Haunting Past

Chapter 5 - Next day

Fiona’s POV

After dropping me at my apartment, Ronald went back to the hotel. I couldn't believe what happened a few hours back. I never dreamt that someone like Ronald would like me to the extent he proposed to me. I have always liked him and secretly admired him. To say I was shocked when he proposed to me would be an understatement. A part of me just wanted to yell a yes and grab that ring but my guilt didn't allow me. 

I am not the same Fiona, who joined the Dumont enterprise 3 years back. When I joined the enterprise, I just wanted to humiliate Rose. But as the saying goes 'good people are like candles; they burn themselves up to give others light', she changed me. Rose not just changed my character but my identity too. Because of her, I got more friends and a wonderful family. Both the Dumont and Dickins families considered me as their family member and gave me so much love and care. Their love is what pulled me back from accepting his proposal. He doesn't know my past and I am afraid when he does he will start hating me. 

I didn't even feel like changing my dress but had to because it's hard to put it on for the whole night. I just slipped the dress and put on a night dress. I looked at myself in the mirror and I could see a disheveled image of myself. My makeup has been ruined from the constant crying. I took a cotton ball and wiped it using a cleanser. Then I creeped under the covers and tried to calm down. That's when I heard the front door being opened. It must be Helen. As guessed, she knocked on the door within a few minutes. 

"Come in Helen." 

She pushed open the door and went inside. Seeing me curled up under my sheets, she asked.

"Are you alright Fiona? Do you need something?" 

"I am fine and thank you, but I don't need anything. Please don't worry about me. I'll be alright." I said,

"I know it's hard for you to come out of your past. But believe me, no one would judge you because of your past. We all love you for what you are right now. I just wanted to tell you that Dickins' family were happy to see Ronald proposing to you. I would just advise you to come out of your past and get hold of your future before it's too late. Ronald is a nice guy and you will be really lucky to have him as your partner. Please think about your decision. It's never too late." She said and went back to her room. 

It felt really good to know that Dickin's family were happy with the proposal. But will it be the same when they come to know about my past? Will they still accept me? I have to talk to Rose because she has been my saviour since I met her. I took out my phone and it was still switched off. I thought of switching it on but changed my mind and put it aside. I can't just ruin their first night. I will talk to her in the morning. With that thought I slowly drifted off to a deep sleep. Throughout the night I did have nightmares. I am walking down the aisle towards Ronald. Everyone is happy, especially Ronald. Suddenly, the scene changes and everything goes dark and then the faces of people from my past. Finally, I woke up at six with a bad headache. 

I pulled myself out and went to the kitchen as I felt really thirsty. I first brewed some coffee because I knew what I needed. The only thing that could relax my throbbing muscles is a hot bath in my tub. Whenever I use my tub I need a cup of hot coffee. It’s weird to have your coffee in your washroom, but I have no other option as the tub is in my washroom. I went back with the coffee and did my morning rituals before heading to the tub. I had already filled the tub with hot water. I removed my clothes and was about to step inside the tub when I heard a knock at the door. I quickly wrapped a towel and went out to open the door. Helen stood with sleepy eyes.

“Why is your phone still off? Rose called just now to ask you to call her.” 

“I forgot to switch it on. I will call her right now.” I said and closed the door.

I took the phone and went back to take my bath. After soaking myself in the hot water, I slowly took a sip of my coffee before switching on my phone. It started ringing, flashing Rose’s name as soon as I opened it. With a sigh, I answered the call.

“Good morning Rose.” 

“What the hell, Fiona? Where have you been all night? You just scared all of us.” She literally screamed. 

“I am sorry for making your special day bad. I never meant to do anything like that. I am sorry for hurting you and Ryan.” I apologised. 

"You don't have to say sorry. It was definitely Ronald's mistake. He should have talked to you before. We told him to do that but he was really scared that you would refuse and that's what happened. He thought that you wouldn't be able to refuse in front of so many people. He really likes you a lot. Please give him a chance." She said,

"Ronald is a man, every girl would die to be with. He is perfect, but I am not. I don't want to cheat anyone. If there ever be someone in my life, that someone should accept me with my past. I won't be able to handle heartbreak. So it's better that I refuse to be in a relationship." I made myself clear.

"Fiona, whatever you have done in your past is not something alien to the present world. Most of the teenagers of this generation do what you have done in your past. And it wasn't your fault, but circumstances made you do so. I am sure Ronald won't have any problems with your past. I think you should give him a chance. He told you that he is ready to know your past. Now it's your turn to give it a go. There's nothing to be lost but a lot to be gained," Rose said.

"You are right and I agree with you, but still I can't make my heart move on. I asked Ronald sometimes to prepare myself either for the best or for worse. I'll call you later Rose. You both please take care and enjoy your time together. Please don't worry about me. I will be fine." I said before hanging up. 

All the scenes from last night went through my mind one by one. The way in which Ronald proposed was so mesmerizing. I would have accepted at once if I didn't have a past to worry about. When I refused the proposal, I saw the pain in Ronald's eyes. I didn't have the courage to stay there and that's why I ran away. At first I thought of going back to the apartment but then chose the seashore because I believed that no one would find me there. I was really surprised when Ronald went there in search of me. He really knew me well, even more than Rose. He could have forced him on me as there was no one at that place. But he tried to comfort me. 

After talking to Rose, I lost control of my heart. This is actually a golden chance to try to make my life more beautiful. As Rose said, I have nothing to lose but have a chance to gain a lot. I will give it a try, but not so soon. That's when my phone began to ring again. I checked the display and to my surprise Ronald's name flashed on the screen. With shaking hands, I pressed the call button.

"Hello."

"Fiona, are you alright?" He sounded really worried. 

"I am alright Ronald." I somehow told him.

"I was really worried after you left. I tried calling you but your phone was switched off." He said,

"I forgot to switch it on yesterday." I said,

"Fiona, can we meet?" He asked. 

"Ronald, I told you that I wanted some time." I said,

"I want to know your past and, if I could, I want to be your future. I am not asking you to accept me but to give me a chance to get to know you better." After hearing his words, I didn't have any option left except to meet him.

"Okay, Ronald, we can meet. How about this evening?" I asked.

"No problem." 

"OK then let's meet at the same place, near the sea," I said.

"I will be waiting for you by 4.00. Thank you Fiona for understanding me." With those words he hung up.