2
The watch at Lucas’s feet was my only watch.
He’d bought it with his meager earnings after
landing his first role, a small part. He’d been
so happy.
After that, I never wore another watch.
I remembered him handing me the watch, his
hand warm and sincere, his eyes red–rimmed.
He seemed to feel guilty. He said softly.
“Izzie, this is all I can afford now. When I
make more money, I’ll get you the watch
r
“Izzie, this is all I can afford now. When I
make more money, I’ll get you the watch
you’ve always wanted.”
He did buy that watch later, but not for me. It
was for Mia.
I didn’t say anything, turning to leave the
office.
“You!”
Twenty–seven–year–old Lucas was
speechless with rage, while Mia softly
consoled him.
“Lucas, it’s alright, maybe that watch was
important to Izzie. If so, it’s really my fault. It’s
normal for Izzie to take it back, don’t blame
her, I’m okay.”
Her voice was low, adding,
“Anyway, nobody’s ever celebrated my
birthday. Having Lucas with me is enough. I
don’t need the present.”
Mia’s words calmed Lucas, who gave me a
Г
grudgingly polite look.
“Izzie, give Mia back her watch, and I’ll get
you a better one later.”
“No need. I don’t want the one on the floor, or
any others you buy.”
I said coldly, striding out of the office.
But nineteen–year–old Lucas rushed forward,
grabbing my arm.
“Izzie, Izzie, no, let’s get the watch back. It’s
the one I gave you.”
His eyes were red, but his tone was tentative,
as if afraid I’d get angry.
Looking at his youthful face, my heart
softened.
“Okay, but that’s your second chance. Are
you sure you want to use it?”
Nineteen–year–old Lucas nodded without
hesitation.
I ruffled his hair and turned back to the office.
When I reopened the door, I saw something
<
that sent nineteen–year–old Lucas into a
rage.
Mia was in Lucas’s arms, whispering
something in his ear.
They quickly separated when I entered.
“Izzie, when did you become so rude! Don’t
you know you’re supposed to knock before
entering someone’s office?”
I glanced at him, walked to them, and bent
down, but Mia subtly stepped on the watch
strap.
I straightened up.
Mia looked down, eyes cast.
“Izzie, I really didn’t mean anything by it.”
Seeing Mia act “sad” again, Lucas couldn’t
help himself.
“Izzie, look at you, what kind of state are you
in? Mia is so understanding, and you keep
making things difficult for her. Apologize to
her.”
Ignoring Lucas, I stared into Mia’s eyes,
struggling to contain my anger.
“Excuse me.”
Mia pretended not to hear.
“Izzie, I really didn’t mean anything.”
Lucas grabbed my chin.
“Apologize to Mia.”
I looked at the furious Lucas, then at
nineteen–year–old Lucas.
He was stunned, tears streaming down his
face.
My heart ached for him, my anger fading. I
said softly,
“I’m sorry.”
