Chasing You

Ghosts from the past

I was peacefully sleeping in my bed when I woke up from the phone ringing, kept on my bedside table. I, without checking who it was, pick it up and put the phone to my ear. 

"Hello. Who is this?" I ask with my eyes closed, still in slumber. 

"Chloe? Please, don't hang up this time. If you can, can we meet for breakfast at Rory's Diner at 9?" None other than Cole, called me at 7 in the morning, asking me to meet him for breakfast. 

"I don't know Cole. Why don't you ask that question to yourself? Why do you want to see me now? After what you did, why now?" I was now wide awake, sat up on my bed, running my hand through my hair. 

"Please Chloe, just this once? I promise it will be worth your time." Damn, why does my heart melt whenever things concern him? 

"Fine. Be there at 10, not 9. I need to sleep. I was up all night. And now thanks to you, I will be wide awake for the rest of my day. Idiot." I said which made him chuckle, loud enough for me to hear from my end. 

"Fine, thanks. I will be there at 10 dot." I end the call and snuggle back into my pillows for my much-needed sleep. 

It has already been a week since his little attempt of murdering me. This wasn't the first time he called though, as he said, "don't hang up this time", I kept hanging up on him. But after a week's persuasion, I finally said yes to meeting him. 

I wasn't quite at my best this past week. All the memories considering Liss flooded my mind, hindering my performance at work. I have had more panic attacks this past week than in my whole life combined. 

I still wanted to meet Cole once, and hear his side of the story. I did the same with my dad once, but since then he kept repeating the same things and whenever I would snap, he would repeat everything he said like a stereo. 

This was the reason I was fed up with his lies. He does nothing but lie. My life is ruined because of that man and his wife. I wonder how I sleep amid all these thoughts filling my mind. I am a superwoman for sure. 

I have gotten closer to Ermanno in the past week. He is quite a nice guy if you don't go on his rather mafia-like appearance. But sometimes, when in need, his appearance has helped me as well. He used to drive me from home to work this week since I was having more panic attacks at random. 

Seeing my terrible condition, my office granted me a week off. I just made it to a two yesterday. What? I enjoy my time at home. 

I have my share of concerns. I tried calling dad, thinking if I talked to him, it would help with my panic attacks, but it made it worse. I spent one night in a hospital even due to him. Thankfully, Ermanno was there to help me. 

I remember my psychologist saying that I need to forgive my dad for whatever sins he committed for me to have a happy life but it just doesn't come easy. Whenever I think of forgiving him, he does something stupid. 

I have tried numerous times to make up with him, yes with my own father, huh! But it never worked out so now, I officially stopped trying. My sleep is interrupted again but this time, I check the caller's name. It is dad. 

"Not in the morning dad." I mumble in my sleepy voice and put my phone on silent and go back to sleep. 

I woke up from my alarm ringing at 9 am which I turned on so I could wake up for meeting Cole at 10. I groaned as I pull myself out of the bed. My soft bed which loves me more than I do. Before I could go back and lie down, I drag myself out of my bedroom. 

I check my phone and it shows 27 missed calls from dad. Okay, for whatever reason, even when I am angry with him, I called him again. 

"What is it?" I say annoyed as to it was morning already.