She had already begged him.
Abner stood frozen, baffled for a good while, before he finally swallowed hard and then turned around, making his way out of the hospital.
The door to the hospital room opened and then closed again.
Shirley slowly walked over to sit down on the bed, lifting her hand to look at her palm. This was the hand that had just hit Abner.
She let her eyelashes droop, a bitter smile on her face.
That day, she went straight home.
Two days later, the college entrance exams were over. She glanced at her phone screen, at the contact named Abner, doubting he would ever text again.
For the following weeks, Shirley lived in a daze, disregarding everything and temporarily stopping work.
Until James called with good news, saying that Abner had topped the city in the exams, becoming the valedictorian. The school was already planning to hang banners in his honor.
"Shirley, aren't you coming? What's with that kid, such a big celebration and he's unreachable!"
Shirley lay in bed, feeling for a moment as if her legs had degenerated, incapable of walking.
She opened her mouth, unsure of what to say, brushed it off with a few words, and then hung up.
Strangely, more than a month had passed since she ran away from her wedding, and there had been no word from the Albright family, nor her parents.
Her thoughts drifted to the man who had appeared in the hospital room; he must have settled everything, right?
What was Abner doing now?
Had he gone back to the Olson family with that mysterious man?
Would they really never see each other again?
In the afternoon, when all the exam results were officially out, she made a rare trip to the local supermarket. While picking up some instant noodles, she overheard two parents chatting.
"So, this year's valedictorian declined interviews?"
"Seems like even the teachers can't find him, no idea where he went."
"Didn't apply to Solstice College? Is he planning to study abroad?"
"His photo was published though, such a handsome kid. If my daughter could find a boyfriend like that..."
Shirley froze, grabbing another cup of noodles. She hadn't eaten much over the past two weeks, noticeably losing weight.
She was happy for Abner's achievement, yet felt an emptiness inside.
The kid she had brought down from the mountains had finally taken flight, but they were no longer connected.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Dear Ex-wife Marry Me novel (Maja)
Author, would you story about Ryan settling down and another story on Eric regaining his body and memories back from Patrick, and Eric also settling down as I find it so disheartening for him to have gone through what he went through at the research institute, and I'll like for him to get his "golden boy" life back though, not at the detriment of Ian....
When will the author update to finish Beck's story? What about Dylan and Tyler's love lives? Also, I'll like the author to write on Wilma and Elvis ending up together as she was quite persistent in pursuing him. And Shawn's story, Cornelia Sullivan and Omar Casson. Also, a little write-up on Jeff (Ian's assistant) love life, too. Thanks, author for updating....
When will get update?...
What is wrong that the author has not updated this novel in over a month or is there somewhere else that I can continue reading the novel from chapter 1951 upwards? Do tell, please. Thanks....
Is everything alright with writer?...
Author, why are there no updates after almost 2 weeks? What's going on with the updates,Author? Do update soon....
Will any update make for us?...
Is author ok...
Playing too much with my emotions. It’s been 9 days and no updates. What is going on with Fitch and Zoey?...
Is author playing with our emotions?...