| General Fiction posted December 22, 2024 | Chapters: |
...5 6 -7- 
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The End
A chapter in the book Barefoot In The Rain
Barefoot In The Rain Chap 7
by Begin Again
THE END - A WHIRLWIND ROMANCE
Kendra stepped out of the car, the evening air cool against her skin as she adjusted the emerald-green gown that hugged her curves. Her heels clicked softly on the pavement, each step leading her closer to the grand entrance of the gala. She inhaled deeply, trying to calm the flutter of nerves in her chest. The event promised an opportunity to connect with Ethan, but the path to that moment seemed uncertain.
Inside, the ballroom gleamed with golden light, chandeliers hanging like delicate jewels above the sea of elegantly dressed guests. Kendra felt self-consciousness as she moved through the crowd, her gaze darting nervously around the room. Then — she spotted him.
She hadn't expected James to be there, but there he was — on the dance floor, laughing and spinning Caroline in a grand waltz.
Her heart skipped, a pang of something she couldn't name tightening in her chest. She thought of how he'd looked at her during their last date — those fleeting glances, the quiet intimacy they'd shared. Seeing him with Caroline was unsettling.
She quickly chastised herself as the memory of Ethan filled her mind, pushing thoughts of James into the back seat. Flashes of the train, the reading, the coffee shop, and the way he had invited her to the gala — his casual ease, the warmth in his eyes. She'd hesitated then, unsure of how to read his intentions. Had there been something more behind that invitation, or was that wishful thinking?
Kendra's thoughts whirled — battling the image of James and Caroline on the floor and those she dreamt of Ethan. She was looking for a sign, something to tell her which way to turn, but for now, everything felt muddled.
Suddenly, a voice broke through her reverie. A woman stood beside her, holding two glasses of champagne. "They make a lovely couple, don't they?" she said, her smile warm and inviting as she offered Kendra one of the glasses.
Kendra's eyes followed the couple on the floor. It was hard to ignore Caroline's graceful movements and James's laughter. She hesitated only for a second. "I guess they do," grateful for something to do with her hands, though she could hardly focus on it.
"Hi. I'm Ava." The woman smiled knowingly. "James works with me," she continued. "He came as my plus one —after I coerced him, of course. I told him it would do him good to get out and mingle. And he certainly took me at my word. His forlorn puppy dog look is gone, don't you think?"
Kendra nodded, but her gaze lingered on James, the swirl of confusion in her chest only deepening. Ava's voice drew her attention back to the present as she spotted Ethan across the room. "Ah, there he is!" she exclaimed, waving him over.
Kendra's pulse quickened. Ethan. She tried to keep her composure, but her heart was racing, pulling her in two directions.
Ava greeted him with an affectionate hug when he reached them, then turned to Kendra with a curious smile. "Oh, my gosh, I've been chatting away and never caught your name."
Kendra's mind spun for a second, but she offered a smile. "Kendra," she said.
Ethan's eyes met hers, a flicker of recognition sparking in his gaze. "We've met," he offered. "A few times — if my memory is correct." He glanced at her shoes and grinned, leaning toward Ava as if revealing a secret. Keeping his voice low and mysterious, he said, "I hear she doesn't always wear shoes."
Ava's eyebrow arched. "Now, that puts an interesting spin on our meeting. Care to elaborate?"
Her face flushed bright red at the mention of their first meeting, but Ethan seemed to take it all in stride. "She can't tell you, Ava." He lowered his voice and whispered, "It's our secret."
Ava's eyes shifted from Ethan to Kendra. "Now, my curiosity is going to get the best of me. I haven't seen Ethan so mischievous in weeks. Someone tell me the story."
Kendra's heart skipped a beat, but Vanessa appeared at Ethan's side before she could say anything else, her arm slipping around his. "Ethan," she said, voice sharp and impatient. "Come on, let's dance."
"I'm glad you came," he murmured, his eyes lingering on Kendra a fraction longer than was necessary.
The moment shattered, leaving Kendra with only a half-empty glass of champagne and the bittersweet taste of what could have been. She watched as Ethan reluctantly turned away, his gaze flickering briefly back to her, but the pull of Vanessa's hand was too strong.
Ava's voice came softly beside her, breaking the silence. "Don't worry about it," she said, her tone gentle but knowing. "The night's not over yet. I saw the look in Ethan's eyes. And Vanessa, she's nothing to him except a safe way to prevent all the groupies from flocking around."
*****
Caroline and James left the dance floor, weaving through the crowd until they joined Ava and Kendra. Still holding her champagne glass, Ava glanced between them with a curious smile. "So, does either of you know Kendra?"
Caroline tilted her head thoughtfully. "I've seen her at a few events," she said. "But we haven't had the chance to talk yet."
On the other hand, James shifted uncomfortably, caught between two women — one he'd been interested in and the other, Caroline, who had his heart racing. He scratched the back of his neck, his usual confidence faltering under Kendra's knowing smile.
Kendra took pity on him, deciding to ease the awkwardness. "James and I met on a dating app," she said casually, her tone light. "We attended a few events together. But I never saw his eyes light up as much as they are tonight."
James laughed nervously, his shoulders relaxing as the tension lifted. "It's her fault. She cast a magical spell on me," he said, turning to Caroline with a grin that made her cheeks flush.
Before anyone could say more, Caroline caught sight of someone across the room. "Ava, come on," she said suddenly, grabbing her friend's arm. "There's someone you have to meet."
Ava hesitated, glancing back at Kendra and James. "Aren't you afraid she'll drag him off somewhere?" she teased.
Caroline turned back briefly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. She gently touched Kendra's arm and grinned. "I won't worry unless she takes off her shoes."
Kendra's cheeks flamed red, the memory of the train incident flashing in her mind. How could Caroline know?
Ava squealed with delight, her curiosity piqued. "Wait — you know about the shoes? Tell me!"
Caroline laughed, shaking her head. "Not now," she said, her tone playful but firm. "First, you need to meet someone." Caroline swept Ava away, leaving Kendra and James standing together.
James shifted nervously, glancing at Kendra. "I think I'll grab a drink," he said. "Can I get you anything?"
Kendra shook her head with a small smile. "I'm fine, thanks."
James nodded, his gaze lingering on her momentarily. "I did enjoy our time —"
"And so did I, but it's obvious you and Caroline might have something special going on."
"You're special —"
"James, I'm thrilled we got to know each other, and hopefully, we can remain friends. Now, go and get your drink."
James nodded and turned away, disappearing into the crowd.
Left alone, Kendra scanned the dance floor. Her eyes landed on Ethan, his charming smile as captivating as ever — but her stomach turned when she saw Vanessa, the ever-present shadow in Ethan's life, leaning in to kiss him. The moment felt like a punch to Kendra's chest.
Overwhelmed, she turned on her heel and headed for the coat room. She'd overstayed her welcome.
She slipped out of the gala, the cool night air hitting her flushed face like a healing suave. She wrapped her coat tightly around her, the evening's events pressing on her.
The gala was beautiful. Ethan had been as charming as she remembered from the coffee shop, his invitation sparking a hope she hadn't dared to feel. But now, everything felt unresolved — hollow. Ava said there was nothing between Ethan and Vanessa, but the lip-locking kiss on the dance floor screamed an entirely different story.
Kendra crossed the street, her heels clicking softly against the pavement. The train station wasn't far away — for once, she was grateful for public transport's predictability.
*****
Ethan stood near the entrance, his eyes scanning the room. His brows furrowed as he realized she was no longer there.
"Looking for someone?" Caroline's teasing voice pulled him from his thoughts.
He turned, surprised to see his sister watching him with a knowing smirk. "Yeah," he admitted. "Her name's Kendra. I invited her tonight, but I think she left."
His sister tilted her head. "The woman you've been talking about? The one you swore you'd recognize if you saw her again? So, Kendra is your barefoot goddess."
Ethan nodded, running a hand through his hair.
She crossed her arms, her expression softening. "Ethan, why didn't you tell her about the accident? She probably thinks you don't even remember her."
The realization struck him like a freight train. "I — I did at the coffee shop, but she didn't pursue it. That's why I invited her to the gala," he said haltingly, guilt creeping into his voice. "I didn't want to push it, but I thought we'd have a chance to talk again."
"Vanessa wasn't any help."
"Vanessa? She's just a friend."
"That kiss on the dance floor said something else."
"She kissed me. I didn't encourage her."
"Maybe not, but Kendra doesn't know that." Caroline rolled her eyes, grabbing his arm. "She left. What if this is your only chance to fix things?"
Ethan stared at the door, his heart racing. "You're right."
Caroline smirked, giving him a playful shove. "Then stop standing here like an idiot and go after her."
*****
Kendra sat on the cold bench at the station, staring at the tracks. The rhythmic hum of an approaching train filled the air, but her mind was elsewhere. The damp air clung to her as she tried to make sense of the evening. The laughter and music from the gala felt a world away now.
She thought about Ethan — how foolish she'd been to assume so much about him and his life. Vanessa might not officially be his girlfriend, but she'd undoubtedly been staking her claim tonight. And James — that was a thing of the past. There was no denying the spark he shared with Caroline.
"Why does my life feel so impossible?" Kendra whispered, her voice barely audible over the distant hum of the city. A drop of rain landed on her hand, followed by another. She sighed and looked up at the darkening sky. "Oh, great. Just perfect."
As the train's headlights appeared in the distance, she stood, brushing off her dress. The rain began to fall harder, soaking through her coat. The night had turned from magical to miserable, and Kendra decided it was time to leave everything — the gala, her hopes for Ethan, and her brief fling with James — behind.
The train slowed to a stop in front of her, its doors hissing open. She took a deep breath, ready to step inside and let the night become a memory.
"Kendra! Wait!"
The shout made her freeze. She turned, her heart pounding, and there he was — Ethan. He was running toward her, his suit jacket flapping in the wind, his tie loose around his neck. But what caught her breath wasn't the urgency in his voice or the determined look in his eyes — it was his bare feet splashing through the rain-soaked pavement, just like hers had been the night they first met.
She stared, her shock mingling with disbelief. "Ethan!"
He skidded to a stop, panting and soaked, rain dripping from his hair. His smile was sheepish but genuine as he caught his breath. "I couldn't let you leave. Not like this."
Kendra's voice was shaky. "Your shoes —"
Ethan laughed, the sound warm and full of relief. "I guess I wanted to remind you of the night we met. I wanted you to know I remember everything."
Her heart swelled, the rain washing away her doubts. She stared at him, this man who had just thrown caution — and his shoes — to the wind for her.
"What about Vanessa?" she asked quietly.
"Vanessa?" He looked genuinely confused before shaking his head. "She's just a friend. If it seemed like more, that's my fault. I should've been clear." He took a step closer, his voice soft but sure. "Kendra, it's been you from the moment I set eyes on you."
The train doors chimed, warning they would soon close. Kendra smiled for the first time all evening — a genuine, unguarded smile.
"Please don't go," he panted, his blue eyes locking with hers.
Kendra blinked, stunned. "Ethan, what are you doing?"
He grinned, catching his breath. "What I should have done weeks ago. I didn't know how to explain, but I remember you. From the train, the broken heel —" He laughed softly, shaking his head. "I've been trying to piece my life back together after the accident. I wasn't sure if what I felt back then was real, but seeing you again —"
Kendra's heart swelled, her doubt melting away. "You remember?"
Ethan nodded. "Not everything, but I know how I felt when I met you. And I'm hoping you'll give me a chance to feel that way again."
The train doors beeped, signaling the final call.
Kendra smiled, stepping back from the platform. "I guess I'll catch the next one."
Ethan chuckled, glancing down at his bare feet. "Good. I don't think I'm ready to let you leave just yet."
They walked out of the station together, their laughter mingling with the night air. For the first time in weeks, Kendra felt as though her heart had found its footing again.
Fate hadn't just intervened — it had brought them full circle.
Ethan glanced at her and grinned as they strolled under the city lights. "Next time, maybe we both wear shoes?"
Kendra laughed, her cheeks warming. "I think it's our thing now."
"Maybe." He paused, taking her hand. "If it is, I'm okay with that, but maybe somewhere warmer."
*****
One year later —
Kendra stood at the chapel's doors, her bouquet trembling slightly in her hands. Her heart thudded — not with nerves but with the enormity of the moment. She peeked into the chapel, where soft music floated through the air, and her guests sat waiting with expectant smiles.
Her gaze drifted to her bridesmaids lined up at the altar. At first, she smiled at how radiant they looked in their dresses, but then she noticed something unusual. None of them were wearing shoes.
Her eyes widened as she scanned the room. The guests were also barefoot, their shoes tucked under their chairs or conspicuously absent. Her mother, standing near the front, gave her a playful wink while holding her high heels loosely in one hand.
"What on earth?" Kendra whispered, her voice barely audible.
Her attention snapped back to the altar, where Ethan stood, his hands clasped, looking dashing in his suit — except for one detail. His feet were bare, as were the groomsmen's.
A laugh bubbled up in her throat. This was so Ethan — playful and sentimental, honoring their unconventional beginning. She thought of that rainy night when she'd boarded the train with a broken heel, clutching her shoes in one hand while her feet were bare. Ethan had noticed her then, and now, it seemed, he hadn't forgotten.
Kendra slipped off her shoes, kicking them to the side without hesitation. The coolness of the floor grounded her, and she took a deep breath, feeling the moment shift into something lighter, freer.
The doors swung open, and the music swelled. Barefoot and beaming, Kendra stepped into the chapel, her dress trailing softly behind her.
As she walked down the aisle, she saw the twinkling smiles of her family and friends. They nodded in silent approval, their bare feet a testament to the shared humor and love that filled the room.
When she reached Ethan, his grin was wide, his eyes sparkling with mischief and affection.
"You didn't warn me," she whispered.
"I wanted it to be a surprise," he replied, his voice low and warm. "It's only fitting, don't you think?"
Her laughter was soft and full of love. "It's perfect."
As they joined hands, the officiant smiled knowingly. "Well, it seems everyone is ready to walk this path barefoot — together."
The chapel erupted in laughter, and Kendra couldn't help but think that this moment — barefoot and all —was the perfect beginning to their forever.
*****
After exchanging vows, Kendra and Ethan walked back down the aisle, hand in hand, barefoot and beaming. The guests followed, turning the chapel exit into a jubilant parade of laughter, cheers, and joy. The sun bathed the scene in a golden glow as if nature celebrated their union.
"You know," Kendra said, a playful grin lighting up her face, "if we keep up this barefoot thing, we might just start a trend."
Ethan chuckled, squeezing her hand. "I'm not sure the world is ready for that revolution."
"Maybe not," she agreed, glancing at their quirky, barefoot guests trailing behind. "But we are."
As they reached the archway, Mrs. Hendricks, one of Ethan's elderly family friends, leaned in with a mischievous smile. "Don't forget how the saying goes, dear — barefoot and pregnant."
Kendra's eyes widened, and Ethan's laugh rang out. "Does that mean —" she began, her cheeks coloring.
Ethan winked, his voice teasing but warm. "It means we're going to have one heck of a honeymoon and an even better forever."
Kendra laughed, throwing her head back, her joy radiating. "Well then," she said, slipping off her bouquet's satin ribbon and twirling it in her fingers, "I'm never wearing shoes again."
Their laughter echoed as they stepped out into their new life together, ready to take on the world — barefoot, hand in hand, and utterly unstoppable.
I apologize for the length, but I wanted to finish it before I leave for North Carolina. I hope the extra words were worth it!
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