Should he tell Parker to back off, that he had lost his chance? Or should he let them go together? So thinking Zach closed the door to the apartment and made way to his car. Driving his car ever so slowly, he kept questioning his wisdom at going to the Ritzy Place, when he knew Kathy was there. But then again, Kathy hadn’t known Parker was coming, had she? Maybe he had just turned up and she was as surprised as everyone was! Parking in his usual place, Zach sat in the car for a moment.
His decision made, Zach went inside the Ritzy Place and saw Kathy almost immediately. She was sitting at the bar talking to someone whose back was to Zach. Kathy and Zach’s eyes met and held for a moment. That was enough for Zach to make his decision.
He went and sat at the bar, on the stool leaving one empty stool between him and Kathy. Beckoning Ivy, he asked for a beer and took a deep slug from it. Keeping his bottle down he took his phone out. Going to the message window, he typed in Kathy’s number. After pondering for a while, Zach typed something and sent the message. As her phone pinged, Kathy stiffened a little bit. Zach noticed the upright position of her back as she read what he had sent her. ‘That would help take her decisions easier’ Zach thought, as he turned away and downed the rest of his beer.
Walking to the end of the bar where David was seated, Zach greeted him with a side, one arm hug and slid into the seat next to his. Ivy came around to their side and asked Zach what had happened, if he had spoken to Kathy. “Yeah” he said offhandedly. Ivy realised that that was all she would get from him for now, and decided to leave him alone for sometime.
In a few minutes, Parker paid his bill and stood up, offering his hand to Kathy. She took it. That action had Ivy’s gaze zoom to David, who was also looking at the scene that was unfolding. Zach’s grip on his second bottle of beer confirmed that he too had noticed.
Parker and Kathy walked towards the door, and Zach felt the land collapse beneath him. “This is what this long chase had ended up to!” he thought ironically. His heart almost skipped a beat when he saw them hug.
The door swung open and Parker walked out. Zach kept staring at that closed door for so long that he did not realise that Kathy had not left with Parker. It was only when David nudged him that he came out of his trance and realised that Kathy was standing right behind him.
She stood with her arms folded and shoulders slightly hunched. Zach noticed she kept pulling the sleeves of her jacket down to cover her hands. A habit she’d picked when she got nervous. Zach turned all the way around to face her.
“Can I please talk to you?” Kathy asked him.
“Yeah, say.” Zach replied.
“Somewhere alone?”
“No here is fine.” Zach was afraid he’d break down if were in any less public place. But he was too proud to say it to her.
Ivy called out to David, asking him for some help with the supplies. Zach knew that there were workers employed to help with the supplies, in case they happen to run short; but he understood this as Ivy’s way of giving them a spec of privacy, for which he was thankful.
“You were saying something?” Zach reiterated.
In halting words, Kathy tried to explain herself. “Zach, I, Well I never meant for this to happen the way it did.” Zach’s heart sank on hearing these words. His silence prodded her to continue. “I had meant to meet you back at the apartment.” She paused. “And then what? Tell me you’re moving out?” Zach’s voice rose slightly before he controlled it. Kathy came close to him and placed her hand on his arm. Zach looked down at it once before quietly removing it, “Why is all your stuff packed Kathy? Where are you going?” When she stood speechless before him, Zach suddenly fell silent. “Oh yes, I remember, I’d just messaged you that I would support you whatever your decision. We are friends first and I would give you all the happiness you deserve, even if that means that I have to step away.” He said controlling the trembling in his voice.
“Why don’t you understand?” Kathy said coming closer to him. “Meeting him again…” “Just brought back all the memories?” Zach finished for her. “No. I mean yes. I mean, it’s not the same way you think!” she danced around her own words. “Yes, seeing him today did bring back all the memories. I became that small girl again. But you know what, I felt no pain. Not for that small girl. Not for me now.” Zach was not sure he understood the line of thought here. On seeing his confused look, Kathy continued, “You healed me Zach. You were the one who showed me how beautiful life is and how precious each moment. Talking to Peter today, I realised, I was never really in love with him. Ever!” Zach could feel his eyes fill up as he held his breath for her next words. Holding his hands, Kathy pulled herself closer to him, “It is you I am in love with Zach! When I think of the future, I can see myself only with you silly boy!” Zach’s face sported a huge grin as he pulled Kathy into an embrace.
“Wait. Wait. Wait.” Kathy said, stepping away. “There is one more thing that I need to tell you.” Zach raised an eyebrow as he watched Kathy stand in front of him with her hands in her jacket pockets. Pulling out a box and opening it, Kathy continued, “This is not how I had imagined this to be; but Zachary Smith, Will you marry me?” Zach grinned as he held up his hand, a small box hidden in the palm, “Not if you agree to marry me first!”
With incredibly wide smiles and new rings in place, Zach gave Kathy a passionate kiss, as they heard David pop the bottle of champagne somewhere in the background…
(written on 28 December 2010)
(written on 28 December 2010)
