190. Red Lotus on an envelope

A cold breeze blew gently the moment I opened the airplane window. I moved closer to get a view of the white coated houses and appreciated the purity in it. From up here, everything looked so peaceful and beautiful like a wedding gown. The trees looked like green flowers embroidered all over the gown, adding splendor to it.

I looked around, further out until I heard the air hostess advising us to close the windows and fasten our seatbelts as the plane was about to land.

I did as was announced and sat back in the chair enjoying the moment. I was happy to be able to walk out again after a whole year of staying in doors.

Sitting in the sun again was beautiful and the moment the rays hit my skin, it felt as though tiny droplets of fire were being aimed at my white skin.

From staying indoors, my skin has turned while and lost its natural pigmentation. I was tan free but some how hideous as it looked as though I've bleached my skin.

When I looked in the mirror, I couldn't help but wonder at my very face.

It wasn't as beautiful as it used to be but you'd still recognize me from the bits of resemblance that was there to my prior self.

Holding steadily to the chair, I closed my eyes and took deep breaths as the plane came to a landing.

The moment it stopped, I sighed in relief and listened to the last bit of the warning and caution by the hostess.

One by one, we dropped the plan and checked ourselves out of the airport.

I summoned a taxi and as I walked out of the airport, I looked at the note that Michael had written for me. He told me the name of the hotel he had booked for me and I showed it to the driver who only nodded.

I rested my head in the chair and closed my eyes, relaxing after my 7 hour flight.

"You arrived in London at a good time..." he picked a conversation with me and I opened my eyes sitting up. I was confused for a moment because his accent was so different then I remembered am in London.

"Oh....why?" I inquired.

"You don't know???" he stepped on the break harsh manner, bringing the car to a drastic stop. Spinning his head as fast as I've ever seen any human do, he turned to me, his thick rimmed spectacles hanging on his nasal bridge popping his eyes out.

"Am I to assume you do not know of the event of this year??" he asked again, awakening the annoyance in me.

"Just get on with it...." I pushed.

"It's the young Prince's christening. Queen Ria and her husband King Adam have a son. In a few days time, his christening will take place....." he explained and I looked at him as though I had no idea yet it was the sole reason I was here. I immediately caressed my chest, right where my heart was and looked outside the window, hoping this was a dream.

"So ...are you excited????" he asked stepping on the accelerator, bringing the car to a move. With my eyes fixed on the window, I couldn't hear any more of his speech but only mumblings as his voice grew faint by the minute.

I laid-back on the window, having rolled it down, allowing the breeze to blow gently against my face.

With my eyes closed, I tried not to think of anything. I dared Michael that I would survive this and it was up to me to survive it. Adam was gone and there was no way he was really coming back to me ever.

He even had a son.

It just fascinates me how someone can easily fall out of love like that and move on with someone else to the point of having a baby. A whole fruit of their passion and here I was lamenting on spilt milk.

I sighed and slowly drifted into sleep deceiving my instincts to tell me I was dreaming and soon I'd wake up from it.

*******

That evening, I ordered a salad and sat on the balcony appreciating the beauty of London. Most rooftops were covered in snow giving the Christmas vibes although it was still months away.

I guess even the heavens were excited for such a match and the birth of the new prince.

When my doorbell rang, I walked over and opened it receiving the salad that I had ordered. I sat on the couch and enjoyed the variety of fruits.

Suddenly, my eye caught the red tint envelope beneath the tray that had a bowl.

My heart skipped following goosebumps all over my skin. o got a glimpse of deja Vu knowing at some point, there was someone who used to send me letters in tiny envelopes.

I slowly placed the bowl down and retrieved the envelope studying it for a moment to be sure I wasn't mistaken.

The red lotus printed on it was good proof to me that all this was real.

"Wow....." I lied back, pursed my lips and wave the envelope on my face, deep in thought. Where was this person this entire time? Waiting for me to breakup with Adam so he would come and try his chance with me??

But if so, why doesn't he operate from the shadows? Why hasn't he ever come to show his face to me. What kind of lover operates in the shadows?

I looked at the envelope one more time and decided to open it. The golden card inside and golden letters was a start to make me smile. I closed my eyes and smelled it reminding myself of the old times I used to receive more of these.

I took deep breaths and opened it, wondering what kind of message was in it for me on that day.

'I miss you everyday. Welcome to my home ...'

The first part got me excited with my happiness reaching across the roof. The second part through, I wasn't certain. Welcome to his home?? So he was from the British colony, no wonder his pursuing skills were on point. B for Best Men. No lie.

Like a teenage girl, I jumped off the couch and onto the bed. He missed me?

Unknowingly an ear to ear smile grew on my face. He missed me.

I nearly cried at the realization because it melted my heart. At least someone out there knew I existed. That was enough to know and deep inside, I knew I missed him too.