Trip Down Memory Lane

It was just another normal Saturday afternoon for Vince. Sitting in his study in his bachelor's pad, he contented himself with arranging and rearranging his planners - all filled out until the end of this school year, his books, his pens, his lesson plans prepped up until the end of the month. If he is in the mood, he will have continued on with the lesson plan until the end of the semester. A quick glance at his planner and he knows that after the Christmas break, he will be too busy with his term papers.

He is taking his Master's degree at the very same university where he is teaching. This is also the same university where he finished his college degree along with his friends, some old, some new, some forgotten. He pulled the drawer under his study table. Hidden far beneath is an olden box, all worn out but still serves the purpose of holding the precious treasures he kept of his youth. One he would rather keep at bay from dragging him down into the emotional rollercoster he had to endure in the past.

Oh, but this is not just any other normal afternoon. His mind has mastered the art of putting reasons above emotions.

I gave more than what I got back but I was happy. It's just that my investments did not get their returns. It is what it is, but I am thankful for the lessons. Jason, one of the very few friends he has, just shrugged when he gave this statement. It was one of those attempts of his closest friends to asking if he's doing okay back then when he was trying to mend his wounded heart and shattered ego.

Earlier this, he received a call from Jason telling him the big news. "She's in the country! I'm not sure for how long but I heard she's got plenty of time!" Jason was as excited as he ever was.

"Who?" He was not in the mood to play detective. He sometimes is but this is one of those instances that he just couldn't occupy his mind even more.

"Sam is!" His heart froze the moment he heard the familiar name. It has been a while since she last crossed his mind. He has been very effective at keeping her memories at bay. He has devoid himself of feelings, having his mind guard his heart. It's better this way.

He remembered having to jug down bottle after bottle of beers just to make sure that when he gets home, he will simply just drift off to lalaland. Sober, his mind will have to endure endless hours of torment of the memory of her. Her smile that used to be his. Her smell that used to relax his soul. Her laughter that used to lighten up his mood. Her. His Sam.

"Hello? Vince, are you still there?" Jason's voice on the other line dragged him back to reality. He can't believe that after all these years, the mere mention of her name would make him tread down the dangerous trails of long forgotten memory.

"What, is she royalty now that her presence needs to be announced?" His tone reeks bitterness even with him trying to keep it neutral. The conversation ended with Jason turning down a quick billiard session.

He checked his wristwatch and got up his study. It's still way too early but he decided he could use the time to take a walk around the university premises. He has been too busy to practically enjoy the views. He could also use some fresh air to ease his mind. He hates it when he is not being himself. Especially when deep down he knows it's because of her.

---

"You're too early, Professor!" Cathy greeted him as he entered the university library. She took him by surprise when she told him about being the university's Library Custodian. It never occured to him that she would enjoy working in the library.

"Punctuality is a virtue of the bored," he smiled at winked at her. They used to work together in the library as working students but they became closer after his emotional tragedy. What they have now is one of its outcomes he will forever be thankful for.

Cathy chuckled, amused. "You? Bored? Isn't there a book you need to read in your man cave?" He eyed her. He knows that she knows why he isn't himself lately. They share the same circle of friends. "Alright, just close the door when you leave. I hate for my precious books to be stolen," she allows him to stay late in the library every now and then. It has been his habit to drop by before leaving for home. "And, oh yeah. Don't try to access the university network. Again. Bye!" He smiled as he shook his head.

He has frequented the library even after they graduated but he steered away from one spot. The spot where he first met her.

"Hey! Could you help me find some books on Asia's history?" A high pitched voice broke his concentration.
He felt his body shake with surprise. He turned his head to search for the voice's owner. Stood from a corner of the aisle was a girl in university uniform staring at him. It wasn't unusual seeing a pretty face come into the library once in a while. However, it was unusual to see a student venture this far from the common sections of the library.
Perhaps, another reason why her intrusion came as a surprise was due to his habit of being mindful about his tasks. Beethoven's symphony was currently being played by his phone. His earphones must have prevented him from hearing her approaching footsteps. To add to the distraction, the task of sorting books in their rightful shelves needed some concentration.
"Hello?" The student inquired once more. Her inquiry brought him back to the outside world again.
"Uh... sorry, I was a bit distracted," he attempted to sound apologetic though his voice seemed without emotion.
"I can see that. So can you tell me where can I find those history books?" She redirected quickly.
"Did you try looking into..." He mentioned the aisles that came into mind. Hs tried to recall which corner the books in question might have been but to no avail. Hd turned off the music and put away his earphones.
"I already tried looking on those areas. I even tried looking into the library's computer for some directions. Didn't you guys change the coding system recently?" She responded thoughtfully. It was then and there that he began to appreciate her keen sense of observation and initiative.

He remembered how defiant his heart was when she started intruding his sanctuary. The library contains a lot of books on a variety of topics to be interested about. The place is quiet for thinking and self reflecting. The best part is people hardly go there. In this secret spot where he keeps himself away from all the worries of the world. Little did he know that that seemingly casual encounter would forever change his life.

Cathy had left just moments ago and here he is now, all alone in his sanctuary. He checked his wrist watch. A habit he has never shaken off. He didn't want to anyways. 20 minutes before the program. There's still has enough time. Yeah, just a peep, he thought to himself.

He was facing against the library entrance when he heard footsteps trailing away from the door. I thought Cathy has left already. He slowly looked towards the door and saw a glimpse of a woman. At least he knows it's a woman wearing a red dress. She was walking away, all he saw was her long wavy hair swaying from her slender body. The wind caught her perfume and brought it straight up his nostrils. He could never forget that soft and feminine yet strong and alluring scent.

Sam?

••.•´•.••TO BE CONTINUED••.•´•.••

_{This is an adaptation of @adamada's unpublished story in wattpad. I have permission for this as he gave me access to the confidential source material.}

_{Photo is my own, edited through Canva}

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art and flair courtesy of @PegasusPhysics