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Cadence: Part 7
Winter’s chill faded away as spring set in. A warm breeze softly rustled the new leaves of the trees, and the air filled with the scent newborn blossoms. The shriek of children at play echoed through the streets, entering through the open windows and resounding through the house. The curtains billowed as a gentle wind swept past; the house had seemed so stifling and oppressive being shut up against the changing world outside, so she welcomed the shift in seasons with an open door.
Waking up to the sweet melody of the birds on her windowsill brought a smile to her face and a song to her heart. Yes, the warm weather set the scene for another beginning and the chance for a new life. Winter had overstayed its welcome but an eagerness for a fresh start was rooted deep within her; and this time she would get it right.
It had been more than a month since she last saw Aden, and she was beginning to feel as though maybe it were best. She missed him, but she missed Laura and her father more. She was maturing and overcoming the inevitable better and faster than she ever could have imagined, but she knew the sense of loss would stay longer than she wanted. Her self-centered world had crumbled all at once but she was finally able to piece together the ruins of her former life, holding the same principles but giving it a different form.
She slipped into a light jacket and sandals, eager to be out and enjoying the weather she had waited so long for. She had it set in her head that everything would take a turn for the best as long as she didn’t think anymore about things she would never be able to change, and concern herself with what she could improve and mold.
She walked to the park and through the park, taking in all the sounds and sights of spring. The trees bowed in respect as she passed, and the scent of wildflowers drifted through the air, tickling her nose. Two children played Frisbee with a black Labrador, giggling and shouting as they trampled through the grass that shone with dew, and an elderly couple gave her a nod and a smile as they crossed paths.
She found a bench and sat, observing the activities of the people around her. All the parents with their children left her with a heavy heart, but touched her as she reflected back on the days she and her father had spent in the park with Laura.
An orange ball rolled in her direction, and stopped as it met her foot. She reached for it and met another’s hand. She looked up into a familiar face and jerked her hand back. Aden smiled at her politely, and took a seat beside her on the bench. Cadence sat fidgeting with her hands, nervous and out of place. She hadn’t expected to meet him there, hadn’t expected to meet him at all; yet there he was, sizing her up and waiting for her to say something.
“It’s a nice day.” She cringed inside, knowing that talking about the weather when you have nothing else to say is one of the oldest clichés in the book.
“Yes, it is. And you look good. How’ve you been?” Cadence sighed and forced a smile, wondering how much longer he would put her through the torture of small talk.
“I’m good; I’m really good. Actually, I should be going.” She rose to her feet and turned to say goodbye.
“But you just got here.”
“I know- that’s why I have to leave. I have to be getting home to start on my spring cleaning.” She was always the worst liar, but surely he wouldn’t press her any further. It was obvious she was making up any excuse to get away, and he had to be well aware of the fact that she simply did not want anything to do with him anymore.
“Oh, well then I’ll walk you.”
