The Love That Passed

Third Person’s POVContent from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

They went to Claire’s and she was excited to see them together. For a long time, she hoped for them to come and visit her. “Am I going to die now?” Claire exclaimed as soon as she saw them.

Ingrid was happy as well and was still in disbelief but what Claire said made her and the couple exclaim, “Mom!” Claire laughed and approached the couple who was walking hand in hand.

“It was just an expression. I still want to see these two loving together until everything is over.” she said.

“What do you mean?” Jared asked and Claire suddenly held her mouth with both her hands.

“Nothing, I mean I am getting old and I want to see you two living a happy married life.” she replied casually and Colleen sighed in relief.

“Either way, don’t ever think about dying yet because Colleen is sick as well and I think I will have to find a doctor for her.” Jared replied and he took his seat with Colleen.

“Have you been OK lately, dear?” Claire asked Collen and she nodded. She didn’t want to worry Claire about her health condition because she was sick as well. But after she talked to Dr. Gerard, she found out that she was getting better and better.

“Let’s go and have our breakfast.” Ingrid said and went to the dining hall first. Claire, Jared and Colleen followed her. Jared pulled out a chair for Colleen before he sat down beside her while Claire and Ingrid were just watching them. They were happy for them and at the same time, they were worried. They knew about Colleen’s condition and they were worried that Jared would be hurt in the end when he invested his feelings for her totally.

“When this man here called and told me that you will be having breakfast with us, I couldn’t believe it at first.” Claire said, “And when I believe it, I never thought that I would be seeing you both different from how you were before.” she added.

“We had a talk and agreed to make things work and we will do it.” Jared replied as he placed a wheat bread on her plate. “Do you have poached eggs?” he asked.

“Yes, when you called earlier telling me about having breakfast here with Colleen, I told the cook to make that.” Ingrid replied. “Mom and Colleen almost had the same diet.” she added and Jared nodded.

“Does Betty know about your diet as well?” Jared asked Colleen and she nodded.

“But I didn’t tell her about that, she just noticed that I get tired fast so out of concern and worry, she asked a doctor about it and as to what kind of food is good for me.” she replied casually and Jared looked at her. She didn’t notice it as she started eating. Ingrid and Claire were looking at Jared and they saw that he stiffen, because of guilt thinking Betty noticed her condition while he didn’t.

“Are you just going to stare at me?” Colleen asked when she looked at him and found him staring at her.

“I just realized that I know nothing about you.” he replied and Colleen smiled.

“We still have time for that. For now, eat already before the food gets cold.” she replied and continued eating.

“She’s right Jared, you were just starting to get along well and you still have time for each other.” Claire said, agreeing to Colleen. She didn’t want him to notice her worry as well.

“Eherm,” Ingrid interrupted them, “Where do you plan on going after this?” she asked.

“We will be staying here for a few hours and then I asked Colleen to go to the mall, maybe we can watch a movie and go shopping,” he replied.

“Don’t do so much, because she may get tired easily.” Claire reminded him and he nodded smiling at Colleen who was feeling a little embarrassed with their topic. It was the first time that they were having a conversation like that and she was not used to it.

Being married to Jared in the past two years was a little difficult for her because he didn’t want to cooperate. But now that he was willing to start over again, she felt hesitant and afraid. She just let him decide for now until she couldn’t think and what was happening has not totally sunk in her mind.

After their meal, they went to the living room and continued their conversation. Jared and Colleen were seated together while Claire and Ingrid were seated opposite them. Jared does his best to get close to Colleen so they will be able to get used to each other sooner and he believes that being together like that will be able to push them together.

“How is your modeling agency?” Jared asked Ingrid. The reason that she didn’t want to handle their business before was because of her career. She was a model herself and just a year ago, she decided to put up her own modeling agency and at the same time, her being a fashion designer, she managed to put her own clothing brand along with the agency.

“It was fine and getting better. I never thought that my designs would become a huge success and I never expected that in a year, my brand would be included in the luxury brands which are already well known around the world.” she replied. “And I have to thank you for that as well, because you supported me.” she added.

“You are my only sister so it was natural for me to help you in any way I can,” he replied. Claire was very happy seeing them and when they decided to live after lunch, she told them to come back again and do it from time to time.

“Of course mom, whenever I have time, I will make sure to visit with Colleen and stay here to talk about anything,” he replied.

“See you again, dear.” Claire said as she hugged and gave Colleen a kiss on her cheeks which she returned with a smile. She was feeling happy because she felt that she already had a family.

After her talk with her mother the other day, she felt a little lighthearted knowing her mom regretted what she did. She looked forward to seeing her again and having a good relationship with her. She wanted to have peace and live happily, especially when she knew that her life would not last long.

“Let’s go,” Jared said and held her on her waist behind as he led her to their car and opened the passenger door for her before he went to the driver seat. They are both quiet on their way to the mall but Jared breaks that silence. “What do you want to do first when we get there?” he asked.

“I don’t know, I don’t usually go out.” she replied. “You can choose, as long as I won’t be too tired, everything is fine with me.” she said afterwards. She feels sorry for him because he was making an effort for them but she was so delicate that had a limit with activities she could do.

“Alright,” he replied and they reached the mall. After Jared parked his car, he took Colleen’s hand and they walked hand in hand once again. He watched his steps so she doesn’t need to walk faster and pick up his pace. As much as possible, he made sure to follow her movements.

“Have you been into an arcade?” he asked and Colleen nodded happily.

“When I was in college a friend of mine was playing tekken and I often watched him.” she replied.

“Him, a guy classmate?” he asked.

“Yeah, he was really good at it and I remember that when he fought on a bet, I put my money on him.” she replied happily as she remembered her college life wherein she doesn’t know about her condition.

Jared brought her to the arcade and they played together. It wasn’t tiring for Colleen and he saw that she was enjoying it. Then they had a snack after and decided to watch a movie. “I will just go to the restroom.” Colleen said as Jared was in line for their tickets. He nodded and he watched Colleen going her way to the restroom not too far from the ticket booth.

Colleen on the other hand finished her thing and just got out of the cubicle and found Stacey fixing her make-up. They see eye to eye in the mirror but she didn’t say a thing.

“Well, well, well… Look who’s here. I never thought that I would be able to see you.” she said but Colleen ignored her. She had no time to argue with her and she remembered that she had a tendency to hurt her so she was trying to find a way to get out of the restroom.