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"I do want you to be happy Dad. I just didn't think … I was just so mad … Dad if that's what you want then … I'm with you … I just feel so bad about everything I said to her."
"I have to find her. And you're going to help me."
Chapter Seven
Rochelle
I can't believe how quickly my world came crashing down. It's been two weeks since I left Amy's house. Kevin has tried to reach me, but I refuse to answer any of his calls. He must think I'm some sick, vile person who took advantage of him and toyed with his emotions. I want to look him in the eyes and tell him that I have loved him all my life, but I won't be able to handle his rejection. I should stay away even though I have been completely miserable. I found an affordable apartment a few blocks from my office and moved in with the help of a colleague.
I haven't been to school since then as I can't bear to face him, even though I miss him so much. I get up from my bed and stand by the window. I think about Amy and wonder if she'll ever forgive me. I hug myself tightly and weep at the loss of the two people I love with all my heart. I collapse to the floor and cry my eyes out.
There's a knock on the door. "Ro?"
I look up sharply. It's Amy. How did she find me?
"Rochelle? Are you there?"
I get up and wipe my tears. I walk slowly to the door and turn the knob.
"Amy?"
"Hi. Um … can I come in?"
"Yeah, sure," I reply and step aside. My heart is pounding as she walks in, and I close the door behind her. “How did you find me?”
“I had to ‘convince’ your colleague to tell me. You owe me fifty bucks …”
I laugh through the tears as I imagine Amy bribing my colleague, round the back of the restaurant next to the bins, with a fifty between her fingers and a cigarette in her other hand, like something out of a noir movie.
“I’m sorry, Amy … not just about the fifty, but I …”
"Wait … let's sit down."
I nod, and we sit on my rumpled bed. She briefly scans the room, and I'm slightly embarrassed at the state of it. I haven't been up to cleaning or organizing anything lately.
"Rochelle, I need you to listen to what I have to say. Afterwards, there's a question I'm going to ask you, and I need you to be completely honest with me. Can you do that?"
"Yes." I can't read the expression on her face, but I’m so glad we can finally talk about what happened.
"I think I have always known you had a thing for my dad, but I never took it seriously. The way you blush whenever his name comes up and how you talk about his research. Then, that day at the dinner table, I noticed the glances you stole from him.. The fact that you've never paid attention to any of the hot guys who are after you as though you were waiting for someone in particular.” Amy removes her coat and bag and places them on the floor. She looks flustered and her face starts to go red. I can see that what she has to say is hard for her.
“I have always wanted my dad to move on and find love,” she continues, “but I knew it would have to be with someone who shared similar interests. Part of me imagined you both together, but it felt so impossible, and I wasn't sure how I would feel about it. All those times we talked about our perfect guy, the person you described fit my dad. I guess a part of me has always known.” Amy pauses and takes a deep breath. “But when I saw you … with my … dad, I guess I just didn't think about any of those things. I felt betrayed.” I nod in response, and continue to listen to what she has to say. “I thought we were close enough for you to tell me if you felt that way. After thinking about it for a few days, I realized that it must have been a struggle for you, too. I'm sorry for the things I said and the way I reacted. I should never have asked you to leave. Forgive me, Rochelle," Tears begin to run down her face. I reach out and hug her tight.
"No…no,” I begin to cry too now whilst still holding on tight to her. “I should be asking you for forgiveness. I struggled with telling you, and I wish I had."
She moves back slightly and smiles at me. I smile back, relief washing over me for the first time in so many days.
"Come with me. There's somewhere we need to go."
"Where?"
"Just trust me. It's a special place. Besides, you need to get out of this room."
I hurriedly freshen up and change into a pink blouse and blue jeans.
As soon as we get into the car, she hands me a blindfold.
"What for?"
