“ I've got a thousand and one questions, will I ever get answers to them? ”
***
   — Cecile —
“ How did you find out about her? ” The words rang in my mind like a bell. What was I meant to say? 
I stared away from him to the partly filled class. As an early comer, I'd always had the luxury of having an empty class to myself for relaxation and enjoyment. Just that this time, I wasn't enjoying myself. 
  I was feeling far from that. My gaze went back to Joel who was staring daggers at me. Though it's been just a few hours since we'd met. I was kind of intimidated by his gaze. 
   “ Well, I heard about her – ”
“ From who? ” I swallowed nervously, at the intensity of his gaze. How could one be so cool, yet so intimidating?
 “ I read about her online and somehow found out her connection to you. ” The unease in his orbs couldn't be mistaken. 
  “ Can you leave? I need some time to myself. ” I nodded, taking my leave almost immediately. 
***
— Joel —
The day went by in a blue and I found myself pondering on my interactions with Cecile that morning. 
What is she feeling towards me actually? 
Pity? Like everyone else? 
Well, I was definitely not interested in a pity party. 
“ Joel. ” I forced a smile at the sight of Essy, Jemmy's best friend. She reminds me so much of jemmy as they'd always been glued to each other when the latter were alive. And now? 
 “ Hi. ” I waved as I watched her close the distance between us. “ Can we talk for a few minutes? ” 
“ Sure. ” I nodded, taking a seat at one of the desks by the window side. 
“ I’m listening. ” I said after she'd taken a seat. 
“ Joel, you are not the same. ” Her words came more as a shock to me than I'd thought it would. 
“ Yeah. ” 
“ Jemmy's death changed all of us. ” 
“ Time of death 11:59am. ” The doctor's words on that dreadful Sunday morning rang in my mind. Is there a way that day should have been removed from the calendar so the tragedy that happened in it could have been prevented. 
“ I think about her everyday, Joel. ” 
“ Yeah. ”
“ She was the second most important thing in my life. She'd treated me like I was the most beautiful person ever. She saw the good in me when no one else did. She called my mess beautiful and helped me on a journey to finding myself and becoming all I've been destined to be. How could I not miss her, Joel? How could I not miss the presence of someone who's existence meant so much to me? How? ” She fished out a napkin from her purse and wiped out her tears, while I fought to hold back mine. 
“ She left and though I miss her so badly, I figured she'd want me to move on with my life. And that's what I'm trying to do everyday. ” She paused before staring at me in a way that reminded me so much of Jemmy. My long lost love. “ You should too, Joel. ”
I wish it was so easy. I wanted to say, but simply kept quiet. 
She probably wouldn't understand how much it hurts and I won't start explaining to her now, since she might never understand. It's not worth it. 
How could I tell her that my life loses its meaning when I try to stop thinking about her?
How could I tell her that thoughts of her are the only reason I'm still here hoping and dreaming? How can I really make her understand that? 
“ Jemmy reminded us of how short, yet beautiful life can be. She reminded me of taking it one day at a time and the importance of living in the moment. ” 
“ Yeah. ” I smiled as a memory flashed before my eyes. 
“ Joel… ” She had the most beautiful smile as she approached me in her bikini, looking so stunning as ever. 
“ Yes? ”
“ If you love someone. ” I'd stared at her, expectantly waiting for her next words which I believed will determine a lot given how profound and beautiful they are and they didn't disappoint. Not now, not ever. 
“ Tell them, okay? ”
“ Why? ” I smiled, slowly pulling her into my arms. 
“ Because tomorrow isn't guaranteed. ” Those words had rang in my ears for the longest time as their intensity hit me so harshly every single time. 
“ Her life despite being so short was beautiful and awe-inspiring. ” I couldn't help but agree more. 
“ She knew the importance of being grateful for the big things as well as the little things. ” 
“ Yeah. ”
“ She was a treasure we'll never forget. ”
“ Definitely. ”
“ But she'll want us to move on, you know. ” I dropped my head down as the intensity of her words hit me. There's no doubt that jemmy would want that. But can I really do that? 
….
A/N : What do you think, guys?