Always Been You

~Lola~

The drapes allowed some light from the sun to shine through. It was obvious that the overcast weather of October had not yet lifted from the landscape. I struggled to keep my eyes open as the bright sunlight beat down on my face since I really needed more rest. The loud blaring of the alarm, on the other hand, prevented me from getting any more sleep. I slowly sat up in bed and gazed around at the unfamiliar surroundings while I was in a haze. Where exactly am I? I scratched the back of my head and took another glance at the environment. It took some time before I finally registered that I was at my new residence in Ozark. It’s strange how difficult it can be to readjust to a new environment right away. I couldn’t help but crack a smile at the prospect of a fresh new day. I made my way up to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator to see whether I needed to go out and get some groceries. Of course, I did need to go out and get some groceries, but before I could do that, I wanted to eat something first. I put on an apron and began to make breakfast before heading to the stores. My stomach began to rumble as the toast began to sizzle and the irresistible aroma of the butter began to float across the air. I seated myself at the table, plated some food for myself, and then began to eat. When I looked at the time on my wristwatch, I was reminded that I had an appointment with Matthew and the new employees he had hired. Mathew is a man in his middle years whom I entrusted with the management of my flower shop in New York while I was away. We haven’t met yet, but I trust his judgment. The fact that the shop has been profitable has taken me completely by surprise. I grabbed the keys to my car and drove to the shopping center. When I got to the shopping center, I spotted an empty parking spot and parked my car there. Then, I entered the shopping center and found a cart to use for my shopping.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

It’s a relief to finally be here. I won’t sugarcoat it; it’s going to be a challenge, but I’m prepared to meet it head-on. While I was shopping for the stuff I needed, such as food, plates, and glasses, I maneuvered my supermarket trolley around the store. I had plates, but then I needed to add more. I maneuvered my go-kart to the area with the household appliances, and as I reached out with my hand to grab a kettle, I noticed that someone else was doing the same thing. I tilted my head to the side in order to look at the other individual, who was reaching for the same kettle as me.

Ghosh!

I froze for a moment. He was handsome. The man relinquished his grip on the kettle.

“I’m sorry. I just love this brand.” I smiled. He smiled at me as he looked in my direction. After that, he continued by asking, “How far?” I was really confused by what he was saying to me, so I just kept staring at him in silence. He made a gesture, pointing to my stomach. “How far are you?” I felt like a fool now. I even forgot I was pregnant.

“Oh, sorry, three months.”

“That really looks good on you. Despite this, you appear to be five months pregnant already.” I formed a frown.

Do I actually appear to be that big?

Well, maybe I do, considering that in New York I used to wear bigger clothes to hide my pregnancy. I just couldn’t help but wonder why Dante never picked up on anything the last time we shared a bed together. I was hoping for him to notice and for him to tell me everything was going to be okay and that we were going to raise our children together, but Dante didn’t notice anything. Even though it hurts, I have no choice but to leave.

“That makes sense; they’re triplets.”His eyes became wide.

“My name is Mason.”

“I’m Lola.”

“I haven’t seen you around. Are you new?”

“Yeah, I just moved. I arrived yesterday. I recently purchased a home that is situated not far from both the mountains and the coast.” I smirked.

“Miss Lola, it seems like you’re getting everything I desire, despite my best efforts.”

“What exactly do you mean by that?”

“To tell you the truth, I was born and raised right here in Ozark. A few months ago, I was eyeing the house, but I didn’t know it was on the market. The day I decided to ask around, I was told it was bought by someone coming from New York City. I was angry then, but now, well, since I met the buyer, I’m no longer angry.” He let out a chuckle. “And just now, the same buyer purchased my kettle as well!” We shared a laugh together.

“I’m sorry for taking everything that belongs to you, Mason.” He waved his hand.

“Don’t mention it. I’ll see you around, Lola, and I want to extend a warm welcome to Ozark.” He gave a grin before going away.

What was that?

I disregarded everything that was going on and continued shopping. I was ready to go to the counter to pay for my kart when I collided with a woman. She appeared to be at least a few years older than me, possibly as much as four or three years older.

“I’m sorry,” I said as I pushed my kart aside.

“Oh no, it’s okay. You shouldn’t be concerned about it. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was heading at the time. I need to get back quickly because it is almost time for tea.” She stated this with a charming grin on her face.

“You have a wonderful smile.” I tried to strike up a discussion with the woman, seeing as how she didn’t appear to be moving her kart out of the way.

“Oh, yes, you can count on me. I hear that frequently. I haven’t seen you here before. Are you new?” I nodded my head. “No wonder I haven’t seen you around. I’m June.”

“I’m Lola.”

“Nice to meet you, Lola. I’d be interested in hanging out with you for a while. I bet you haven’t made friends here.” I giggled. We exchanged numbers, and she left.

Well, I just made a new friend. I shrugged and went to pay for the items. I walked back to the parking lot, where I met Mason again, and he rushed to help me load the goods into my car.

“You shouldn’t be coming shopping alone in your condition. You should be coming with your husband.”

Husband?

My eyes started watering for no apparent reason. I guess it was the mention of my husband that reminded me how pathetic I was. Mason observed that I was standing still, much like an ice cube that was beginning to thaw. Everything was made more difficult by the cool breeze of the autumn weather. My eye started to water, and the man in front of me saw it almost as soon as it happened.

“I’m very sorry, Lola. I shouldn’t have…” I cut him off.

“It’s okay. My husband is a busy man. He is still in New York City.” Mason looked at me, and I could tell by the man’s expression that he was skeptical, but he refrained from asking any questions, which was a positive development. After putting everything into the trunk of my car, I proceeded to the driver’s seat and tried to move while holding on to the steering wheel, but I was unable to do so. I rubbed the back of my head and focused on regaining my calm while I did so.

Dante, I don’t see why you promised to be my Prince Charming if you’re going to leave me here all by myself to deal with all of this. I have to raise our children by myself while you enjoy being with the woman you truly love.

But no matter how hard I try, I just can’t bring myself to slander him. He is and will always be the man I love. The one who will live on in my thoughts and memories forever, It’s easy to run, but we can’t always run away from our hearts. No matter where you go, you will have to carry your heart with you. Dante resides in my heart, and I have always carried him with me. I have no choice but to accept it in all its tragic reality.