The Trap Of Ace novel Chapter 12

The amber rays colored the horizon, manifesting a crown of crimson and pink above the setting sun. Lines of birds flew alongside across the sky in the direction of their shelter; melodic twitters of them felt like an announcement for the darkness to befall.

I took in a deep breath, filling my lungs with the cool evening air.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Dad said, sitting on the car hood beside me.

I nodded, a smile curved onto my lips. "Yes, very. Thank you for bringing me here, Dad. It's been so long since I last visited. I really missed our sunrises and sunsets."

We used to come to this meadow at least once a week. Well, at least me, Dad and Tobias. Mom and Tess were too lazy to join every time. It was like a tradition for us. The tradition my grandfather started with Dad. But after my shift to NY, I couldn't join Dad and Tobias anymore.

"Me too, princess. Without you, our visits here didn't have the same meaning." His tone filled with nostalgia.

"Yeah, that idiot had all the fun for himself," I joked, mentioning my brother. He couldn't join us due to an important meeting this evening. "But I'm happy that you came here with me this time. It's my turn today to have all the fun." I grinned.

Chuckling, he shook his head. "Nah, our time here became pretty boring as even Achilles stopped joining us after you left for your high school."

My smile slipped at the mention of his name.

He used to accompany us regularly to watch the sunrises and sunsets. But after his father's death, his visits became less, until it stopped totally. I still remember my extra enthusiasm for the ride here even at four in the morning to see him. Meeting him was more important for me than watching anything else.

I heard Dad heaving a sigh. "Sometimes we've to let go of the past to live our present, Emerald. Because until you live your present, you won't be able to accept your future."

I knew what he was trying to say. Though my family hadn't said anything, but I knew everyone'd sensed my distance with Ace even after so many years. But I couldn't explain anything to them even if I wanted. They didn't know the whole truth, so they couldn't understand.

"But what if it's too difficult to let go of the past?"

His blue gaze locked with mine. "Nothing is impossible, sweetheart. Sometimes we indulge ourselves so deep in our pain that we can't see anything past that. All you've to do is, open your heart a little more, be a little more greater, and let go of the grudges. Don't let the past hold you from your happiness in the present."

I put my head on his shoulder, saying nothing.

Could I do it? Could I be that brave to let go of everything and move on? I haven't been able to in years.

The buzz of my phone cut my thoughts.

"Who is it?"

I put my phone back. "Casie. She and Beth want us to have dinner together at our regular place."

Nodding his head, his gaze turned back to the chromatic horizon.

After spending some more time talking and refreshing memories, we headed back to home. Once dropping him off, I turned the car around and drove to Nova's Diner, where the girls were waiting for me.

But all the way, the only thing that consumed my mind was Dad's words. I knew he was right. I couldn't let go of the past because I held grudges. Grudges against my sister, grudges against Ace, grudges against myself.

I could understand the reason I blamed Tess and myself, for being so naive. But Ace, he didn't deserve my hatred. He had never promised to take care of my heart that I had blamed him for breaking it. But the heart couldn't see anything other than its ache. And it knew, it'd to hurt others if it wanted to prevent another ache.

After talking to Tess last night, I decided to give us another chance. Maybe it was time to let go. Even if it was just a tiny step, it was something. I couldn't just hold over something that happened years ago.

And maybe, it wasn't all I thought it was. Last night's conversation flashed in my mind.

"Did you love him?"

Her eyes didn't flicker as she answered, "No."