235: DON’T HIDE IT
ARIEL’S POV
Turning around, Luke was the one I saw. He stood not too far from Janice and me, not taking his eyes off the two of us one bit. He had this sad countenance, not that we had spoken with each other yet. I began the conversation, but he already made me feel sorry for him.
“Ariel, he spoke my name softly, looking deeply into my eyes. Our gaze wasn’t coming to an end any time soon. “I’m glad I saw you.” His soft and gentle tone continued.
“Luke,” I vocalized softly as well. “What are you doing here?”
“I came here for you,” he answered.
“For me?” I asked, with a face that was puzzled to a certain degree. “How did you know that I came here?”
“You don’t have to worry about that. I’m here now, and that’s all that matters.”
“I’m sorry, say what now?”
“Daddy!” Janice ran to Luke, grabbing his leg in her buoyant mood.
He laughed and squatted to her level, holding her hands. “How have you been, pretty one?”
“I’ve been great, daddy. I was even thinking of telling Mommy to take me to you. It’s a good thing you’re here now.”
My eyes widened, hearing Janice’s words. She was thinking of doing what now?”
“It seems like my little baby is having a great time at the park.” Luke smiled. delightfully at her, kneading her nose.
“Yes, Mommy made this moment really special for me. We were looking at the sky before you came.”
“Oh, really? That’s nice.”
“Come on, daddy, take a good look at the sky.” Janice pointed towards the sky.
Luke looked in the direction of her finger. “Wow, the sky is really a beautiful one.”
I looked at the sky as well, and it was really beautiful, with the clouds moving slowly right there. It was a magnificent view.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Janice asked Luke.
He nodded, laughing slightly. “it’s beautiful, and you can just imagine how it’s going to look like when the day gets dark, with the stars popping up.”
Luke moved his hand dramatically, continuing, “It’s going to be real beautiful. just like your mother.” He turned to look at me, smirking. I quickly turned my
face away
Look at me, Ariel,” he said. I glanced at him that very moment, watching how he stood up and walked to me. “How have you been?”
I continued to look into his eyes, lost in his charm. “Why are you asking me that?
I asked him softly.
“I’m being caring. You are my wife, remember?”
“I know that. You don’t have to remind me.”
“Ariel, take a look at the little children playing in this park.” Luke gestured towards the gleeful children right in the park.
I looked in the direction he was gesturing. Children of all ages ran and played, their laughter filling the air with joy and excitement.
On the swings, a little girl with curly blonde hair giggled as her father pushed her higher and higher. Her pink dress fluttered in the wind, and her bright blue eyes sparkled with delight.
Nearby, a group of boys were playing a game of tag. They ran around the playground, their sneakers pounding against the ground as they chased each other with shouts of glee. The tallest boy, with messy brown hair, managed to tag his friend, and they both collapsed on the grass, panting and laughing.
A little boy with glasses and a book in hand carefully constructed a sandcastle in the sandbox. He added a moat and a flag on top, a proud smile on his face as he admired his creation. A few feet away, a group of girls were having a tea party with plastic cups and plates, their stuffed animals as guests. They chattered away, their imaginations running wild.
On the basketball court, a group of teenagers were playing a game of pick–up. They dribbled and shot, their competitive spirits evident as they cheered and high -fived each other. One girl with long braided hair made a perfect shot, and the others cheered, impressed by her skills.
A little further away, a group of toddlers were chasing bubbles that their parents blew for them. They squealed with delight as they tried to catch the colorful orbs, their tiny hands reaching out in excitement.
Some played on the jungle gym, climbing and sliding with ease. Others rode their
bikes or scooters around the paved paths, a sense of freedom and adventure in
their movements.
“Now tell me, Ariel, what do you see here?” Luke asked, setting his eyes back on
“I see…..ferent children,” I replied slowly.
“Of course, I know that. But tell me what you see in these children playing around?”
“Happiness,” I answered softly.
“Uhmm, what did you say?” He pretended like he didn’t hear what I said.
“Happiness, they’re all happy.”
“Exactly! And why are they happy? It’s because they have what they want. They have the things that they need.”
“I think I know where this talk of yours is going to.”
“I know you do.” Luke held both of my hands. “Ariel, listen to me. There’s no need for you to keep on fighting it.”
“Fighting what?”
“You love me, and I can see the passion in your eyes.”
“And who told you that?” I asked in a whisper.
“No one has to tell me. I can see everything clear myself.”
“Don’t start thinking like that.” I took my hands off his. “Janice, come on, we have to….”
He grabbed my waist and pulled me really close to him. Now, this man had hist hand wrapped around me.
“Aren’t you going to let me go?” I tried taking his hand off my body.
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