Before We Say Goodbye - Chapter Four and Five

Chapter 4

Ducking her head at the familiar voice that came inches away from her ear, she took a swig of her now warm water. Channeling all her strength, she turned to face him.

"No, Jack. I wasn't looking for you," she responded with her teeth clenched.

Ignorantly, he smiled lazily at her, "It's been a long time, Chlo. How have you been?"

"I'm good," she replied curtly.

Making a move to get out of her seat, he rested a hand on her shoulder to stop.

"Where are you-"
"I'm leaving."
"So soon?"
"What's it to you? You should go back to your girl, she's lookin' pretty peevish right now."
"Chlo... I miss you..."

Shrugging out of his grasp, she walked out of the room with her head held high.
Could this day get any worse? she asked herself.

How could it be that these guys were popping up like the dead brought back to life?!

With one more step, she paused and looked back. Her eyes focused instantly on Adrienne. Knowing her cousin, she would never hear the end of it if she didn't take a cab. But all Chloe craved was a long walk - alone. Sending her cousin a message on her cell phone, Chloe turned to leave.

Chloe's mind began to spin.
She had to realize this a block away from the lounge. Damn it! She thought. Why didn't I just follow Adrienne's instructions?!

Making her way to the nearest building, she put out a hand to lean against the cool brick wall. But, before her hand could make contact, someone with a crushing grip on her upper arm yanked her away from the wall.

"What the hell are you doing here alone like this, Chloe?"

Her head was throbbing ten times now after being swung around like a Raggedy Ann doll. He held her close now, suffocating her against his chest.

Trying to shrug out of both of this man's hands that held her still, she blew up at the offender with irritation.

"What the hell is your problem?! Let go of me! I can't breathe."
"Hold still!"

The man held her close, even though she struggled in his arms.
Chloe pounded her fists as hard as she could against his chest, but it was no use.

Her head ached with every move she made. Weary, she let her forehead lean against this man's chest - just under his Adam's apple. She knew who he was, now - her mind finally registered his voice. As calm won her over, she sank into his comforting embrace and winced, as the pulse in her temple tried to slow down.

Chloe felt his chin rest on the top of her head. He did this once before, but it was quite a long time ago.

"How did you find me?" She asked timidly.
"I didn't have to. We wound up in the same place," his voice rumbled above her.
"What were you doing here?"
"I just went for a walk to clear my head. Instead, I found you."
"Oh..."
"I'm leaving soon," he stated.
"Do you really have to?"
"Afraid so, Chlo. I'll be married around this time next month."
"Oh..." Was all Chloe said, as she disengaged herself from his embrace. With every inch that she withdrew from him, her heart tore apart in equal parts.
"Hey... You alright?"
"Yeah..." She answered, looking anywhere but at him. "Congratulations, Sam."
He smiled brightly at her with thanks. Always oblivious, she thought to herself.

"Where are you off to? I'll walk you," he offered.
"Just around the corner. You don't have to, really."
"It'd be my pleasure. I'm really sorry for walking away with your textbook."
She gave him a weary look and continued walking towards the nearest coffee shop.
"Why are we here at a hotel coffee shop?" Sam asked.
"It's the only one open at this hour. You can go if you want. I need to sober up a little."

Walking up to the counter, she gasped as if she saw a ghost.
"Markus?"
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Chapter 5

"Hey Chloe. What can I getcha?" Markus answered from behind the counter.

Taming her composure, she looked back at Sam to ask what he kind of coffee he liked. An exchange of who would pay ensued.
Markus had seen this so many times before that it took him all his might not to roll his eyes.

A little embarrassed that she was having this, "I'll pay! No, I'll pay!" conversation with Sam, in front of Markus no less, she gave in and let Sam pay.

"Good girl," she heard Sam whisper.
Rolling her eyes skyward, she let it go. Instead of giving him the time of day, she looked over the counter watching Markus.
"You disappeared so suddenly..."
"My shift was over," he said covering one of the two disposable cups with a lid.
"What time do you get off here?"
"I just started," he said covering the second one, handing it to her and with a nod her way proceeded to take down the order of a customer who had just walked in.

She in turn, gave a stiff smile, upturned the edges of her mouth a little and walked to where Sam was seated.

"Here you go."
"Thanks," Sam said putting down the newspaper.
"So... You're getting married, huh?" She dove in, as she took a seat.
"Well, I have to fix the papers first," he replied.
"Who is she? How'd you meet?". With every question she posed, her heart felt like it was ripping. But, she told herself, this was a good thing. Finally, she had a solid foundation where she could put up the door and lock away the fantasies she weaved about him.
She would be happy for him, definitely.

Meanwhile, as the clubs around the block began to close, more customers showed up in his cafe to sober up. I can handle this, Mark thought to himself. Juggling customers was his natural talent. Lost in his work, he forgot about Chloe until he saw her get up in the corner of his eye. That guy sure is lucky, he thought.

"Hey Mark, go have your break now. It looks like you need one," Kit nudged him back to reality.
"Uh? Oh... Yeah. Thanks Kit. I'll be outside."

Chloe craned her neck to see if Markus was still busy. She contemplated staying until his shift was done. Sam had to leave her, anyway.
Disappointment struck her, when she saw a tiny female taking orders instead.

It wasn't meant to be, she told herself and walked out.

Now completely sober, she didn't know what to do with herself. Study, would be a good idea. Except she didn't have any of her books with her. Instead, she went back to the hotel Adrienne had booked for her, and switched into her swimsuit. It was something she had learned to pack, after the first few times they, Adrienne and friends, had dragged her out here to have fun. It was rare that she allowed herself the time to relax and unwind. It was at times like these, Chloe was very grateful to have Adrienne in her life.

Her future, however unorganized she felt it is, would still be there tomorrow so why worry about it tonight, she asked herself. Jumping into the pool, she swam out all her frustrations until she was worn out.

Getting into bed that night felt so good. Before closing her eyes, she sent another message to her cousin.