On Finding Chance

Part 2 - Chapter 18

Gab and I are in her room. She is all over the place - pacing, arranging the already organized vanity desk, sitting on the bed and standing after 5 seconds. I know she is feeling as uncomfortable as I am so I put both of us out of her misery.

"Gab"

"Yeah?"

"Sit down. You're making me dizzy."

"Uhh..yeah...sorry..."

She looks at me in eye, "I'm very very very very very sorry, Madie"

"I understand. We're good now." And I hug her as tight as I can.

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We are watching a rerun of F.R.I.E.N.D.S now and my mind is in a different place. Is my love story like that of Rachel and Ross? They were together, broke up, got married, divorced, had a child, ended up in each other's arms. Or is my story similar to Chandler and Monica? They have been friends for a long time and did not realize that they were each other's perfect match? Or is my story like Phoebe and Mike? The typical we met- fell in love- be a couple-type. Is the guy waiting for me in front of the altar, Dylan or Ethan or Chance? Or maybe, I am Joey. I do not get to have a partner. Gosh! This is making me insane. I should stop fixating on this. "One step at a time, Madie, one step at a time" I whisper to myself.

First step, Dylan.

If there is one person who can confirm his story, it is the girl sitting beside me on the bed. "Gab", I say. "Oh?" she replies without taking her eyes off the screen. "How did I meet Dylan?", I ask. Gab looks at me with questioning eyes and stares at the ceiling for at least two seconds, deciding whether to tell me or not. Her eyes are back to mine and she pauses the video.

"Why do you want to know?" she questions.

I recall every detail of our conversation at the coffee shop yesterday. She lets me talk and nods once in a while. After I finish, she holds my hand and says, "he's not lying, Madie. But, what are you going to do?"

If Dylan is telling the truth then it means he is not that big of a jerk after all. I can believe his story, our story, which is honestly one of the sweetest I have ever heard or read.

"Should I talk to him again?", I ask.

"I need to tell you something. I think this can help you decide."

Gab's energy shifts to a more serious one.

"Dylan came. He visited you in the hospital before he disappeared. It was only a few minutes. He sneaked in when your parents were talking to your doctors. I was the only one in your room when he came. He asked me if he could get a minute alone with you. I don't know what he talked to you about. All I know is that he looked miserable after seeing you. He was sobbing, Madie. His eyes were blood red. He was a wreck. He begged me to keep it a secret because your dad was mad at him."

"What? My dad? Why?", I ask, surprised.

"They did not tell you? You were with him during the accident."

"What?"

"If I recall correctly, you were in a family gathering with Dylan. You were hit by a car or van or truck. No one actually knows what exactly happened. It was a hit and run. The only witness was his brother but he was too young and could not speak out of trauma. That is why your dad vented out his anger on him. He needed answers but Dylan could not provide them. Your dad blamed him for the accident."

"Is that why he disappeared?"

"Maybe...but don't be mad at your father, Madie. He could not get hold of his emotions because you are his precious daughter. He wants to know who did that to you and it was frustrating for his part not to give you the justice you deserve. As for Dylan, your dad did not ask him to leave. It was his own decision. For what reason, it is for you to find out."

I pull out my planner and open it to yesterday's page. Here is my plan. I save Dylan's number in my phone and message him.

Hi Dylan. Madie here. When can I see you again?

I deleted the message. It's too obvious and clingy, as if I want to talk to him again. Well, actually, I do. But, only to hear the continuation of our story. I need to know about the accident. It does not mean I will fall for his overly seductive charms again, right? It will be a casual lunch or dinner between friends; no, acquaintances.

Hi Dylan. Madie here. Is the history session still up? ☺

It does not feel right. It is too friendly. I erase it again and decide for the simplest message.

Hi Dylan. Madie here.

There. That is better.

Minutes passed. No response. Maybe he gave me the wrong number? No. No. Maybe he is really busy. He is a surgeon for crying out loud. Patience.

I shift my attention to something else - F.R.I.E.N.D.S, food, nap, dinner, home.

I check my phone; 8:30pm and there is not a single trace of Dylan. I am losing control of my emotions and starting to get annoyed, disappointed and sad all at the same time. I get my book and start reading as a distraction. I am on the verge of dozing off when a message appears.

Hey Madie. I thought you'd never text.

Ugh! He did not even apologize for responding late. My ego is taking over me. I am not going to text him back. But, he replied and I feel relieved. Damn it! I start typing.

I guess I'm stubborn and stupid.

Haha. You believe me then?

My sources say I can. :p

You don't have very reliable sources. Haha. You should take your time to trust me.

Roger that. Haha!

Good, I'm just warning you. You might fall for me again.

#FlirtAlert :))

Hahaha! Aren't you going to sleep yet? It's getting late.

I was about to. But someone disturbed me. Haha!

Uh oh! Me?

Guilty? Haha! Gnyt, Dylan. :D

Sorry. ☺ Goodnight, Madie. Sweet dreams. See you soon.