Wondering Destiny

Part 3

By Yuki Wildstar

 

 

She woke up and stretched out. It was a late morning for her and she didn’t realize how late it was.   After a long night talking she gave in and decided to stay with him until she was ready to go home.  That was a week ago and he was happy to have her around. They would talk when he came home and she would tell him what she did that day. It was nice being there and catching up with him. She made coffee and stood at the window looking out at the city. How it flourished since they returned from Iscandar.  Everything was rebuilt better and bigger. From the distance she could see the clouds roll in. Taking a sip of her coffee she noticed the note on the table.

Will be out all night, have a date. See you in the morning. Don’t stay up waiting. Talk tomorrow. Derek.

You couldn’t wait until I was gone for you to have a date. Stop it, Nova . You’re not his girlfriend or his wife. You’re his friend, nothing more. He has a right to go on a date.  She dressed and  left to explore the city she once live in, once again. She wondered around and did a little shopping, buying small gifts for some of her colleagues at work. Later in the afternoon she made her way to Hero’s Hill. The heads of those lost sat under the statues of Captain Avatar. She stood there staring at all the faces and remembering the battles. She was always wondering if they would make it. So many times they cheated death in battle. Now she looked up to see the man that kept them from losing faith. She returned to his apartment later that evening wondering if he change his mind and came home instead of going on a date. She made something to eat and sat by the fireplace looking through some tactical book manuals he had on the coffee table. Looking at the clock she noticed it was getting late. I guess he isn’t coming home she thought. As each hour passed she felt herself think about who he was with. Was he at her place, were they making love. Each passing minute she began to get jealous just thinking of him with another woman. “This is crazy, I don’t even love him. That was years ago. It was over for us. Yet here I am going through what I went through all those years ago, waiting for him to come home while he was with some girl. I must be out of my mind.” Without further thinking she picked up the phone and called. Within the hour she was packed and ready to go. Quickly she wrote him a simple note.

Got a room finally at the Regal. Thanks for letting me crash for a few. Nova

With that she left to her new home.

 

 

Derek Wildstar walked into this apartment close to 2 in the morning and went straight to bed.  Morning wasn’t the greatest. He was exhausted and just wanted to sleep. His only thought was to see if Nova was up. Going over his date last night was the worst. She was obnoxious, demanding and rude. All she wanted was to be seen with him and posed for every photographer.  What thanks he got to take out one of the admirals nieces as a favor. Never again! He made coffee and went to knock on her door. Passing the coffee table he noticed her note. He read it quick and couldn’t believe it. She left! What did I do now? He picked up the phone and called the Regal Hotel. “What room is Nova Forester in?” he asked the front desk.

“Ms. Forester is in the penthouse suite 1303. Would you like me to patch you through?”

“Thank you, no.”  Well I least I know where she is and what room. He thought as to what to do. Yawning he decided to get some more rest and then go see her.  Later that day he called the hotel. “Nova Forester room please.” It rang a few times without any answer. She must have went out early.  He hung up and dial the hotel again. “Can you tell me if Ms. Forester check out? She’s in room 1303”

It took a few minutes but the registration clerk came back on the phone and said. “Ms. Forester is still check in.”

Without another word he hung up and went to dress.  He stood in front of the hotel looking up. Well Wildstar here goes nothing. He walked into the hotel and straight to the receptionist desk. “Has Ms. Forester checked out, her room is 1303.”

The young girl looked at her computer and said, “She is still here sir. Would you like for me to call up?”

“No, where are your house phones?” The girl behind the desk pointed across the room and he thanked her. He dialed her room number and waited for it to ring.

Her voice finally came through. “Hello?”

“You could have given me at least 30 days to find another roommate.”

“Derek?”

“Was I that much of a slob that you had to move out.”

“Sorry, thought it was best to go. I didn’t want to over stay my welcome.”

“You can never over stay your welcome. What are your doing right now.”

She sense something, “Why, what do you want?”

“Just asking, thought you and I can have an early dinner.”

“I don’t know.” She said weary.

“Come on. It’s just dinner. We can eat here at the hotel.”

“HERE? Where are you?”

“Downstairs, in the lobby. Come on, we can have dinner or have cocktails.”

She laughed, “Cocktails? I don’t think so.”

“Okay, okay, just dinner. Come on, I promise I won’t bite.”

“It’s not the bite that scares me.” She figured it was best to have dinner. That way she can get it over with. “Fine, dinner and only dinner, I’ll be down in 10 minutes.”

He sounded a little more chipper. “I’ll get a table. See you in ten.”

 

 She sat across from him her eyes looking into his. “You look great.” He said.

“Let’s cut the crap, Derek. Why are you here?”

“You left without even a good bye. Just some lousy note stating you got a room.”

“I did mention thanks for letting me crash.”

“Yeah, I read that. But really why did you take a room here? You could’ve stayed as long as you like.  Was it that I went on a date?” she looked away and felt her body blush. He nodded and realized it was. “I thought you didn’t want to intrude into my life. I would have loved to come home and tell you how bad of a date it was.”

“Why would you think I would like to hear about your date?”

He reached across the table. “I thought we were friends.”

“We are friends, but I really don’t want to know about your sexual flings.” She sounded bitter and he caught it quickly.

“Are you jealous?” he lean back in his chair and study her body motion. “You are jealous?”

“I should go, I have something I have to do.”

“Like what?” he needed to pressure her. If she still had feelings for him he wanted to know.

“None of your business. Good evening, Captain Wildstar.” She began to get up and he grabbed her arm.

“Wait one minute, Ms. Forester. Sit down.” He demanded.

“I beg your pardon? Let go of me right now.” She began to get angry.

“I said sit down or I will make you sit down after I spank you.”

“What! Are you insane!”

“Lower your voice. People are going to begin to stare and this is something that will be front page news. Now sit down.” He said through grit teeth.  Slowly she sat down and looked at him angrily. “I’m tired of playing this cat and mouse game with you. Every time I see you I want to take you in my arms and hold you. Kiss you, make love to you. And I know you feel the same thing.” she was ready to protest and he put his hand up. “Let me finish. You can’t tell me that you don’t feel anything for me because you would’ve gave me my present and then hop the next flight out of here. And your actions the other night told me that. If me dating wouldn’t upset you, you would have never left. You say lets be friends. Well let’s face it sweetheart we can never be friends. When I look into your eyes  I see how much you love me and I love you.”

“Your delusional. There’s nothing between us.” She said smugly.

He sat back and waved over the waiter. “Get me the check, thank you. We can take this conversation back in your room.”

“I don’t think so.”

“I do, now let’s go.” He grabbed her arm and threw money on the table. She quickly protested and he dragged her to the elevators. The hall was crowded with convention guest and when the elevators doors open they were pushed into the back of the elevator. She was pinned between him and the wall. “Well looks like we will have to ride this all the way up. Do I make you feel uncomfortable?” He joked.

“Shut up.” She snapped. She felt his body on hers and she could smell his cologne. It was still the same scent he had Polo Red and it was making her want him. There was laughter from the drunken guest and someone lost their balance pushing Wildstar into her. She felt his warm breath on her and he moved closer to her. Slowly he lean down, “Don’t” she whispered. Closer he lean until his lips finally touched hers. She felt her heart beat faster and harder. Her body blushed from him being close to her. She try to turn her face but couldn’t move fast enough. He was already kissing her. Not realizing that the elevator stopped they stood inside in a heated embrace. Pulling away she quickly exited the elevator as Wildstar follow suit. “Derek, please just go. There is really nothing to talk about. Anyway, I decided to head back to the states a day sooner.”

He was shocked, “but why? I thought you would probably stay for another week or so.”

She opened her door and he walked quickly behind her before she could close the door on him. “Um, I didn’t ask you in. Should I call security?”

“Really, does it look like I want to hurt you? And why are you heading back so soon. What is back there for you?”

“My job, my house, my life.”

“All that can change. You can get a job here. You can buy another house here and you can start a new life here.”

“Neil is there.” She said angrily.

He huffed and sat down on the large couch that faced the opened French doors. He crossed his leg and sat back. Patting at the seat next to him he said. “Sit down.” She decided it was best to sit down across from him on a chair. Rolling his eyes, “fine, suit yourself. Let’s get to the chase. Now, I know that you are using Neil as an excuse. Nova, do you think he would want this for you. An old maid dwelling on the love she lost and never moving on. I really don’t think he would want that for you. He wanted you to move on. Live, enjoy life.”

“I know he wanted that for me. But I don’t have to be with someone to enjoy life and live.”

“Do you honestly think that just being alone is living?”

“Yes I do. But if I find someone then it would be nice. I’m not rushing into AnyTHING.” She annunciated.

He stood up and walked over to the balcony. “I see, well I guess I wouldn’t stand a chance to be back in your life like that. I guess being just friends will not work out with us either. I’m sorry that I even thought that something would be how it was. I know I hurt you back then but that was in the past and I was hoping that after Neil passed that maybe you can see how I changed and see me for the man that you once loved.” He took a deep breath and continued. “You know how I see your life panning out. You living in the states, working and visiting his grave. It’s a sad thing to think of for you.”

“Fuck you!” she snapped. He struck a nerve with her. She was beginning to fall into the pattern before Jun got sick and passed. “How dare you even think that my life will turned into something like that!. You don’t know me like you think. And please stop using Neil to make a point. Please keep him out of this.”

“Fine! But I want to know one thing and please tell me the truth. I hate when you lie or try to lie.”

“What is it!” she snapped back.

“DO YOU STILL LOVE ME?” he yelled.

The room went silent and Nova just stared at him. “NO!” she screamed back.

His eyes narrowed and he turned to face her. “You could never lie to me. You were always lousy at trying to hide the truth.” He stepped up to her and slipped his arms around her waist. Swiftly he kissed her without giving her a chance to protest. He held her tight as she tried to wiggle free. Holding her tighter he continued to kiss her. Slowly she began to fall into his passion. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. It’s been a long time since she was with anyone since Neil died and all her passion took over.  She didn’t realized that she was pulling at his shirt while he slipped his hand under her shirt and unhooked her bra. They both rush to undress each other and within seconds he picked her up and carried her into the bedroom.

 

She woke up and sat up. Derek lay next to her sleeping soundly. She stared silently at him wondering if she did the right thing by letting him back into her life. She dreamt of Neil that night, having a conversation with him in her dream. “He loves you. You and he belong together. I’ve always knew in the back of my mind that you still loved him. Every time you picked up the paper with his picture on it, I could see the spark in your eyes. Give him a chance Nova.”

“Neil there is no one else after you. I don’t know if I can trust him.”

“You can trust him, just let him in.” Now here he was sleeping next to her. He was still so handsome. His body fit from working out. She ran her hand through his hair and then down his face. You do love him, Nova. He has always crossed your mind in all the years you were with Neil. Every picture that was in the paper of him you always felt the jealous green eye monster fest up in you. I loved Neil, but Derek was my first. He was the one that you loved more than anything. Now you have another chance with him. He has been pursuing you since Neil, and all you’ve done is push him away. He might have change. Of course he went on a date. You didn’t accept his advances and he wanted to be distracted from you. His hand reached out and ran up her leg. He opened his eyes and smiled.

“Hey,” he said smiling.

She blushed to think of what they done that night into the early hours of the morning. “Good morning. Are you hungry?”

He stretched and yawned, “sure am. Was that really us last night?”

She saw his leg peek out from the sheets and she pulled the sheet closer to her chest. “I’ll call room service and have them send up something to eat. What do you want?”

“Anything, after last night I need to get something in me to regain my energy.”

She order breakfast and hung up the phone. “Derek, what are we doing?” she looked down to the bed and ran her fingers into circles.

“Can I get some coffee first before we have a serious conversation?” he said annoyed. It was the best night of his life and he didn’t want to spoil it with a serious conversation. He didn’t want the dream to end. The tension they had before the night was now back to normal. She covered herself as if embarrassed to be seen. He avoided it by getting up and walking into the bathroom.  All he wanted from her was to stay in her suite and continue living a dream with her. Walking back out he found her sitting on the balcony looking out to the city skyline drinking a glass of juice. Across from her was breakfast of eggs and toast for him and his coffee next to his plate. The morning chill made him wakeup faster and he welcomed the hot cup of brew. “So what is it that you want to talk about?” he went straight to the chase.

“What are we doing?” she asked.

He looked down and took another sip of the dark addiction that he took up while on the Argo. “Well if I have to explain it to you as to what we did last night, it might take a little time. Do you want the PG version or the explicit one.”

Annoyed she slammed her cup down hard on the table. “Don’t be such an asshole.” She said while rolling her eyes. “I know what we did last night and NO you don’t have to elaborate. All I want is to know what we do from here?”

“From the day I set eyes on you again all I wanted was to have you back. Of course it sounds stalkish, but I promised myself if I had another chance I would do anything to win you back.”

“So what length would you have done if Neil wasn’t killed. Would you have tried to break us up?”

He shook his head, “No, I would never destroy a happy home. I could see how happy you were with him. He seemed like a good man.”

“He was a good man. He never hurt me, he was caring and loving. He always wanted to see me happy.” She smiled thinking back. “Gosh I remember when I mentioned I never had a real birthday when I was growing up. It was hard on everyone living down in the underground cities. So on my birthday he cooked me a birthday dinner. It wasn’t the best but he did it. He made me a small lopsided cake and it was the worst cake I ever had, but he made it.” She looked out past the city skyline and continued. “It was the best birthday I had. It was the first time he asked me to marry him and the first time of many that I said no.”

“And that is why I would never had tried anything. You were happy with him. But he is gone and I’m here. And although you don’t want to admit it I have changed to the man you once loved. So the big question is,” he lean forward and looked into her eyes. “Do you still love me and want to give this another try?”

Her heart beat faster and she kept her stare back at him. “I don’t know what I want right now and you pressuring me isn’t helping.” She sighed. “Can you please just give me time?”

“And last night?”

She smirked and he smirked with her. “I have to say Captain, you really haven’t lost your touch.” He reached out for her hand and pulled at it. Slowly he got up and guided her to her feet. Slipping his arm around her waist he pulled her closer to him and kissed her.

“Round two.” He said as she laughed.

“Marry me.” He asked.

“No.” was her reply.

“Why not?” He asked.

“Because we just made love and the last thing I want to say yes to is that. It’s just the heat of the moment. When someone purposes is not after they make love.”

“Very well, tomorrow I want an official date. Will you have dinner with me.”

She thought for a second and said, “Yes, what time?”

“I will pick you up at 1730.”

 

He was prompted as always, she finished her makeup and took one last look into the mirror. She opened the door to see him standing there with a dozen red roses. “Good evening Ms. Forester. You look just stunning tonight.”

She rolled her eyes and said, “Please don’t use that on me Captain Wildstar. I am not one of your groupies.”

“Ah but I don’t use words like that to my groupies. I usually tell them you look nice, come on let’s have sex.” Making her laugh.

The car drove towards the ocean and pulled into the beach front. “Why are we here?”

“Dinner, come on.” He stepped out of the car and helped her out. She noticed a gazebo on the beach with tiki poles lit for romance. The chef and waiter stood to the side waiting for them to sit. He pulled the chair out and said. “Ms. Forester please have a seat.”

“Why thank you, Captain.” She sat and he poured her some wine. “Thank you again.”

“I thought instead of going to some crowded restaurant this would be more cozy.” He waved over to the waiter and order him to start serving dinner.

“This is very nice. How many women have you done this for.”

Her question annoyed him and he reached over to her hand and took it into his. “Let’s put everything on the table for you. Everything I have done, will do is only the first time I have done it. I have never done this for anyone but you. Now let’s leave my past bachelor life behind me.”

“Agreed. Thank you for doing this all for me.” She realized that she was pushing his past down his throat and it wasn’t fair. She had to let that go and start from this point on. The sunset into the ocean and it was a night of good conversation and remembering their time on ship. Dessert was served and the waiter placed the plate in front of her. She looked down to see it empty. “What gives Wildstar?”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box, placing it on the plate. “Bon Appetite’” Her hands started to shake and she reached for it slowly.  “Go on it won’t bite, I promise.”

“Derek, I.”

“Just open it.” He encouraged her.

Flipping the box open sat a beautiful chocolate diamond ring  and earrings both with white diamonds surrounding it. “Their beautiful. But I thought,”

“That it was an engagement ring? No, I figured it would be too soon for you. But if you like, would you marry me.” He took the ring and placed it on her finger.

“No,” she gave a firm answer.

“Why?”

“Because I know little of you now. You’ve changed and I have changed. Let’s face it Captain Wildstar, it’s been years since we were together and I don’t know anything of you except of you being a player.”

“Well, let me introduce myself to you. Hello, I am Derek Wildstar. I am an officer in Earth Defense Force. I served on the mission to Iscandar. My MOS happens to be Tactical officer. That is, I plan out strategies  before and during battles. I usually am dead on target. And although the press has made me to be the only one who single handily destroy the Gamilon fleet I did have a lot of help. Now I know you think I am this playboy that the press has labeled. But the truth is I like to go home and relax with a good tactical book and watch a movie. I prefer good conversation and a woman that is smart and has confidence in herself. I really don’t sleep around like they portrait me. I like to actually get to know someone before I make the move. I have an older brother that now lives on Iscandar with Queen Starsha. They are married and have a daughter, my one and only niece. I would like to someday get married and have a family. I lost the love of my life because I was young and stupid and if I had the chance to win her back I’d take it in a heartbeat.”

“Well hello Captain Wildstar.” She reached over and shook his hand. “I am Nova Forester. I also served on the star force. I don’t know why we never met.”

“Neither have I.” They sat silent for a long time until he broke the silences. “So would you like to go?”

“Yes, its getting a little chilly.” He took off his jacket and wrapped it around her. She smiled and kissed his cheek, “Thank you.”

“I’ll take you back to your hotel.” They walked back slowly. She hung on his arm and he nuzzled his face into her hair. They sat in the limo quiet and taking in their night. “I hope you had a nice time?” he finally said.

She looked at him and said sadly, “I have to go back to the states. I’m leaving in a couple of days.”

“Don’t go, stay here. We were just getting along and know each other again.”

“Derek, I have a life back in the states.”

“Then start a new life here with me.”

She didn’t answer quickly but found herself saying, “I’ll think about it.”

“I’ll take it!”

“I don’t understand. I said I would think about it. It’s not a yes.”

He smiled. “It’s better than a No. So I will take it.”

 

 

 

To Be Continue  . . . .

 

Is love flourishing again with the two once love birds? Will Nova give Wildstar a second chance or will she once again vanish never to be seen again? Read on to see what happens next.