Chapter 18: "When the Silence Speaks"
We walked in silence for a while, the rhythmic sound of raindrops on the umbrella providing a soothing backdrop. Ozaire's silent support was a welcome contrast to the chaos of my emotions.
I was shivering and sneezing when we walk because i was currently wearing only a white tank top, i left my jacket when i let go of the cake and that jacket was given by HIM, my boyfriend anyway so i do not want it anymore.
Noticing my shivering, Ozaire glanced at me with concern. "You're freezing. Here, take my jacket."
He quickly took off his own jacket and draped it over my shoulders. The warmth of the fabric, though damp from the rain, was a welcome comfort.
"Thank you," I said softly, trying to hold onto the jacket to fend off the cold.
Ozaire nodded. "We'll get somewhere warm soon. Just hang in there."
As we continued walking, the jacket, though not perfectly dry, provided a bit of solace against the chill. Ozaire's presence and the small gesture of kindness helped to ease some of the emotional strain I was carrying.
We have arrived at Ozaire's place, which is a condominium and i noticed that it was located in one of those places that many rich people lived in. I was reluctant to enter because i just remembered that Ozaire was one of those rich kids at school before. Well it's not like i'm poor or anything. It's just that Ozaire always came off not to snobbish.
Ozaire noticed my hesitation and turned to me with a reassuring smile. "You don't have to worry about anything. My place is just a space to warm up and talk. Let's get you out of the rain."
He opened the door and led me inside. The condo was elegantly furnished, reflecting the wealth of its owner. Despite the luxury, Ozaire's demeanor was warm and welcoming.
"Why don't you make yourself comfortable while I get us some hot drinks?" he suggested "Or if you wanted to take a bath, just enter my room there's a bathroom there and i'll prepare a couple of shirt you can borrow"
I nodded, grateful for the chance to get warm. "A bath sounds great," I said, feeling the chill starting to fade away as the warmth of the room began to set in.
"Thanks, Ozaire," I added as I moved towards the room he had indicated.
He nodded and headed to the kitchen. As I entered the room and found the bathroom, I could hear the faint sounds of Ozaire preparing drinks and setting things up.
As i was done washing, i saw a neatly folded clothes on top of his bed. I dressed quickly, appreciating the fresh, dry clothes. As i was done changing i noticed that Ozaire's room was filled with trophies he have won over the years. I began looking around as i heard the door opening.
I immediately go towards it only to bump into Ozaire himself. "Oh, hi" i manage to say as we were only inches apart.
"Oh, i'm so sorry, didn't think you were at the door" he said feeling embarrassed. He look at me up and down then back to my eyes "Didn't think my clothes would fit you so well"
I blushed at the statement. Ozaire's eyes lingered for a moment, and I could feel my cheeks heat up at his compliment. "Thanks," I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite my flustered state.
Ozaire's slight embarrassment was endearing. He cleared his throat and stepped back, giving me more space. "I should have knocked before coming in. The drinks are ready and they're at the couch now. Although i don't think that's the kind of drinks you want right now."
I raised my brows at him as i followed him to the couch, the warmth of the room and the promise of a hot drink adding to my sense of comfort.
"Thanks, Ozaire," I said, sitting down on the couch and taking a moment to relax. "Honestly, I'm just grateful for everything you've done tonight."
Ozaire smiled and handed me a mug. "I'm glad I could help. Sometimes, it's the little things that make a big difference."
We both settled in, and I took a sip of the drink, finding solace in the simple act of being cared for. Minutes later after i was done drinking my hot cocoa, Ozaire offered me another drink in a can. I look at him in wonder on what it was, i raise the can right above my eyes so i could read what it was and it was a can of beer.
I raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by the offer. "Beer, huh? Is this what you usually drink?"
Ozaire chuckled lightly. "Not usually, but I thought you might want something a bit stronger after the day you've had. It's totally up to you, though."
I considered it for a moment. The idea of having a beer after the emotional rollercoaster seemed like it might help me unwind a bit more. "Alright, I'll give it a try," I said, accepting the can.
Ozaire handed it to me with a smile. "If you need anything else, just let me know."
We continued to talk and unwind, the atmosphere gradually lightening as the night went on.
As the alcohol started to take effect, I felt a sense of liberation, my inhibitions gradually melting away. I looked at Ozaire, who was listening intently, and began recounting the events of the day.
"I was running in the rain to get a cake for Sofie's birthday," I started, my voice slightly slurred. "I wanted to surprise her, you know? And then, I was the one who were surprised as i saw them… Sofie and my boyfriend, kissing. It just—everything fell apart."
I paused, trying to steady my emotions as I continued. "I didn't know what to do. I felt so betrayed and hurt. I just ran away and ended up here."
Ozaire listened quietly, his expression one of empathy and understanding. When I finished, he took a deep breath, his gaze steady. "I'm really sorry you had to go through that, Ophira. It sounds incredibly painful."
I nodded, feeling a bit lighter having shared the burden of my feelings. "Thank you for being here, Ozaire. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't shown up."
He offered a reassuring smile. "You don't have to thank me. I'm just glad I could be here for you when you needed someone."
We continued drinking and there were already a ton of empty cans at the table right now. When out of nowhere i remembered "I've been wondering how's you and Katie been doing" I ask looking at our surroundings, i noticed that there were never a hint of a girl living in this place.
Ozaire looked sad for a moment and drank a whole can of beer. I jerk to stop him a little but he immediately gulp the thing down and put it in the table.
"Katie and I have broken up earlier today" he said with sadness in his voice "I decided to propose to her earlier and she said no, so we..."
I was taken aback by Ozaire's revelation, my heart sinking at the weight of his words. "I'm so sorry, Ozaire. I had no idea. I shouldn't have brought it up"
Ozaire looked down, his expression pained. "It was a difficult time. She was such an important part of my life, and losing her like that… it's something I still struggle with."
I reached out and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I can't imagine how hard that must have been. I'm really sorry."
Ozaire gave a small, appreciative nod. "Thank you. It helps to talk about it, even if it's just a little."
We sat in silence for a moment, each processing our own pain. The shared understanding and support between us felt like a small solace amidst the emotional turbulence of the evening.
"Let's drink until not one of us cannot remember that we have ever felt this way" I said, cheerfully as i raise the can of beer i was holding.
Ozaire laughed and said "Yeah, let's"
"Sometimes, it takes getting completely lost to find the person who sees the broken pieces and stays anyway."