The Decoder - Chapter 26

Avery

Avery was a wreck as he made his way to the cafeteria and plunged himself down onto the wooden bench opposite of his close friend, Lucien, who was sipping a cup of tea. It was the 6th day of the week and the cafeteria was empty saved for the two men. It had been three days since he last spoken and saw Edith and he was dying to catch a glimpse of her. He wanted very much to apologise to her and confess his feelings to her, but she was nowhere in sight. According to Teo, she had been in the Militia either in the Health Department or in her dorm. If he did not see her soon, he would go mad. However, the thought of seeing her, of speaking to her made him nervous to his bones. He was afraid he will make things worse instead of fixing it.

What has become of our friendship?

Edith’s words repeated in his mind like a looping corkscrew gear, plaguing him. How did it escalate to this? He had never had a huge argument with Edith, not even during their childhood days.

“You look as if you haven’t slept in days.” Lucien said.

“Indeed.” Avery replied dryly. Indeed, he hadn’t slept for the past three days. He couldn’t sleep no matter how much he tried. The image of a distraught Edith with her final words before fleeing his room replayed in his mind on its will, stubbornly refusing to disappear. He had been thinking and reflecting for the past three days. He needed to put an end to this if Edith would only give him a chance to do so. It was time they open up to each other. Weren’t they childhood best friends? Weren’t best friends confided in each other. Well, it was time to change that status.

“Care to share your worries? I’m all ears.” Lucien gave a small smile, his ice-blue gaze fixated on him.

Avery looked at him, contemplating if he should share his problems. He had never been one to share his problems with anyone. Screw it. Avery exhaled heavily.

“It must be a big issue.” Lucien observed.

“It is.”

“Let me guess. Love problems?”

“Yes.” Avery admitted and he relayed the entire scene from the time he appointed Teo to spy on Edith, the information he was trying to coax from her, her sudden visit to The Boor Pub and finally to the argument that had occurred between them in his room three days ago. He had left out the spectacle between Edith, Ira and Merille he had come across at the garden.

Lucien listened intently, nodding his head every now and then. When Avery had finished, Lucien let out a subtle whistle.

“That’s one hell of a drama. I knew there was something going on between you and Edith.” Lucien said. Avery only sighed in defeat. There was a moment’s silence between them and the silence from his close friend made Avery nervous again. Though he wasn’t used to sharing his problems with anyone, he had to admit that confessing them to someone who was willing to listen made him feel slightly relieved.

“Do you love her?” Lucien asked suddenly, his low voice piercing into the silence between them.

“Yes,” Avery answered without hesitation.

“Then find her. Apologise and confess.”

“You’re not going to lecture me? What with my betrothment,” he asked, perplexed by his friend’s words.

“Why should I? Everyone deserves a chance at romance.”

“But…I do not—"

“Go to her, Avery. No buts,” Lucien gave him a stern look. Avery said nothing and only stared at his friend. Lucien heaved a sigh and took another sip of his tea.

“I have never told you. Like you, I have a childhood friend as well.”

“You do?” Avery’s eyes widened at his friend’s revelation.

“I do. She’s the sweetest girl I could ever hope to meet. I miss her from time to time, sweet little Jules,” Lucien smiled, a rare smile Avery had the opportunity to see, a smile that brightened Lucien’s handsome features, making him appearing several years younger, a smile that could melt a woman’s heart, and it was also the smile Avery suspected, was only reserved for Jules. For a moment, he wondered about this mysterious Jules woman whom he had never had the chance to meet. The woman, whom he suspected was someone special to Lucien. And then, that smile faltered, a look of sorrow and yearning etched on his friend’s expression. Avery wanted to ask what happened to his childhood friend, but Lucien quickly recovered and spoke first.

“But the topic isn’t about me. It’s about you. So, find her. You have my support,” Lucien leaned forward with a grin.

“Thank you, Lucien.” Avery grinned in return, suddenly feeling encouraged.

“You’re most welcome.”

Avery stood and headed to the cafeteria’s entrance to make his way to the double wrought-iron gates. Each step he took, he felt energized and confident, and he was thankful for speaking to Lucien. He braced the cold night air as he quickened his pace to Dastren Street. It was the weekend. Edith will naturally be at Uncle Vern’s clinic and he hoped she did not head out anywhere to have a secret meeting with Sera again. At the thought of it, his steps turned into a jog before breaking into a run. By the time he arrived in front of Uncle Vern’s clinic, he was panting. He drew in a few gulps of air before gaining his momentum. He straightened and ran a hand through his thick hair. He took in another deep breath, exhaled and knocked on the glass door. You can’t screw this up now, Avery. You are here, there’s no turning back.

After a moment, he could hear footsteps approaching the door. He could hear the latches lifted and the door swung inward, revealing Uncle Vern at the entrance.

“Good evening, Avery. What brings you here at this hour?” Uncle Vern smiled warmly, his eyes spoke of genuine curiosity at the sight of Avery before him.

“Good evening, Uncle Vern. I would like to speak with Edith.” Avery smiled.

“Of course. I will call her.” Uncle Vern said the same time Edith appeared at the hallway. She was dressed in her sailor-collared beige blouse with bishop sleeves tucked into a caramel brown ankle-length flare skirt. The attire made her look lovely and fetching. For a moment, it felt like an eternity when her eyes locked with Avery’s. There was no warmth in them, no compassion, but a hint of sadness. Avery knew he was the cause of it and he very much wanted to reverse it.

“Ah, Edith. You’re here at the perfect timing. This gentleman here wishes to speak with you.” Uncle Vern said, unaware of the tension between them.

“Yes, uncle.” Edith strode forward and wordlessly took her overcoat from the coat hanger and shrugged into it. She stepped out of the clinic, past Avery and stood a few inches away from him.

“Don’t be away too long. The weather is freezing cold,” Uncle Vern said before closing the door, leaving them to their discretion.

Avery took two steps towards Edith.

“We need to talk.”

“Yes. We need to talk.” Edith said without looking at him. It surprised him a little that she agreed with his words. Maybe, just maybe…there was still hope. Deciding that there were a few passersby about the street, Avery took her hand in his and led them to the main park not far from the City Square. Edith followed without a word nor did she objected to his chosen spot to ‘talk’.

Avery was glad the park was devoid of any other living souls but for the two of them. He led Edith to a nearby oak bench, and they settled down onto the bench, facing each another. Avery continued to hold her hand in his because by holding her hand gave him the courage.

“I’m sorry.”

“I apologise.”

They spoke at the same time.

“Please, go ahead,” Edith said, her gaze never leaving his. Avery cleared his throat and nodded.

“I apologise for my behaviour…for not trusting you.” Avery spoke softly, his own voice echoed around them in the dead of the night in the park. Puffs of cold air from their breaths swirled around them.

“I know it’s wrong of me to place a spy on you to keep watch on you…and to protect you. After the incident that night, I wouldn’t risk your safety.”

Edith was silent for a moment and Avery worried she might lash at him, but instead of lashing at him, she lowered her hand and stared at their entwined hands, his big one enveloping hers.

“I’m sorry for my harsh words as well. I shouldn’t have behaved the way I did three days ago. And, I think it’s about time we come clean of what is between us. We have known each other since childhood, so it’s only right if we learn to trust each other again.” Edith said, her voice light and soft, her expression serene.

“Yes…” Avery agreed, and he was thankful that Edith shared the same thoughts as his. He wanted to pull her into his arms this very moment, and he did just that. His right arm looped around her small shoulders, pulling her close to him. He could smell a hint of rose from her unbound wavy hair. She hadn’t fashioned them into a braid or a ponytail or any other hairstyles.

“Avery?” Edith queried after a moment. She did not pull away from his embrace and neither did she protest.

“You asked what has become of our friendship.”

“I did.” She said softly over his shoulder.

“Well, it has evolved to more than a friendship now.”

“What do you mean?” Edith pulled away from his arm, gazing at him with her head slightly tilted.

“It means I…” Avery drifted from his words, his nerves slowly betraying him as he tried to keep his composure. Confessing one’s love was nerve-wrecking and he didn’t like the feel of it.

“I?” Edith prodded.

Avery bit the insides of his cheek and took a deep breath of air before continuing.

“I love you.” He confessed and was glad those words were out before he decided to bury himself into a large hole.

Edith gaped at him, her eyes wide as a saucer plate. He could tell she was digesting his words. She blinked a few times, opened her mouth and then closing them again before she finally found her words.

“Truly?” she whispered.

“Yes. I’ve always loved you ever since we met eleven years ago. I have never love another for my heart has always been yours.” Avery was amazed with his own words. He never knew he could utter such cheesy confessions, and he inwardly winced. If Lucien had been here, he could imagine his friend gaping in disgust before breaking into laughter.

Edith was silent. Her gaze broke from his, gazing at something past his shoulder. Tears welled in her eyes and she blinked them away only to have them spilling down her cheeks.

“I…I—"

“I know. I heard you three nights ago at The Boor Pub. You confessed your feelings for me in your drunken stupor.” Avery grinned as he remembered the scene, though he did not enjoy witnessing her surrounded by four men and one patting her head. He placed his free hand at her cheek and gently swiped away the tears.

“No way…” Edith said incredulously before chuckling.

“I find it hard to believe myself at that time.” Avery chuckled.

“Well, I owe you a proper confession now. I love you, too, Avery.” Edith smiled warmly, looking at him as if he meant the world to her, one filled with love and compassion. Warmth filled his soul. No one had ever looked at him that way before, not even his parents or brother. Edith had been the first and he treasured her, treasured the feelings they shared for one another. He was elated, he wanted to yell his triumph and happiness to the skies. So, this is what it feels like to have one’s love reciprocated, he could not wait to share this his joy with Lucien.

Avery leaned forward and kissed her as if she meant the world to him as well, his heart beating fast. Edith returned the kiss, soft and gentle, before Avery took the lead and his kisses turned hungry, wanting to savour her and making her his. His hand moved to the nape of her neck, grasped her hair and groaned with pleasure. He pulled away for a moment for some air before pressing his lips to hers once more, wanting more of her.

“Edie…” He broke the kiss and murmured against her lips, reddened by his kisses. He rested his forehead on hers and traced her lower lip with his gloved thumb, his breathing was rapid and harsh.

“I’m thankful to my father for bringing you to us.” Edith smiled, tightening her hold on his hand.

“And I’m thankful to your father for bringing me to you.” Avery returned the affection.

They stayed that way for a few minutes, enjoying each other’s warmth and the moment.

“What about your…betrothal?” Edith asked in a low voice.

“Let’s not think about it now…” He was aware of his betrothment, knew the consequences if he were to break them. He will lose his promised promotion and probably lose his officer rank and banished from the Militia, which in turn, his planned revenge would be swept down the drain. As much as he loved Edith, he could not allow his brother to escape, unscathed. Though, Lord Noel was now probably stressing out his strategies to counter the Militia’s advances. Avery wondered if his elder brother would declare war before High Commander Ekker did. Operation Z is about to take place.

Avery forced those thoughts away. Tonight, his thoughts shall belong to Edith and only her. He smiled and pressed his lips to hers again, then placed a kiss at the corner of her eyes, her cheeks, her dainty nose and finally back to her lips. How he wished there was nothing that stand between them, how he wished he could have her stay in his arms forever, to stand by each other.

Though deep down he knew, it was a childish notion. The world does not revolve around them, does not bow to his wishes. If he could make one wish, then his wish would be to reverse time.

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