❤️THE SPACE IN BETWEEN❤️
?Age is just a number?
✍️Written By Precious Pinky✍️
?Chapter Eighteen (18)?
#NOT EDITED.
Theme:…The Date?.
?Mona’s Pov?
Why does it feel like I know what she was going to say?
Why was I scared of hearing her say it?
Why does my heart feel heavy and i kept biting my lower li-p as I waited patiently for Malby to start talking?
Honestly I don’t want to hear anything about her and Xander because obviously that’s exactly what she was going to say to me now.
Maybe she wants to tell me about how Xander confessed his undying love to her and that they were now boyfriend and girlfriend.
It hurt.
Yes, Malby was my friend. My best friend to be precise.
I love her so much but my feelings for Xander was stronger.
When I first set eyes on Malby, getting drained by that rain I knew immediately that she needed shelter.
I quickly called out to her and gave her a good hospitality.
She stole a spot in my heart just merely seeing her for the first time.
I wanted to be her friend.
Hell, I thought she would never want to be my friend because I was all that shabby, poor and you know.
Every rich girls hate hanging out with poor people like me but my thought were all wrong!
Malby wasn’t that kind of a girl. She might appear to be so but she wasn’t.
She was nice.
….Kind.
…. Friendly.
….Caring.
….And most importantly, beautiful.
Tsk, who am I to compete with a perfectionist like her?
I bite my lower li-p de-eply that it sting.
But I don’t care.
Whatever Malby was going to say was going to hurt more than this sting, trust me.
I had been avoiding Malby after my day out with Xander.
…Why?
I will tell you.
⏱️ FLASHBACK⏱️
“Hello Xander?”
“Yes?”
“I have a favor to ask from you, hope you will do it?” Mona says as she clenched her phone against her ear, waiting for his reply.
After a long silence from the other line, he spoke up. “What favor?”
“Will you do it?” She questioned instead.
She was scared that he was going to say no to her request.
He never listened or look at anybody aside from Malby or his friends; Sam and Zayn.
Mona hated it.
She wanted Xander to notice her.
Heck, she wanted to have him spend his time with her. Just her.
But why does it feel like it will be impossible not when Malby was always sticking her nose around their business.
Okay, that was rude because Malby was after all their friend.
But she wanted to have her quiet time with Xander. Alone.
She don’t want a third party.
But whenever it was Xander, Malby and her… she always feel.like the third party and she hated that feeling.
Besides, Malby doesn’t have any kind of feelings for Xander so she should understand her reason for wanting to do this.
And she hopes that Malby doesn’t hate her.
“I haven’t heard the favor yet, Mona so how am I sure I can do it. Like i mean, what if you ask me to kill myself now?”
Mona started laughing and a blus-h crept its way to her cheeks.
_He knows her name, after all_ that was a good sign, right?
“I can never ask you to kill yourself, Xander.”
“How do I know that?”
This was actually the longest conversation she’d with Xander ever since they’ve known each other.
And she loves the fact that they were having this discussion with no one bu-tting in and distracting them.
No one like_Malby.
*Because I like you.*
She was going to say that but bit her li-p from saying anything that will push Xander away from her.
This was a step Into getting closer to Xander and she wasn’t ready to destroy it with her own hands.
And telling Xander about her undying love for him meant pushing him away and that was the last thing she wants to do.
“If I ask you to kill yourself then I’m indirectly digging my own grave.” She said with a shrug.
“How so?”
“Malby will skin me alive!” She say in a high-pitched voice.
Xander started laughing, clutching his stomach and throw his head back still laughing.
Mona was right. Malby will skin her alive if she(Mona) ask him to kill himself.
Hey, Malby was his best friend.
And best friends do support each other.
Although he wanted more from her. He wanted her to not just be his best friend but to be something more.
Something impossible.
And who knows, maybe he could ask Mona, who also happens to be Malby’s best friend for help.
Right?
That would be a good idea!
“You are right there.” He has already stopped laughing when he said that now.
Mona smiled.
“Anyway, I have a favor to ask also.” He said now.
“I haven’t said mine yet and you want to tell me yours as well.” Mona reasoned out, smiling.
She was more than happy to be of help to Xander.
She was happy that he was asking her for a favor and not Malby.
Hey, there comes another step into getting closer to Xander.
Seems like the heavens were on her side, after all.
He chuckles. “I know right! I have an idea, how about we both say the favor we need from the other at the same time?” He suggested.
“Not a bad idea.”
“Alright…In three? One…”
“Two…”
“…. Three! let’s go to school together.” They both said in sync.
“Wait, what?” They questioned in unison, Again.
“I mean, what?” They both said again.
Okay, things were getting awkward now.
“Why are we saying things in sync?” They questioned in unison yet again.
“Okay, this is awkward.” Mona said, laughing as her began to heat up due to the situation at hand.
Xander was smiling as well. “Yeah right!”
“About the favor…” Mona trailed off not knowing if she should go ahead or just shut up because clearly the situation were already too awkward.
“Seems like we both wanted to ask for the same favor after all…I will be at your house to pick you up in ten, okay?”
“Okay?”
Yeah, the heavens were really on her side.
⏱️ FLASHBACK ENDS⏱️
That was what I thought…Actually, that was what I wished or hoped.
I thought finally the heavens have decided to listen to me and give me what I want but I was so wrong.
Because even with the fact that it was just Xander and me in the library, it still felt like I was a third party between him and Malby.
But funny enough, Malby wasn’t even there!
Xander kept talking about Malby.
He told me about all the silly things she did as a child. How she was afraid of spiders, how she will beg him to give her a piggyback ride.
And what angered me most was, he was smiling while telling me all those things about Malby.
She wasn’t here and yet he was happy to talk about her with me.
I was angry, jealous and annoyed.
Was he that foolish?
Can’t he see that I have a huge crush on him? Or wasn’t it that obvious? Or was he only just trying to play dumb.
most guys plays dumb, especially players like him!
Wait, was that even the reason why he had offered to give me a ride to school?
I bit my lower li-p as an answer to the question formed in my head.
He never wanted to spend time with me, he just needed my attention while he rant about Malby and their so called happy moment while growing up as a child.
There was no doubt; Xander likes Malby.
And that brings me to a question…. Does Malby likes Xander also?
“Um…I don’t know how to say it. I hope you wouldn’t get upset or anything,” She stutters, not looking me straight I’m the eyes.
This was actually my first time to see Malby nervous in front of me.
She was one who hardly shows her emotions to the world.
She was one who seems to act like all was good while she smiles and make a joke out of everything.
She might seem rude and a spoilt brat but she was calm and unique in her own way.
Yeah, she was rich but she doesn’t brag about, telling everyone about her father’s wealth.
She was closed but open at the same time.
I admire her but why does it feel like my feelings for Xander is going to get in the way of our friendship.
I don’t want to see Malby get hurt but her not getting hurt means I will get hurt.
Because surely one of us have to be with Xander and she seems to be the perfect match than I do.
So clearly, I was the one getting hurt.
And it was better that way.
But I don’t think I can ever be very close to Malby.
I really like Xander _Love_ but he doesn’t feel the same way because of he has his eyes set on his best friend, Malby.
_My best friend.
I love them both but I can’t have Xander the way i want to have him but Malby can and i wish them best of luck but I will never forget Xander and if being around them will only just remind me of my lost… then it’s better I stay away.
I smiled. “i won’t.” It felt like I was rea-ssuring myself than I was rea-ssuring her.
“I…I…” She shut her eyes close and took in a de-ep breath then said without opening her eyes. “Xander and I are dating.”
There comes the ache.
There comes the pain.
There comes the heartbreak.
Why wasn’t I even surprise?
Oh, I had suspected something like this to happen.
I cracked up a smile, acting to be alright when in reality I was far from being alright.
“Really?”
She stare at me, confusedly but still nod her head yes.
“Wow. That’s amazing. I’m so happy for you both. I knew you guys were going to sail the ship.”
“You knew?”
Okay, I think I overdid this acting to be alright of a thing.
“Uh…yeah? Come on, the like that you both had for each other was evident in your eyes. I’m a living witness.” I smiled.
She was still contemplating on whether to believe me or not as she watched me closely but I made sure i left no space for doubt.
Damn. I was acting so well that even I, myself was convinced about being okay.
But that’s if only my heart don’t hurt right now.
I reach out for her hands and sque-ezed it gently, still smiling.
“Do you know how long I waited for you both to just say the word, huh?”
She furrowed her brows at me as she tried reading my facial expression to see if their were any hint of hurt in my face.
“But…you liked this guy in question, right?”
My smile faltered away but returned back almost immediately.
I shouldn’t be sad.
Hell, I don’t want her to see the sadness in my eyes.
If she do then I’m sure she would want to give up on Xander just so I could have him.
But Xander wasn’t a toy. He knows exactly what he wanted and not!
He wants Malby.
Not me.
The least I could do for them was to root out for them.
They were my friends after all.
Friendship comes before love.
Right?
I shrugged. “Yeah. But he likes you. I can’t force myself on someone, Malby. If Xander wants you then I’m fine with it. Love can’t be forced, it can only be earned and given.”
“I’m sorry.” She said softly.
No. no, no.
If Malby keeps acting this way then I won’t be able to put up with my act.
The tears were already threatening to spill and Malby saying words like this wasn’t helping at all!
I nudges her shoulder, smiling.
“Stop saying sorry. It’s not like you stole him from me or something. He chose you and that’s fine by me. Trust me.”
“Come here.” She gestures with a smile plastered on her face.
I grinned and scooted closer to her and she engulfed me in a warm embrace.
I was at the verge of crying but i don’t want to cry. At least not in Malby’s presence.
This embrace was only adding salt to the wound so I pulled away, breaking the quiet moment.
“So…Any other plans?”
She grins. “We are going on a date.” She glances up at the wall clock, it reads; 11:49am.
Her eyes went wide as she muttered a few curses under her breath and stood up to her feet, pulling me up with her.
“Are you alright?”
“I have just ten minutes to get dressed, girl.”
Oh.
“Them what are we waiting for.”
We started going throu-ghher rack of dresses to see which dress was great enough for the date.
I was happy for her.
It was clear that Malby like Xander as much as he likes her.
I don’t want to be the problem in their relationship.
I know I might not be able to be friends with them, I know that things can never be the same knowing fully well that my best friend was dating my first love but de-ep down I was rooting for them.
And whenever Malby needs a shoulder, I will make sure to be there for her.
She was still my best friend, by heart.
This would probably be the last time we joke around and laugh like this, again.
??????????
?Narrator’s Pov?
“You know that girl doesn’t want to be a lawyer, right?”
“I don’t get.”
He sighed, leaning closer to Ruby who was still giving him a confuse stare. “She wants to be a musician and not a lawyer and you know that. You are forcing that girl to be something she doesn’t want to be, big sis.”
He was right and she knew it.
But he doesn’t have to know that.
The choices she makes for her daughter were for the best.
She loves her child to her last drop of blood and that was why she was doing everything within her power to give her the best life. That she deserves.
She doesn’t want her child to suffer all because of those stupid fans who tries to pick out on everything a celebrity does.
She never liked celebrities lifestyles..In fact she never liked celebrities until she met Malcolm and her thought about celebrities life faded away and she knew what she had to go throu-ghbecause of that love and because of Malcolm’s lifestyle as a celebrity.
She hated it but she loves Malcolm so much. With all of her heart and was willing to suffer for their love.
Tsk, suffer?
She never suffered because of her love, actually. Her love, their love suffered for them.
But she doesn’t want that kind of a life for her child.
She wants her child to be free.
Free to have the kind of life that she wants.
Free to be happy.
Free to date whoever she wants to date.
Just free.
Was that too much for her to ask for?
Was she a bad mother for wishing her daughter a life as free as that?
“And being a musician is what makes her happy?”
“You know the answer to that question, big sis.” He said.
She rolled her eyes, letting out a breath. “I can’t let Malby be a musician. I don’t want her to go throu-gh…”
“… throu-ghthe pain you went throu-ghwhile dating Uncle Malcolm. you’ve said that countless number of times, big sis. But is that really your reason? Or are you just afraid of seeing your only child be a musician and not doing something professional, huh?”
She clenched her fist as she stare at her brother.
“Can we just drop this matter, Tyler? Besides the girl we are talking about is my daughter. My own daughter.” She said, making emphasis on the ‘daughter.’
Tyler shoot his hands up on the air as if in surrender. “Sorry. Just saying my own.”
“When are you even going to bring a girl home, Tyler? You keep getting your heart broken instead of keeping those girls, you keep losing them.”
He glared at Ruby. “They are the ones stupid enough to go, big sis.”
“Oh, really? Or you are the one who isn’t able to keep them?” She raised a brow at him, smirking.
“Not funny.”
Ruby started laughing while Tyler glared at her.
??????????
?Narrator’s Pov?
She hates alarms.
She never set one whenever she went to bed.
Whatever time she choose to ar-ose was okay with her.
Like seriously, who still uses a damn alarm to wake out of bed?
Well, if everyone were still using it then… maybe because her name wasn’t everyone that’s why she was different.
She flutters her eyes open and look around her large room which was decorated in her favorite color, Yellow.
She stretched her body and got out of bed, walking into the bathroom to have her bath and brush her teeth and…okay, let’s say in other word… to do her daily routine.
After she was done, she walked back out of the bathroom to her room and went into the large closet that was no where near Malby’s large closet.
Okay, enough with the comparison.
Tricky got dressed into a blue bumshort and a black crop top. She combed throu-ghher black straight hair and applied some make up on her face.
She sighed, admiring herself in the full length mirror standing at the corner of her room.
She loves admiring herself. It makes her feel superior.
Too bad someone at school was more superior…
…Malby.
She hates that girl’s guts.
She hates the fact that she can’t have what Malby have.
She hates the fact that she can’t be like Malby.
She hates the fact that someone like Malby exist!
Someone who was superior to her.
Someone who seems to make life difficult for her even without trying.
Yeah, Malby seems to have whatever she wants…well that story was going to change because she was greedy now.
She was desperate.
She wants something that Malby don’t have.
Something that Malby wants so much but can’t seem to have it. She might already have it but Tricky was Willing and ready to take it back.
Something_or probably Someone_ Xander, of course.
She twirled around still staring at herself in the mirror then a smirk suddenly appeared on her face as her phone beeped_it was a text from Manuel _
*What Tricky wants, Tricky gets.*
Her mother always say that when she was much younger but changed for only God knows why.
Tricky dad had left them when she was just ten years of age.
She knew he would leave soon because of his constant fight with her mother.
He keeps reminding her of something that had happened in the past. About her fighting over a man to the extent of faking a pregnancy.
Tricky kind of admired her mother for that but later got disappointed when she discovered that her mother gave up on this man.
Tricky glance down at the message Manuel had sent to her and read throu-ghit.
Partner: Let’s meet. I will send you the address of where we should meet:-(
Tricky: we should meet like now??:-(
After a while, a reply from Manuel came in.
Partner: Yeah:-(
Tricky smirked then switch the screen of her phone off before storming out of her room.
“Mom, I’m off!” Tricky announced while descending the stairs.
“Where are you off to, Tricky?” Her mother questioned, walking out of the kitchen.
“I need to meet up with a friend.” She replied as she start to wear her black converse shoe.
“Ricky?” Her mother asked. Tricky shakes her head, negatively. “Nicky?” It was still a negative reply. “Then who?”
Tricky let out a frustrated sigh as she stared at her mother. “You don’t need to know all of my friends, mother.”
“Whatever. You need to have breakfast.”
Tricky glance at the wall clock and it reads; 12:20.
“It shouldn’t be considered as breakfast. It’s already noon. And you don’t have to worry, I will grab something to eat with this friend of mine.” Her phone dinged which signifies a text message, Tricky stared down at the message and as she expected it was a text from Manuel, telling her the address of where they should meet up. She looks up to her mother with a smile on her face. “I’m off.” With that, she ran out of the house.
??????????
(A/N: I’m sure most of you should have already gotten the hint of who this special guest is. But to some of us who still doesn’t get…well, get ready to be shocked?)
?Kara’s Pov?
“That girl always seem to remind me of you.” My dad said as i walked back into the kitchen.
“No way. I wasn’t like that.” I defended.
“True.” Of course, it was true because i wasn’t rude or disrespectful like Tricky, who so happens to be my daughter. Only child.
I love my child so much and I’m damn ready to do anything…I repeat, anything for her.
Although I might not have had her with a more responsible man or with the man I love but even at that I still love my daughter.
To some of you who knows about my story and seem to hate me so much… Well, I’m changed.
I’m different.
Different from that greedy girl who wants to get the whole world even if it meant taking the life of someone else.
Different from that girl who was so so so obsessed with a guy. A handsome guy, just to be precise.
Different from that cold-hearted bi-tch who had to fake being pregnant because of she wants to keep a guy to herself.
I was different.
And it was a good different.
All thanks to my grandparents who disciplined me to be a better person.
I owe them for that.
But truth be told…I still wasn’t over with Malcolm.
I still want him, but that’s so impossible.
He was a father now with a child. A child he so much love.
Don’t ask me how I got to know that!
And as for me, I have a different life also.
A life for my daughter.
But that girl was making things really difficult for me.
I think I might have spoilt her instead of taking actual care of her.
“You were rather worse than her.” My father said in a more serious tone.
Wait. What?
I glared at my father who was sipping at his coffee now, looking all innocent as if he hadn’t just said something mean.
“That was mean and a lie.” I retorted.
He chuckles. “Oh it’s so true, darling. Ruby can testify.”
I almost puke at the mention of that name.
I might have changed but I still don’t like that girl.
The fact that she stole Malcolm away from me is something I can never forget.
Yeah, everyone have gone their separate ways. Everyone have forgotten about those awful past.
Everyone are starting afresh with their children.
But to me, the past was still fresh.
Ruby Darlings is someone I still hate.
Trust me.
But what can I do…? The past is in the past after all.
Our story have ended and i think it’s time our children take off from where we left.
What was i even saying?
Dad was right! I was worse compare to how my daughter is now.
“I should get prepared for work.” I now say, walking out of the kitchen.
“Okay!” He called out from the kitchen.
I didn’t turn around to him. I just left.
I might have said that I want my kid to start off from where I stopped…. but in reality, was that what I really wanted?
??????????
?Malby’s Pov?
“Really? The amusement park?”
“You love the amusement park, babe.” I pointed out.
True. But I wasn’t expecting him to bring me to the amusement park. Hey, it’s not like I was complaining or anything… let’s just say i was expecting something different. Something new.
“I come to the amusement park almost everyday, Xander.”
“You do? When last did you come here then?”
I stayed quiet as i thought about it. I haven’t been to the amusement park for like…Holy shit! One year!
Damn!
I didn’t even realize that it have been so long since I last came to my favorite place.
I should be more appreciative to Xander for bringing me here for our date.
I slung my arm around his and grinned at him, sheepishly.
He glance down at me giving me the you-see look.
“So, what are we going to do now?” I ask, beaming in excitement now as I jumped up and down like a five year old who has just be offered a candy.
Xander laughed at my childish behavior but pulled me over to the merry-go-round.
This was our favorite game when we were still kids.
I grinned at him, giving him thumbs up. “Nice choice, babe.”
??????????
“That was so much fun!” I giggled, walking hand in hand with my boyfriend as we walked down the park.
“Yeah right!” He agreed.
We played almost all of the games in the park. It was so much fun and each game we played we made sure we took pictures.
Either Xander was taking pictures of me with his phone or I was taking pictures of him with my phone.
But we haven’t taken any picture together. Yet.
There was a comfortable silence between us as we watched kids run around the park while giggling.
This scene made me reminisce about the past.
I can’t forget the times and days I spent with Xander while we were kids.
We spent most of our time together. We played, talked, eat, slept, dance, sing…we practically did everything together.
We were so fond of each other that either of us can’t stay without seeing the other.
We were actually addicted to each other.
I smiled as those memories played in my head.
“Remembering our childhood days?” He questioned, pulling me out of my trance.
“Yeah.” I answered honestly, smiling.
“Me too. Thinking back I think I’d fallen for you for a pretty long time.”
“Really?” I ask wide eyes.
He laughed at my sudden reaction. “Yeah. And hey, don’t go flattering yourself.”
I laughed. “Can’t help it.” I can’t believe my best friend have had a crush on me since we were little.
I can’t believe I wasn’t the only one sailing the boat.
I thought I was the only one. I thought Xander never saw me as a girl but just as his buddy who he always have fun with or a little girl who was nothing but like a little sister to him.
I was so wrong. While I was sailing the boat, Xander was underneath the water, pushing the boat along with me.
Maybe that’s why I couldn’t see him and I thought it was a one sided love story.
I smiled.
He likes me just as much as I like him too.
We kept walking until I sighted an ice cream cart.
I smiled and turned to Xander. “Let’s get ice cream.” I say.
He smiled and nodded his head ‘yes’ and quickly dragged him along with me to the ice cream cart.
“Hello lovelies.” An old woman who seem to be the owner of the ice cream cart smiled at us.
“Hi.” We said to her, smiling.
“You guys make such a wonderful couple. I can’t seem to get my eyes off you both as you had so much fun while playing those games.” She said.
Was it that obvious that we were couples?
And hey, she said we make a wonderful couple.
I can’t help the blus-h that appeared on my face.
“Thanks?” That sounded like a question coming out of Xander’s li-ps. I guess he doesn’t know how to reply to that in the first place.
“What flavor do you guys want?” She asked, beaming at us.
“Vanilla for him…” I began but Xander cuts in.
“Strawberry for her.”
The woman smiled and go ahead with out orders.
She handed Xander a vanilla coned ice cream and handed me a strawberry. We paid her and thanked her.
We turned to leave but she stopped us with her next words.
“Want me to take a picture for you both?”
“Really?”
She smiled. “You guys are just so lovely.”
I handed her my phone and walked over to stand beside Xander.
We took few pictures then we finally got tired of taking pictures
“Thanks.” We said to the woman in unison.
She waved us off. “It’s no problem. I hope to see you guys next time. And i also hope that you guys relationship gets stronger.”
We smiled and thanked her once again before leaving.
I stare down at the photos and i just couldn’t stop grinning.
There was one when I was staring at the camera while Xander was staring at me with the ice cream against his li-ps.
I scrolled throu-ghto the next, and it was one when Xander and i were staring Into each other’s eyes, smiling with the ice cream in our hands.
And there was also one when I was the one staring at Xander as he stared at the camera.
To cut the long story short, the pictures were magnificent.
??????????
“Why are we here?” I asked looking around the deserted place.
We were currently at the back of a giant rock. At the front of the rock was a river. Not blue. Just a river with colorless waters.
He smiled, tugging me down to sit beside him. “To listen to our heartbeat.” That was his reply.
I say down beside him with a smile plastered on my face and rested my head on his shoulder.
“Not bad.” I muttered shutting my eyes close.
“Hmm.”
Neither of us said a word as we listened to the rhythm of our heart beat that went in sync.
“I told Mona.” I suddenly said, breaking the silence that had fallen between us.
“What?” He asked confused.
“I told Mona about us going out.” I said specifically.
“And how is that a problem?” He questioned not getting the point clear.
Xander doesn’t know about Mona’s feelings for him.
Well, it wasn’t a surprise because she clearly didn’t tell him about her feelings. She never confessed.
I knew she wasn’t very happy about the news of Xander and i dating now.
It’s her first love we are talking about here! She has every right to be mad at me but it quite shocking to me that she wasn’t.
She rather acted to be alright.
Yeah, it was quite obvious that she pretended to be okay with Xander and i dating but I knew she wasn’t.
I could see the pain in her eyes and it really hurt me to know that I was the cause of her pain.
She was my best friend….but I knew de-ep down that I’ve lost her. It was the price I have to pay in being with Xander.
But here is the question that seems to make my head move in circles…Do I have any regret in being with Xander even with the fact that I’ve lost a best friend?
*
*
*
#To Be Continued…