REGRETS

Sarah stood near the balcony, slowly sipping the red wine that was in the glass cup she held. A small and steady beat played in the background, setting the mood for a perfect engagement party. Slowly, she took a look around the room, noticing the expensive silver wares,decorations, and the intricate designs that occupied the wall. The party was indeed no doubt full of elegance and wealth. She could spot many rich men and women present here. "This party was for the elite, she said to herself as realization dawned on her.

It was her best friend, Anna's engagement party. When she had invited her, saying it was a small engagement party, she wasn't expecting this sort of party. It seemed like Michael, Anna’s fiancée, was extremely rich to throw such a party like this. She thought to herself. It wasn't that Sarah was poor. She had a good-paying job, working as a Personal Assistant to a billionaire CEO. She lived above the average, she could afford her basic needs and most extravagant wants. Life was good for Sarah. She had the life she had always wanted, yet she felt she had achieved very little. As she slowly observed all the wealthy men and women that graced the party, each with their own unique achievements and gains. She couldn't help but ponder over her own loss. The one thing she had abandoned on her road to success: love.

And right now, surrounded by wealth, riches and influence, she felt empty. Every one was with their better halves, while she was all alone. Her mind drifted back to her ex, Charles. He was everything she had ever wanted in a man and more. He was understand, caring, a good listener, and not to mention very funny. They always had this special bond between them. How had she let all this go? She wondered to herself, a sad smile framing her face. Sarah knew she could never find a man like Charles again. She had turned her back on the one thing that always felt right in her life because of her lack of faith.

Her eyes stung with unshed tears as she remembered the last time she saw him. He was in his little apartment painting as usual, various canvases of different paintings scattered across the room. Charles had a talent, no doubt. He was a very good artist. Unfortunately, Sarah didn't believe painting was going to pay the bills or get them by each passing day.

“I’m leaving" she had said that day, looking at him straight in the eye, with her bag in one hand and luggage in the other.

" To where?” he had asked dumbfounded.

" I’m sorry Charles, but I need security, stability, and you're not offering me that", she had said with a straight face, her mind already made up.

“Have faith in me, will you? I just need more time to build myself", he had pleaded with her that day.

“I’ve waited for so long and you know it. "Right now, I don't think I have any more time to give you” She had said quietly as she walked away.

I guess what hurt Sarah the most that day was the fact that he didnt chase after her or try to stop her. But, of course, she knew she couldn't blame him. She had made her lack of faith in him crystal clear.

Now all she had now are regrets. Two weeks ago, she had heard that he had opened another art gallery in Boston. Making it two art galleries he owned.

“He finally built an empire for himself” she said to herself solemnly while drinking up the remaining contents in her glass cup.

As she turned in search of the waiter, to get another glass, she saw him. She gulped nervously, she didn't expect to see him here. Inside her, her heart did a summersaults. It's been five years since she'd last saw him. He looked more mature and handsome as always, dressed in a black tuxedo that fitted him perfectly. His hair was now all done back, he had a light stubble on his chin, and his posture screamed confidence. Sarah’s heart beat increased rapidly as their eyes met. He gave her a warm smile and began walking towards her. Different kind of emotions attacked her all at once, it was a bit overwhelming.

Source

“Wow, you look beautiful” he said, offering her a light smile.

“ Um you too, you look very good" she said, managing to collect herself.

“It's really been a while,” he said.

" Yes, five years“ she answered.

The air was thick with tension as neither of them knew what to say.

“I guess congratulations are in order, two art galleries!” She said in a light tone, trying to water down the awkwardness.

This time around he smiled a warm big smile, the type he always smiled when they were together.

“Well thank you"

“ I’m proud of you" she said at last.

“ Are you?" he asked.

“Of course. Look, I know I never really had faith in you, but I regret it every single day. Believe it or not, I’m truly happy for you”, she said.

" It's alright, we made the choices we felt were right at the moment. I’m not angry at you,” he replied.

A woman came up behind him, interrupting them, and putting her hands around his shoulder.

“ Babe, you are needed inside“ she said in a small voice close to his ear.

" Sarah, meet Chrystabel, my wife.” He introduced both of them to each other

They exchanged pleasantries and soon enough he went back inside with his wife.

" It's nice seeing you again” he had said before going back in.

" You too”

A small tear dropped from her eyes as she watched them walk back inside. She had lost a wonderful man like him due to her lack of faith. If only she had been more patient, more believing.