CHAPTER 26: WILLING TO TAKE THE POSSIBILITY

Inquiring impertinent into and sticking a nose on other’s business weren’t included comprehensively on my lists of characteristics. I am highly cognizant of how to value someone's solitude, having been raised culturally and well-educated enough by a couple who took me out from the shelter home. As much as possible, respecting people’s privacy and lives at all times was what I frequently adhered to, since I myself didn’t wish to experience such a violation and rudeness from others.


But with Penelope, who came from a small town on the other side of the world and was a first timer in the concrete jungle, it was a different case. The minute I beheld her in one of the photographs her father was holding a month ago, her virtuous appearance often visited my mind. There was even a time where I even saw her in my unconscious state, which only heightened my anticipation and eagerness of meeting her. I was fascinated with the way she looks. The simplicity of her face was demurely charming and intriguing in her own way. She may be bland and unsophisticated in her photo, having not worn any make ups, but her eyes were the sole reason why she caught my attention at first sight.


Her eyes are captivating, with a deep, soulful gaze that would draw anyone in. They are cat-like shaped, framed by long, dark lashes that curl naturally. The irises are a rich, warm burnt sienna, flecked with hints of gold that catch the light beautifully. Her eyes are expressive, capable of conveying a range of emotions from joy to contemplation. The whites of her eyes are clear and bright, adding to the overall allure of her gaze.


This touched me why I willingly extended my personal and most beloved handkerchief to her, which I never did to anyone ever before. Seeing those beautiful eyes on the spur of a moment got reddish and ill-stricken with painful tears, struck a part inside my heart that I couldn’t imagine I’d experienced. I was deeply affected by the sadness her face was exuding. It painted a gloomy and cloudy facade, which was unbearably heart-breaking.


It was obvious that she was carrying on her shoulders a weightful burden that the slightest mention of her past causes her to be in a state of graveness and too emotional. She must have held and experienced an extremely grim past for her to act this way.


So even though I often befriend women nowadays, except with my professional colleagues because of my previous traumatic affair, I wholeheartedly offered my service to her to be a friend in need. In her case, she needed people who could help her out from her grieving and miserably shackled past. Someone who could aid and abet her battered emotions, who could ameliorate and revamp her wounded heart so it would be whole again.


I didn’t want to take part nor intervene in her personal life without invitation and permission, but judging solely on her appearance now, I would rather be a busybody in her affairs than not do anything and simply watch her be eaten alive by misery.


“I apologized for being so suddenly emotional and showing my vulnerability to you, Lewis, it wasn’t my intention at all.”


“There’s no need for you to apologize about anything, Penelope. I have dealt with many people struggling with a traumatic soul-scorched past during my counseling times, and believe me, I perfectly understand where you are coming from. It would be an honor to be your friend, if you don’t wish me to be your boyfriend” I uttered sincerely, lacing my statement with humor to somehow uplift her saddened spirit.


“Friendship accepted then, but the latter, I don’t think I would be ready for that any time soon. Everything’s still bitterly cold to me and I am not certain if I could deal with anything in regards to the matters of the heart in the near future.”


“You are a very straight-forward lady, Penelope Hunt, just like your father. But what I said earlier on our way back here, it wasn’t a bluff. I meant every word I uttered. But since the woman who piqued my curiosity and interest was still badly wounded from her past, I could settle with friendship as of the time being. I could be your friend as long as you wish, Penelope, take all the time you need to heal. When your heart is as good as new and your past doesn’t haunt you anymore then I will court you and win it, Miss Hunt,” I seriously conveyed before expressively smiled at her as she gazed in my eyes with profound bewilderment.


“You are as straight-forward as I am, Doctor White. You might eat the words you said in the long run, because it might take forever before this humongous pain departs my system.”


“Patience is one of my virtues, Miss Hunt. Don’t underestimate this humble man in front of you. I may not be too good-looking to pass your standards, but my pure heart will win it for me.”


She simply smiled with amusement and didn’t comment. Her smile was captivating, drawing people in and making them feel at ease. The way her lips curve gracefully, revealing a set of perfectly aligned, pearly white teeth. How the corners of her mouth lift gently, creating a soft, inviting expression that exudes warmth and kindness. When she smiles, it’s as if the world around her brightens. It’s a smile that can light up a room, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who sees it.


I could last withstand a week just looking at her smiles. It could literally remove unwanted problems and smoothly ease a mind’s turmoil. It was highly contagious that made me smile back at her as I silently stared while she sipped her coffee.


I was never an impulsive kind of a person in terms of decisions and actions. I am not the type who was impetuous and heedless, a death or glory kind of a man. But something about this stunning lady in front of me made me compromise my principles. She possessed something inside of her that actually defies my beliefs in life.


So even though there wasn’t a guarantee that something bright would be ahead of us nor I would be given a chance to be part of her world in a more personal and matters of the heart as she had said, I am willing to take the possibility and risk again my heart, because I am a hundred percent sure that Penelope Hunt is worth the wait.