The world is full of could've beens. A could've been is worst than a has-been. At least the has-been was "there" once.

I love this quote❤️❤️

John park - Always by your side.

IN THE DAYS AND evenings that followed, Rory undoubtedly felt like an isolated animal. Luke didn't lounge in an hotel just as he thought he would instead he slept in the bedroom with Rory while Matilda slept in the living room.

He was pissed, so pissed.

He glanced at Matilda; he fixed her with a stony look. She was fastening her shoelace while his brother was glancing at his watch every now and then.

At this point, he was giving up.
He was completely invisible to them both, there's no point dragging things.

" We'll be late". Luke said.

She grinned gloriously at him " All done.".

" Bye Rory. We'll be home late, don't worry about us and one more thing, we'll be eating out". Luke said as he walked away.

" Fuck you Luke". He muttered.

Luke turned " Did you say something to me?"

" I said goodbye". He retorted.

........

" So what's the plan?". Luke asked rubbing his palms together.

" There's no plan, Luke".

Confused, Luke said " what do you mean?".

She chuckled. " I mean Karen is coming with us to the cinema...

" And?".

" I'll leave you to yourselves, how about that?"

" Very nice".

"

And, true to her words, Karen did come and she indeed excused them. Then, she found her way to Portland Museum of art.

" Come on, let's go in". Luke said

" Sure, but where's Matilda".

" She will join us later".

He guided her inside. It was crowded. She stiffened; her hand gripped his as her fingertips sank into his hand.

He winced as he glanced at her. She was oblivious of his gaze, she was completely lost. He looked down at their hands, his big one over her small ones, her hand was trembling and beads of sweat broke out on her forehead.

" Are you okay?"

She said nothing.

She shivered.

Luke was confused. She wasn't okay and he wondered why. Is she scared of him?

" Let's get outta here". He said hurt.

Still she said nothing.

He walked her out, as they reached his car, she snatched her hand from his with a gasp.

"Are you okay?". He asked.

No response.

He held her hand " you're alright?"

She snatched her hand from his. "I'm fine". She snapped.

He was bewildered. Maybe this was a bad idea.
It would have been right to say she wasn't going to go in there with him. It was super rude to ignore him completely. It pissed him off. The lady he liked isn't the one standing before him, staring into space, he was very sure of that.

" I'll take you home". He ushered her into the car.

He got in and zommed off.

**

Silence ensured for a very long time.

He was actually relieved and troubled at the same time; relieved that he got to know how obnoxious she was and troubled because she didn't look alright.

She glanced out of the window and castigated herself. She felt like a fool right now, she ruined the only chance she had to get to know Luke. Right there and then, she wished the ground would open up and swallow her.

" I'm sorry". She whispered still staring out of the window.

" Yes?".

Oops...he didn't hear her.

" I said I'm sorry". She said with a sigh.

" It's okay". He said with a smile.

" I mean it". She turned to him.

" It's fine". He said dismissively.

She turned to look out of the window
There was silence.

She accepted the silence without comment, this must be his way of pushing her away, she deserved it though.

" I felt like dying in there, I felt choked, like I was going to die, I was really scared to death...I couldn't think...

She turned to see him staring at her.

He studied her face. She seemed scared. Sincere. Then, she blinked. He couldn't help it. Arousal washed through him; he couldn't stop gazing at her face.

Hell!! At this rate, if he keeps looking at her, they were going to die and he won't have the chance to tell her how he feels about her.

He broke the eye contact as he fixed his eyes on the road.

" You must be thinking about how unpleasant I am right now". She said.

He chuckled.

" I acted like that because I'm suffering from anxiety disorder. I'm scared of heights, crowded spaces, I go bonkers when I am in a crowded space".

He was quiet for a moment, then he spoke.

" I thought you were uncomfortable with me, I had no idea".

She chuckled " I was a bit uncomfortable at first that's when I met you at the restaurant...and my actions today aren't because I'm uncomfortable with you, it's all because of my anxiety disorder".

He laughed lightly " Good to know that I'm not a monster".

Giggling, she clasped her hands together " I hope I didn't hurt you when I dug my finger into your skin?".

" No, I'm fine".

" Take a turning here". She said.

In no minute, his car pulled out in front of a small building. They both hoped out of the car and he walked her to the door.

" Thanks for today". He told her

"I'm sorry I messed up".

He was so happy and he barely understood why. He wished he was on date with her; he would walk her to the door and kiss her or he would go in with her, talk with her all night and kiss her goodnight.

Snap out of the dream, Luke. This is reality.

" We can hang out sometimes, you know...I have few more days left here"

In reality, she was smiling at him as a friend not his girlfriend.

She tiptoed to kiss on his left cheek, moved to the right to do the same. As she was about to kiss his right cheek, he tilted his head and the kiss landed on his lips.

Surprised, she pulled away.

" I'm sorry...um... goodnight".

With that she walked in and shut the door behind her.

Just why on earth did he do that?

......

" Cute and handsome brother- in -law". Matilda said swiping her phone frequently.

Luke rolled his eyes. Since the last few days they had spent times together, he had gotten to know a lot about her which made him wonder why Rory was finding it difficult to get along with her. Matilda was a cheerful person, friendly and extremely playful, he was surprised. And out of the corner of his eyes, he had always seen the longing in Rory's eyes, while he watched his wife as though she was a gem that was so out of reach.

" Come have breakfast, freshly prepared by me".;Matilda said packing her hair up using a head band.

" Rory. " Matilda said calling her husband who was standing by the curtain, Rory turned while Matilda motioned to him to come to the table for breakfast.

Rory nodded watching his wife, he wondered when she got the tomato red satin sleeveless nightie that barely covered her behind. He frowned at the large expanse of fresh beautiful and glowing skin that was revealed...oh God he just wanted Luke out of his house, his life, his wife's life.

Matilda rarely smiled at him, and she was busily smiling at Luke, at every foolish thing he said.

" Luke,come on" Matilda said beating him lightly with the napkin.

"Whhhhaaatttt!!!!" He said smiling

" Say the grace, will you?". She smirked.

" Oh! okay I will". He said the grace and they ate on.

" So what's your plan for today? ". Luke asked

"I want to get a new treatment for my lock, and we can check out that game center and you know....she paused eyeing him slightly.

" I don't wanna go there right now,.". Luke knew she was talking about Karen. She's been asking about them for a while now but
Luke has refused to tell her what was going on.

" Really? And you have been avoiding my questions".

" Yeah, and I will continue to. I don't think I can answer...

" Answer what!" . Rory cut him short irritated all of a sudden.

" It's something Luke and I are working on..."

" And I'm not allowed to know about it?!". He retorted.

" No Rory, you can't know about it. " . She said standing up and sashaying her way down to the bedroom leaving them at the table.

'" So you don't wanna let me in on this project stuff ". Rory said steaming in annoyance, mudering each potatoes he had on his plate with his fork.

" Who am I to give you an answer?" Luke said smiling and pretended to be busy with his eggs.

He didn't reply to the question, it was rheoritical anyway.

Rory dropped his fork, and walked out angrily. Ye marched towards the beach, kicking the sand.

Damn them to hell.

They have turned him to a complete stranger in his own home. what the fuck!!!He felt like strangling Matilda, she had it in her, that gift of daring and angering him
He couldn't recall the last time,they chatted or went out, she was always busy chitchatting with Luke.

This was their honey moon for Godsake.
He swore to God, Luke wouldn't have a chance this time, not at all, never, ever. He swore.

***

"Alright alright, we kissed okay?".

" What??, Really?"

" I kid you not"

" I know, I know it's just surprising. "

" I know, right?". He chuckled.

" And you'll be leaving in five days time?"

There was silence.

" We kissed right? It was like a dream come true but I don't know if she feels the same way I do...

Matilda a hit him on his shoulder, making him let out a "ahh" sound.

" Why won't she?!. You're handsome, amiable, loveable, if she doesn't feel the same way, then she must be CRAZY".

He laughed hysterically. " Thanks".

" I think you should go easy on Rory though".

" Easy?. I've never been hard on him.". She said

" He's been moody all this while...

" That's Rory for you. He's always moody and I'm used to it".

" You don't know him better than I do. Go easy on him, I say...and you cannot avoid him forever, I'm leaving soon and you'll be alone with him. You can't continue to use me as an excuse to move away from him".

She hated to admit it but Luke was right.

" You don't know what's going on". She shuttered.

" Correct. I don't know what's going on but I can see through you and him. You're head over heels in love with each other and you are too stubborn to admit. Jeez...I hate the two of you".

In love?

Matilda laughed in spite of herself " We were actually discussing you and Karen, remember?".

" You're changing the topic of discussion but you can't change the reality of the situation here".

She stood " Get dressed. You need to meet up with Karen.'

" The truth is always bitter". He said with a smirk.

She rolled her eyes" Get up already!"

" The truth shall set you free when you...

" Bye then. I'll have a nice time without you".

"Alright, you win"

*

The days that followed were memorable for both Luke and Matilda. Luke got to spend more time with Karen while Matilda on the other hand spent time taking wonderful pictures and touring the whole of Maine.

Good thing don't last long, they say. It was soon time for Luke to leave Maine for Paris where he wanted to further his music career.
Things have been going smoothly because him and Karen untill last night when he had sang the song " Someone you loved" by Lewis capaldi to her.
Matilda was present when he sang the song while striking lovely keys on his piano. It was like heaven, his voice was divine. Mid- way through the song, she had left.

Matilda lay on her bed, the thought lingering in her mind. Why'd Karen do that?

She deeply regretted ever advising Luke to shoot his shot. Maybe something are not meant to be.

Now, Luke won't talk to her. Ever since last night, he's been so calm and wouldn't say he was hurting inside.
God, she hated this!...

She didn't know why and how but somehow she had to fix things. For Luke. For Karen.

She jumped out of the bed, ran to her wardrobe to pick out a baggy jeans and a sweatshirt.

She slipped it on and grabbed her phone. Just then, Rory walked in.

"Going somewhere?".

" Yes. I'm paying Karen a visit and I won't be back untill tommorow"

" Now? It's way past eight ". He glanced at his watch..

" Where is Luke?". She asked.

" He went for a walk"

She sighed and walked away.

" Hey! Hey! Matilda!". He called.

" What?!". She snapped.

" Why are you suddenly going to Karen's?".

" It's none of your business!". She retorted.

That was harsh but she didn't really care.

She walked off.

**

The door swung open and Karen popped out her head.

" Matilda?".

" Can I come in?...

She bit her lips" well...yes"

She opened the door widely to accomodate Matilda.

" I'm hungry". Matilda said as she sat on the sofa.

" Would you like grilled chicken and beer?". Karen asked.

" Hell yes!. I really miss your food, you know"
She walked into the kitchen.
Karen was surprised but she did well to hide her surprise. Matilda was in her house, it was so strange. She should be upset with her because she colluded with Luke to do such a lame thing. She had been so foolish last night, he sang, not for her but to her. Obviously, he had only showcased his talent but why did she have to walk out. But, Matilda of all people should know how she felt about Luke... perhaps she didn't, because she'd never talked about it.

She wasn't upset, she was only embarrassed. Why then did she feel like Luke wanted to say something all evening?

" I'm starving!!."

Matilda's voice brought her back to the present, making her promise herself that she wouldn't think about it.

" I'm coming".

She served Matilda grilled chicken and a bottle of beer.

" Why are you here?". Karen asked.

" I'm here for no reason. I miss you so much
So I decided having a night together won't hurt"

Karen laughed"  Right, right but I don't feel good. I'm retiring to bed soon."

" I'm sleeping over".

" What??"

FEW HOURS LATER, they both lay on Karen's bed, each of them silently swimming in their thought.

" You like him, right?". Matilda broke the silence.

" Who?".

" Luke, of course". Matilda grimaced.

A shadow crossed over Karen's face but vanished so quickly that Matilda wondered if she had imagined.

" And what if I do?".

" Karen, I'm being serious right now"

"Yes, I like him so much... but what can I do? Can I love someone who can walk out of my life anytime soon? Tell me!".

" You are scared to take a chance...

Karen looked away.

" You love him and he loves you, why should there be any reason for you to let him go, then?".

Karen scoffed " You don't understand".

" I do understand everything".

" Really? He loves me, how sure are you? Huh?". Karen asked sarcastically.

" He loves you, Karen and you know it. The way he looks at you, the way he smiles when I talk about you, his eagerness to meet you. The way you're not sure about his feelings towards you is the same way he isn't about your feelings towards him. I won't force you to make any decisions, just don't regret it Karen".

" He's leaving soon and you sound so sure that this can work out between us?".

"  Distance is not a barrier when love is involved. Point of correction. He's leaving tomorrow, his flight takes off at 7am. It's up to you dear".

" No way! I'm not going!".

Matilda said nothing and stared at the ceiling. It wasn't long before sleep engulfed her.

*

" Wake up, sleepyhead!".

She stirred as her eyes fell open. Karen was frowning down at her as she patted her in urgency.

" What the hell?!".

" Come on else we'll be late".

" Late for what?". She sat up.

" I need to see Luke off...

Matilda yawned and stopped abruptly " Luke...wait what the heck?!!. Let's get outta here buh I need to have my bath".

She jumped out of the bed.

" No bathing!! It's 6:30am and by map it's a 20 minutes drive to the Airport". Karen said

" How did you know the exact?".

" You don't have to know".

She grabbed Matilda hand as they walked in haste out of the house.

**

" It feels good to have you drive me to the Airport". Luke said with a bittersweet smile

" You've overstayed your welcome". Rory said.

" I'll take that as a joke". He chuckled. " And I know you're glad I'm leaving"

" That's how much you love her". Luke said.

" I don't love her". He frowned.

" Who do you think I'm talking about?".

" Matilda"

" She's a rare gem. She's friendly, beautiful...

" She's all that to you!"

" There's no point talking to you, I should have known. You two are so pigheaded, you won't realize it untill you see it yourself".

" Imagine that coming from a flirt".

Luke laughed " Matilda and I are just friends".
He said that to satisfy Rory's curiousity. He'd never say he was in love with her, never. Ever.

" And for your information, I'm no longer a flirt". He rubbed his chin " You were a big time player back then"

" I'm no longer a player". He chuckled.

" That makes us two. We've both met the women we love".

Silence ensured.

" I'll miss you". Luke said as a matter of factly.

" Just get the hell outta here ASAP"

"I'll take that as your I'll miss you too"  Luke beamed.

He didn't want to think about Karen, not now, not untill he touches down in Paris.

" We are here".

Luke picked up his luggage and walked into the Airport alongside his brother.

*

" Hurry! We have about ten minutes left". Matilda told her as they hopped out of the car.

They ran into the Airport as though their lives depended on it.

" I don't see him anywhere around!". Karen yelled with tears in her eyes. " I don't see him".

" Calm down, Karen". Matilda said.

" You were right, I love him but... Why did I have to lose him to realize it?". She cried.

Matilda hugged her. " It's okay".

" I'm right here, Karen. You didn't lose me". She heard behind her.

" Luke!?". Matilda said

Stunned, Karen pulled back from Matilda and turned to see Luke behind her, a grim expression on his face.

" Luke I...how come you're here, your flight...

" My flight got delayed". He said simply.

" I love you so much Luke, it hurts like crazy...and to top it all, you're leaving...

He silenced her by paying homage to her full lips. As their lips touched, they were lost, utterly lost.  She locked herr arms on his neck and his hand was anchored on her waist as the kiss went on and on.

Matilda heaved a sigh of relief. Finally, it was happening.

She laughed untill tears flowed down her cheeks. She cried because she'd never be in love, she cried for the family and love she'd  never love. She cried because there was no hope for her. But it felt nice watching people fall in love from afar.
She dropped to her knees.

Rory turned to see Matilda weeping.

Matilda crying? What the hell?

Phew! I can't wait to wrap up this book. I really hope I end this book by the end of this month, and if I don't, I'll put this book on hold( I won't be able to that though).

Vote and comment. Gracias!😊