CHAPTER 21

A Temporary Farewell

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On the same day of his visit, James joined in with the Foster Sisters. It was perhaps their first time if they could ever recollect any memory of them going to a theatre. James, being the gentleman he was, bought the tickets for them including himself. The performance was about to start soon and without further wasting any time, they all entered and were seated behind.

In the theatre, the old pillars in the right and left side were strong as steel, able to remain firm and fine under the ceilings. The performance was starting and the row of audiences who came in already clapped their hands. The velvety curtains were drawn further aside from the stage.

Behold, the lights flashed out in different colors, the grand stage was seen commodious, and in came the performers. The musicians were playing their musical instruments below the stage. Lena was seated beside her little sister and saw the child whispering into James' ear as he bent his head slightly near. She could not catch what chattering they were on about, but she knew for certain her little sister was fond of talking and would prattle on for hours if so. James didn't find this a bother because he found the kid amusing.

"Hey, Lena. James said you should dance some other time with that dress she's wearing." began Serena, pointing at one of the dancers on stage.

"Serena, it's Mr. Allan." Lena corrected gently.

James grinned.

"It's fine. I told her to call me by my first name." He winked secretly, leaning over a little, and facing toward where Lena was seated. It was meant as an immediate reminder for her back in the time when she said this once before.

They tore away their gaze then turned to watch the performers on stage with the melodramatic music that was flowing in the background. When the Foster sisters were focused and set their eyes on the stage, James couldn't help himself but stole several glances at Lena. Instead of watching the performance, he decided he'd rather watch her.

There she was, wearing a thick creamy blouse and a crimson skirt below her knee. A few strands of her hair were tied back with a ribbon. Her emerald eyes glistened throughout the play and no one had ever looked so beautiful as her. What was even better, he knew this woman and was much aware of her inner beauty.

The play went on, and Lena turned to check when she caught him staring at her. Instantly, he looked away and a flushed cheek did the job for her when she felt her heart fluttered in that spot.

Good thing Serena didn't see his drooling.

Lena grinned at her inward joke as she was facing downward at her lap demurely, thinking it would be hilarious if she were to let him stare at her for endless hours. Of course, she didn't mean any of it. Although, she was truly hoping if he did have the same feelings for her. It's something she could not ignore about ever since the year of their separation, and it was hard for her to read when it comes to his heart. Eyes or mouth could form into words, but it wouldn't be so meaningful to anyone and even to her, if the heart wouldn't follow. Oh, how Lena longed to see the real him.

The performers on stage bowed down for the closing when the following hour already passed. Some of them among the audiences rose to their feet as they applauded their hands again, smiling ear to ear.

Outside the theatre when it was over, near the area of the opera, the Foster sisters were on their way to the park. When they were in the place, he led them to the skating rink and beckoned Serena to order the churros opposite the side of the rink. In her reaction, she was quite pleased.

On the contrary, Lena felt a sort of guilt deep within. She handed him the money in return when he suddenly stopped her with the wave of his hand.

"No need. I can take care of it." was his final answer.

All went to lace up their skating boots before they were about to come out in the rink. After tightening their boots, they finally skated the surface of the rink in gradual ease. Lena and James were skimming on the ice whereas Serena was having a bit of trouble with balancing her legs. It was her first time on the ice and the poor thing looked uncomfortable.

Lena skated to her and said in a soft tone,

"Hold my arm, little sister."

And with that, Serena took her sister's arm and together they skated along. Behind them, James speeded up his pace around the icy ground in a circle. He skated after them and blew a whistle as he beamed.

At this moment, he put on a genuine smile as he was skating around the Foster sisters in a circle. Ahead of them, there were three young women that halted from their position during their skating. These women managed to escape a heap of giggles from their lips when they saw the handsome figure of James. The coquetry flew on the air and he got a signal of invitation from these giddy damsels. He took this as mere flattery, joining in a flock of women with a greeting of, "Good day, ladies." and forgetting for a moment when he was supposed to be with the Foster sisters. Lena noticed this and chuckled at the sight.

It was not long when he came back to them with a bundle of flowers in his arms.

"Here's for you, kid." He knelt down to Serena, offering her a rose.

He got up and saved the other roses for Lena.

"They gave this to you?" asked Lena, casting her smiling eyes.

He nodded. "I got dozens of them. Not sure why they would give these to me—but I guess they were mesmerized by my moves on the ice. I used to join the hockey team in school if you might as well recall?"

"I remember you were an athletic sort of jock," Lena stammered. "I mean—it's evident you do still look fit. Have you been working out a lot?"

"I always have. Can't you tell?" He flexed his brawny arm, revealing his rough muscles.

Lena shook her head and pulled out a faint smile. Serena, on the other hand, gave an incredulous look at James.

"You're not a hockey player, are you?"

"Not anymore. Do you want me to be?"

Serena shook her little head. "I like the way you are now," she turned to look at her sister in need of her sister's approval on her answer.

"Don't you agree, Lena?"

At this point, James watched keenly with sudden interest and looked over to listen.

"Oh, um—sure." Lena shrugged her shoulders.

"I don't see why he should change to be someone he isn't."

Those words were enough to strike his heart, reminding him of the confession he confided to her just a few days ago.

In a jiffy, Serena immediately broke out from the rink when she saw her father waving his hand on the end of the corner. Mr. Foster was about to pick them up, and Lena followed after them when suddenly, James called behind her.

"You forgot this, Lena." He drew forward on, picking up the remaining rose from his pocket and gently tucked it on her hair.

The next day at the airport, James and the Foster family were standing outside the terminal building.

Here and there, faces of the young and old would appear everywhere around, and a myriad of them were already lined up inside. Waves of tumult noises grew until it was excruciatingly harmful for their ears to meddle in the area. It was reputed to be a formal place, but so far it left an impression of the place to be utterly wild. In any case, they brought Axel with them. Much to their surprise, the dog didn't bark whatsoever throughout the journey of their ride.

"We'll see you again soon. Pay my respects to your family." Mr. Foster spoke cordially as he gave a hearty slap at James back.

"I'll be sure to tell." He promised.

Serena walked closer and asked without a falter in her childish voice,

"Do you think Axel will miss you while you are away?"

"He won't be if he's not left alone. Do you think you can take care of Axel?"

"I can! I'll do it if you ask me to."

"Then take care of him will you?" He gave a smile toward the animated child who stood before him.

"I will!" cried the plump girl in a resolute vow.

"We'll try, James. The least we can do is to buy the food we need to feed for him." Lena felt she should speak up about the decision she was rather reluctant about. She knew Serena couldn't handle this all alone, of course.

"Leave that to me. I bought a pack of dog foods for my little buddy over here." and he added while he was petting Axel's furry head,

"It's placed in the backyard. Just to let you know."

Shortly when it was time for James to go, he firmly pulled his luggage and did a farewell wave. Axel barked out a cry when his owner was heading his way to leave. Serena and Mr. Foster waved their hands and Lena stood there all sighing. Before he went inside the entrance, James stopped short, turned back and mouthed over toward Lena in the distance, "I left you a poem." hinting that he had put it in her handbag.

She was stunned to see him this bold. Bold enough to do this in front of her family at least. Luckily he never got caught and she was glad they weren't aware. With a curious glance, she checked to see her leather bag inside, and held it in her hand once she drew the poem out. She looked up at him in the distance and cracked a ray of smile across her glowing face. When she put the poem back in, a pang struck her the moment she looked up for the last time to see his shadow was gone in her sight.