Carter's Beloved

Fate keeps pulling

Carter’s P.O.V

I played around with my piece of sushi for a while, getting tired of eating the same food. It had been the 3rd time in a week that me and Axel had visited the same Chinese place. I didn’t care wondering about this before, but things seem to have changed ever since last week.

“So, how did it go?” He asks and reaches for steamed chicken. I contemplated telling him about the afternoon, but I turned down the idea. I can’t keep this to myself anymore, I have to share this with someone.

“It was peculiar. Madison seemed to know the exact place where I last saw her.” I confide in him and look up to meet his forest green eyes. We thought it was a splendid idea to arrange a dinner on the day when rain was predicted.

I looked out the window. The sky was tar-black and the enormous clouds were moving towards me. People ran for cover outside and umbrellas were opened as the clouds spat out their beads of water. Puddles began plinking as the rainfall became heavier. The roofs of the cars danced with spray and I could hear the murmuring of the rain through the window.

I turned to look at him again. He looked shocked.

“It must be a coincidence. There can’t be any other way.” I explain and he nods. I want to believe the part of me which is telling me I found her after years, but it can’t be possible.

“But what if it is? Did she act in a certain way? Did she talk to you often?” He inquires all at once and I laugh. Axel seems to be more curious to solve the mystery than me.

“No, she didn’t. It’s a shop in a busy marketplace. I am not the only person who knows about it.” I express and finish the last bites of the seafood noodles.

The shop is filled with customers, some wanting to find protection from the rain, while others here to enjoy the food. I have long since given up finding her. It’s too difficult with the enormous population in this world, yet if I ever met her, I would know. She was the most different out of them all.

“I should leave now. I have work tomorrow.” I remind him and he nods, chewing his noodles. I grab my coat and umbrella after leaving change on our table to pay for the food. I walk out of the shop as the door shuts behind me.

Ever since I got the job, life seems to be easier. I need not stress about money anymore or a house. I have got everything under control, except for myself.  The rain continues to fall as I walk towards my building.

After reaching my house, I turn on the lights to be surprised with the telephone ringing. I rush inside, reminding myself to disconnect the landline when I leave the house.

“Yes?” I pick up the phone and ask.

“Hello, is this Carter speaking?” The female voice on the other end asks me.

“Yes, but do I know you?”

“It’s Madison. I’m in a bit of a fix right now. I was hoping you could help.”

“Sure, what happened?”

“My car stopped working midway. I’m now stuck in a tiny village in the countryside. Can you come?” She asks desperately.  Great, another night of working. I ask her for the address and head out again.

I take a subway and soon I am standing across the subway station in an underdeveloped area motioning for a cab. I reach her and she gladly climbs in the cab. Her car broke down in a desolate location with no access to help. The driver drops us off near the subway station next to a small cafe.

Luckily it’s open, and soon we are sitting inside waiting for tea to arrive. Madison looks at me kindly and thanks me for helping. Even if I wanted to refuse, I couldn’t.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what were you doing travelling to the countryside?” I ask cautiously.

“I was visiting my mother’s grave. I couldn’t take out time during the day, so I had to travel at night. I was driving back, but the engine stopped working.” She explained while breaking into her pancakes.

“Thanks for coming at such brief notice. I noticed you acting strangely for the past couple days.” She tells me. The waitress returns with our order, giving me time to think.

“Personal issues.” I mutter and sip the unnaturally sweet tea. She nods and I feel the heavy atmosphere in the room dropping.

“I found the record store a few years ago when I started my company. It was a rainy day like this, so to take shelter I went inside. It looked like you had history in it.” I shake my head and turn y gaze back at her.

“I was supposed to meet a close friend, but I was late. Turns out she left town after that, never saw her again.” I explain to her briefly with no emotion. I have told this story to too many people to learn it off by heart. Her expression changes and for once I look at her without the cold facade.

“I’m sorry.” She mumbles and continues to eat, avoiding conversation. Outside, the stars shine brightly at us and I smile.

The next morning, I wake up sore, my body aching from all the traveling from last night. I check the time and hop in the shower. Today’s the corporate team building event and we have to arrive at the company and travel to the resort in a bus.

I wear blue jeans and a comfortable shirt and head out. Finally, one day of doing nothing but games.