On Finding Chance

Part 2 - Chapter 17

Weeks passed and everyone in the house including Ethan and Gab are spoiling me with peace offerings. We had a deeper talk about Dylan once my brother got better and logic completely understood why they had to hide the truth. But forgiveness and healing is a matter of the heart, it takes time to process. And I truly appreciate them for giving me that time and space.

We continue doing our normal activities although there is a bit of distance in our conversations. Sometimes my family would go to my room, thinking I was asleep and cry and apologize again. And a part of me wants to tell them it's okay, I am okay. But I know I am still in the process of healing. Slow but it's getting there.

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Today is a weekend which normally means I should be in bed with a cup of chocolate and a new book. However, I have tons of work to finish and staying home will not get this done. Thus, I resolve here in my favorite coffee shop with my laptop and green tea latte.

It has been three hours since I started my work and my brain cells are deteriorating. Good thing I brought the book for a breather. I pull it out and start reading.

Halfway through Chapter 7, a barista hands me a glass of water, a cup of peppermint tea and a sunflower.

Chance is here.

I ask who it is from but, as expected, she does not spill the beans. I scan the room. There aren't many people at this hour, only a group of students studying on the other side of the shop and two girls who are sitting three tables to my left. I try to recall if I have noticed a man coming in or out of the door. Wait, maybe Chance is a woman? I scan the room again and after a few minutes of looking like a crazy lady who checks out everybody in the place, I read the latest note.

Madison Alexandra Lee,

Stop flirting with the book. ☺

-Chance

True enough, Chance is here (or he was or she was). I need to find out who this mystery person is and there is only one solution I can think of. It is time for me to play his or her game. Besides, this sunflower-note thingy is getting creepy.

Chance,

Show up or the next time I get your sunflower, it will directly go to the trash.

Who are you? This is no longer sweet. It's scary. Stop stalking me.

Can I see you? Like, right now?

Take a leap of faith. I'm waiting.

Madie

There. I think that will do.

I am preparing myself to give my note and sunflower to the barista when my Dylan sits on the chair across me. He looks different - a more handsome different. His hair is shorter and cleaner. He is wearing shades instead of glasses. He also shaved his mustache which made his face brighter. A certified eye-candy. No wonder I fell for him. Wait. I shouldn't be having these thoughts.

"It's interesting how you are sitting there with a book and a cup of green tea and here I am intruding your peace...again" says Dylan, smirking.

I raise my eyebrow. What does he want?

"Hahaha! Even your expression is exactly the same" he continues.

"Why are you here? I thought we're done?" I tell him, pissed.

"Says who?"

"You. You disappeared, remember? Can you please leave?"

Dylan is quiet. Is he leaving? Was I too harsh?