Lunch with Sam

At lunch break.

Ava came to a traditional American restaurant near the hospital to meet Sam. The environment was very quiet and cozy, it was a very suitable place for dating.

Inside the restaurant, Sam was sitting by the window, waiting for Ava. He came here ten minutes earlier than the time they had decided on. As Sam was a teacher he had a good sense of timing, he was always punctual, and to be always on time he had a habit of adjusting his watch 10 minutes forward.

Sam was looking out of the window, the golden sunlight fell on him and his face looked very warm. From the corner of his eyes he saw someone approaching him, he turned his head and saw Ava, a bright sunny smile automatically showed up on his handsome face.

"Hey Ava, you are here," Sam said warmly with bright eyes.

"Hey, Sam!" Ava calmly sat down opposite him.

Sam was a very considerate man, he chose a seat facing the door because he knew girls normally don't like to face the door when they eat.

"Hungry? Let's order first." Sam's deep bright eyes could not hide his love for her at all.

"Sure. You do the ordering please." Ava told Sam politely and looked at him innocently. She didn't like to order food at the restaurant.

Sam was aware that the restaurant menu usually confuses Ava so he didn't insist, besides they grew up together so he was familiar with her taste. He just chuckled and said gently, "OK."

"So, how did you think of inviting me to lunch today?" Sam asked after finish ordering the food. He was a little excited when Ava called and asked him to meet.

"Actually ..I...I need to talk to you about something." Ava hesitated because she didn't want to start the topics the right way, she knew it would probably make things awkward between them. So she thought after having lunch she would talk to him.

Seeing Ava hesitating like this Sam let out a bitter smile, he looked outside the window and watched the people passing distractedly. After a while, he said in a low voice, "Actually I think I know why you are here."

Sam knew Ava will come to find him, the moment he learned that Erika was Oliver's Knight's cousin. That girl's enthusiastic behavior toward him was very obvious. But he didn't like Erika, he believed it was a coincidence that they met but they have no future together. He was well aware of Erika's status and the gap between them.

Ava raised her eyes and the warm smile on her face froze, she said gently, "Sam I want you to find your own happiness."

"My happiness is you but you are not willing to give it to me." Sam turned and looked straight into Ava's eyes. His eyes were full of heartache.

Ava got silent hearing him, once someone asked her if she had to choose between loving someone and being loved by someone which one she would choose. Back then she said she would choose to love someone but now she feels that love doesn't work that way, one-sided love never works. If the two people, don't share the same feelings for each other then no matter how suitable their personalities are, there will be conflicts at some point. So they must love each other. Although Sam's words made Ava feel sad but she couldn't give him what he was asking for. She had already given her heart to Oliver.

"Sam, don't close your heart like that. There are many good girls in the world, like Erika." Ava said with a smile and looked at Sam with hopeful eyes.

"Ava you know, love cannot be forced. It's your choice not to love me back but you are not qualified to tell me who I should fall in love with." Sam said a bit harshly, he was a little angry hearing Ava.

Not qualified? Ava was hurt hearing that, she only wanted Sam to accept that she could only be his friend and move on with his life. They have known each other for so many years she cared for him and felt guilty in her heart that Sam was pausing his life for her. She didn't want that she really wanted him to find his happiness.

"I am not telling you to fall in love with anyone, I am just sharing my own opinion, I hope as a friend I have that much right on you," Ava said in a low voice.

Sam knew his words have hurt Ava but he didn't like that she was trying to fix him with Erika. He felt that she was pitying him because she couldn't love him back so that made his ego hurt.

Sam composed himself quickly and said softly "Ava, I am sorry for being a little harsh just now but please try to understand, I cannot get involve with anyone while my heart is with you."

How could he make her understand that he couldn't live without her? He didn't want to bring any trouble for Ava but he wouldn't give up on her until she was married to Oliver Knight.

The atmosphere suddenly becomes very depressed around them and Ava really didn't know what to say. Just then, the waiter came with the food. Although Ava was very hungry but she was a bit embarrassed to pick up the chopstick after the conversation they just had.

However, Sam collected back his spirit and like a gentleman, he said, "Let's eat first. We can talk after lunch."

"OK," Ava answered in a light tone and picked up her chopstick.