by Tri Amutia
I worked again with Kelly and some news about the other candidates who got lucky to be placed at England and New York already spread. I knew some of them and I knew they were deserved it. Jessica surprisingly didn't make it and she was disappointed about that. Sometimes I heard she was babbling to herself about wanting to quit from the office and tried to find a better career.
It was on Wednesday when I received a call from the front office. The receptionist told me someone wanted to see me. I checked the digital clock on my BlackBerry; it read 11 am. There was no way Joshua will visit me in this hour. I told the receptionist to ask the person to wait for me. I got out from my booth and walked to the elevator. I pressed the button to the ground floor and waited for a moment until I heard the 'ding' sound. The elevator door opened and I walked to the front desk. I froze when the receptionist showed me the person.
She smiled and rose from her seat. She wore casual clothes; opposite from me who wore the working outfit. Her strawberry hair was pulled in a barrette and she looked beautiful.
"Abby, it's very nice to meet you...well, properly," She said to me.
I narrowed my eyes. "What are you doing in here?"
Natalia laughed nervously. "I just want to talk to you, besides it's nearly lunch time. You don't mind, do you?"
I stared at her blankly. What could she possibly think now? And how did she know where I work? I almost rolled my eyes.
Helena, of course.
"I'm not really hungry," I said to her. I still remembered the last time I had lunch with Riley and it didn't end well. I didn't want another repeat performance.
Natalia smiled grimly. "Okay, then. But, please can I talk to you? In the park, perhaps?"
My eyes narrowed slightly. The closest park was half an hour on foot. "We could go to the park on foot, if you don't mind," I told her.
She nodded slowly. "Of course not."
I started to walk outside; followed by Natalia. We didn't speak at all during our walk. I racked my brain for some possible scenarios on why she asked to speak with me right now. She could be asking me to stay away from Joshua or maybe told me she had a special bond with him or things like that. I shuddered. I wished I could read her mind right now.
We arrived at the park and I chose to sit on the bench near lots of people. It was already noon and the weather was getting hot, it was a good thing the bench was under a tree. Natalia sat next to me and we both just sat next to each other for a moment; looking to the people around us.
"Thank you for coming here with me," She said.
I didn't answer her. I just wanted to hear what she's going to say.
"I'm sure you want to know why I visited you today in your office."
I stared at a couple in front of me. They were sitting on a huge blanket with picnic baskets and they looked so happy. I heard her sigh.
"I just want to say I'm sorry," Natalia continued.
I furrowed my eyebrows and turned to look at her. She smiled at me. "You must know that I knew Joshua since my childhood, although you might know him too. He was different from other boys that I befriended." Natalia turned to look at the couple in front of us. "He never said I am beautiful or looked like he was happy when he saw me. The other boys always said I'm pretty and they will fight for my attention."
I turned my attention back to the couple. They were still eating their lunch together.
"I know he doesn't like me, but I always told myself I will make him mine someday."
I clenched my fist unconsciously, but I still didn't say anything.
Natalia chuckled lightly. "But, everything that I've done was nothing. He knew I like him more than friend. When I boldly told him that he felt the same way, Joshua just went silent. And then he said something that really broke my heart."
Silence.
Natalia took a deep breath. "I still remember what he said that day. He said 'I'm sorry, Natalia, but I've already love someone.'"
Again, another silence.
"I didn't trust him that time. I mean, how could that be? How could he love someone so deeply when he was the same age as mine? Where did he meet this girl?" She laughed lightly. "When I asked him about the girl, he never gave me his answer. I think he knows I will try to make him forget about the girl. He just told me that her name is Abby."
I took a deep breath.
"I was furious. I was angry. I couldn't imagine Joshua could fall for someone besides me. My female ego was wounded. I wanted to know everything about her. How could she catch his heart? What did she do to get his attention?"
I smiled slightly. Actually, that was the questions I often asked to myself. But, I didn't need answers anymore. I knew he loved me.
"And then I met Kimberly."
I went rigid.
"We're not close, but I like having a friend like her. I guessed we both feel rejected by Joshua, but with different reasons. She told me that she knew you and she told me about you. I guessed her jealousy foreshadowed her own opinion about you and I became more confident that I am more beautiful than you."
I took a deep breath and so did Natalia.
"And then I met you for the first time at the gala. I knew at that time there was no place for me in Joshua's heart and what Kimberly told me about you, it was all wrong."
She paused.
From my peripheral vision, I could see she was looking at me. "You are beautiful, Abby. You are so much beautiful than me or Kimberly. Even my cousin, Helena, told me that too."
I almost scoffed. "What is your point, then?"
Natalia sighed. "Like I said before, I wanted to say I'm sorry. I know what I did was wrong that day. Joshua was very angry with me and he even told my dad about what I did. He didn't hesitate to tell my dad that he will never love me and I better stop trying."
I looked at her blue eyes. "And you should be. You will never know what he could do to you if he was really angry."
She chuckled nervously. "I know that too."
I looked back at the couple in front of us and they were just finished their lunch. I guessed the lunch time was over. I stared back at Natalia. "If you have nothing more to say, I want to go back to my office."
She smiled grimly. "That's all that I want to say."
I nodded and got up from the bench. I turned around and started to walk when suddenly she called me. "Abby!"
I stopped and looked at her from over my shoulder.
"Will you forgive me?"
I smiled glumly. "Just never show up in our life again. You've done enough." I didn't wait for her reply and started to walk again.
I knew this was the last time I'll meet Natalia.
~O~
Everything was turning to normal again. I didn't tell Joshua about my conversation with Natalia because I thought that was my little secret. Besides he told me before he never wanted to hear about her anymore. The rest of the week was very hectic for Joshua while I was working more slowly with Kelly because she didn't want to publish her new book soon. Her latest book was becoming a best seller and I felt happy for her.
Joshua's schedule seemed so full and sometimes I felt bad for him. I tried to cook dinner every time he went home and helped him as much as I could. As for Joshua, he seemed grateful whenever I tried to help him.
It was Friday when I went home and the apartment was empty. I sighed and decided to have a warm bath before I cook Joshua dinner. I just finished my shower and changed my clothes when I heard the front door opened.
"Abby?"
I quickly got out from my room and met Joshua in the living room. He smiled widely when he saw me. Before I could say something, he gave me a big hug and kissed me deeply. As always, he smelled like medicine every time he went home and I was getting used to it. He broke the kiss and I smiled on his lips.
"Well...hello to you too," I said breathlessly.
He chuckled and pulled away from his embrace. Suddenly a bouquet of flowers appeared from his other hand. I blinked several times.
"It's for you
," He stated simply. His green eyes lit with happiness.
I chuckled nervously and took the bouquet from him. "It smells wonderful. What is it?"
"Hmmm..." He wrapped his arms on my waist and pursed his lips. "I've always wondered about your mysterious scent. I know it's like a flower, but I couldn't put my finger on it. And then, I wanted to give you something tonight. I stopped at a florist and then I saw these. The amazing thing was it smelled just like you."
I gave him a look.
"Its freesia, dear, and this is my favorite flowers now."
I smiled. "You're hopelessly romantic."
Joshua grinned. "Of course I am, dear. So, let's have our dinner outside tonight and please, wear a dress."
My smile disappeared. "Joshua!"
He seemed oblivious and un-wrapped his arms from my waist. "Go get change while I have my shower. I'll put these flowers in a vase."
I gaped at him while he raised his eyebrows; challenging me to have an argument with him.
I rolled my eyes. "All right."
He smiled victoriously and I handed him the bouquet. I walked back to my room and opened my closet. I sighed. I didn't have another dress, but I knew Joshua won't listen to me. I decided to wear the deep blue dress, the one which I wore when I had dinner with his parents for the first time. I changed my clothes, applied light make-up and curled my hair. An hour later I was ready and I guessed so did Joshua. He knocked on my bedroom door and I opened it. No need to tell how handsome he was tonight.
We walked to the apartment's garage with my hand linked on his arm. We drove from the apartment with his car, of course, and I almost raised my eyebrows when I saw the restaurant. It was the place when we had our lunch for the first time.
Joshua quickly got out from the car before I could say anything. He opened the passenger door for me and I got out, once again in his arm. We got in into the restaurant and I almost giggled when I saw the same waitress that gave my fiancé her number on the bill, but he returned the bill back to her. It was priceless to see her expression.
"Good evening. We have a reservation here," Joshua said to the waitress. I knew he tried to stay calm while actually he wanted to smile or laugh.
The waitress blinked several times. "Uh..yes...under which name, Sir?" She stuttered.
"Walsh," My fiancé answered shortly.
She looked over the list and her eyes widened. "Um...apparently you reserved a private lounge. Is that correct, Mr. Walsh?"
"Yes."
I fought not to smile.
She nodded dumbly. "Please, follow me, Sir."
She started to walk and we followed her inside. She guided us to a private lounge and Joshua said thank you to the waitress. A table was already been set up with food and drinks and my memory wandered when he did this to me in Florida. Joshua pulled a chair out for me while I smiled gratefully to him. He sat on his own chair after I settled on mine.
"When did you have time for all of this?" I asked him curiously.
He smiled while poured the wine to my glass. "I always have my own way, dear Abby."
I rolled my eyes.
"Come on. Let's have our dinner."
We ate our food with some soft music filling the room. After we were finished, Joshua extended his hand and held mine from across the table. I looked at him immediately. The soft light from the restaurant illuminated his handsome into more angelic and beautiful. My heart fluttered.
"Actually, I'm taking you to dinner outside tonight to congratulate you for your promotion and to tell you something."
I looked at him curiously.
He smiled timidly and gave me an envelope with his free hand. I took the envelope and almost gasped when I looked into the UNC logo. He encouraged me to open it with his eyes. I took a deep breath and pulled out a white paper from inside the envelope. My hand was shaking slightly when I unfolded the letter. I read the letter and almost squealed happily when the letter came to ‘UNC School of Medicine proudly accepts your application for your pediatric degree...’
I looked back to him and laughed breathlessly. "You made it. They contacted you back."
Joshua smiled widely. "Yes, dear. I want you to be the first to know about that. I even didn't tell my parents yet."
I smiled and looked back to the letter. The rest of the letter told me about the examination and the interview schedules. Joshua still had time for four months to prepare everything. I was so happy for him. I knew I was doing the right thing. I've never regretted my decision not to accept the offer in England. I wanted to stay here with him.
"And now...there is one more thing that I want to do properly this time," Joshua's voice brought me back to reality.
I raised my head to look at him. He took the letter from my hand and rose from his sitting position. I mimicked his move and now we were standing face to face.
He smiled tenderly and slowly slid down on one knee.
I gasped.
"Abigail Annabel Bennett, I've been in love with you since my childhood and I love you more every single day. I know you are my soul mate, I know you are my best friend and I know you are my everything."
I gulped and trembled slightly.
He gingerly took my left hand where I still wore my engagement ring. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you and always make you happy. With this ring, I want to ask you one question."
My eyes brimmed with tears this time.
"Will you marry me?"
I laughed breathlessly while fighting not to cry. I nodded furiously. "Yes, Joshua Walsh. I will marry you."
He smiled widely and rose from his kneeling position. He laughed too and kissed me deeply. My heart drummed loudly and almost busted with happiness. Joshua broke the kiss and leaned his forehead to mine. "Finally!" He said to himself.
I chuckled. "What took you so long to propose to me? I will say yes, though."
He grimaced. "I'm just looking for the right time after all the tension in our relationship and I couldn't be happier to do it now."
I laughed lightly and so did he.
"So, have you thought about the date?" He asked me.
I pursed my lips. "Well...I must do one thing first."
He raised his eyebrows. "And what could that be?"
I smiled. "I have to tell everyone one big news."
He chuckled. "What? That we are engaged?"
I grinned. "Nope."
Joshua was getting confused. "What is it?"
I smiled coyly. "I want to tell them that my fiancé is Joshua Walsh."
He laughed happily and kissed my forehead. “I know you’ll say yes.”
Yes, he did.
Chapter 32
The Happy Ending I
Everyone seemed happy to hear about our 'real' engagement this time. My parents were happy, Joshua's parents were happy, even Stella and my best friend, Ethan, were also happy for us. Stella started to contact my mom and Farah to discuss the details for the wedding. I told Stella that I wanted to get married before Joshua started his preparation for exam in UNC. I still didn't comfortable about living away from Joshua, but I also couldn't just follow him around while he finished his master degree. This was the first thing that we discussed seriously. Joshua will stay at an apartment near his college and of course he asked me to accompany him for the search. I've done some research about the flight fees from Seattle to North Carolina and it was not a cheap one. There was no way I could visit him every week. My mood turned gloomy when I knew about this. With some calculations from my part, I could only manage to visit him twice a month. But, Joshua told me to not to be sad. We could contact each other through Skype and he will spend his holiday with me in Seattle.
We started to prepare for our wedding more seriously this time. Joshua started to talk more often with his family and his aunt and I was so happy for them to be reunited again. He also discussed some wedding details with them too. Joshua and I decided to wed in Seattle, because we could invite everyone that we know and of course there were
venues which were representable for the reception. Stella also started to discuss about the wedding dress with me. She sent some of designs to my e-mail and I tried very hard to keep it from my fiancé. My best friend also insisted to have a bridal shower for me few days before my wedding. As hard as I fought not to have that kind of event, but I couldn't win against Stella.
Joshua and I also started to complete our papers for our wedding. We contacted a clerk and discussed for some identification that we need to make our matrimony officially legal. This thing was the easiest one apart from other preparations from a wedding.
As for our work, the news for Joshua's acceptance in UNC already spread in the hospital. A lot of his colleagues congratulated him for his pediatric degree and also for his engagement. He asked Dr. Keller to be his best man and the elderly man gladly accept Joshua's request. As for me, my work turned to normal. Some of my colleagues already knew about my engagement and congratulated me. I contacted some of my previous authors and asked them to come to the wedding. Kelly was the first person who said yes while the others happily said they will come to my wedding. I reluctantly invited Helena too and silently prayed her cousin didn't have to come.
It was Thursday morning when Marianne, Mr. Smith's secretary, suddenly appeared in my booth and told me that my boss was expecting me.
"Please, have a seat, Ms. Bennett," Mr. Smith told me when I arrived in his office.
I sat on a chair across from him.
"First, I want to say congratulations for your engagement, Ms. Bennett. I'm sorry if it's a little bit late for that."
I blushed slightly. "Um...thank you, Sir."
My boss smiled. "I hope you will have a lovely wedding and a wonderful marriage. I can tell that this man really makes you happy."
I chuckled nervously. "Yes, Sir. Thank you."
He folded his arms on the desk and looked at me seriously. "As you know, Miss Bennett, Miss Stevenson already told me about her resignation early this morning and I also want to talk about your promotion."