Second Memory Fragment

"Welcome home," she murmured with a smile lingering on her lips.

…

Next morning arrived but Asari didn't wake up since she slept late. The door to her bedroom was barraged with knocks but she slept like a log. Renzo, being worried about her, entered her room and found her sleeping. She was lying on her back and posture was still as a statue. If it wasn't for the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest, one would think she was dead.

Edging closer to her bed, Renzo stared at her beautiful face. He'd confirmed that she was the girl he'd been looking for. However, what he didn't find out was what exactly happened to her? What's the detailed story?

He so badly wanted to ask her but he knew she wasn't ready to open up but he didn't mind because he'd wait until she was willing to. He won't mind being patient for more than two or three years. He trusted his patience. Renzo ran a hand through her silky soft hair. He swore he'd never get tired of her. She's the only woman and girl who captured his heart.

Amidst his dark life, her smile which wasn't directed at him melted his cold heart. Life hadn't treated him well until she came. Renzo propped a gentle kiss on her forehead before silently exiting her room for his study.

When the soft click sound of the closing door vibrated through the room, Asari's eyes flicked open. Her hand subconsciously went to the spot on her forehead where he'd kissed. She felt warm inside at his gesture. Even her previous lover wasn't as kind as Renzo was. Everytime she frowned, Renzo would kiss her forehead.

Asari didn't need to check the time to know she had overslept. She sighed inwardly before exiting her bed for the bathroom. Asari brushed her teeth and freshened up. With that she exited the bedroom and went to seek for Renzo, the only person who seems to understand her.

Somehow she knew where he'd be and just followed her instincts. She halted before a wooden door and before she knocked the door, it was opened from inside. Asari entered but surprisingly there was no one inside.

The desk was neatly arranged and the room was the definition of spick and span. There wasn't a single whiff or speck of dust. It was literally the first time she entered the room but yet she felt familiar with it.

Her eyes caught a glimpse of a portrait hanging on one of the walls. It was a silhouette of a female. The artist drew only a backside of it and her hair reached her waist. Now that she took a closer look at it, why did it feel like it was her.

Suddenly, a couple of memories gushed into her brain like a movie. On a sandy beach shore, a young couple played into the sand. A beautiful female smiled brightly like the sun. The male beside him also looked at her so affectionately that it garnered envy from the rest.

"Hardie, I love the ocean so much. We should come again oftenly," said the female.

"Hmm," hummed the male in response to his lover's request.

"Hardie, let me take a look around. You should go buy us something to drink," she chirruped, giving her lover a gentle push.

Once the male left, she wandered along the beach until she caught sight of a male with a drawing board. He seemed so into his work that he didn't notice her arrival.

"Hey, what are you drawing? Mind if I be your friend?" The female began, causing the guy to raise his head.

He had a cold gaze but looking at her, his eyes subconsciously softened. However, he still kept her at arm's length.

"Why would you want to be a friend to a guy? No man will be comfortable with that. You better leave right away," he replied, sounding a bit harsh.

A frown marred her face at his reply, she pushed her luck, "No! Don't be so mean. I just want to see what you're drawing."

She caught sight of his drawing. It was an outline of the back side of a female with hair. Her eyes widened in awe as she marvelled.

"Woah! It's very beautiful. I bet the finished version will be more beautiful."

The male flipped the drawing and quickly stood up and left without any byes. The female could only stare at him in confusion and it was at that moment that her lover came.

"Sari, what are you looking at? I was looking for you," he said in a tone filled with worry.

"Nothing much, I just thought I could explore," she murmured.

Placing an arm on her shoulder he urged gently, "Let's go dear, you should wander alone next time."

The two left the spot but she was still thinking about the drawing she saw.

….

"Asari! Are you ok?" A voice interrupted her from her reverie, jolting her back to reality. She realised their compromised position with him behind her, arm surrounding her waist and his breath tickling her neck. She shivered a little from the warmth and her hand subconsciously held his.

Compared to his warm hands, hers were cold and she was shivering a little. Renzo felt her shivering body and hugged a bit tighter.

"It's ok, whatever you're thinking, it's just a memory," he coaxed.

At that moment, Asari turned to face him and hugged him tighter, tears strolling down her cheeks. Renzo thought that maybe she recalled something she didn't want to. He returned her embrace.

"Promise that you won't leave me," he heard her murmur, something which shocked him.

A subtle smile appeared on his face as he hummed, "Hmm, I promise."

Unknown to him, his answer gave her relief and at that moment, she knew he was the right person. He wouldn't hurt her like her past lover did. Up until now, the only memory that made some sense was the one she just had.

The boy in her memory was him, Renzo and the only person left to find out was the Hardie guy. If he was her lover then where's he? Did he probably betray her or something? Only time will tell.