CHAPTER 22: So This Was Lara
After taking a bath and soaking in the tub for longer than I had intended to I changed into a shirt, jeans, and a Ludmilla brown coat which was my favorite. I stepped out of the cabin, and closed my eyes for a moment, reveling in the warmth of the morning sun touching my skin. It is so soothing, especially after a not-so-good event yesterday. Anyone can feel much better when there are good sun rays around, especially at the sounds and smells of nature around.
I walked over to Claire’s modest house. When I passed by some folks outside their homes, they all turned to look at me. However, as soon as I turned my glance at them, they instantly looked away as if to hide it.
I was mentally bored by their actions because that was the reason I agreed to stay here. After texting my sister last night to say that I would follow her advice and wait for them here, I took out my notepad, which I always carry with me wherever I go. I write down all the words that intrigue me as well as any gestures that I observe among the locals. They must be curious to know more about me because I am an outsider, yet their stares hold more to it, more reason.
I would figure it out on my own if no one else was ready to tell me what was happening. It’s only a matter of finding a store with wifi and possibly visiting their library. However, I must first inform Claire and perhaps even ask her for some information. Although it may sound off, I must do it because no one will do it for me. I don’t find this entertaining that they all wanted to establish a deadline. It was hard to be someone that has no idea of what’s going on when clearly you’re involved.
Surprisingly, the door of the house filled with flowers opened revealing Claire. Her almond-shaped eyes grew wide. She sprinted over to me and gave me a hug.
She gasped as she stepped back, saying, “You’re still here? Oh my god!” but as soon as she realized it, her expression twisted into grief. “You’re still leaving today? Aren’t you?”
I smiled at her, “Yes, but I decided to stay for another week”
“Really? That’s great!” She clapped her hands together with such joy and elation, “The two will be happy to hear this”
“I plan to stay here and maybe visit some places while I wait for my sister and my parents”
A frown appeared on Claire’s face as she asked, “Your sister and parents will come here?”
“Didn’t you tell me she will help you with your wedding preparations?” I chuckled.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.
Claire hesitantly nodded and said, “Oh, right.”
With my hand fisted and tucked into the pocket of my coat, I chanted in my head, ‘Please….. Claire, don’t lie to me…. ‘ I just hope that Claire was not lying to me.
“Do you have any plans for today?” she continued.
“Yes, I plan to go to the market today. To buy some stuff”
“I can accompany you. I have something to buy as well”
“That’s great, I have really a lot of things to ask”
Claire looked at me for a moment before shrugging, “I hope it’s not about chemistry”
I laughed, “Despite my amusement, no”
“Yeah, unfortunate,” she said before backing away. “Wait for me here, I will just get my bag and possibly a coat that matches yours so we are a twin for today”
I shake my head at her, giggling. I watched her disappear inside her house before turning my attention to the area. My attention shifted to the residents of the town, who have a physical appearance that is practically solid or toned. They are each going about their own business, some watering and tending to their plants, others tidying their yard, and some simply walking by in both casual and formal attire. I inhale deeply as I tap my feet on the ground while tucking my hands into my coat.
Then suddenly, someone spoke to me next to me.
“Luna”
I yelled and stumbled backward, snapping my head to the left. My brows furrowed at the sight of an elderly woman. Her skin was all wrinkly and her limbs were thin. She seemed to recognize me from the way her gray eyes locked into mine.
I collected myself, continued, and was ready to express regret for my behavior when I was interrupted. “I am sorry ma’am for screaming like that-”
“Welcome, Luna.” The elderly woman held my hand and stated in a trembling voice, “We have been waiting for you for a long time.”
“I-” I started to say something, but someone immediately pulled the elderly woman away.
It was a stunning woman, with blonde hair in braids, a youthful face, and bright hazel eyes. She had soft features and the stereotypically innocent appearance of a woman who is lovely and compassionate.
She didn’t appear to be happy to be here or to be talking to me when she remarked, “I’m sorry, my grandma taught you to someone she knew.”
I caught the elderly woman’s eye who was still focusing on me. I feigned a smile as I looked at the woman, who I noticed had similar features to the old lady. “It’s okay”
The elderly woman kept her eyes fixed on me and muttered, “I know who she is.
Even though it was hardly audible, I was still able to hear it. My heart thumped loudly.
A middle-aged man said, “Why don’t you bring Mrs. Vicky to your house, Lara.”
Only then did I realize that those around us were closely observing me. The amount of intense attention directed at me made me shudder.
Another person remarked, “He’s right or you can take her for a stroll.”
“I can’t,” the young woman says while shaking her head. “Traian will be at the library, therefore I have to go there.”
So this was Lara…..
There were tensions brewing as the woman said that. While others rolled their eyes, turned their heads away, or sneered at the woman, my eyes unintentionally glanced at her face and body. She was a beautiful woman with a toned and captivating body. Another wave of insecurity crashed through me, and I sighed and pushed the ideas from my head. First of all, Traian will undoubtedly need someone as gorgeous as her on his side, albeit Anthony’s affair with the woman today may have been comparable to her beauty.
Claire’s voice could be heard saying, “I don’t believe it was proper for you Lara to call him that”
I turned to her house and saw her coming out of her house clutching a bag as she was surrounded by a brown coat. Her gaze zeroed in on Lara.
She briefly turned her gaze to me before adding, “And I doubt he will be at the Library today.”
“I don’t think so. He regularly visits on Wednesdays. It’s his habit….” Lara smirked and shrugged as she looked at me while adding, “and nothing will change him”
She beckoned her grandmother to start walking. I was too taken aback to grasp what was occurring because it obviously had so many different meanings, so I stood there silently like the others until Claire grabbed my elbow. I face her expectantly.
“Should we go?” she asked, gesturing toward the forest.
“Oh, yeah. Let’s go” but I stopped midstep, “Aren’t we taking a car?”
Claire shakes her head, “No, we can take the forest trail so we can reach the supermarket in the next town”
“Really?”
“Yeah, I kind of think that you just need a walk today”
“Well, I really do”