"Is that all?"
"Yup." I nodded at grandma after she asked few questions about what happened earlier.
She loosened her apron and faced me."Hmm, why did you not forgive him?"
"Huh? I already forgave my father, grandma." I reasoned out, a bit confused.
She chuckled and shook her head.
"Silly. I'm not pertaining to Martin, I mean, your ex-boyfriend. That... what's his name again? Lorenzo?"
I put down the bowl I'm holding."Yukenzo." I corrected her.
"Oh, yeah! I'm happy you can now forgive the people around you. You have learned not to get stuck in the past. But why can't you do the same to this particular boy..." she trailed off.
I sighed heavily. I know where this will go. I get her point, too. It's just that... I can take all the risk so fast, like before. I can't be impulsive again. I need to decide properly.
"I already forgave him, in my heart, I know he's already forgiven. He has no entire fault by the way. But... I can't stay close to him yet. We both separated ways and tried to move on, we need some space to adjust because things has changed." I explained.
I just really hope he can understand and if he really is still into me, he should wait. I know I've been making him wait since then but I want him to be patient. Because I didn't just leave to move on and start a new life. I left because I need to change myself, to strive for the better, to do better. So I can deserve him when the right time comes.
Hopefully, this is the right time for us. I hope fate may favor us this time.
"Come, come! You're always welcome here, Van! You're the princess of this palace!" Innov roared a laugh while urging me to follow him.
I just tsked and followed him. It's weekend today and Yuna's the one who will manage the boutique for the meantime. I was gone shocked the moment I opened my eyes and a text welcomed me. A text from Innov, telling me to come over here the mansion for a reunion. He didn't tell me who's there yet so it made me excited.
And when I finally got here, I saw the first girl friend I had. Wearing wide pants and blazers, Rocelia jumped out to hug me. To my greatest shock, I nearly forgotten about the existence of the two guys with her. The best of friends, Yukenzo and Vencie. Yuki's wearing a cargo shorts and plain tee shirt while Vencie's in a leather jacket, white shirt and rugged jeans.
We bonded for a moment, shared those moments we missed and all. I also, realized that Vencie took the same profession as his friend, Lia passed her exam and became a licensed teacher. I'm so proud of them.
Now, we're on the rooftop of the mansion as Innov accompanied us there. He also brought root beers, chips, nachos, and other salty foods. Vencie's too happy with the setup.
"I know you won't believe this but..." Lia paused and gave me a smile. I raised my brow, daringly, took one shot."I'm engaged! Apparently, with him!" She grabbed Vencie and showed us the ring on her finger.
My jaw dropped, I nearly blows out the drink. She laughed at my reaction.
"Damn. Really?" I cannot believe it!
She nod and Vencie, too. They looked happy together, perfect for each other. So, that's why she's looking blooming since I saw her.
"Well, congrats! Wow!" All I could say.
She giggled."You're all invited, huh! Though, there's no exact date yet. Hmm, come to think of it. You two supposed to be engaged now before us but..."
Silence occured. She bit her lip and I noticed her face getting red. Vencie and I, both nod. We have the same feels. His fiance is tipsy already.
"Ihhh! Can't my ship sail again? Why don't you come back in each other's arm? Now that everything's being settled?" She continued.
I massaged my temple.
"Hey... you're tipsy already..."
"No, hubby!" Lia just pinched her fiance's face and we're shocked as she kissed him on the lips.
I looked away but I immediately regretted it. I caught Yukenzo staring at me, our eyes met. He bit his lip and slowly looked down. I blinked.
After almost five hours of bond with them, they decided to go home, especially Lia, she fell asleep in Vencie's arms. While heading downstairs, Dad appeared.
"You go home now?" He asked, eyes moved down to my sleeping friend."What happened?"
"She passed out, low alcohol tolerance." I explained.
Yuki and Vencie bid their goodbyes at him politely."Thank you, Mr. Arnaez. Sorry for the trouble..."
Dad laughed."It's okay, you're my daughter's friends anyway..."
"There's this one who sees your daughter more than friends, Sir." My eyes widened when Vencie added that.
Dad arched his brow."Really?" His eyes gazed at Yukenzo.
I bit my lip,"Uhm, Dad. I'm gonna accompany them outside..." I interrupted and sighed in relief when it succeeded.
"Sure thing. Be safe!"
I'm hearing Vencie's chuckle as we headed outside the mansion. He only stopped after his grumpy friend shut him up. He went to their car first to put Lia there.
When I saw Yukenzo's back. I gulped a multiple times and I found myself walking near him.
"Uh... uhm..." shit! What am I thinking? What will I say?
He stiffened for a moment but didn't make a single move. Come on, Vanez! You can do it!
"Y-you're gonna go home now? W-why don't you eat first?" I stuttered.
Where's my bravery as of now?
"Well, yup. I'm full." How cold.
"Oh... okay..." is that it? Make another move! He's stiff as usual!"A-about yesterday--" I'm surprised when he cut me off right away.
"Just forget about it if that bothers you. Or maybe we should... uh, really forget what happened." He stepped forward, I'm stilled.
Is that it? He really want it that way? Did he mean that? Unbelievable!
"But I thought you're still inlove with me? You just said you're still into me! Did you just lie to me? You're confusing the hell outta me!" I can't control my mouth anymore.
My tears immediately pooled.
"I'm not telling you to wait because I'm not sure of how things will work if we force us! But I'm hoping, silently... I'm hoping you can understand me. I'm sorry, alright?! I'm sorry! For not giving you the chance to explain, for leaving you behind! I'm just so hurt! That I can't even see anyone of you! Even how much you can comfort me with your words, it was still not enough to ease the pain I have felt that time!" I sobbed.
I heard his heavy breathing, he's not facing me yet and I'm annoyed, so annoyed.
"But if you already gave up everything... then, fine! Whatever! At least I admit all of these, that you're not the only one who's hurting! I just assumed there are things remained the same but guess I'm wrong--"
I paused, not because I did but because of his lips. He just turned around and kissed me! I'm wide-eyed while his eyes were firmly closed, his hands were on the side of my neck. His kisses slowly drowning me. I let myself get drowned.
"I didn't give up... and I will never give up on you. I waited for this, how can I waste the chance? I can wait even if it takes forever. You're worth the wait. Always..." he whispered between our kiss.
And for the second time around, with the same person, I let myself fall again.