Chapter 1 - Coming through

Background voice:

 

Its about to be midnight. Chirstmas month. A season for love and giving and happiness. welcoming snow in New Jersy town, crowds and people packed. Its always been the work business career city. Cassie was observing all this gloomingly sitting on a bench in the city bus terminal waiting for the bus that will drop her in a place where she will find her true love. OOOOOPPPSS i told you in  advance. she dint know that yet. To more precise she herself is not clear which place she is going to drop off.

Come on lets take a closer look at her.  Oh god not again. She is again wearing this low life pathetic jean and long jacket and this miserable colored scarf which is not ever close to match her sapphire eyes fixed in that wonderful round shaped face, perfectly lined lips, light shaded skin, and the wonderful black silky long hair, which makes most people think that she is a mexican or asian. Definitely she is 26 dont worry. Just she is a tad out of shape bcoz of her current worries. 

But still dont you think she has a beautiful personality. I surely do.

OH OH OH here come the bus. Come on Cassie this is your ticket to happiness. hop in...

 

Cassie P.O.V

 

Phone rings. The phone displays the name Alan. She does not pick it up. It goes to Voice mail. "Hey Cassie. Alan here. We need to talk. Lets give it a proper closure. Call me back when you receive this."

Come on Alan dont do this to me. All you want is a proper Closure. That is all. After 2 years of relationship , all you need is just a proper closure. what kind of idiot i am. am not going to take this anymore. Saying this i decided to throw my sim and hopped in the bus not really knowing where it was going.

The driver pushes a ticket and then i take a closer look it says Middletown. For a moment i was taken aback. Ok i just take it as all for good and took up the seat beside an old lady. 

 

"Middle town.. Come on everyone.. this is the last stop ... hop off" hearing this voice of bus operator i tried to open the eyes. Small wonderful town. But never thought i would be here. I pushed myself up and made my way to the door out. Looking around filled with first snow, the town was warm to welcome. The same warmth as i ever felt when i came here to visit my grand pa in my childhood. 

I pulled my trolley aside and started to walk slowly as i was wearing a totally wrong boots to walk on the ice. i realise now am starving. search for the cafe starts.  i roll my eyes and wow there i found the cafe board which reads fresh hot pan cakes. As i was about the cross the road to get over to the cafe , i hear a horn and turn side to see a small volkswagen sliiping its way in ice. before it could hit me, i could feel someone pullin me over and i bumped over the person with a hard hit of my head. I look over the person rubbing my head and i realise i was so close to his chest as i could hear the heart beat. i lifted my head to look all i could see was a handsome oval face,clean shaved pinkish cheeks with mesmerizing black eyes and perfect hair. 

"Watch out lady!!... Are you alright!!!" he was absolutely looking through my eyes and waiting for my reply.

 

I collected back myself and said "UM.. Yeah yeah... am fine.. Thanks" 

 

"good then.. Stay Alert.. " then moved to the car driver cautiously and sternly.

 

"hey. you..watch the ICEEEE.... drive slowwwwww... people here .. not a highway....!!" 

 

The car driver apologized and took away slowly. This handsome guy walking towards me...

 

He: "Are you new here.. ??" 

Me: "Yes... i just came.. like now.. and am from...."

He: "From New Jersy .. yeah i got it"

Me: Puzzled

       What howwwww

He: This morning bus is the first bus to town and it is always from New Jersy.

     (gives a warm smile but to me i feel more sarcasm)

Me: oh okayyy.. thanks a lot 

He: Am Jake

Me: Am Cassie. Thanks again.

Jake: so anything i can help with. as you seem so new to the town.

Me in my mind ( i really want the help but definitely not from you.. i really cant take more sarcasm. definite not from handsome man between age 28-30)

Me: Nope i can handle it. 

Saying so i walk away but again trip off a little bit and turn back to see him again giving that mocking little smile over my tripping.

 

i really want to show what i am. before that i could really use some coffee to my stomach.

 

I go inside and there i see a wonderful lady, blonde around 30. She came over and gave a smile and said "Am shelly. How can i delight you today"

Me: Can i have some pan cakes with maple syrup. and a cream latte please.

Shelly: sure dear.. 

 

I take up a small table by the window. Getting rid off my jacket and scarf. I just look through and think where will i stay. what should i do now. I just got fired. I came out of the city and here in this small town what should i do. But definitely am not going back to that busy dizzy world of work and career alone. 

 

Just comes in my pan cakes. Shelly shoves it on the table elegantly. "Here you go dear"

"Thanks shelly!!!"

 

She takes the next seat and sits as there were only few customers. "So dear.. Whats your name.. where are you to?.."

 Me: "UM.. " stuffing some pan cake in my mmouth i start "Cassie.. Cassie Nightingale.." "To be honest.. i really dont know shelly"

Shelly: "Wait.. you said Nightingale.. rite??!!"

Me: "Ye.e.ees.s.s.s i am... thats my middle name.. as far as i remember.."

Shelly: "so your grandpa .. Mr Ben radford if am not wrong..."

Me: "Y..E..A..H.. he is.. wait.. i dont get it"

Shelly: "Dint you read the name of this cafe outside??!!!"

Me: "Am sorry sheely.. i was hungry and all i could read is PAN CAKES"

Shelly: "This is the Nightingale Cafe.. Ben owned it.. he told everyone in this town that he named this cafe and his grand daughter after his wife NIGHTINGALE"

Me: "Ohhh good .. ummm .. ha.. "(Scoff)(Chuckle).. "Thats amazing"

Shelly: " yeah.. thats surprising and am really happy to meet you.. come over.. let me give you a hug"

 

We both hugged.. it was so nice to have it.. after my depression. i have never experienced such a warmth in days.

 

Shelly: "Where are you planning to stay"

Me: Gave her the confused look

Shelly:" Got it.. so you are coming with me.. anyways i just broke with my boy friend.. so it would be great if i had a company.. and more over i cant let Ben's granddaughter... my ex boss's grand daughter... "

 

I just could not think more.. small town .. makes you always feel home.. 

I just said ok.. without over thinking...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2 - Clumsy thoughts

Cassie's P.O.V

 

Shelly took me out and a drove me to the small villa which had the name Nightingale's nest. before she could say i understood it was grandpa's.

I was hesitant to step out. But i did step out. 

"Shelly .. i dont know ..if i can really use... but.. "

"Dont worry Cassie... its alright... you grandpa sold only the cafe.. not this..its just undermaintained.. but am sure you can make it .. much more better... anyway am not going to let you stay alone there.. so for now till this is fixed we both will be staying here .."

she showed a small house just the opposite direction.

 

"I will detial you everything once i make it back from cafe tonight. Okay...!!" 

She led me inside. "Take a shower. Get yourself relaxed!!"

 

She moves out closing the door behind her. I just turn around and take a look. Everything was super fine well placed. 

 

I pushed myself on the couch and and i never know when i felt asleep.

 

-----

BG voice: 

 

What you see today is not Cassie. She was different. In that city of career she was a raising star of redecoration, renovation with innovation. lets take a peek before she arrived here.

Those were the days where Cassie had beleived in fairy tale endings and her ambitious dreams.

 

Flasback (FB):

Cassie speaking in the background with a presentation displaying various buildings:

 

"Tallest buildings, various opportunities, money and luxury. These are the simplest definitions for cities. Anywhere you go you always need space for accomodation, to whatever we need. Home to villas, office rooms to big firms, shops to malls. everything is found worth only when there is proper space. We are here to give you the best innovative redecoration within your budget." With these lines the presentation ends and i come to spot light.

Every body applauded. I could see client satisfaction and my boss's convincing smile about our win.

 

As everybody move out, i was sure that this project for villa redecoration which will be  a turning point in my career is already in my hands. After the congratulations, I turned to take all my paper works and leave the conference room. 

"Congratulations. It was  good" not so familiar but deep base voice behind me.

I turned to look and was awestuck. Its Alan diaz. OMG. The architectural head of "Dream home constructions". Its one of the top ten architectural firms in NJ. He is just not the powerful one but good looking chap, with round face, brownish hair and a clean shaved, wearing a tux that fits him like a glove.

"Thanks. " 

"So what are you doing this evening? Its Friday .. Any Plans?" he asked me without any hesitation.

"I dont think i have one" i said with the same confidence.

"So dinner or late nite dessert ?" he questioned again.

"Sure. Pick me at 8 from 36 walter street" saying so i kept walking towards the exit.

from behind me i could really sense his smile in the corner of his lips becoz i too did it.

 

----

@ 8 The door bell rang and i took a peek. It was him. He was on the dot. That was impressive. 

As i Opened the door,  he said "The first thing that would impress a girl is that you dont keep her waiting for you, and i never want a beautiful smart girl like you to be kept waiting for dinner." helding out the flowers he got for me.

"Thats very thoughtful. Thanks . Flowers are wonderful and pleasing" i replied back .

"shall we.. behind you.." he said showing out the way to the car.

"Sure" i swapped out as he followed me.

"I have never seen such a confident women on her first date" He exclaimed as he opened the car door.

I just gave  a smile and took the seat. He came around to drive the car. I know, not showing the surprize or not even giving a compliment about his luxury car, or his high end costly fashion sense is driving him crazy. But to me these things are far too common when a guy is working in a reputed firm with a 6 digit salary per month. Adding to that driving a man crazy about me makes me feel proud about me and i like to keep it that way so that i can always surprize him. What is life without surprises. Thats one of my quote about life.

We reached the highly expensive, and classic restuarant of the city. He had already made the reservations, and we took seats in our allocated table.

The waiter handed us the menu and he gave me the look question about the drink.

"Whatever the gentleman chooses" i said with questioning smile, raising my eyebrow towards him.

He took a minute and said "Rum for me and white wine for the lady here please"

Thats the second impression. A man always needs to be a man. Just for the sake of his women, he does not change it. I like it that way and a man should be also cautious about what he offers a women and makes sure it was just to keep her warm and not to knock herself out. Good play. I really started to like him.

"So .... how come a young beatiful lady like you came into this renovation of old nasty things" he asked.

"I beleive and i see beauty not only in young and new, but i see it old and relic." i told him sarcastically pointing out that he was too old for me.

"I see that, as you already see the majectic in old and relic by accepting for a date with a man who is 6 to 8 years older.. to you" he gave again that corner lip smile. This time he outwitted me.

"As you are old enough..i dont want to get you older by beating around the bush.. let me get it straight.. why me?" i leaned forward placing my hand on the table to support my chin and looking through his eyes for the reply.

"Well , to be honest , am yet to decide. The only thing what am sure of is you are unique and different from the rest of the girls i have seen and met."

Thats the third impression he made. He is making it clear what he is thinking and being honest.

I gave him a approval smile. 

We had a good dinner and i really liked his every move. I felt it was so casual and every move was not just for trying to impress me.

We drove back and we both got out when we reached near my place. 

"Where do we stand now?" he questioned.

"Looks like its my place.. " i said. He chuckled and said "It was a bad joke."

I chuckled and spoke "I know .. but lets take it slow.. "

He came close by.. took my hand.. and then rubbed my cheeks softly. 

Oh come on i cannot resist.. i moved closer. We both felt each others breath. 

 

And there was a huge light that flashed on our faces.

 

I woke up tapping my feet louder and gasp. that was a dream or no.. it was no dream. It was my memory from the past. The first date with Alan.

I rubbed my eyes and head and got up and washed my face.  Enough of being inside. I made some coffee and took my cup and moved out to the back door. 

It was a lovely garden and i also found some waste materials lying here and there. i dint want to make any changes here on the first day. Well shelly is good but still i have my trust issues. So i moved out to the front door and went to the opposite villa, nightingale nest.

Old Villa, but clumsy and it was not undermaintained as shelly said, it was not at all maintained. I opened the mail box, and took the key. It was old and rusty. I walked to the door and opened the key. I tried to push the door, but it was stuck. I pushed it further hard and ALAS, the door broke. "WOW... that needs to be fixed.." saying to myself i moved further in.

There was this big receiving room and the kitchen to the left, and to the right there was one small living room, and there was  small staircase leading to the top floor. I heard a knocking and scratching of the door, and i turned back to see what it was.

I started to move towards it and i could hear it more clearly. IT was from the upstairs. i slowly moved up the staircase. i saw a small cupboard, the knocking was from inside it.. I tried to open it, but it was stuck.. i tried to pull it harder, but i got myself knocked out and i fell hitting my head hard on the floor. 

Chapter 3 - Running Scared

Background voice-

I Dont think she got herself into trouble. Magic of love always starts only with the trouble. UH HO..  I should probably go now. I think she is good hands now...

 

Cassie's P.O.V

 

I felt someone shouting my name and thudding me like anything on my chest. i breathed heavily and i could see blurred image of a man carrying me in his arm down the stairs. I could not realise much more than that at the moment. My head hurt. 

 

"There she is.. " heard this from somewhat familiar voice. As i Opened my eyes, i saw Shelly beside me. I tried to lift myself up and push myself to sit up.

"UGHH" i groaned. "Keep it lite musket." shelly said. 

"Are you trying to kill yourself eh?" i heard another voice behind my head and turned around. It was Jake. My heart felt some weird happiness when i saw him. But still i dont wish to show it. 

"Why will I take that step when you are around me ready enough to kill me with words of sarcasm!" i replied with out taking my breath out.

"Told you!! she has a great will power.. even when a minute before she was as good as dead.. now she speaks without taking a breath " he sighed Shelly.

"Come on Jake. Be nice" Shelly pushed him aside and brought me a hot cup of tea.

"Here take this. IT will make you feel better" she handed the tea to me.

I took a step and looked at her.

"Why did you go there all alone? i told you to wait! If it was not JAke you would be probably dead now" shelly said.

"I just wanted to go out on a walk. Its not thaat bad."

"How did you fell so very unconcious.?" Shelly asked.

"May be i bumbed into the floor really hard. Am not sure. II.. Rea..llyy dont remember much.. OUCHH" i squeaked suddenly.

"I hurts rite.. Take this sedative.. and get some rest. Dr. Jim said he will check on you again tomorrow. i will clean up and be back soon." she left as she said.

Jake was staring at me. I shook my shoulders and head asking as if what he was looking for.

"huhh.. " he sighed and said "you reaally dont remember anything... becoz  when doctor said that someone really wanted you dead.. i dint believe.. but i found this.." he gaave me stop watch.

I examined it and said "simple stop watch.. may be it was some junk.."

"So its not yours.. ??" he asked

"No.. "

He frowned his eye brow for few mins and then just slipped them into his pocket and said "Ok i will take leave.. keep your legs tight.. dont wander off.. i wont be around for few days to help you out"

"Thanks for this time.. but i dont think i will need your help again.. there are pretty much more good and pleasant people around here to hang around" i replied swiftly. 

he just nodded his head horizontally, walked away waving his hand off.

I dont know when again i slept..

It may be bcoz of the sedative, or the long journey or my mental stress  or my inability to handle my break up.

 

Next day Morning..

 

Background voice -

 

Small town mornings.. specially during winters.. christamas around.. my favorite time .. dont think am a cupid.. am just the narrator here.. i want things to be perfect for everyone during this spl time. Especially for this lovely girl.. She is the one who always ready to hear, help and make things better and best for everyone who were in need... Sometimes life is only difficult becoz it wants us to give something happy and best forever.. Cassie has this biggest happiness awaiting.. with some more troubles ahead..

 

 

Cassie's P.O.V

 

It had snowed all night. Its been a long time since i had seen a white christmas. It was so pleasant and nice. I woke up before Shelly and did all the chores. I prepared my spl breakfast for Shelly. 

"Gooo.d..Moor..ning.." shelly said aas she was yawning.

"Good morning. here is your coffee..." i gave her the cup.

"Tha...n..k..s" she saiad with another yawn.. and half her eyes open. She fell on the couch , when the coffee was about to drop i caught it. 

"WAit WHAATT".. Shelly realised.

"What??" I asked her with the same question, reacting in a way that nothing much happened.

"YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE OFF THE BEDDD.. and you did... coffee..??" 

"And breakfast too.. And i bet you will love it.." i added.

"Come on Cassie.. a few hrs ago u were literally dead and Jake gave you the PSR..." she stumbled.

"CPR.." i corrected her.

"Whatever.. " she sighed. "If he comes to know that i slept over and you did everything then am done"

"Come on shelly.. am good now. I took rest the whole day. I also had good sleep.BTW Jake wont know. I promise. and why does he matter a lot.. in fact he doesnt matter at all." i said.

"Yes he do.. i saw a light on his face when he looks at you."

"Ohhh so welll you knoww...as if.."

"Yes i do.. becoz he is my brother."

I could not reply anything. I was just dumbstuck. "UMMM.. the breakfast is getting cold.. come on.." i regained myself.

"Am planning to come to cafe with you.. " i said stuffing my sandwich.

"You are going to get me grounded.. " shelly said.

"We aare not kids to get grounded. come on shelly.. if you leave me alone i may again go to that villa .. to kill my boredom and probably kill myself" i gave her that not so threatening look.

"Are you a lawyer?and make some good points by threatening people indirectly."

I just looked at her..

"Alright alright.. i will give the same sentence which you said now to Jake, if he asks me."

I chuckled.

We both left for the Cafe.

 

 

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Tag der Veröffentlichung: 20.03.2020

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