Cherry
I couldn't sleep that night. The next morning, I had to be extra careful when driving Fern to school.
“What is it, baby? You look like you want to ask something,” I hummed the question to my daughter. “Go on and shoot your questions.”
“Mommy, when will daddy be back from the business trip? I miss him.”
The smile on my lips froze, and I nearly cursed at her question.
“Soon. Daddy will be back in a few weeks. You miss him, huh?”
“I do. He is not even calling us. Is he that busy? You must miss daddy too. You don't even design or bring me to the store lately.” She pouted, her voice laced with genuine concern.
“I know. Sorry about that, my princess. I promise we'll visit Aunt Maisy in Seattle soon.”
“I just think it's so cool that you're a designer, mommy. I've always been proud of you, and I want to be a remarkable designer just like you when I grow up.” Fern looked at me.
My emotions welled up as I listened to my daughter's words.
“Really? Then, when we visit Aunt Maisy next time, how about I teach you a thing or two about our work?”
Fern nodded her head excitedly. The idea had put a smile on her lips the entire ride to her school.
“I will pick you up after class, okay? You have a good day, sweetie.” Fern looked back at me after she got off the car, and I waved my hand goodbye.
***********
I found myself standing in front of the closet that held the garments I had designed over the years. Memories flooded back, reminding me of the passion and talent that had once defined me.
As I sat down at my worktable, the weight of the competition's theme, “Love Never Dies”, pressed upon me once again.
Dylan's return with Chelsea had created a chilling distance between him and me.
“If Dylan was on his sane mind, he would never hurt me. I shouldn't let this matter distract me,” I encouraged myself.
As I touched the wedding ring on my finger, a spark of inspiration ignited within me.
It was time to embark on the journey of the designing competition. The significance of the theme resonated deeply within me.
I sat down at my worktable, surrounded by fabrics, sketches and memories. Each piece I selected held a special place in my heart.
Just as I was about to put my ideas into action, the ring of my phone broke the silence.
It was from Karson.
“Cherry, have you made up your mind to join my team?”
Joining Karson's team had been a dream of mine, and his offer was tempting.
“Karson,” I began. “How about we talk about it face to face? Also, I have a few questions I'd like to get your input on. Do you think you have time for that?"
“That sounds like a plan. I'll be in town this afternoon. Why don't we grab a coffee and catch up?”
“Sure. It works for me. I will see you later?”
“See you.”
************
The aroma of coffee wafted through the cozy café as I sat across from Karson. The soft hum of chatter from other patrons provided a comforting backdrop to our conversation.
“It's always a pleasure to see you again, Cherry.”
Karson's eyes held a warm and understanding gaze as I began to speak.
“Karson,” I started, my voice tinged with uncertainty, “I appreciate your offer to invite me to join your team, but I've decided that I participate in the competition as an independent designer.”
“It's OK, Cherry. You have my full respect for your decision. We can revisit the idea of you working with me after the competition.” Karson smiled, his looks thoughtful.
Forcing a small smile, I took a sip of my coffee, but was washed over by unexpected dizziness when swallowing the bitter liquid.
My head throbbed, and the world around me seemed to spin. I tried to steady myself, gripping the edge of the table, but it was too late.
I slumped forward, my vision blurring, and everything went dark.
“Cherry! Can you hear me?” In a panic, Karson rushed to my side, his voice filled with concern as he gently lifted me up.
My consciousness was a hazy blur, but my eyes saw Dylan and Chelsea walking into the café, their presence sending shockwaves through my fading awareness.
Dylan looked at me with astonishment and anger as he took in the scene before him.
His brows furrowed, and his gaze bore into me with an intensity that cut through the fog in my mind. Chelsea, on the other hand, wore a taunting and disdainful smile, her eyes filled with malice.
“Dylan, it's not what it looks like...” I murmured.
I didn't know why, but I really could sense hostility from Chelsea.
“She hates me? But why?” Gazing at her, my attention finally stopped on her eyes.
“Those pair of eyes. I swear I've seen them before. They look familiar. I've met this woman before.”
Finally, I tore my eyes off Chelsea and gazed when Karson was trying to help me up.
“My coffee...I think someone s-spiked...and dr-drugged...my coffee, Karson,” I mumbled, but he couldn't seem to understand what I was talking about.