Once Upon a Time I Loved You - Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Nathan had no idea how he survived the eight hours on the plane. Eric’s call had left him in utter confusion. Had Kathleen really gone to Milsworth?

He sent someone to look into the passenger manifest at the airport, but they couldn’t find any records about her departure. Still, he felt thankful that Kathleen was alive and well. That was all he could ask for.

But then came a wave of anger. Why had she left without telling anyone? She could have told him she wanted to start a career abroad.

Kathleen found herself a new place and moved out of Clive and Grace’s home, Although they both liked having her there, she didn’t want to overstay their welcome. When David learned that she was moving, he offered to help.

She had arrived in Milsworth with barely anything, so after settling into her new home, she decided to go shopping to make the place feel more like hers. While browsing a fabric shop, her period arrived prematurely.

She could feel the warm gush of blood but tried not to draw attention as she didn’t want to create an awkward scene in the crowded store.

“Here, take this.”

David handed her his jacket. With a warm smile, he said, “I’m feeling a bit stuffy. Would you mind holding onto my jacket for me?”

Kathleen realized he must have noticed, yet he’d come up with a way to cover for her without making her uncomfortable.

Blushing, she nodded. “Thank you, David.”

He grinned. “See anything you like?”

She shook her head.

“Shall we check out the next store?”

“Sure.”

Once they were outside, David said, “Wait here for a moment,” and dashed off to a nearby convenience store. He returned quickly, slipping a small bag into her hand.

Looking a little embarrassed, he explained, “I wasn’t sure which brand you prefer, and I don’t know much about periods and tampons, so I just got the one the store employee recommended.”

Kathleen felt a warm glow of gratitude as she held the bag.

“Thanks. This is perfect.”

“Cool. The restroom is just down the hall to your left. Go ahead, I’ll wait here.”

Wearing David’s oversized jacket, which covered the stain on her pants, Kathleen noticed how different he smelled from Nathan.

Nathan’s clothes always smelled of a refined cologne scent, but David’s jacket carried a simple, fresh hint of mint and sunshine.

When she came out of the restroom, David was still waiting. This time, he was entertaining a little toddler beside him. Squatting down, he played with the child, who was laughing and flailing with joy.

“David,” she called out.

He looked up with a smile and explained, “The little one’s mom went to the restroom and asked me to keep an eye on him for a moment.”

She looked surprised. “Do you know the mom personally?”

“Nope.”

“And she just trusted you with her kid?”

David scratched his head, slightly puzzled. “Honestly, I’m not sure why people often ask me for directions or for my help when I’m out.”

Kathleen could understand; David had a kind, gentle presence. His nature was thoughtful, and he radiated a quiet kindness that drew people in. He was the opposite of Nathan in many ways.

“Kathleen, I’ve been wanting to tell you something.“.

“Go ahead.”

“I love you.”

Kathleen’s head shot up.

David looked a little nervous but gathered the courage to continue. “Actually, I’ve liked you since back in school. Remember the whole love letter mix–up? Right after that, I was sent abroad, and I never got the chance to tell you how I felt. When Clive told me you were finally coming to work here, I was over the moon.”

Kathleen wasn’t completely surprised at his confession.

Since she’d arrived in Milsworth, David had gone out of his way to help her, doing far more than a friend would. She wasn’t naïve–she had a clue about his feelings.

Truthfully, she didn’t mind dating David. He was a wonderful person. She just hadn’t expected the confession to come this soon.

“David, don’t you think we’re moving a bit fast? We haven’t known each other here for very long.”

David’s expression grew earnest. “Life is short, Kathleen. I’ve already lost seven years because I was too cowardly to tell you how I felt. This time, I didn’t want to stare at you from afar. I wanted to be honest with you, even if you don’t feel the same toward me. I’m prepared for whatever happens, but I don’t want to miss my shot.”

His words stirred something in her.

Yes, she had spent years quietly longing for Nathan, hoping he’d eventually confess his feelings to her. Perhaps it didn’t have to be this complicated.

She could take the initiative and confess her feelings to Nathan. Even if he rejected her confession, they’d at least have closure. She wouldn’t be left waiting endlessly.

“Kathleen, take your time. You don’t need to answer me now. Think about it.”

I…

She felt a strong arm pulling her into an embrace. She could immediately tell who it was from the familiar cologne. Nathan’s embrace was familiar, but oddly, it felt strange to her after a mere few days of being apart.

“It’s really you,” Nathan murmured, relief filling his voice. “Thank god you’re okay. Let’s go home…”

David asked, “Kathleen, who is this?”

Kathleen gently wiggled out of Nathan’s arms and put a distance between them.

Staring at both men, she calmly began, “David, let me introduce you to my brother.”