Chapter Twenty Three: Where Have You Been?

Evelyn's POV

I sat on the chair, debating to myself. Should I let Leonard in or not?. The knock was now consistent but I just sat unmoved, endeavoring to make a better decision. My heart pounding in my chest. The knocking was gentle but insistent. I had expected him to give up since I didn't respond to the knocks, at that point I wanted to be left alone with my thoughts, but it seemed he wasn't one to give up easily.

With very little to no visibly expression on my face I stood up and made to unlock the door, the moment I had spent with him earlier washed through my body which made me halted dead on track, I stood for as long as i can't remember and reflected through the moment, and I let out a little smile before proceeding to open the door.

My mind was up for a game with me, I stopped again after a step, I can't tell how I feel, but whatever it is, it was real, right then I stood reminiscing on my life with Henderson lately, “No fairy tale would be better” I thought deeply to myself.

As I stood there, a smile spread across my face. I was grateful for Leonard’s presence in my life, for his kindness and concern. I felt a sense of comfort knowing he was there for me and that he cared about my well-being so much. Just before I could round up my thoughts another bang came at the door louder this time, I could hear him speak but I said nothing. 

Rather I walked gently to the door and I took a deep breath then I flicked the door open, and my heart skipped a beat as I saw him standing in front of me. He was perfectly built, with broad shoulders and chiseled features that made him look like a Greek god. He looks almost perfect.

 He rushed in almost immediately, I could see the genuine look of concern that was laced on his face. 

“Hey you're good?

Are you alright”? He asked his voice shakily, I tried to act as nonchalant as I could be, and with an empty expression “I'm alright I responded.

 “ If so what took that long to get to the door, or don't you understand, you don't keep a gentle man waiting” he said jokingly but his voice was firm.

I hadn't anticipated your visit, “ What happened? You had unfinished business to sort, or you couldn't just wait to see me?” I asked in a teasing manner.

Without waiting for him to say something, I chipped in quickly,

“ Oh someone is missing someone or do you check on your friends often?

He had been smiling all the time I spoke and this time to reply me he looked straight into my eyes, I felt the intensity in his look, not wanting to be affected I looked away.

“I sorted my stuff out and I thought you might need some company, it's why I'm here. But, apparently you're fine so I could just leave”

My heart clenched at the mention of him leaving me, I wanted him to stay, his presence right now has already impacted me a lot. There's no way I'll let him leave, so I moved closer to him.

“You're here already, why not stay longer?” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He let out a little chuckle “ I know you'll miss me, but I was joking by the way.” He said amidst laughter.

With these we both went to sit on the couch in the living room, we talked, joked and laughed so much relishing each other's presence.

But as the night wore deeper our conversation became more sensitive and serious, we talked about life, hopes, dreams and much more. I was all exhausted and spent from my afternoon presentation and chaos, my eyes were itching for sleep. 

He looked at me tenderly. I could see it from his eyes, he asked if I needed a bath because he noticed I have had not had one since I came back. He suggested I should bathe so I don't sleep off.

I stood up and made for the bathroom. In minutes I was done and had my nighties on, I met him at the living room and told him I was done, he didn't say a word to me, he just kept sending me those stares like daggers, they pierced through my heart and I could feel the tension building up in my body.

"Leonard," I said, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil inside me. I'm talking to you.

Leonard smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He said, his voice low and husky. 

“I wanted to make sure you were doing okay. And that I have confirmed, but one thing I didn't come for was to tell you how stunning you look right now, but I can't leave without saying it, how would I forgive myself, if I did.

Congratulations once again on your presentation. You did really amazing,”

 He raised a thumbs up just like he did at the presentation hall.

I only stood there smiling vulnerable at his compliments at this moment my whole face was painted red from blushing.

“Good night Evelyn.” He placed a kiss on my forehead, his hands wrapped around my waist, which he reluctantly let go and left.

I said my goodbye and watched him leave, with a heavy heart. I stood for a while after watching his retreating figure, which took me a million courage not to stop him.

The room suddenly became empty and quiet, the silence was so loud and I could feel his absence.

I felt a pang of gratitude toward Leonard. He was always looking out for me, always trying to make sure I was happy and healthy, what more could I ask for.

“Where has he been all my life?” I said in a very low voice, I went into the bedroom, and slumped onto the bed, in between thinking about Leonard , Caleb crossed my mind.

And for some reason I smiled to myself, fulfilled by how I had handled our moment earlier. He's just a douchebag, but I'll show him I'm more and make him regret ever trying to play and betray me. Let's keep the game going, with all these thoughts trying to sink in my head, absolute darkness took over and my eyes went dead shut.