The Love Cube

Chapter 4

Her door bell ringing was what woke Heather that morning. What exactly would posses anyone to visit someone at seven am in the morning? She couldn't help but wonder. She hadn't even gotten up yet to prepare for work. Nothing could have prepared her for whoever was on the other side of the door. It was Derrick spotting two cups of coffee and muffins from her favorite café. What alternative universe had she gotten up to? Not even waiting for pleasantries she tried locking her door but was met with Derrick's foot barring the door.

"What do you exactly want Derrick?" 

"To talk Heather," Derrick replied with a sigh.

It had been years since they had seen each other. They didn't end on what would be termed as good terms but they were neither bad terms . Heather ushered Derrick into the house hoping he would make it quick. Taking the other cup she sat on the solo couch while Derrick made himself comfortable on the other side.

" I really didn't expect to meet you this soon after coming back. Knowing you were the opposing counsel was actually sprang on me few days before the court case and I didn't even get the chance to speak to you before that. I didn't mean to ambush you. I know we have history but we have a case before us where we can help each other. Am not asking for us to begin on a clean slate or for forgiveness right now but for us to work as colleagues while being civil,'' Derrick said while pensively looking at Heather.

It was common practice to interact with opposing counsel be it sharing of evidence or cross checking of witnesses. Most lawyers actually being friendly outside the courthouse . It was so easy for him unlike for her who hadn't moved on. 

How could she be civil with all the history between them? People expected people to move on when a relationship ended and it had been years and she was still carrying around emotional baggage from that relationship. Her actions were proof enough. She could lie to the whole world but not herself. Once upon a time, she had loved the man before her. Poured all her devotion, time, commitment and love into their relationship. She had harbored a crush for almost 10 years and when her affections were reciprocated she had gone all out. He was her first everything. First love, first kiss, first boyfriend and most of all the first man she had given herself to.

"Is that all? I need to go to work Derrick. As much as I enjoyed this impromptu get together lets not keep extending it. I know how to interact with colleagues, my lack of interaction is simply due to the fact that I don't need anything from you. If I do, I will inform you," Heather said as she proceeded to usher Derrick out of her apartment.

Derrick didn't bother with forcing a conversation on Heather. She had at least heard him out and despite the cold reception he was not going to be deterred. Offering Heather one last nod, he left.

He had regretted how he had ended things between them. Seeing Heather again had awoken his feelings for her. Despite the many relationships and hookups after her, no woman had held a candle to her.

In high school both had been at top of their class, academic rivals per say. They had known each other since childhood as their parents had been in similar social circles but had known more of each other when they landed in the same school. What he had not known was Heather had liked him for the longest time and when she confessed he was even more surprised, At an age where most teenage girls were soft spoken and would wait to be pursued she had put herself out and confessed to him. It felt surreal. In front of the whole football team she announced that she found him handsome and the fact that he was intelligent was a plus for her. The confession was the beginning of their relationship. Arguably she loved him more at the beginning but he slowly fell in love with her and pursued a relationship as well till he had to make the one decision that separated them and years later had landed him in the position he was.

He was ready to settle down and after finding out Heather was still single he vowed to win her heart back. He would grovel at her feet and beg for forgiveness if need be. Visiting her apartment was an olive branch he was extending. If helping her win her case against him would get him back to her graces he was ready to do it. The fact that she had opted to get her information from the detective had hurt him and after looking up the detective he couldn't help but worry he would be a future competitor. Heather had loved him the longest but he knew she had a type and that the detective definitely ticked most of her boxes. But there was only way of finding out and that was from the closest person to Heather's, her secretary, Grace. He had kept tabs on her life and asked around about her from her acquaintances to know she had really few friends. Her cousin was his other option but that would not work.

Derrick's visit had disoriented Heather. She didn't feel like going to work anymore and just wanted to spend the rest of her day home. Demons from her past had come knocking. Maybe it was time for her to face the baggage that had been weighing her down. Few people who was just her mother and cousin knew about the fact that her and Derrick had a child. That was one big secret that she had been carrying around with her for years. She needed to go home. Her mother always made her feel better. Calling Grace she informed her she would be out of the office for a few days and would be working on the case meanwhile. She hated lying to her but she had no other explanation for her sudden disappearance. Booking a ticket she grabbed few clothes and texted her mom she was going home. She needed guidance especially now she felt like her life was about to crumble once again.