I Swear, Let Me Love You Again

I let out a breath and pointed at another person. I rubbed my lips together and used one hand to hold the microphone while using my handkerchief to clean my palm which was sweaty all of a sudden. It only happens when I’m nervous. “Rumors have it that you have been hanging out with Nathaniel King despite everything, are you two working on being a couple again?” People began to talk amongst each other and it was quite amusing seeing how everyday early turned towards me for a response. “We have hung out a few times, we are working on being friends that’s all.” I responded leaving no room for arguments. “So you don’t hate him nor anyone in his family?” Another question was thrown. “I do not. Not even Mrs King. It’s unhealthy and tiring to harbor hate.” I responded. “Why is the book then titled the Clapback?” The same person questioned and I chuckled weakly. “Because I was tired of still getting attacked and abused by Mrs King even after getting divorced. A lot of horrible stuff was stoll stated about me, I had gone to jail for a night and was publicly accused of stealing jewelry from her, my….” I was about to speak about Andrew but I quickly bite my tongue. “My life wasn’t still peaceful and the book was titled the Clapback because I clapped back at Mrs King and ushered her to keep quiet and leave me alone.” Everyone chuckled as I feigned frustration. “What was the hardest part you wrote?” I sighed thinking of a part and exhaled shakily. “Umm … . like I said it was all like journaling but the hardest was writing all about the one-sided affection I gave for the family but I received nothing in return.” I responded and it felt like everyone in the room understood my pain. More heart to heart questions flowed and questions that made everyone burst out laughing were asked as well. It was so wholesome just like Vivian had said it would be. The last question of the day was asked and I thought for a minute before responding. “Would you be writing another book?” “Maybe.” And though it wasn’t exactly a satisfying answer, it gave hope to everyone and to me. Afterwards, everyone came through for the signing of their book. I received gifts and some many words of encouragement, one even hugged me. I was literally getting emotional by the affection. The lady I had met at the cafe was also present but someone who I didn’t expect showed up. “The event was amazing, Lydia. Can we talk for a second? Please.” Mrs Belligram spoke after I signed her book. I stared at her debating as I didn’t want anything spoiling my mood. “It will be brief, trust me.” She said and I sighed.

****** “I just wanted to offer my apology for how I spoke to you the other day. I was so insecure and that didn’t speak well about me at all, so I’m truly sorry.” Mrs Belligram spoke and I sighed deeply. “It’s alright. I understand.” I just accepted her apology as I could tell she was sincerely sorry. “Thank you, the event was wonderful. Thank you for setting it up.” She said and it seemed like she was hesitant to say something else. “Is there something else you want to tell me, Mrs Belligram?” I questioned as she seemed fidgety. “Mrs King had called for me yesterday and she wanted for both of us, me and her, to bring it up by telling the press you had an affair with my husband. I just stared at her crazy and dismissed her plan, threatening that we would both sue her for defamation. That’s all I wanted to tell you. It seems like even after everything, your ex-mother- in-law is still plotting.” She informed me and I wasn’t even shocked. Mrs King never wanted to leave me alone, it was like she had some type of weird obsession to destroy me. I had no idea of what else to do. “Thank you for telling me that and for standing by me.” I appreciated it and she gave me a head nod then bid me goodbye. I exhaled deeply and returned back to the book signing. I masked my true emotion with a bright smile and continued signing books and seeing the happy faces of people after, bringing a smile to my face. Eventually the line was coming to an end and my hands hurt from all of that. There were only about three people left, so I took a gulp out of my bottle of water and cracked my knuckles. “Can I also get my book signed as well in dedication to my best friend telling her I was being a big fool and I am genuinely sorry.” A familiar voice questioned and I looked up meeting eyes with my best friend, Lorena. “I am so sorry Lydia.” I instantly stood up and  walked in front of her then embraced her. Heaven knows I have missed her dearly and this was the longest we had not talked. “I’m sorry too. I missed you so much.” I started and she embraced me tightly. We were interrupted by someone clearing his throat and the feeling of other people close by.

“Ummm…some of us are always trying to get our book signed.” I smiled seeing Nathaniel and his friends, including Liam’s fiancé and Jacob’s wife, Melissa. Ari, my dad, Patricia, Darren and Macy were also present including Lorena’s parents. “Congratulations Lydia. It was a lovely event.” Everyone was speaking with each other, handing me gifts and just being so sweet. Nathaniel standing in a casual fit and his hands tucked in his pocket just kept his gaze on me as I hugged everyone and appreciated their gifts. I wondered what was going through his mind. “Now let’s go and party.” Macy spoke and made noise with a foghorn making everyone cover their ears and make a stank face. I was so appreciative and happy for how today had turned out and I couldn’t wait to see how the night would unfold.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g