❤️THE SPACE IN BETWEEN❤️
?Age is just a number?
✍️Written By Precious Pinky✍️
?Chapter Twenty (20)?
#NOT EDITED.
Theme: …Love and Friendship?.
?Malby’s Pov?
*Tomorrow…. let’s go on a date after school.*
Manuel eyes wide-ned as soon as I let those words out.
He must be very surprise.
I was surprised as well.
I mean, why the hell was I asking my friend out on a date when I have a boyfriend who was just few miles away from me. Us.
Wait, should this be considered as cheating on your boyfriend? Because I kinda feel like I’m cheating on Xander right now.
But even at that I still don’t regret asking Manuel out on a date.
I want to spend time with him. I want to have an alone time with him. Just the both of us. Me and him.
I’d promised to cross out those list with him and that’s exactly what I was doing.
I want to give Manuel a reason to live. I want him to forget about those scars, those nightmares, those negative thoughts and think about the goodness of the world.
It’s quite unfortunate that he didn’t have a normal life while growing up as a kid. I can’t even imagine the pain, the agony, the boredom, the loneliness he must have felt.
Sometimes I wonder, when Xander and i were playing merry-go-round with Uncle Tyler when we were kids, what was Manuel doing?
Was he self harming himself?
Was his father hitting him?
What exactly happened?
Manuel didn’t exactly tell me the whole story. He just told me the part about being a suicidal guy because he thought I would leave him.
Honestly I never saw him as a freak. Yeah, I was a bit scared and no, it wasn’t because I was afraid of him or something. It was rather because I was scared of losing such a wonderful friend like him.
I didn’t know what he was like at first, we were just talking for the second time ever that day but it felt like I’ve known him all my life.
I didn’t pity him. I’m most certainly sure that he doesn’t want that but I was scared for him.
What happened to him?
What kind of life was he living?
What made him think that the best solution to his problem is by ending his life?
Who might have hurt him?
Those were my thoughts when he told me about being a suicidal guy.
He didn’t tell me anything afterwards but then, I came to realize that the cause of his problems and scars should be relating to his father. And mother.
#9. I want to stand up for myself against my father.
#10. I want to see mother one last time.
That was a very easy clue. Trust me.
I might be dumb when it comes to school activities but I wasn’t that dumb.
I can still put two to two together.
“Are you serious right now?” He finally asked, bringing his eyes back to the normal size.
For a minute, I thought his eyeballs were going to fall out due to how wide he had opened them.
I nodded my head ‘yes’ With a smile on my face.
“You…Wait, you are serious?”
What’s wrong with him now? How many times do I have to answer that question that’s judging me already?
And why was he giving me that look? I’m already feeling guilty. Xander is going to be so mad at me for doing this.
But if I explain everything to him maybe he wouldn’t hate me. For too long.
God, was I even doing the right thing? Will I regret this later in the future? This is the perfect time when I say, ‘God show me the way.’
I didn’t say anything.
I just fold my arms over my ch-est and stared at him.
He stared back.
His eyes were going wide now. Again.
“Your eyeballs may fall out.” I pointed out.
He shut his eyes close and for a while he remained that way.
Three.
Two.
One.
He snapped them open and this time around they weren’t at the verge of coming off.
“But…but why all of a sudden?”
I shrugged. “Just want to spend time with my friend. That isn’t a bad thing, right?”
“I..I… How about Xander? Wouldn’t he be mad or something?”
“I’m not doing anything bad, Manuel. I’m just going out on a date with you. As a friend.” Why does it feel like I was trying to justify this situation and convince myself that I wasn’t doing anything bad?
Why am i defending myself already?
I could swear that I saw something flash in Manuel’s eyes but it disappeared just as it came.
“Are you sure he wouldn’t mind?”
I let out a sigh. “Stop worrying about Xander. I will talk to him and explain everything to him. He will understand,” Well, I hope he does. “Just give me a reply. Yes or no?”
“i don’t see why not?” He smiled.
“Good.” I smiled back. “So tomorrow after school?”
“Sure.”
Okay, this was settled now, all I just need to do right now is to find Xander and tell him about my plans for tomorrow.
??????????
?Xander’s Pov?
*Tomorrow…. Let’s go on a date after school.*
*Let’s go on a date.*
*Let’s go on a date.*
I clenched my fist as that word kept ringing in my head.
My ch-est felt heavy.
My heart ache.
I feel sad, angry, hurt…everything that sounds depressing, I feel all right now.
Why does she have to do this to me?
Why did she ask him out on a date?
She doesn’t have any kind of feelings for him, right? I mean, she said she likes me not him.
She accepted to be with me and not. She is my girlfriend not his.
But why does it still feel like I was losing her?
Hell, that thought scares the shit out of me.
I don’t want to lose Malby.
Never.
I had seen her when she left and came outside. I was going to follow her when Manuel beat me to it and went outside.
I thought he was going to just say hello to her and leave but as I stood behind them, I could see how happy she was talking to Manuel.
She even chose to come to karaoke because of him and not because she wanted to come.
She did it for him.
I was jealous.
I was vexed.
It’s my girlfriend we are talking about here so I have every fu-cking right to feel this damn way.
I rested my palm on the car bonnet and stare down at my feet. I was currently at the parking lot. It was the only safest place I could think to stay away from them.
I sque-ezed my eyes shut as my breathing became heavy.
I shouldn’t have dated Malby. No, I wasn’t regretting it. In fact I’m very happy to be dating her but…what if this relationship doesn’t work out, will it affect our friendship?
Malby is my best friend and I don’t want to lose her as a girlfriend and a best friend.
But what if we eventually break up, will it affect our friendship?
Will I still lose her either way?
Shit! i should have thought about the consequences of ignoring our difference in age and dating her.
I should have thought about the negativity of the whole thing before asking her to be my girlfriend.
I’m so stupid.
But then again, do I regret being with her now?
And the answer is no.
A capital NO.
“You will get old on time if you keep thinking like this.”
I didn’t have to turn around to know who it was that just spoke.
I just pushed myself off the car and walked around to get in but she quickly came around to stand in front of me.
What’s wrong with this bi-tch ?
Can’t she see that I don’t want to talk to anyone right now?
Or was her fake bre-ast obstructing her eyesight?
I hate girls who are fake. And Tricky so happens to be one of them.
No wonder she was named Tricky.
It suit her so perfectly.
“Get off my way.” I said, glaring at her.
I’m so pissed right now and if Tricky tries to do anything funny, she won’t like what I will do to her in return.
I wasn’t the kind of guy who beats a lady. Hell, I’ve never hit a lady before.
Every lady deserves to be treated as a queen. They deserve to be respected and not treated like trash or disrespected.
I have a huge spot for women.
But sometimes, Tricky always make me want to do the opposite.
The fact that she always go around and say annoying things about Malby was upsetting me and sometimes I feel like ripping her head off her body but then, I remember my vow about respecting women.
And i trust my girl to handle bi-tch es like Tricky.
“Oh come on, Xander. You definitely don’t want me to leave. I mean, look at you, you look so depressed and heartbroken.” She clic-ked her tongue, smiling. “Does it have anything to do with what I saw at the balcony?”
I clenched my fist more tightly. I could even hear the crack of my bones but i didn’t care.
I just shoot daggers at Tricky who was still smiling.
“Get out of my way now that I ask nicely.” I said, still trying to keep it cool.
She folds her arms across her ch-est. “Or what? You will hit me? Push me? What will you do, Xander? I’m trying to help you out here. I’m trying to help you forget the pain that your dear girlfriend had just caused you. I’m _”
“And did I ask for your fu-cking help?” I snapped. She flinched at my outburst and hell, I love that. “What happens between Malby and i have nothing to do with you. she’s my girlfriend and I love her so much and I also trust her so stop trying to break a relationship that can never be broken.”
She glared at me and before I knew it, a smirk suddenly appeared on her face. “And what if your dear girlfriend chooses the other guy over you. What if she wants the relationship to be broken right from the very beginning? Would you still consider that relationship as being unbreakable?”
My clenched fist suddenly unclenched itself. My hardened face became softened but my ch-est felt tighter than earlier. My heart aches more.
What if Tricky is right?
Will the relationship be considered as being unbreakable if Malby wants us to break up right from the beginning?
Will she choose Manuel over me later in the future?
“You don’t know what to say, do you, Xander? Are you thinking about who Malby will choose later in the future? Are you not so sure about her choosing you?” She shook her head while smirking. “You doubt her.”
Damn, this bi-tch is right!
I doubt Malby.
I doubt my Malby.
I don’t trust her because if I do then I wouldn’t be here having this pointless conversation with this thing; ladies forgive my manners but this girl is making me go crazy. She’s fu-cking getting on my nerves!
I wouldn’t be letting all the things she’s saying get into my fu-cking brain and head.
“Get out of my way.” I growled.
She shoots her hands up in the air as if in surrender and took a step away from the car.
I opened the car and got in just when I was about to slam the door shut, she stopped me.
“You shouldn’t be worried about what Malby is going to do, be worried about what I’m going to do.” She smiled, letting go of my hand. “Congratulations to us for coming second.” She started laughing, walking away.
What did she just say?
I shouldn’t be worried about what Malby is going to do but I should rather be worried about what she’s going to do?
What is Tricky planning?
And why is she so determined to break us apart? Just like how Manuel is trying to break us apart….
….Hold on a sec, what if they are both in this together? Manuel and Tricky?
??????????
?Malby’s Pov?
Ding!
Ding!
Ding!
I pulled my chair backwards and stood up to my feet, grabbing my schoolbag as well and storming out of the cla-ssroom.
Do you know how long I’ve wished, prayed and hoped for the bell to go off?
You wouldn’t even understand.
I hate school!!!!
Mom, can you hear that?
fu-ck off.
I approached my locker, just when I was about to do the lock combination, Mona and Greta walked up to me.
“Hey girl.” They smiled.
I smiled back.
“You look like a-ss.” Greta pointed out.
“Thanks for the compliment, Greta. And i hope Matt take your sandwich again during lunch.”
Mona started laughing while Greta shoot daggers at my way.
But guess what, I care less.
I did my locker combination and dropped my maths textbook, exchanging it with English textbook.
“Seems like the maths made you go crazy.” Mona said after controlling her laughter.
“Like seriously. I’m beginning to hate the letter X. I mean, why do they keep asking us to find that damn letter when it’s right on the board?”
“You know you sound like a dummy right now.”
“And how can you possibly hate the letter X when you are so in love with a guy whose name begins with a letter X.” Greta winked, smiling.
“I know right! I can never hate that letter. Never.” I paused. “How did you know about Xander and i?” I asked Greta now.
“I told her. And besides every other person knows in school. It’s no longer a secret.” Mona said.
I didn’t say any other thing as we started walking down to the English cla-ssroom, talking about, nothing.
Hey, don’t give me that look. I just zoned out. I don’t want to hear whatever they are saying, I just want to think.
I have no future in coming to school. Coming to school is like a waste of time, money, and talent.
I don’t want to be a lawyer. I can never be one.
I don’t see myself being one.
I want to be a pop…Rap star.
I want to be….me.
I want to do something that I know I can do. Something that won’t make me feel dumb but rather make me happy.
Why can’t i just to that?
Why do i even have to be a perfect daughter for mom if she just can’t do the one thing I want!
Mona, Greta and I took our seat at the back row.
They were still talking and laughing while I rested my head against the table, shutting my eyes close.
Just when I thought I would be having my peaceful moment, my phone dinged.
I gro-aned inwardly before raising my head up and glancing down at my phone.
Sandal??: Can we talk later after school?:-(
Shoot!
I have to be somewhere with Manuel. I haven’t even talk to Xander yet about my plans with Manuel.
When I thought I would tell him yesterday, I didn’t see him around.
I tried calling him but he wasn’t answering.
He left without me. That jerk.
Me: Why?:-(
That was a very dumb question to ask him.
What is why?
Why should I be asking him why?
Damn, that maths must have affected my brain.
But like seriously, what’s wrong with me? What’s so wrong for a boyfriend to want to speak to his girlfriend?
Damn my subconsciousness for being so damn right.
Sandal??: I need to talk to you about something. So can we meet?:-(
Me: Um… I’m sorry but I have to be somewhere with Manuel. I made plans with him for today. I was going to tell you yesterday but I didn’t see you around, you’ve already gone. Can we talk about this Something later? And why did you leave just like that yesterday?:-(
He has seen it.
He fu-cking read it but didn’t reply.
I kept staring down at my phone but no message was coming throu-gh.
Was he mad at me?
Was he angry with the fact that I made plans with Manuel?
Should I not have told him?
But a good girlfriend who has nothing to hide will tell her boyfriend about who she made plans With.
Right?
Or have I made a mistake?
I was going to type again when the English teacher walked in.
I turned the screen of my phone off and dropped my phone on my lap.
Mona and Greta have already stop talking and was listening attentively to the teacher now.
I wish I was this attentive…Okay, I was. But my blockhead wouldn’t Just take in what this teachers teaches.
My phone suddenly dinged.
I secretly unlocked my phone and read the text that was from my boyfriend.
Sandal??: Okay. Have fun then:-(
I know Xander very well and hell, he doesn’t sound so happy.
He was angry.
I hate to see him angry.
I hate to know that I was the reason for his anger.
I hate to cause him pain and it looks like I was causing him pain already.
Me: Where are you now?:-(
He replied almost immediately.
Sandal??: Taking drug at the back of the school with Sam and Zayn:-(
Idiot!
Me: I’m serious:-(
Sandal??: At the school clinic:-(
My eyes shot open. What was he doing at the school clinic? Was he hurt? fu-ck, fu-ck, fu-ck, fu-ck.
Just then another text pop up from him.
Sandal??: We are doing some practical. Remind me why I chose to go for medicine again?:-(
Oh.
He wasn’t hurt.
I was so scared.
I let out a breath I didn’t even realize I was holding until now.
Me: Because you want to see how a baby’s head pops out of a woman’s v*gina:-(
Sandal??: Haha?. Funny?.
We were back to being best friends. I miss this side of Xander. In fact I miss every sides of Xander.
Me: Um, hope you aren’t mad at me about going on a date with Manuel?:-(
No reply.
He has seen it but he didn’t reply.
Yup. He was angry.
I look up at my side and I found Mona and Greta staring at me, giving me the aww-love-in-the-building look.
I rolled my eyes, looking away.
Tsk, stupid.
Just then a text popped out.
Sandal??: I’m yours and you are mine. Yes, I’m afraid of losing you but I know one thing for fact, you will never leave me. So no, I was angry at first but that’s foolishness. Besides, you are my girlfriend and if you dare choose to break my heart, I will drag us both to hell:-(
Me: Why not heaven?:-(
I joked.
Sandal??: ?.
Me: Lol. You are right though, I’m yours and I will never hurt or leave you. Never. Trust me:-(
Sandal??: I do babe?.
Just then another text came in again.
Sandal??: Do you know what I’m doing right now? We are given a-ssignment to study the private parts of a woman…So I’m currently studying one now:-(
I smiled as i read the text.
I can never choose any guy that isn’t Xander.
I love Xander so much and I’m ready to be with him.
Even if it means fighting for our love, I’m ready.
“Why are you smiling like that, Malby?” Mr Fred asked, staring at me. The whole clas-swere.
“You won’t understand, Mr Fred. You won’t.”
And that was the truth, because he won’t understand the chemistry between Xander and I.
??????????
It was break.
Mona, Greta and I went to our spot in the cafeteria with our food in hands and sat down, dropping our food on the table as well.
“Guys, I have something to say,” Mona began breaking the silence. Greta and I looked up at her with curious looks on our faces. “I… i will be getting transferred to another school when this term is over.” She informed.
“Wait, what?” Greta yelled, gaining the attention of other students who shot glares at her. “fu-ck off.” She said, looking back at Mona.
“I know is too sudden but…”
“It has something to do with Xander and i dating, doesn’t it?” I asked, cutting her off from whatever excuses she was going to give. She opens her mouth to talk but shut it up, saying nothing. It does.
“But I thought Mona was happy for you both… i mean, why would she want to leave because of that?”
“Maybe because she wanted Xander as much as I do but he chose me over her and she felt like a loser and chose to runaway.” I spat angrily.
I know I shouldn’t have said that. Hell, I shouldn’t be surprise at all because I clearly saw this coming.
I saw the pain in her eyes when I told her about Xander and I. I saw the hurt. But she did everything in her power to mask it up.
But couldn’t.
I was mad at her, funny enough.
I was rather scared.
This was the one thing I was afraid of…, losing my best friend. Mona.
She will leave when this term is over and it will be over in less than a mouth.
The seniors would be graduating, we will be going into a new clas-sand my best friend would be leaving.
Speaking about the seniors leaving…. which college is Xander planning on going?
Would it be far from home?
Will our relationship ever last?
Okay, I shouldn’t think about that now I should focus on the matter at hand. I will discuss with Xander about his dream college later in the day.
“That was mean, Malby.” Greta pointed out.
Hell, it was. But I’m angry. So angry.
I balled my fist, staring at Mona who was staring right back at me.
“I’m sorry.” She whispered.
I shook my head, getting up to my feet. I grabbed my food off the table and stormed out.
I dumped the food in the trash bin before storming out of the cafeteria.
I was pissed.
I was mad.
Why will she just make plans of leaving because of my relationship with Xander?
If she doesn’t want it in the first place then she would have just said that.
I walked down to the football field and took a sit at the top of the bleachers.
I don’t want to lose her. She should have just yell at me for stealing Xander away from her the day I told her about us.
I’d hurt her.
But she doesn’t want to lose me as a friend and that’s why she chose to leave quietly.
I should be supportive of her decision instead of getting angry.
“What’s going on in that little head of yours, babe?” He pressed a ki-ss at the side of my head, wrapping his arms around my body and pulling me against his body.
I suddenly felt warmth.
“I was just thinking.” I admitted.
“Thinking about what?”
“Mona.” I answered sincerely not looking at Xander, who I’m sure was staring at me in confusion.
“What about Mona?”
I sighed, adverting my gaze to stare down at my lap. “She wants to get transferred to another school after this term.”
“Why?”
“Xander…” I think it’s time I told him about Mona undying love for him. “Mona likes you as well. She has had a crush on you ever since the day she set eyes on you but she couldn’t tell you about her feelings because she was afraid of getting rejected. I was going to tell her about my feelings for you too but…I didn’t. I…” I gulped down the lump on my throat. “…I hurt her, Xander. I stole you from her.”
Xander tightened his hold around my body and before I knew it, he pulled me to his lap and wrapped his arms on my wai-st.
“You didn’t steal me from anyone, Malby. I’ve been yours right from the beginning. Do you know how long I’ve had a crush on my best friend which so happens to be you? I like you so much and I’m so sad to know that Mona likes me but i don’t feel the same way for her. I like Mona but it’s just as a friend. The one I like is you. Malby. My best friend.”
I smiled as i wrapped my arms around Xander’s neck and pressed a ki-ss on his forehead.
“Don’t ever think I will choose Manuel over you,” Wait, why was I saying that? We were talking about Mona and not Manuel. I don’t know, I just felt this urge of telling him this. “Manuel is just a friend. He needs a companion because of his past. I don’t want him to self harm himself again, I want to give him a reason to live and that’s why I decided to cross out some list with him.” I explained.
“What if he does see a reason to live and that reason happens to be… you?” Xander suddenly asked. “What will happen then?”
I didn’t say anything.
Like seriously, what was i suppose to say to that?
He tightened his arms around my wai-st and pulled me closer, resting his head on my ch-est(or bre-ast ).
“I shouldn’t be asking you whether you trust me or not or whether I should trust you or not. I should rather ask you this…” He looks up at my face. “Do you trust Manuel?”
“Should I not trust him?” I ask him instead.
Honestly I trust Manuel.
He’s a nice and great guy and not a bad person.
He’s just a guy with scars both physically and mentally.
Xander shrugged, ki-ssing me on my cheeks. “Just be careful.” Was all he said. “And um, I will also talk to Mona, okay?”
I just nodded my head.
But something still feels off. Its seems like Xander have heard something about Manuel that I might not have heard.
??????????
“Where are you going to again, Malby? You are just coming back from school for Pete’s sake.” Mom said.
“I know. I just need to meet up with a friend and also take Darla out for a walk as well.” I said, pointing at Darla who was standing right in front of me.
Mom rolled her eyes, letting out a sigh. “Which friend is this?” She asked.
“Manuel.” I replied. She raised a questioning brow at me. “You might not know him but I will invite him over for dinner one of this days. I promise.”
“Fine. But be back on time, okay?”
I shot her a salute, grinning. “Yes ma’am.”
??????????
“Let me see,” I read throu-ghhis list and a grin appeared on my face. “Let’s go to the amusement park…today is going to be, day out for Manuel! Feel free to do whatever you want, bills on me.” I winked.
He laughed. “Alright.” His gaze dropped down to Darla.
“Oh. Hope you don’t mind a third party?” I asked.
“Of course not. He’s cute anyway.” He tries ruffling Darla’s head but she barked, making Manuel take a step back.
“It’s a she. She must feel offended right now.”
“Oh. I’m so sorry.”
“Apologize to her not me.” I shrugged.
“I’m so sorry Darla.” Manuel apologized, she just huffed and look away. “She didn’t forgive me, did she?”
“Obviously not! I don’t think Darla is a great fan of you. They say first impression matters a lot, I think you’ve failed the test.”
“fu-ck.”
I laughed. “Don’t worry she will come around. Alright, let’s go have fun!” I held Darla’s leash in my left hand and held Manuel’s hand with my right, pulling them to the amusement park.
??????????
“What do you want to do first?” I asked Manuel.
He looks around before shrugging his shoulder. “I don’t know what game will be fun.”
“Then let us to do the honor in picking the games out for you, right Darla?” She huffed, looking away from us. “Okay, it’s official. She doesn’t like you.”
“Arrrrgh!”
“But good news is, I like you. So let’s go have fun!”
I locked Darla’s leash against a poll and pulled Manuel with me to the Merry-go-round.
~Few Hours Later~
Manuel and I played a lot of games and took some pictures.
We crossed out hashtag seven, which was to visit the amusement park.
I pulled Manuel to the ice cream cart at the corner of the amusement park, it was the same cart Xander and i came to during our date.
The woman we met from that day was smiling at us as we approached.
“Hey dear. You are here.” She smiled.
“Hi.” I waved.
She looks around. “Where is your prince charming? Didn’t bring him along?”
“Nah.”
Her gaze settled on Manuel who was glaring at her for some reasons I do not know. “Your friend?” I nodded my head ‘yes.’ She came closer to me and whispered in my ear. “Be careful.” She pulled back, smiling. “What flavor should I get you both?”
“Um… Vanilla for him…” I began but Manuel cut me off.
“And chocolate for her…” He said.
The woman raised her brow at us both.
This felt like a déjà vu, but the different here was that it isn’t Xander that’s here and I don’t like chocolate flavor, I hate that flavor. Yeah, I like chocolate but I don’t like it when it’s in a ice cream cone.
“Chocolate?” The woman asked, staring at me.
She knows the flavor I _Xander_ requested for me that day. It wasn’t chocolate but strawberry. Manuel doesn’t know me too well.
“what are you waiting for?” He asked the woman, getting annoyed at her delay of getting us our order.
“urm…sure.” She scooped some vanilla flavor in the ice cream cone and handed it over to Manuel. Then scooped some strawberry flavor and handed it to me.
“Wait, we ordered Chocolate not strawberry.” Manuel said, glaring at her.
What’s wrong with him? Why was he behaving like a total different person right now?
“It’s alright. Strawberry is fine by me. Thanks.” I collected the cone from her, smiling. Thanking her wasn’t just for appreciating her but also for giving me strawberry flavor instead of chocolate.
She smiled.
I paid her and we both left. Manuel and I.
I released Darla from the poll and smiled down at her.
“Let’s go watch some fishes swim, Darl.” I said.
“I’m sorry you didn’t get the chocolate.” Manuel suddenly said.
I look over at him and smiled. “It’s fine, Manuel. Strawberry is fine by me.” Very fine.
I don’t want to tell him about how much i hate chocolate ice cream. i don’t want him to feel more bad than he’s already feeling.
We didn’t say anything afterwards as we board a bus to an aquarium down town.
We finally got to an aquarium. Manuel, Darla and I got out from the bus and walked into the aquarium.
Damn, it’s been a while since I last came here.
I miss coming here actually.
Everywhere was just…blue.
And natural.
Aquatic animals were just swimming, entertaining those who had come to watch them.
I paid for our tickets before we went down to get a better view of the water creatures.
It was beautiful.
Darla started lic-king the glas-swhile I took picture of her and Manuel.
Manuel was grinning ear to ear as he watched the animals.
He was looking very happy.
“What do you say?” I asked, standing beside him now.
“It’s… it’s beautiful.” He said in a whisper.
“Told ya.” I grinned.
Manuel brou-ght out his list and crossed out hashtag six and one.
“We are going somewhere.” I chirped, clapping my hands together like a little child.
Manuel chuckles. “Yeah.”
“So Mr Manuel, where else will you like to go? Feel free to look out from your list.” I said, still smiling.
He looked down at his list and a smile appeared on his face. “I feel like screaming.” With that, I knew exactly what he meant.
“Let’s go do that then.”
??????????
“HELLO!” I screamed at the top of my lungs, jumping up and down with a huge grin on my face.
Darla was beside me, barking as well while Manuel came to stand in front of me. He wasn’t screaming. He was jst staring at me with a smile on his face.
“Come on, scream.” I said.
He clears his throat. “HELLO!” He screamed.
“Louder.”
“HELLO!” He screamed again.
“LOUDER!”
“HELLO!!!!”
I’m sure the fishes were running for their dear lives now.
Manuel kept screaming at the ocean. I just stood still and watched him.
It felt like he was venting out his anger. He was in pain and now he’s letting it all out.
He kept screaming , even his voice were already dying down.
Darla and I were just staring at him.
I look over at Darla while she looks over to me and barked before walking away.
She didn’t go far when she crawled herself to the ground.
I look back at Manuel who has stopped screaming now but was just staring at the ocean.
“They are floating it away, aren’t they?” I asked out of nowhere.
“I’m sure they are.” I replied.
We both sat down on the ground and stared at the ocean. Manuel brou-ght out the list and cross out hashtag eight.
“We’ve crossed out everything aside from this three which seems to be the most difficult.” He reasoned out and he was damn right.
“Hmm.” I hummed.
“If we get to cross out everything… what will happen between us?” He questioned.
I didn’t say anything.
“Will you pretend to not know me or would you still be my friend?” He dragged.
I sighed. “You will always and forever be my friend, Manuel. You are someone close to my heart now.” I said in all honesty.
He didn’t say anything.
Neither of us said a word.
We just listened to the wave the ocean was making.
“Can I ask a question?” He asked, looking at me now. i nodded my head in approval. “If you like someone and that person likes another person…what will you do? Will you want to fight for that person or will you let the person be with the one he or she likes even when it’s breaks your heart?”
“Why do you ask that?”
“Just wondering.”
“What do you think to fight for your love means?” I asked him, watching him closely.
“I don’t know?”
I smiled. “Neither do I. But i think to fight for your love means making them happy or seeing them happy even if you aren’t the cause of their happiness.” I sighed. “Love isn’t by force. It is only earned.”
“So does that mean you would let go?”
I smiled.
Now I get why Mona intend to transfer to another school…She wants to be happy. She wants to find her happiness else where. She wants to learn how to forget.
I shouldn’t have been selfish.
I should have been more supportive. That’s what a true friend will do.
“If he’s happy then I’m happy.”
??????????
?Manuel’s Pov?
*If he’s happy then I’m happy.*
But why am I not happy even with the fact that she’s happy?
Why does it still hurt to see her with another guy that isn’t me?
Why does it feel like the better way to happiness is by forcing it?
I clenched my jaw as I stared at the ocean.
Why does it feel like I’ve lost already?
Do I still want to work with Tricky to break Xander and Malby off?
Do I to see her heartbroken?
Will I regret my decision?
Suddenly, I felt someone’s head on my shoulder. I look down and it was her.
The girl that seem to have captured my heart so easily.
The one girl that….gave me a reason to live.
Malby have done a lot for me.
I was lonely, I needed a friend. I needed a companion. A needed a distraction…. Malby was my sweet distraction.
I don’t want to lose her.
“Manuel, do you know what I’m most afraid of?” She asked.
“What?”
“Not being with the guy I love. Xander. Not being with Xander scares me most.” She sighed. “But it feels like I would lose him sooner or later…” Her voice trailed off.
“Why do you think that?”
“My mother. She will never be in support with our relationship. She only sees Xander as a son and not as a son-in-law. And it scares me so much because the thought of not being with Xander…breaks me.” Her voice was so soft and sad.
I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her closet to myself.
I want to protect her.
I want to see her happy.
“Love hurts…” I said in a whisper.
“….like a bi-tch .” She agreed. She suddenly jerk her head up and look at me in the eyes now. “Do you have someone you love? who is it?” She questioned, smiling.
“Huh?”
“Come on, tell me who this lucky girl is?”
You.
You are the lucky girl, Malby.
You said you will show me a reason to live, and I think I’ve seen a reason to live….
…You.
But too bad I can never be with you.
Too bad I won’t be with you.
Too bad I have to let go of you. For your happiness.
But if you are happy…then I should learn to be happy as well.
“Let’s go. It’s getting late already.” I said, changing the topic as I got up to my feet.
She pout at me, standing up as well.
I laugh but started walking away, she quickly called out to Darla who woke up and came up to us and we all left, smiling.
Today was fun after all.
And i get to realize something, not every love story deserve a happy ending because right now…My love is lost.
??????????
?Malby’s Pov?
“I’m home!” I said as i walked into the house with Darla.
Darla left my side and went to sit in her spot, she must be very tired.
I walked down to the kitchen and gulped down some water and just when I was about to leave, mom stood in front of me, glaring.
“Hey,mom.” I smiled.
“We need to talk, Malby.” She said in her motherly tone and oh boy, I hate this tone of hers because it only means one thing… trouble. “Now.” She added, more sternly.
Something is wrong.
I could feel it.
*
*
*
#To Be Continued…