I caught you (15 years later)

With those thoughts in mind, I stand before this theater.

The building does not look like a theater per se, but like an office building that was renovated to function as a theater. I read quite a few buildings were repurposed on this street to make it more like a commercial place. There were cafes, bistros, a mall, even a small cinema and this theater.

The billboard on the entrance features the play she was in. Reggie did not tell me much, just the name of the theater and where to find it, as he was in the middle of filming, but that is all I need to look for her.

One step closer to you. One step closer to taking back what I deserve!

I adjust the sunglasses on my face and make sure the mask does not show any part of my face. Only then, I walk in. Looking around, I find the lobby is deserted. Not even a security guard around. Lucky! It is as if the heavens are helping me, giving me the chance to sneak in and see her. I directly head to the main hall, where the stage is, guessing she could be there.

I hear some voices coming from the place and slowly open the door to not get caught. The lights are on, giving me the chance to see that people are on the stage, seemingly rehearsing for some play, but I cannot see her, my target, anywhere.

Did Reggie make a mistake? Or have I come to the wrong theater?... No! This is the right place. I double-checked before entering. Maybe her scene is not up yet... Yes! That must be it! So, I just have to wait for her to appear.

With a plan in mind, I look for a place to sit at yet where I would not be seen by those in the stage. Just when I choose one of the seats in the back row, I hear her voice. I involuntarily look up and my eyes glue to the stage when she appears. I know there are other actors on stage, actors she is interacting with, but my eyes can only see her.

Have I ever seen you act like that? Well, since we were little, I have always thought you were funny, but in this play, in this scene, you are hilarious.

A smile immediately appears on my face seeing her acting, seeing her enjoying herself, seeing her shine on that stage. I do not understand what she is doing, but I still cannot stop looking at her. It takes me back to when we were kids; I had problems taking my eyes off you because you are worth looking every single second. I was convinced, back then, that I would only look at you my whole life.

Cruel fates proclaimed we had to be separated. The same fates that are now tying us together back again. Heidi… Heidi… Heidi…

As the play progresses, I manage to sit. More so because, I get bored whenever she is not on the stage, peering around the place. Yet, as soon as she appears, my whole attention is sucked back to the stage. Just like that, I end up seeing the whole play and nobody even noticed my presence.

I cannot wait Heidi. I cannot wait to see your expression when you lay your eyes upon beautiful, successful and breathtaking me! I've been preparing my whole life for this moving… reunion.

It has been fifteen years of regretting never telling you my feelings, of making you mine alone, that I cannot hold back anymore. Look at me, Heidi! I stand up to reveal myself and start to clap. Everybody startles at the sudden sound, but I care not about them, yearning to see her reaction.

"It was awesome." I walk towards the stage without taking my eyes off her. She looks at me, but her eyes do not seem to really look at me. My resolve starts to crumble, but I can only plough on.

"Sorry, but you're not supposed to be here." One of the guys from the group says. From the little I saw from the rest of the play, I identify the man as the male lead in this play. "Who are you?"

For a moment, I am stumped. No one here recognizes me? Is the world of plays and theater so separated from the rest of the entertainment world? But, I suddenly remember that whenever I go out, I always wear a pair of sunglasses and a mask so no one is able to recognizes me on the streets when I do not want to be gawked at. I love being famous, but I also need my privacy.

What? You're thinking about my strolling from earlier? Well, I needed my daily doses of people fawning over me, over my good looks! Sue me!

"Heidi must know me." I say, staring at her, returning to the matter at hand. However, her expression tells me she really does not seem to recognize me. I'm still a bit away from the stage, but it's not so far away that I cannot be seen! Wake up, you!... Or, is it the lights? Are they blinding you? Someone! Turn off the light! No, if they do, I won't be seen.

"Sorry, but I..." She shakes her head, unsure, and I decide to take reveal my face because I had enough of her pretending not knowing me. No even a second after I take off my mask and sunglasses, I hear the gasps of some of the people around, but that is the reaction I want to see from her. She looks as lost as a penguin in space!

"Ah! Wait a min." One of the actresses suddenly exclaims and runs to who knows where. Everybody looks between Heidi and me with a contemplating gaze. Well, this is getting awkward. But I cannot back down before getting what I want! The young woman comes back seconds later and hands something to Heidi.

Right. I wanted to surprise her, but she is the one that always ends up surprising me. Seriously, Heidi?! Are you for real? Glasses?! Since when?! Oh God, I must have some kind of fetish, but she looks so damn cute with them on… No, Aldo! No! You didn't come here to praise her!

"It's Aldo Greco, Heidi!" The woman who handed her the glasses exclaims excited, looking at me with sparkly eyes. Ah, she must be a fan. But I do not care about her! Finally! Finally, Heidi finally looks at me.

And finally! The reaction I wanted!

She freezes on the spot as soon as she recognizes me, gaping in shock and pointing her finger at my person.

I bet you're surprised to see me. I bet you're shocked that I know where you are (though I only discovered that some time ago). This shocked face is what I wanted to see! The dawning realization of the kind of man you left behind all those years ago! What a great specimen I am! Oh, the cruel fates! Right, Heidi?

I bet you're remembering all the moments we spent together and how you heartlessly left me to live your extravagant life in F country. I want to hear your words. Your groveling and apologizing words! That is what I'm expecting the most… no well, what I want the most is for you to come and hug me like you used to do. But I think that is too soon.

Now, say it, Heidi, say your words!

"Ah! It's the person I bumped with before!" Silence. My whole scenario ruined. My whole expectations shattered. I feel my eye twitching. I rub my forehead to dispel the incoming headache. Don't get angry, Aldo, you're already an adult. Adults like me have to act mature and handsome. "I never thought it'd be you, Aldo." I pause and look at her in wonder.

Did I hear well? You sound so happy... you look so happy, too.

Oh God, I'm so moved by your bright smile. I want to cry.

A tentative and wobbly smile appear on my face. "Heidi, you-" I speak up, wanting to have our much-needed reunion, but another voice interrupts me.

"Mama!" A girl enters the hall yelling and running towards the stage.

Oh, please! I'm trying to do something here-…!

My thoughts screech to a halt as the scene developing in front of me takes me aback, no, it rocks my whole world. I feel like dying. The girl jumps to Heidi's arms, and Heidi gladly carries her. What's the meaning of this?... Mama… Mama?... Mama?! Are you telling me that…?

Ah, something breaks inside me.

So, what I thought all those years ago became true. You're already married and have lots of kids. Am I too late? It has just been fifteen years! You're just twenty-five, and you already have a kid this big?!

How can you do this to me?!