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Chapter 1
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2024-10-29 19:42:56I was born gifted with power.
I was born trapped with a curse.
They both coexist like yin and yang.
Circling one another in an infinite loop.
I have the power to grant any wish from the person I fall in love with.
And I was cursed to never be able to get together with the person I am in love with.
It sucks, isn't it?
Luckily, I never fall in love in the twenty-three years of my life. Not even once! At least, I don't know what to expect and I don't make any expectations about my love life the moment my dad told me about the curse when I was only six years old.
But I think, my luck is running out now...
My name is Gabriel Blackwell, I'm going to turn twenty-four this year and I am just realizing that I am deeply in love with my best friend; Ava Shelley.
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He wakes up with a slight headache. He always gets a headache every time he dreamt about her.
Who the hell is Ava Shelley and why did I always say I'm in love with her in each dream?
He sighs. It's been five years since he started dreaming about Ava – each dream has a different scenario. It's been happening since he woke up from his coma. He never saw her face but he always says her name in his dreams. Silly dreams!
A hand reaching out to him from his side. "Hey..." Her soft voice says. "What's wrong?"
A ring adorning her finger. Yes, Gale was engaged with Meryl and he still can't stop dreaming about another girl. He felt guilty for it.
"Another dream..." Gale said hesitantly. "I'm sorry, Mer... It just won't stop..."
Meryl get up and sat next to him. The look in her eyes making him swallowed hard. Somehow, he knows what she'll say will turn his life upside down.
"Five years, Gabriel..." Meryl said sadly
"I know, I know! I'm sorry but I don't have any control of it, sweetheart..." Gale took Meryl's hand, clasped it tightly.
"Gal– Gabriel..." Meryl sighs his name.
"Please don't Gabriel me, Mer." Gale pleaded
"But I must! This is serious, Gabriel! You've gone to a psychiatrist. You've undergone hypnosis to stop those dreams but it kept coming back to you!" Tears streaming down Meryl's face. "This Ava... She's real – I know it! There's no way you're so hung up on her if she's not!"
"Meryl... Can we not do this again?"
Gale was tired of all accusations Meryl throw at him. It's not like he chooses to dream about Ava. He was disturbed by it as much as Meryl does.
"No... You listen to me, Gabriel! If she's real and she's out there, you gotta find her!"
"And what if she's not? I'm not going to risk you for someone who isn't real!" Gale insisted.
"But, Gabriel... You don't even love me in the first place. You won't lose anything." Meryl said dejectedly.
"Now you're being nonsense!" Gale spat and stand up. He paces back and forth to calm his mind.
"Gale..."
"Now you Gale me? What is it that you really want, Meryl? Do you even love me?"
"I love you, you know that..."
"And I love you!" Gale exclaimed.
He saw Meryl flinched and her body started trembling but he couldn't care less anyhow. He's tired of not being trusted. He does love her! Why would he even propose to her if he doesn't?
"No! Not the way I want you to love me!" Meryl screamed her frustration.
"For God's sake, Meryl Auckland! I proposed to you! What the hell do you think that means?" Gale matches her high tone.
"You want security! You're going to turn twenty-nine this year! Despite your amnesia, you still thrive and finished med school! Your future as a doctor is bright and now all you need is a secure relationship!"
Gale shook his head in disbelief at what his fiance had just utter. The hurt of her words hit him severely and he needs to get away.
"I can't have this conversation anymore... I'm tired." He said weakly. "What do you want?"
Meryl stand up and walked towards where he stands after he stopped pacing. She hugs him but he didn't respond. He doesn't know what to do anymore. If she wants to separate, be as it may. He won't try to stop her any longer.
"I love you, Gale... I really do..." Meryl whispered in between her sobs. "But, loving you has caused me pain I cannot even explain. And I know you love me too... But... Please understand, Gale."
"I don't know what you want me to do... I couldn't understand it, Meryl." Gale whispered, a tear slipped out of his eye.
"Let's just stop..." Meryl said after a long silence. "Let's stop pretending that we will work because we both know we won't."
Meryl draws away from him and looks at him in the eyes. They were both crying. But Gale couldn't do anything anymore. He nodded his head defeatedly.
Trembling, Meryl raised her hands and take off the engagement ring that had adorned her finger for more than seven months. She took Gale's hand and put the ring on his palm.
Silent tears keep streaming down their face.
This is the end.
There's no way of fixing it. He had lost Meryl; the first person that had helped him in the past five years of his miserable life ever since he lost all of his family and also his memory. He had lost the relationship that had grown from friendship until they got engaged.
Gale would miss her soft blonde hair and her hazel eyes. He would miss her chastised him when he forgot to brush his messy curly dark hair on their dates. He would miss her kind comforting smile.
Tiptoeing to match their height, Meryl kissed Gale for the last time. A goodbye kiss.
She stepped back and started to collect her things. Gale knows he should stop her – he knows he have to try harder to mend things but Meryl's words ringing in his head. She doesn't want him anymore and he will respect that.
Meryl diligently gathers all of her belongings. It wouldn't be much since she's not really living together with him. Still, Gale gave her time alone and decided to stay on his apartment balcony.
Half an hour passed and he heard her steps nearing the balcony.
"Gale..." She said weakly. "I'm going."
He nodded. "Should I help you bring your things to the lobby?" Gale said without even turning his body to look at her. He could hear her sighed.
"No, it won't be necessary. But I borrow your luggage and I will bring it back to you as soon as possible." Meryl explained.
"O-okay..." Gale said, he felt like there's a lump that prevents him to talk to her.
Meryl didn't reply and there's a full five minutes of silence between them until she sighed again.
"Gale, just know that I would never hate you and I want to be your friend still. We always work out better as friends." She said.
"Okay..."
"I'll be off now. Goodbye, Gale."
The sound of her shoes and the rolling of the wheel of his luggage are sickening. They're getting farther away and when a click of a doorknob can be heard, Gale runs toward it.
"Meryl! Wait, I need to ask you something!" He said breathlessly as he arrived in front of his door. Meryl already stands outside – still holding the doorknob.
"Yes?" She said kindly but sadly.
Gale put his face on his hands and sighed.
"We were happy, right? It's not always fighting and screaming, right? You were happy with me? Because I felt happy with you and I'm so grateful for the last five years. Without you, I wouldn't be who I am today. You helped me be me. People said so that it feels like I never had any amnesia because I am just like myself before the accident." Gale rambling.
Meryl smiles warmly at him. The first smile he saw today. "You made me irrevocably happy, Gabriel. But I believe, it's not at its fullest. Not to me, not to you. And I know we could be happier but for that; we couldn't be together." She said slowly. "I must go..."
"Yeah... Thank you for everything. Goodbye, Mer."
"Thank you too. Goodbye, Gale."
And she closed the door and all the possibility Gale had imagined when he proposed to her.
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The last five years were a long and hard time for Gale. The first time he opened his eyes after three weeks in a coma; he can't remember anything. The doctors had explained to him that he was one of the twenty-one survivors of an airplane crash. He went for a holiday with his family to Golden and was on their way back to Toronto when the accident happened – his dad, mom, sister, and brothers were killed. Gale was disorientated. He didn't know what he had to do. He should mourn, but he doesn't remember who he should mourn were. He couldn't remember them. He was almost out of his mind in the first month of his recovery. Thankfully, Meryl had come into his life. Ever since then, Gale was increasingly getting better. The first two years, Gale and Meryl had become good friends once again. She helped him with his study and also helped him become the real Gale Blackwell. He depends on Meryl so much to fix his life – his forgotten lif
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A month after Meryl broke off their engagement, Gale made up his mind that the search for Ava Shelley couldn't be postponed any longer. The curiosity and the need for clarity have been consuming him alive. He needs to know who Ava Shelley is.But Gale was disoriented.He tried looking for an Ava Shelley on the internet and unfortunately, it didn't lead him to something – anything. There are too many women named Ava Shelley and he had seen hundreds of profiles belong to Ava Shelleys, and nothing rings to him. He needs to find another way to seek her, but he doesn't know what to do.Looking for her was like looking for a ghost and it drained Gale's energy.If people notice a change in Gale's behavior, they don't tell.But that doesn't include Finn – one of Gale's closest friends. The apparent change was extremely drastic for him to just wave it off.One day when the time for the lunch break comes, he interrogates Gale."You'
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When he talked to the hospital board about taking an extended break, he expected that they would merely give him a week or two. But instead, they informed him that he can take a break for five weeks if he wants to. Since he became a doctor at the age of twenty-seven, Gale never takes a leave from work. He enjoys his job so much he didn't feel the need to go on holiday and it made his annual leave got accumulated. Meryl once got angry at him for refusing to come with her to London and stay for a couple of days with her family there. He felt bad about it, but he was persistent with his decision, and in the end; Meryl never invites him to come with her again. As a neurologist – the field that he chose in the hope for him to find a way to treat himself – Gale was always busy and he simply didn't have any reason to take a leave. That of course, until Ben decided to settle in Golden. Ben is Gale's cousin from his dad's side. They were not blood-rel
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Gale hit the road two hours earlier from his original schedule. All because he couldn't stop thinking about the dream he had last night. He was scared but also curious. He never had such dreams before. It was always him and him alone; talking to himself, talking about Ava Shelley and how he was desperately in love with her. Last night, it was different. He saw a woman. He heard a voice. And he can't forget about them. How slender the woman's figure; How melodious her voice. It drives him crazy. He jerked out of his reverie when he heard his phone ringing. He slowed down the car and look at the caller while still focusing on the road. Incoming Call Finn Wade… Gale took a deep breath and released it before answering. "Hey, what's up?" Gale said as nonchalantly as possible. He smashed the loudspeaker icon and placed the phone onto the phone holder.
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Finn and Meryl were right; Gale was dead tired. It was a total of 49 hours trip instead of 38 hours like G****e Maps said. He didn't expect the trip would take that long. He forgot that human needs to sleep at least for 8 hours a day. Tiredness took over him and he had to stay the night at the nearest motel he could find after 16 hours driving more or less (Because Gale was a git; no B&B would take him in without a reservation. He thought he didn't need to stop at B&B and could easily sleep in his car if he needs to. What a stupid notion.) The motel was located somewhere in Thunder Bay, Ontario. At least the bed was comfortable. The night he spent there was a dreamless night. He slept like a baby and honestly it was relieving and he needed the rest so much. Gale was determined to continue the trip before seven am. And so he did. He checked out from the motel at six. He drove for another 23 hours with around 1 to 2 hours accumulated rest on th
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"So, that was what happened. And by the look you are giving me now, I assumed you don't recognize anyone by that name..." Gale had explained to Ben and Molly about his relationship with Meryl and how it slowly broke apart even before the engagement. He had explained to them that he treated Meryl badly and how she deserves someone who can cherish her fully. He was not that person. He tried but he couldn't. At first, Ben and Molly thought that the one who suggested to end the engagement was Gale. They were unmistakably disappointed that Gale chose to pursue someone who most likely doesn’t exist over Meryl who has been there for him and helped him to assemble his life after the accident. But when Gale told them it was Meryl who wanted it and suggested it; they were baffled. Gale told them that Meryl chose this and if she never asks to end their engagement they probably still have engaged up until now. And Gale had tried to stop it but in the end, he relented and let her
Closer To You Chapter 8
"What are you thinking of?" I asked while hugging her from behind. Her head tucked under my chin. She shrugs her shoulders and plays with my fingers that are resting on her stomach. "I know you are thinking," I said against her glorious red hair. "Hmm," she only humming to answer me. She distangled my hands, stood up, and run away from me. Her laughter is echoing through the woods. Her braided hair is bouncing while she runs. Her long blue dress is waving behind her. Why did she choose to wear that dress today? That's her favourite dress, the one that she wears only for special occasions. Bright sunshine is hovering above us magnificently, making her glowing against the dull green of trees and brown of ground and rocks. "Catch me, and I'll tell you what I think!" She said without looking back.
Closer To You Chapter 9
Gale and Ben had just got back from their adventure on Rotary Trails. That was a pleasant journey. They decided to stroll around the trails with bikes and were very happy as they enjoyed Golden's view. The bridge was amazingly huge for a pedestrian bridge. Gale didn't remember anything when he was there, but there's a feeling inside his heart that made him feels warm. It's like his body was familiar with the surroundings, and he was in his element. Gale loves that bridge. He loves standing in the middle of it while looking at the stream. It calms him. He believes there are lots of beautiful memories from that place. If only he could remember it... When they got home, Gale doesn't feel quite satisfied with the outdoor activity despite the fact that he had already been outdoor since six in the morning. Ben said that he was crazy for not feeling tired as he automatically slumped to the couch the minute he stepped into his house. Gale only laughs it off.
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Closer To You Chapter 34
"Ava, where should I put these?" Gale asked from the back porch while lifting small chairs. He was busy helping decorate the backyard for Julia's and Alex's birthday party."Near Julia's tree. Set them so they are facing the house. Thank you, Gale," Ava exclaimed from the kitchen window. She was making a cake with Maya."Got it. You don't have to say thank you every time I do something, though," Gale shook his head while smiling."I feel bad asking you to help us. You could spend your time on other things instead, but here you are…""I'd rather be here and help prepare the party than be anywhere else at this moment. This is going to be my first time celebrating Julia's birthday – I wouldn't miss a thing, even the preparation." Gale grinned at Ava before he walked away with the chairs towards Julia's tree. He then met Alex in the middle of the backyard – walking slowly with a crutch. "Don't push yourself too much today, alright? Save you
Closer To You Chapter 33
It's been two hours since Gale ended his call, and now he was still looking at every tweet of Hayley's regarding his relationship with Ava that Lisa had captured and sent him. Lisa – Finn's cousin was one of Hayley's closest friends. She was one of a few people Hayley trusted to follow her private account where she ranted about all kinds of stuff. Turns out, his little sister liked to talk a lot about his relationship with Ava. There were even pictures – lots of them. Mostly, Hayley ranted about how frustrating it was knowing about his secret relationship and couldn't speak about it freely. She adored Ava so much. Hayley's friends were so loyal to her. Even after she died, they never revealed what she said on Twitter to anyone. Except for today, Lisa broke her promise today because she believes that was for a good cause. She had lunch with Finn today and accidentally saw him scrolling on i*******m – searching for Ava Shell
Closer To You Chapter 32
Molly took Julia to wash her hands before bringing her to Dani in the dining room.Once everyone was seated at the table, Ava started retelling what happened five years ago to Molly and Ben. She spoke so quietly so Julia couldn't catch what the adults were saying.Gale was busy with his laptop. But every once in a while, he would look up and see the confused faces of Ben and Molly."Oh, Avelyn… that was you?" Ben said sadly."Yeah, that was me," Ava sighed."Damn the girl that stood me up on Thanksgiving!" Ben said."Ben, language!" Gale chastised as he made a head gesture and signaled with his eyes towards where Julia was."Oops, sorry," Ben said. "But my point still stands. I really hate that girl. I was desperate to have a girlfriend that year. This girl gave me hope and all, but then she stood me up on our first official date! Not only did she break my heart and pride and waste my time, but she was also the cause that
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"Gale, stay for dinner," Maya suggested."I'd love to, Maya. But I really need to return to Ben's place. I received a phone call from the hospital and need to check something on my laptop," Gale expressed his regret. "However, I'd come again tomorrow." He added when he noticed Julia pouting on the sofa.Julia perked up when she heard that. "Promise?""I promise. I'll spend time with you every day, but I have to leave early tonight. We can play again tomorrow, okay? " Gale gave Julia a soft smile."Let me drive you, Gale," Ava offered. "What do you think, Jules? Let's take your dad to Uncle Ben's house. Perhaps Dani is still awake, and you can say hello before we get back home."Julia squealed and jumped. "Yes, yes, yes, yes!"Her enthusiasm was met with laughter from everyone in the room. Ava then excuses herself from the room to get Julia's jacket."Gale, don't hesitate to come every day. You've become a member of our family no
Closer To You Chapter 30
When Ava opened the back door to the backyard, the afternoon summer breeze hit Gale in the face. He looked in awe at the entire setting of the yard.A small flower garden adorns the right side of the yard - stretching all the way from the porch to the fences that separate the yard from the small road.On the left side of the yard, there was a long picnic table that was perfectly placed under the shade.What had him amazed was the amur maple tree that grew right in the middle of the yard. The height was between two to three meters, give or take. The samaras on the tree are bright red and green. Gale has a strange attraction to every maple tree. He was familiar with almost all of them and can tell one from the other.Gale now understands what Alex told him in the woods – why they played in the backyard when they got bored watching cartoons. The backyard was very beautiful and a perfect place for children to play. What he couldn't figure out was
Closer To You Chapter 29
Martin let Ava and Gale into his house by opening the door.Maya stepped out of the other room and stared at the man standing in her foyer with wide eyes.There were no words to describe how Maya felt right now, and the next thing she knew, she was crying while smiling. She took her time making her way to the foyer.Gale had already noticed her and smiled as best he could. His chest was churning with emotions."Gale..." said Maya. Her voice was slightly shaky."Hello, Maya," Gale replied warmly.Maya cupped Gale's cheek with her hand. Her other hand was on his shoulder. With a teary smile, she looked at Gale."I thought I was crazy for thinking that I saw Julia's face in yours when we first met," Maya began."You're not alone. I saw myself in Julia's face the moment I was able to focus on her on the way to the hospital," Gale responded. Tears began to form in his eyes."Is it alright? Are you okay with this new informati
Closer To You Chapter 28
The drive to Shelley's house began in silence.Ava's body reverberated with a mix of anxiety and excitement. She has been wondering how she would inform Julia of this. What should she say so that Julia understands right away? Julia was still a four-year-old little girl, no matter how smart she was for her age, Ava wasn't sure her daughter would understand the gravity of the situation she was about to face.Gale abruptly spoke as if reading into her whirlwind of thoughts. "Julia is so smart,"Ava cast a sidelong glance at Gale before returning her attention to the road. He had his gaze fixed on the window."She is," Ava said, smiling."She was fearless when I met her in the woods. I'm sure she knew that a rock and a stick wouldn't protect her from a bad person, but she stood her ground and won't let me pass through her. And she was so considerate. She was capable of reading the situation and did everything she could to make it easier for
Closer To You Chapter 27
"Dad?" Ava called Martin who was speaking with one of his employees. Martin paused and turned around to see Ava smiling at him, but then his gaze was drawn to the person standing behind her. Martin's eyes widened in surprise. "Good afternoon, Martin," Gale said. He was just as worried as the old man. "Ave, Gale… hello. Err–" Martin looked at his daughter with trepidation - asking for help with what to say. He couldn't think of anything to say. "We talked, dad. Everything is good now. Gale will meet Julia today," Ava gave a bright smile. Martin unexpectedly burst into tears. Ava quickly cupped her father's cheeks with concern. "What's the matter, Dad?" "I'm sorry," Martin apologized. His voice shatters. "I'm happy– these are happy tears, Ave," he said. Ava's eyes glistened as she looked at Martin. She was sure she'd cry again with her father if she hadn't already. She smiled as she wiped her father's tears. Some
Closer To You Chapter 26
What an irony.Gale wished all sorts of bad things for Julia's father last night. Feeling jealousy crept up in him as the thought of someone having Julia as their daughter – he was willing to do anything to be in that place. Julia was a brilliant little star, just like her mother.Not to mention the resemblance they shared. Gale wasn't blind. He had felt like he was looking at his reflection when he saw Julia's face. Even with softer features and edges, different colouring, and different lip shapes – Julia looks more like him than she was with Ava. And the way Josh, Denise, and Maya looked at him in astonishment was more proof that there was an uncanny resemblance between him and Julia.Gale wasn't aware that he was still holding Ava's hand. Their hands clasped so fit together that it felt so right, it's almost unnoticeable. The slight squeeze and soft thud of Ava's heartbeat against his wrist was the reason that reminds him of their joined han
