The Longest Weekend [Part 6]

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This is Part 6 of a Short Story about a chance encounter between two wounded souls over an enchanting weekend.

Read again Part 5 (Click the Link Below)

The ride back to the resort was enveloped in silence. Despite being seated closer to each other this time, their proximity seemed to render them vulnerable, as if the slightest touch could unravel a multitude of emotions. She held her bouquet of gerberas delicately, occasionally bringing them closer to inhale their fragrance, the petals brushing against her skin with each movement. These subtle gestures sent tremors through him, making the journey feel interminably long, inexplicably so.

The night sky greeted them upon their return to the resort, its canopy adorned with countless stars. Making their way to her cottage, she clutched her gerberas while he carried the baskets and her belongings. Their footsteps echoed softly as if conveying the unspoken sentiments between them. Just as they neared the front of her cottage, he spoke up.

“It’s unfair for him to leave you like that, Ericka. You have every right to be angry with him. Why can’t you just let yourself cry, scream out the pain, and maybe even hate him for a moment?”

She paused, taking a moment for his words to register. Without turning to face him, she remained still. He approached her, his hand extending to rest on her shoulder. With her back still turned, she placed her hand over his, silently conveying reassurance. Slowly, she turned to meet his gaze, encountering a look of genuine concern — a gaze she hadn’t seen before. A small smile graced her lips as she shook her head gently.

Reaching out, she delicately touched her face and his chin. “There’s nothing for you to worry about. Besides, that concerned expression doesn’t suit you. Cheer up!” she said, injecting a teasing tone to alleviate his concern. Yet, he couldn’t shake the feeling that she wasn’t being entirely truthful. They continued their walk to her cottage, and after ensuring she had all her belongings, he embraced her tightly. She stood still within his embrace, the moment fleeting yet profound. Eventually, he withdrew without a word, making his way to his room, leaving her to ponder the complexities of their shared encounter.

Still reeling from the unexpected gesture, she lingered by the door for a few moments, her senses still adjusting to the sudden rush of emotions. Then, the ring of her cell phone shattered the quiet.

“Nick?”

“Hey! How’s your vacation going? You haven’t responded to any of my texts. What’s up?” Her best friend’s voice held a mix of concern and excitement.

“Oh, I’m having a blast! You really spoiled me. Thanks a bunch!”

“You met someone, didn’t you?” Nick’s probing tone hinted at his curiosity as he summoned staff to check on her whereabouts.

“Just a new friend,” she confessed gleefully, launching into the tale of her day. It was the first time Nick had heard her speak with such enthusiasm in a long while, and he cherished the return of his lively best friend. Yet, behind his cheerful facade, a pang of sorrow tugged at his heart. Though he longed to play the role of the protective older brother, he couldn’t bring himself to dampen her newfound joy.

“Are you still there, Nick? Don’t fall asleep on me!” she teased.

“I’m here, soaking in your happiness. It’s been a while since I’ve heard you laugh like this.”

“He’s so much like you, you know. Caring and easy to talk to. Just a bit taller!” she jested.

“Is that so?” Nick chuckled. “Well, I’ll always be your best guy friend, no matter what.”

Their conversation lulled into a comfortable silence, but Nick couldn’t shake the thought of his impending departure. He knew she wasn’t prepared to let him go, no matter how much she tried to mask her feelings.

“Sweety, we’ll still be in touch through Facebook and your phone isn’t just for show,” Nick reassured her, sensing her apprehension.

“Nick, I don’t think there’s anything more to this than a weekend fling. Yes, he’s amazing, and we’ve shared some incredible moments, but we both have lives beyond this vacation,” she reasoned.

“Perhaps this is the start of a new chapter for you,” Nick suggested optimistically.

“The past few days have been more than enough for me. He’s reminded me of the best parts of myself, but I’m not asking for more than I can handle.”

“Or perhaps you’re still in love with him,” Nick stated bluntly, his gaze unwavering.

In an instant, memories of him flooded her mind, the pain still raw and palpable.

“I don’t think I’m ready to move on just yet. If he doesn’t return, then…”

“He’s not coming back, Rickie! And he doesn’t deserve a second glance from you!” Nick interjected, his frustration boiling over. “Have you forgotten how broken you were after he left? He abandoned you, and that should be enough to make you realize — “

“Nick, please…” she pleaded, her voice trembling with emotion.

“No, Rickie! I can’t stand by and watch you waste away because of some unrequited love. You deserve better, and I — “

“He loved me, Nick. Believe it or not, I know he did. And for now, please let me handle this in my own way. I’ll move on when I’m ready, but not before then,” she insisted, her resolve unwavering.

Nick’s anger softened into understanding, and he offered her a reassuring embrace, silently promising to support her through it all.

“I trust you, Rickie. Just promise me you’ll do whatever it takes to find happiness again.”

“I will, Nick. I promise,” she replied, her voice steadying.

As soon as the call ended, the weight of her reality crashed over her. Despite the warmth of her room, an icy chill settled in her bones. Fumbling for the radio, she sought to drown out the deafening silence with its comforting hum.

She approached her bed and reached for a blue knitted bag she hadn’t touched since her arrival. She remembered the internal struggle she had faced over bringing it along. This vacation was meant for the present and the future, as Nick had advised her not to burden herself with unnecessary items since he had ensured she would have everything she needed upon arrival.

But she had brought it anyway. It was the bag Kyle had gifted her on her 25th birthday, purchased during his trip to the States. She had never used it for anything else, reserving it as a repository for all the letters, favorite pictures, and small gifts he had given her.

Pouring out the contents of the bag, memories flooded forth, each one a cherished relic of their past. She carefully examined each photograph, reliving the moments captured within them. In one, they sat together on a native hammock during a visit to her grandparent’s province, their smiles wide and carefree. Another depicted a day at the fair, where he had pulled silly faces to lift her spirits during a rough patch.

As she sifted through the memories, the radio seemed to echo her emotions with a poignant song, its lyrics mocking her struggle to let go. She had always found such songs trite, yet now they resonated with her in unexpected ways.

Amidst the photographs, she discovered letters in various forms, each one a testament to their love. Some were written on expensive scented stationery, while others were scrawled on notepads or even on tissue paper. She picked up one note, its simple message transporting her back to a cherished moment: a dinner date where he had lovingly wiped spaghetti sauce from her chin, leaving her heart aflutter.

But it was one particular letter that held the most significance, a heartfelt confession of his unwavering love and commitment to her. Reading it had always reassured her during their darkest moments, offering a glimmer of hope amidst uncertainty.

Next, she uncovered an MP3 player containing recordings of their conversations and shared moments. One in particular, where they playfully sang along to a childhood tune, never failed to bring tears to her eyes.

As she immersed herself in these memories, something deep within her began to stir, a long-dormant part of herself awakening. With each item she examined, she felt a weight lift from her soul, a gradual release of pent-up emotions. It would take time, she knew, but for the first time, she welcomed the prospect of healing.

Amid her reverie, Derek’s face flashed before her mind’s eye, stirring something unfamiliar within her heart.

Wiping away the last of her tears, she chuckled at the melodramatic song playing in the background, then closed her eyes, allowing herself to drift into the realm of dreams.

After a warm shower and donning a simple gray tee and cargo shorts, he grabbed a beer from the fridge and settled onto the bed. Glancing at his neglected phone, he discovered a barrage of missed calls, texts, and voicemails — mostly from his concerned mother, brother, and a friend. Among them was a message from Melissa, his ex-girlfriend.

Hey Mountain Guy! Heard you’ve been dodging your mom’s calls. Celebrating your birthday, huh? Well, congrats on your business success. Can’t wait for you to be back. I’ve sent you an email, hope you’ve seen it. Take care, and I miss you. Happy Birthday!

Her message still carried that unmistakable Melissa charm — candid and spontaneous. He felt a pang of nostalgia but also a twinge of apprehension. He recalled how much he had longed for such messages in the past, but now, he found himself adrift, unsure of what he truly desired.

With an impulse he couldn’t quite explain, he dialed a number not among the missed calls or messages.

“Hi, Dad.”

“Hey, Son! Just wanted to check in, but I figured I’d let your mom handle that.”

“That’s why I called you. Thanks for not bombarding me like she did.”

“Happy Birthday, son. I trust you’re enjoying yourself down there?”

“I am, Dad. It’s hard to put into words, but…”

“As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.”

“Thanks, Dad. How’s everyone back home? The girls?”

“They’re doing fine. Still asleep, I think.”

“And Mom?”

“She’s worried about you not coming back for your birthday… but she’ll be okay. You know how she is.”

“My flight’s on the 26th, Dad.”

“Ah… You sure you want to come back so soon? It feels like you just left.”

“I know, but… I have my reasons. Even if staying feels like the right choice…”

“You met someone?”

He hesitated, and his father understood the unspoken answer.

“Why not change your flight? It wouldn’t cost much, would it? Sometimes, it’s worth taking a risk for a chance like this.”

“It’s not that simple, Dad. Everything’s happening so fast, and she’s… different. I’ve never felt this drawn to someone before.”

“You sound like a lovesick teenager, Derek. But it’s too soon to judge, isn’t it?”

“I know. I just haven’t felt this alive in years. Not even with Melissa… It’s different.”

“Speaking of Melissa, she’s been visiting us a lot lately. Seems happier and keeps asking about you.”

“I know. We’ve been talking again.”

“She mentioned wanting to talk to you when you get back.”

“Yeah, I might want to have that conversation soon.”

“Son, I trust your judgment, no matter what. Just keep praying for guidance. Follow your heart, and remember, there’s always a home for you here.”

“Thanks, Dad. I’m glad we talked.”

“Me too, son. Take care, okay?”

He always felt a sense of peace after talking to his father. Despite his quiet demeanor, his father’s wisdom and support were unwavering. With his mom, they were his pillars during the divorce, and he couldn’t ask for better parents.

It had been three hours since he last laid eyes on her, and he couldn’t wait to gaze into those deep brown eyes again. Funny how they hadn’t exchanged more important details about each other — no cell phone numbers, no addresses, no email addresses. Yet, in the few days they’d known each other, it seemed like there was nothing more they needed.

And then he remembered their game — the silly game he had suggested, and how she had innocently agreed. The sensations inside him, with her on his mind all this time, were too much to ignore. He got up and went off somewhere — a place where he might end this longing.

That was Part 6 of this short story. Click below to read Part 7.

Read again the Chapters below:

Part 1 https://readmedium.com/the-longest-weekend-part-1-7d785f0ac795 Part 2 https://readmedium.com/the-longest-weekend-part-2-83e6b159132c Part 3 https://readmedium.com/the-longest-weekend-part-3-60cadeec1234 Part 4 https://readmedium.com/the-longest-weekend-part-4-8714f1493c86 Part 5 https://readmedium.com/the-longest-weekend-part-5-da3bb449ce26 Part 6 https://readmedium.com/the-longest-weekend-part-6-46451d86c128 Part 7 https://readmedium.com/the-longest-weekend-part-7-79fc67a10613 Part 8 https://readmedium.com/the-longest-weekend-part-8-b4948aaed201