chapter six: Museum

Lorelei and Genevieve had been on a quest for answers for about a week now. Looking for what really happen to be her before the accident that happen four long years ago that vanished in Genevieve's mind, as they are digging through faded memories, articles, and old photographs, trying to unravel the mystery that hovered over them like a dark cloud. A memory peeked into Genevieve's mind as she stared at the image of the Han River, the last place she had been before all of her memories were wiped out like a wind.

"Han River, why am I even doing at Han River, that night? At bakit hindi ko man lamang siya maalala," she tries to push herself to remember but Lorelei tapped her shoulder, "Girl, calm down please, I know in time, you will remember everything, and we will be able to solve all of it," Genevieve let go of her thoughts and nod, 

"Thank you so much, Lori!" she said trying to drink her matcha and Lori just give her a sweetest smile, as they pored over old newspapers and online archives, Lorelei stumbled upon an article about Rowan, a former racing champion who had abruptly resigned from the sport just a month after Genevieve's tragic accident. Intrigued by this unexpected connection, Lorelei couldn't help but voice her thoughts aloud.

"So, that Rowan guy used to be a racer and not only that, but he is also a well-known one. How come he just decided to be an Idol if his fame in racing is that huge?" Lorelei mused, her eyes scanning the article intently.

Genevieve, who was engrossed in her own search for clues, looked up curiously at her friend. "I thought we are looking for my clues, why are you digging into Rowan's article?" she asked, a hint of exasperation in her voice.

A mischievous smile played on Lorelei's lips as she teasingly replied, "Aren't you curious about the past of your future boyfriend — Rowan?"

"Lori, just focus on my puzzle, and stop jumping to one article—" Genevieve started to scold her friend when suddenly, a piercing scream echoed through the room, causing Genevieve to jump in her seat.

"The hell did you read, Lorelei Huang!" Genevieve exclaimed, her heart racing at the unexpected outburst.

Ignoring her friend's shock, Lorelei pointed excitedly to the comment section of the article. "Read this one! He's such a green flag, Rowan is a green flag! Why is he like this? Bigyan mo na siya nang chance please," she exclaimed, her eyes dancing with excitement.

Genevieve's eyes widened as she read the comment that revealed Rowan's reason for leaving racing; it was because the woman he loved had become disabled due to his reckless driving, and he was determined to fulfill her dream, whether she knew it or not.

Silence enveloped the room as the weight of Rowan's sacrifice settled between the two friends. Lorelei broke the silence with a teasing remark that lightened the heaviness of the moment but inadvertently struck a nerve with Genevieve.

"What a tragic love story he had right there. Oh no, my friend, you have a bigger rival in here and the only thing you had in common is both of you are disabled," Lorelei teased, her words landing on Genevieve like a heavy burden.

Genevieve's gaze fell to her prosthetic feet, a physical reminder of the accident that had shattered her dreams and reshaped her future. In a moment of vulnerability, she whispered, "Do you think he is pursuing me because he remembers his ex when he looks at my prosthetic feet?" Lorelei's heart ached at the raw emotion in Genevieve's voice. "I'm sorry, Eve. I didn't mean to say those things. I don't think Rowan sees you as a replacement. Maybe you can ask him about it, But I am one hundred percent sure that Rowan is not that kind of person well based on their fans and how he interacts with them. I'm really sorry about my tongue, Eve!" Lorelei spoke softly, her words laced with regret.

Sensing the need to diffuse the tension, Genevieve suggested, "Don't worry, I won't take it to heart. I have an appointment with Rowan today. You can write your questions, and I'll ask him about it" 'Lori stated it right and I don't have any grudge about it, and on the other hand, Rowan is just a friend,'

Lorelei, eager to make amends, apologized to her friend and treated her to a comforting lunch before bidding her goodbye. "I'm sorry again for today. Don't hesitate to hit me up if something happens. Take care, Eve. Bye," Lorelei said warmly as she left, hoping that the answers they sought would finally be within reach.

As Genevieve prepared to meet Rowan, a mix of anticipation and apprehension tugged at her heart. She couldn't shake the feeling that their meeting would bring about a turning point in their lives, a revelation that would either heal old wounds or open new ones.

In a bustling cafe, Genevieve finally came face to face with Rowan, the man whose past intertwined so closely with hers. As they exchanged pleasantries, Genevieve mustered the courage to broach the delicate subject that weighed heavily on her mind.

As Genevieve and Rowan finally locked eyes, a silent understanding passed between them. Rowan, sensing the gravity of the moment, spoke first, breaking through the tension that hung heavy in the air.

"Is there something on your mind? Don't worry, I don't bite," Rowan said with a reassuring smile, his eyes warm and open.

Taking a deep breath, Genevieve mustered her courage and plunged into the heart of the matter. "Rowan, I really don't mean to read that, it just that Lori found it and show it to me, so I accidentally read an article about you," Genevieve seems like rapping as her hands were shaking, Rowan smiles at her, "I told you, I don't bite, please proceed and calm down," 

Genevieve bites her lower lip before nodding gently as look away, "Well, it's about you and the reason you leave racing because of the woman you loved. You must love her so much to give up your dream for her dream," 

Rowan's expression flickered with a mixture of emotions – remorse, determination, and a hint of something unspoken. "Yes, it's true. She meant everything to me, and I couldn't bear to see her suffer because of my mistakes. I had to make things right, even if it meant sacrificing my own dreams. That's how much I love her,"

Genevieve's heart ached at the raw honesty in Rowan's words. "It's clear how much you cared for her, but what about you? Where is she now? Why can't I see her with you anymore? Why is she gone?" Genevieve questioned; her voice soft yet tinged with a sense of longing.

Rowan hesitated, his eyes betraying a depth of emotion that he struggled to put into words. "It's a long story, one that I'm not sure I'm ready to share just yet," Rowan replied, a shadow passing over his features.

"I'm sorry," Genevieve apologized, her empathy shining through as she reached out to him. "Maybe I overstepped my bounds. I'm sorry." Rowan's laughter rang out, a genuine sound that eased the tension between them. "Genevieve, it's okay. I appreciate your curiosity and understanding," Rowan reassured her, a soft smile playing on his lips.

Genevieve delicately sipped her matcha frappe, her eyes flickering between the busy street outside and the intriguing man in front of her. "Do you want to go somewhere else, you can decide where will it be, I have the car with me, so I will drive," Rowan's voice broke the comfortable silence, his gaze fixed on Genevieve with a hint of anticipation.

Genevieve's eyebrows furrowed slightly at the unexpected question; her curiosity piqued. "Where are we going? To be honest, I don't have any plans," she states, a subtle playfulness in her tone as she avoided making direct eye contact with Rowan.

Rowan's lips curved into a confident smile, his eyes sparkling with a mix of mischief and excitement. "Museum. I haven't been to a museum in years," he declared, his voice laced with a touch of nostalgia.

Genevieve raised an eyebrow, her confusion evident. "It seems the woman you were talking about in the articles left you early, because look at how you act in front of me," she teased, a playful glint in her eyes as she took another sip of her drink.

A shadow passed over Rowan's face, a fleeting moment of vulnerability that caught Genevieve off guard. "Yes, she left me unannounced, and it hurts so much," he admitted softly, his gaze dropping to his hands clasped around the warm cup of coffee. "So, for opening my wounds, you have the responsibility of coming with me," he said with a mix of playfulness and sincerity, his eyes meeting Genevieve's in a silent plea.

Genevieve was taken aback by Rowan's candid confession, a wave of sympathy washing over her. She found herself unable to refuse his request, her curiosity about this enigmatic man overriding any reservations she might have had.

With a nod and a gentle smile, Genevieve agreed to accompany Rowan to the museum. Little did she know that this impromptu outing would unravel a tale of love, loss, and rediscovery that would leave an indelible mark on both their lives.

The museum stood tall and majestic, its grand facade a testament to the rich history and culture it held within its walls. Rowan led Genevieve through the ornate entrance, his eyes alight with a childlike wonder that was both endearing and infectious.

As they wandered through the corridors filled with ancient artifacts and priceless art pieces, Rowan shared snippets of his past, his voice tinged with a bittersweet nostalgia. Genevieve listened intently, drawn into the intricate tapestry of his memories and emotions.

With each exhibit they explored, a new layer of Rowan's heart was revealed, like pages from a novel slowly unfolding before Genevieve's eyes. She found herself captivated by the raw vulnerability hidden beneath his confident facade, a depth of emotion that resonated with her own experiences of love and loss.

Amidst the hushed stillness of the museum halls, a bond began to form between Rowan and Genevieve, a silent understanding that transcended words and familiarity. They moved through the galleries as if in a reverie, lost in the beauty of the art around them and the quiet companionship they found in each other's presence.

"Lagi ba kayong nasa museum, noon?" Genevieve asked and Rowans nods, "She loves to visit museums and we plan on visiting all the museums," he answered and pain is clearly shown on his face, 

"Then have you visited this museum before?" another question from Genevieve and Rowan smiled at him, "Hindi pa, ngayon pa lang" and the last sentence was too timid to be heard by Genevieve that's why she run after Rowan, "Hoy, Hindi ko narinig sinabi mo sa dulo, Ano 'yon?" yet Rowan only laugh at her and walk away from her,

As they reached the heart of the museum, a breathtaking masterpiece caught Genevieve's eye – a painting that seemed to capture the essence of their shared journey. It depicted a lone figure standing at the edge of a cliff, gazing out into the vast expanse of the unknown, a sense of longing and possibility emanating from the canvas.

Rowan stood beside Genevieve, his gaze fixed on the painting with a mixture of contemplation and reverence. In that moment, the weight of his past seemed to lift ever so slightly, replaced by a glimmer of hope for the future. 'Maybe in this time, she will come back to me.' he whispered as he stares at the woman beside him,

"You know what, this is the first time I go to museum, na masasabi na nag enjoy talaga ako," Genevieve says out of nowhere and Rowan smiles, "Then I am happy that you enjoy it," Rowan says as he gazed at her, 

"You haven't go to museum with your Ex?" Rowan's turn to asked and Genevieve give an awkward smile, "Well, he's already bored at the entrance making me to annoyed about it, Mas gusto niya kasi sa crowded places or music festivals ganun. My introvert self can't handle it," Genevieve explained and Rowan smiles, "That explains why," he whispered eyes still attached on the painting,

"Hindi mo ba sasabhin na, 'oh parang girlfriend ko lang noon, ganon?" Genevieve asked and Rowan shakes his head, "I don't wanna compare," Rowan smiles as he pinched her cheeks, "Cause that would ony ruin the moment," he added and stare back at the painting,

As they lingered in front of the painting, a silent understanding passed between Rowan and Genevieve, a connection forged in the shared moments of vulnerability and reflection. It was as if the art itself had conspired to bring them together, weaving their stories into a tapestry of healing and renewal.

And as they exited the museum, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, Rowan turned to Genevieve with a grateful smile, his eyes shining with a newfound light. "Thank you for coming with me, sa u-ulitin," he said softly, his voice carrying a depth of emotion that tugged at Genevieve's heart.

"My pleasure, sometimes the most unexpected journeys lead us to exactly where we needes to be," she answered, her words serving as a gentle reminder of the magic hidden in the mundane events of life.

And as they split ways, Genevieve murmurs, "I wish I could heal his heart the way he heals my heart."