago left behind the part where the little kids generally play. We were crossing the open field right now, a place, usually occupied by families having picnic on bright sunny days like these.

The sun was not visible because of the tall trees on the west side but its rays spread across the lush grass on the happy families and a couple, enjoying their little break away.

It brought back a memory where walking this same path was once Alex and me.

Alex.

It had been days since I last thought of him.

I had effectively stopped him from entering my thoughts, stressing my mind in thinking of ways to trap Andrew but right now, this place seems to be working like a slow poison in making me lose my mind.

I remember it clearly.

That day, like many other, I had been complaining to him about the fact that even though we had visited the park so many times we had never had a fun picnic before.

To this he would always excuse himself by saying that picnic was a vibe killer to his so called ‘reputation’ and then before I could argue he would further add something sweet to it, to shut me up; like- “And I can’t let my girlfriend have to sit in the sun and sweat when I can afford to take her to a five star restaurant and treat her like my princess.”

Now that I think back to it, he was only finding ways to flaunt his money. It hurts to be honest. I really did think back then that he cares about me and if not love then surely likes me a lot.

I look down at the paved path feeling a bit overwhelmed at the onslaught of emotions but I continue walking, merely following Andrew as I refuse to look up again.

I don’t think I can stop the memories from hurting me more if I do.

Focusing on Andrew’s shoes I try to calm myself down and to only think about this guy beside me who is probably going to disclose his secrets to me.

It doesn’t help.

Another memory pops in my head; unfortunately, it’s a sweet one.

I was strolling around in the park with Alex, heading towards the big oak tree where he had asked me to be his girlfriend a few days ago. Since then it had become our hangout spot.

Not paying attention to him, I was busily texting Blu about my plans for the day as he held one of my hands in his while I texted her with the other. He attracted my attention a bit later when after every few seconds he would stop and then continue walking making me question as to what was he trying to do.

“What are you doing?” I asked him looking around to see if someone or something was interesting his mind.

To which he replied a concentrated expression still on his face, “I am trying to co-ordinate our footsteps together, but every time I do that you change your pace.”

It was a silly game he was playing to entertain himself back then but it had put a goofy smile on my face, leading us to continue walking that way all the way to our destination.

My eyes moistened.

Was he still faking it then?

This was one of the million memories I had of him which till to this date makes me question: Had I never realized Alex’s true face and intentions? Or was it something else?

To my dismay a third memory vividly played in my head.

“You didn’t have to beat them so much,” I distressed on seeing his bruised knuckles and the slightly swollen cheekbone.

He winced a little when I dabbed the rubbing alcohol on his wound that I bought from the pharmacy on our way here. He had been acting tough and denied letting me touch it saying he was a strong man and didn’t need any medicine for his wounds.

He had proudly called them his ‘Battle scars’ and wanted to go around sporting them, he even joked that he looks more of a ‘Bad boy’ now. He finally gave in and let me treat them when I pleaded with him and threatened to not kiss him.

“Of course, I had to. Did they think they could get away after hitting on my girlfriend,” he angrily gnarled, fisting his hands tightly.

Honestly, I believe I could have handled the issue myself but Alex being the overprotective guy he is hurled slangs and threats at them one after the other making it a much bigger issue than it was. Well I can’t blame him completely the two guys were in fact famous perverts of the campus, they deserved to be taught a lesson.

Taking his clenched hand in mine and freeing them I entwined our fingers together and then laid many butterfly kisses on it, “Thank you so much my hero but we were on campus. This time, the university said nothing as they hit you first but next time please be more careful. No, let’s not have a repeat of this ever again.”

Agreeing with me he coaxed me into a gentle kiss to soothe both of our minds and hearts as we spent rest of the evening together in each other’s arms.

The memory ended and I felt my legs turn wobbly from all the overbearing thoughts and emotions. I was scared to walk further into the park in case I remembered more of these memories.

At that moment we were sitting under the same oak tree which had become our spot to relax and get away from the outside world. I had always thought of that place as my most favorite spot did it mean nothing to him? If I didn’t mean anything special to him then why had he fought for me that day? I wish I could see what went in his head when we broke up, at least it would be easier to forget these memories then.

Just like earlier in the car I felt Andrew’s hand enveloping mine like he knew I needed comfort, or maybe he did? But it made me look up at him curiously, waiting for him to say something.

“I was fourteen when my mother died giving birth to my sister.”

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Illustris ❤