บท 24: For Who He Was

Adam listened quietly to Blake, taking in whatever he told him. Adam only nodded to him without saying anything in return. Time went by, and they sat in silence next to each other, taking in their surroundings and enjoying whatever the nature had to flaunt.

They decided to return back when the sky had turned dark completely. They bid off each other good night and headed their own ways.

Adam arrived half an hour later at his place. Parking the car at it's usual spot in the garage, he went in and headed to his room. He pressed a button that was by his bedside table. After two minutes, there was a light knock on the door.

"Come in." Adam spoke.

The old butler entered and bowed his head slightly in respect. "You called me Young Master?"

"Yes, I did. Can you ask someone to prepare a cup of coffee for me?" Adam asked him.

"I will prepare it for you myself." The old butler replied politely.

"No! You don't have to do that. I have already told you so many times not to do such minor tasks yourself. Just ask one of the maids to do it." Adam scolded him a little.

"Yes, Young Master. As you say." His reply made the old butler smile.

"And bring it to the rooftop." Adam added as the old butler was on his way out.

The old butler nodded in response and headed out.

Adam changed into a set of dark maroon PJs and went to the rooftop.

The top of his house was turned into a little garden, which was actually not so little. The entire roof was covered with properly trimmed, luscious green grass. There were exquisite flowering plants, planted along the three sides of the garden. Most of them were imported and even their maintenance cost a lot.

His Dad had once told him that his Mother was fond of plants, so he made this rooftop garden for her. After she passed away, he had maintained the garden, hiring experienced gardeners just to make sure the place almost always looked green, well, except for autumn and winter.

After his Dad passed away, it was now his responsibility. He always came here whenever he felt uneasy, and today was no different.

There were three chairs, with a table, placed at the back side of the garden. That was the only side of the garden that was not bounded by the plants, but instead had railings covered completely by beautiful creepers.

Adam sat down on one of the chairs and looked into the distance. After a few minutes the old butler came with his coffee. He placed the coffee before Adam and quietly retreated back, going downstairs.

Adam looked at the dark night sky. It was clear, with no clouds in sight to hide the wonders the sky could flash.

His thoughts drifted back to what Blake had said to him. He was in a dilemma. He didn't want Stella to like him for his face or money. He wanted her to like him for who he was as a person. But Blake had a point, to make Stella take notice of him, he had to do something before it's too late.

'First I have to make sure she doesn't have a boyfriend. Though she doesn't look like she has one, I still have to make sure of it.' He thought to himself. 'But what if there is one. I have to work harder to get rid of him.' He heaved out a long sigh.

'Why is it so hard to get a girl whom you really like?' He was frustrated.

Adam picked up his coffee looking back at the sky. There were numerous stars, glimmering like diamonds against the dark background.

"I wish you were here with me today, Mom and Dad." He spoke to one in particular.

"I wish you were here to guide me today." He said taking sips from his coffee.

His gaze landed on the moon, brightening up the dark night yet standing alone among the sea of stars.

"I don't want to be alone anymore like the moon. I want someone with whom I can spend the rest of my life, share my happiness and sadness with, someone who will be the center of my life. And I think I have found that someone." He said, looking up at the sky.

"Mom, Dad! I may have found that someone finally. Someone whom I want to spend the rest of my life with. I will bring her to meet you guys once she's mine. Wish me luck."

He gulped down the remaining of his coffee and headed downstairs to his room. He had made up his mind that no matter what and no matter how long it will take, he will make Stella his.