????LIVING WITH
THE
BAD BOY ????
( Hearts Collision… )
CHAPTER 78&79
By, Ca-ssie B.
★★★★★
★ SILENT GOOD-BYE ★
IN A HOSPITAL***
Even though she was alone in the room, Ariel couldn’t stop the tears from spilling out of her eyes. Her hand went to her face and wiped her tears but instead, more fell freely from her eyes.
Her parents already escorted the reporters outside and she was left alone in the room.
Gently, she removed the quilt from her body and got to her feet. Her legs found their way to the window and another round of fresh tears began.
The door to the room was opened but she didn’t even bother to glance at the person who entered. Her mind was totally preoccupied, not until…
“Ariel??..” she choked on her tears immediately she heard the voice.
In a slow motion, she turned and a rage suddenly boiled inside her when her eyes dawned on Tony.
“You bastard!” She yelled and rushed to him with the aim of hitting him. But, Tony caught her hand and pulled her to a sudden hug, holding her body tight to himself.
“I’m sorry. I never meant to release you to the world, I’m sorry,” he begged.
Ariel struggled out of his hold and when she successfully did that, her hand found its way to his cheek, striking him ha-rd right there.
“Sorry? Will it bring down the damages you’ve done? Will sorry clear all this? For Pete’s sake, my name is ruined! My Dad’s, My Mom’s!!!” Ariel screamed in tears.
“I get that I sleep around with men but does that justify you exposing me to the whole world? Is that an enough excuse??” She yelled.
“Get out! I don’t want to see you ever again! Get out!” She screamed
To her surprise, Tony went on his knees, bowing his head in de-ep regret.
“I know I’ve done a very bad thing, but I’m sorry. I already cleared the news, I’m sorry,” he pleaded.
Right at that Moment, Mr. County and his wife entered the room with a big smile on his face. Their faces wrinkled in confusion when they saw Tony on his knees.
“Who’s he?” Mrs. County asked while staring at Tony.
Ariel didn’t say anything as she turned her back to them, she didn’t even know how to face them at that moment.
“The news has been cleared out” Mr. County suddenly said and Ariel spun towards them immediately.
“What?”
“Here,” Mrs. County handed her phone to Ariel.
With shaking hands, Ariel collected the phone from her and tears filled her eyes when she watched the video of an Anonymous guy clearing her name.
★ Yes, let’s all agree that Ariel County is a slut, but isn’t that her life to live? She’s a woman and she clearly has the say of her life. Let’s put ourselves in her shoes please, we shouldn’t be doing this. Rather, we should be trying her best to ensure that she wouldn’t be traumatized forever. Ariel, no matter where you are, just listen to this. You’re not a disgrace, you’re a strong woman, a very strong woman. And this is just a storm that’ll pas-saway soon. Much love from here ★
Ariel was a crying mess already by the time she was done watching the video. Her eyes went to Tony whose face was still buried on the ground, she needed no one to tell her that voice belongs to Tony’s.
“It’s okay, baby. You’ll be fine. I understand you were wrong but we can never stop loving you, you’ll always be our daughter,” Mrs. County said.
Slowly, she walked towards her and pulled Ariel to a motherly hug, patting her back slowly. Mr. County joined in the hug and Ariel continued crying in their arms.
“I’m sorry, daughter,” Mr. County apologized.
****
MELANIE’S APARTMENT***
“I feel for her, I mean I can’t even imagine myself being in her shoes,” Paisley said after Melanie was done narrating the whole story of Ariel to them.
“Same here. She doesn’t deserve it, she’s a lady like me after all,” Melanie mumbled.
“And Axel… Won’t he see his parents before he leaves? I mean, it’s for three years,” Lauren said.
“He’s so strong headed, he wouldn’t even listen to me,” Melanie sighed.
“And you? Are you okay? He’ll be leaving tomorrow,” Paisley asked gently.
“I’ll be fine” Melanie smiled and touched the necklace on her neck gently.
“Our love will surely scale throu-ghthese difficulties,” she muttered.
“I would have felt oppressed if I’m single right now, but no… I can’t anymore, I’ve got my own babe,” Lauren winked.
The girls laughed and all of a sudden, they phone beeped at once
They exchanged glances before picking it, cli-cking on the message box. It was a message from Julie.
★ I’M SORRY THINGS HAD TO END UP THIS WAY, GUYS. YES, I WOULD ADMIT, I LOVE AXEL, I’VE ALWAYS DID RIGHT FROM THE TIME I SET MY EYES ON HIM. HE WAS MY DREAM MAN, AND I FELT JEALOUS WHEN I l FOUND OUT MELANIE WAS DATING HIM… I’M SORRY FOR BEING A REBELLIOUS FRIEND, I REALLY HOPE YOU DO FORGIVE ME. AND BY THE TIME YOU’RE DONE READING THIS MESSAGE, I’D BE FAR AWAY BECAUSE MY FAMILY DECIDED TO RELOCATE TO KOREA. BEING FRIENDS WITH Y’ALL WAS THE GREATEST THING EVER, I’M SORRY FOR EVERYTHING… YOURS SINCERELY, JULIE ★
After they were all done reading the message, the girls had a solemn look on their face.
“I really can’t believe this,” Lauren mumbled sadly.
Melanie only sighed. A lot has been happening lately and it’s taking a toll on her greatly.
****
“If you ever hurt Melanie, I’ll be the one to roast you alive,” Aaron threatened to Axel.
“He wouldn’t dare, he loves her too much to do that,” Ace said.
“I can never forget her, just help me in taking care of her, guys. I don’t want her to be too sad,” Axel said.
“You’ve got out back, buddy. We’ll surely take care of her, just focus on your career there,” Aiden said.
Axel nodded and rubbed his face with an exhausted sigh.
“Have you called your parents? Especially your Mom, she needs to be aware of this,” Ace said.
“I’ll just send a message to her, and that’ll be when I’ve gone. They need to reflect on their mistakes,” Axel muttered.
Ace suddenly laughed and they glanced at him.
“Why? I’m just laughing at the fact that Axel has suddenly grown into a man overnight. The old Axel fuc-k s around and spends his parents money lavishly. But now, he’s changed and all credit to….”
“Melanie!” The guys chorused and they all smiled happily.
“We’ll surely be there to see you off, buddy. Even if it’s very early,” Aiden smiled.
“Thank you guys, I’m really blessed to have y’all as a friend,” Axel said.
Melanie, Paisley and Lauren came out of the room and each girl sat beside their boyfriend leaving Aiden all alone.
“Now, you guys are tryna make me feel oppressed, huh? That ain’t gonna work,” Aiden smirked.
“You too, get a girlfriend dude. Single life is so boring,” Aaron said and looked at Lauren.
“Oh, really? Look at who’s speaking,” Aiden rolled his eyes.
Axel glanced at Melanie who was busy caressing the necklace on her neck absentmindedly.
“You okay?” He mouthed.
Melanie glanced at him and responded by kis-sing him on the li-ps.
“More than okay,” she grinned after pulling away.
Aiden cleared his throat and stood up and they all laughed.
“Let the party begin!” He shouted.
****
HOURS LATER~7PM***
The house was silent as everyone had gone to their various houses. Axel and Melanie were both alone with Melanie between Axel’s legs. They were both lost in each of their thoughts.
The blaring of Melanie’s phone disrupted their peaceful silence. Melanie moved away from Axel’s arms and picked her phone. She glanced at Axel when the caller ID revealed her Mom’s name.
“Pick it up,” Axel whispered.
“Hello, Mom,” Melanie said after picking the call.
“Now? Like, tonight?” Melanie stared at Axel.
“Is there any problem?” She asked again.
“Okay, we’ll be there,” she muttered and soon the call ended.
Melanie dropped her phone and Axel gathered her in his arms immediately.
“What did she say?” He asked.
“She wants us to come over tonight,” Melanie replied.
“Really? That’s cool, at least I’ll see them before I leave,” Axel muttered with a light smile.
“That’s true tho,” Melanie sighed and Axel kis-sed her hair.
“I love you,” he whispered.
“I love you more,”
****
BROWN’S RESIDENCE***
The family all sat around the dining table, eating their dinner slowly.
“Are you okay, darling?” Mrs. Brown asked when she noticed Melanie picking her food slowly.
“Yes, I just don’t have an appetite,” Melanie replied gently.
Axel glanced at her and squee-zed her hand under the table. Melanie stared at him and he flashed a rea-ssuring smile at her in return.
“Can you take care of her, Axel? Don’t worry, you can spend the night in her room,” Mrs. Brown said.
“Take care of her please, I don’t want her to be sad,” Mr. Brown butted in.
Melanie only smiled before standing up, Axel did also and they both made their way upstairs.
“I really hate seeing her in pain, but it’s just for the best,” Mrs. Brown said sadly while Mr. Brown only sighed.
****
MELANIE’S ROOM***
Axel was operating on his phone when Melanie came out of the bathroom in just a short nightie. He let out a smile when she laid beside him.
“Hmm, you’re so warm,” Melanie mo-an-ed, snuggling closer to him.
Axel dropped the phone and held her petite figure to himself. He started stro-king her hair with a smile playing on his li-ps.
“Stop making that sound, Ma Belle. Or I might be tempted to do something dirty to you right here,” he slurred.
Melanie giggled before staring up at him. She moved out of his arm and got on him, rubbing their nose together.
“kis-s me,” she whispered. Her wish was granted immediately as Axel’s li-ps landed on hers.
Axel tossed her over and got on top immediately, his hand creeping into her nightie. He caressed her bare stomach gently before grabbing a soft mold in his hand.
Melanie mo-an-ed in ecstasy when his hand rubbed on her already ha-rd bud, her hand going to his hair.
The kis-s was very rou-gh. A kis-s to melt their already sad soul as it seemed that’d be the last time they’ll be tasting each other’s li-ps.
Melanie broke the hot kis-s, breathing heavily. Her hand went to his cheek and Axel immediately held her hand.
“Promise me, Axel,” she suddenly whispered, tears brimming at the corner of her eyes.
“Promise me that you won’t leave behind my back,” she whispered.
Axel shook his head and closed his hand on her palm.
“Baby please,” Melanie begged, tears flowing down her cheeks.
“Promise me,” she begged again.
Axel rested his head on her chest and closed his eyes tightly. He couldn’t afford leaving in her presence, he wouldn’t want to watch the scene of her breaking down in his presence.
“I love you,” he whispered while Melanie cried silently.
****
NEXT MORNING~4:30 Am***
Axel came out of the bathroom already dressed. His luggages was beside the wall and he took steady steps towards Melanie who was still asleep.
He leaned closer and placed a lingering kis-s on her forehead, whispering some inaudible words to her ears.
He moved away and picked a book and a pen, he scribbled some words into it and placed it on the nightstand.
After that, he touched her hair before kis-sing it lightly.
“I love you, I’ll always do baby,” he whispered.
Like that, he moved to the wall and carried his luggages. He left the room silently.
Axel descended the staircase slowly with a heavy heart. Just when he got to the bottom of the stairs, he met Mrs. Brown and her husband waiting patiently for him.
“Are you leaving already?” Mrs. Brown asked.
Axel nodded as tears trickled down his cheeks.
“I can’t stand her in tears,” he whispered.
Mrs. Brown smiled before moving closer to him.
“It’s fine, just focus on your career over there,” she whispered gently.
“Take care of her for me, Mom. Please do” Axel muttered.
Mrs. Brown smiled before hugging him gently. Her mind flashed back to the time Axel came to visit them.
FLASHBACK***
Mrs. Brown and her husband were both watching TV when Axel entered the house. And to their ultimate surprise,he went on his knees.
“Axel? What are you doing?” Mrs. Brown asked.
Axel bowed his head and started talking.
“I’m going on a trip, Mom” Axel dropped.
Mrs. Brown and Mr. Brown exchanged surprised glances.
“On a trip?” They asked in unison.
Axel nodded and explained every detail to them, not leaving a single one out of it.
“I’ll never break your daughter’s heart, Dad. I might be gone for three years but she’ll always be on my mind. I’ll strive ha-rd over there and become the man of your daughter’s dream. I’ll become the man who’s worthy of her love, the man who will take care of her for the rest of her life. The man who doesn’t depend on his parents wealth but is wealthy on his own. The one who deserves to be her husband” Axel concluded.
“I don’t want her to get hurt, please take care of her for me, Mom… Dad,” Axel raised his head to stare at them.
“Give me your blessings please,” he whispered.
Mr. Brown slowly got to his feet and bent to Axel’s level. He gripped his shoulder tightly, staring right into Axel’s eyes.
“If you ever break your promise, I’ll be the one to end you myself,” he said in a stern voice.
“I’ll never do that, I love Melanie more than my life, Dad” Axel quickly shook his head.
“You already proved that to us by coming here. Go safe Axel, and please come back for my daughter” Mrs. Brown smiled.
END OF FLASHBACK***
“Go safe, Axel,” Mr. Brown said, pulling Axel to a hug too.
After bidding them goodbye, Axel left the house and headed to the airport where his friends were already waiting for him
Axel hug-ged each and everyone of them.
“Good-bye, dude. Come back to us safe and sound,” Aaron said.
“If you ever stare at another woman there, then consider yourself gone,” Aiden said.
” Be safe buddy, we’ll surely take care of Melanie for you,” Ace said.
“Thanks guys,” Axel smiled, trying so ha-rd to control his emotions.
****
BROWN’S RESIDENCE***
Melanie sniffed in the morning air, smiling in relief. But that was cut short when she stretched her hand and found out Axel’s place beside her was cold.
She snatched her eyes open and sprang up immediately, her eyes searching around the room frantically.
Her heart was beating hard, threatening to burst out of its ribcage.
“Baby?” She called, getting to her feet gently.
“Axel?” She caked, her voice already shaking.
“You’re not gone, right?” Her voice shook as she spoke
“No…” Her eyes met with the paper on the nightstand, and with shaking hands, she picked it.
The letter reads,
★ MY HEART BLEEDS AS I WRITE THIS LETTER TO YOU, I’D BE GONE BY THE TIME YOU’RE ALREADY READING THIS. I’M SORRY FOR LEAVING BEHIND YOUR BACK BUT I CAN’T JUST STAND SEEING YOU IN TEARS. I LOVE YOU BABY, I’LL ALWAYS DO. I PROMISE TO BE IN CONTACT WITH YOU EVERYDAY, JUST DO ME THE FAVOR OF FOCUSING ON YOUR STUDIES. I LOVE YOU, MI AMOR. FROM YOUR ONE AND ONLY MAN…. AXEL ★
The paper fell from Melanie’s hand freely as she rushed out of her room, her tears blindly her eyes.
She made to rush downstairs when her Mom quickly came out of nowhere, holding her tight. Mrs. Brown has been watching her since Axel left, she wouldn’t want her daughter hurting herself
“Let me go, Mom! He can’t just leave this way, he promised not to leave behind my back!” Melanie thrashed in her Mom’s arms, crying madly.
“He can’t leave me, Mom. I need to see him off,” she cried.
Mr. Brown walked to them and gathered them into his arms
“It’s okay, daughter. He’ll be back soon,” he a-ssured, stro-king Melanie’s head gently.
Melanie shook her head against their arms, she was a crying mess already. Her hair was messy, her cheeks puffy.
Never in her whole life would she imagine herself getting separated from the love of her life.
Indeed, every love comes with a sacrifice.
TBC