8:55 PM....
Rachel's POV...
"Hey! I was wondering if we could talk for a moment?" Alex ask. His soft voice tinkles through my ears.
"Ok," I answer casually. "Where?"
"The garden." Alex leads me to the garden to have a private talk, away from the boys.
We enter the garden and close the door of the house. The two of us standing as we look at each other face to face. It's been a while since we last have some alone time together.
"So, what is it?" I ask him.
Alex looks down on the ground with a guilty look. His face looks like he's trying to put together the right words to explain. "I just want to apologize to you. I should have told you about what I'm going through in the first place," Alex says. "I shouldn't have lied to you about it."
I let out a sigh as I stare at Alex with disappointment and shock. I didn't expect him to apologize to me this way, and that it was done unexpectedly. Honestly, I'm still disappointed by him, but looking at him tonight face to face reminds me on how much I still miss him.
"Why didn't you tell me?" I ask, curiousity is still running in my mind.
"I was a selfish coward," Alex says with guilt in his tone. "Honestly, I didn't expect to fall in love with you. But I guess, I let my feelings get the best of me. At first, I thought you were with Jack, but after what happened with you guys, I thought I had a chance to be with you."
I went silence. I'm speechless by every word he just said.
"I selfishly thought that I could be with you, knowing that my feelings for you were true. I ignored the fact that I didn't clear things with Courtney when I left Ottawa, and that I agreed to our parents plan of our arranged marriage years ago," Alex says. "I agreed to it because at the time, I was still so lost about my late girlfriend. My parents didn't want me to waste my time thinking about her, and by that they set up Courtney and I to date and get married one day, knowing that our parents are good friends."
Hearing this from Alex made me understand the situation a little, though I couldn't lie that I am still disappointed. I still doubt if he ever felt the same way for me.
"I understand," I say. "You don't have to explain anything anymore. I got it."
"I'm so sorry. For lying to you, for breaking your heart. I was a coward who messed up, and now I can't even make things right," Alex says, sadness fills his eyes as I could see him almost letting out a single tear. He takes a deep breath to calm himself down.
"You don't have to feel sorry for me," I say. "Even if I do love you, I don't deserve to be with you," I try my best to hold back the tears. "Courtney waited long enough. She deserves to be with you and receive your love, not me."
Tears starts filling Alex's eyes as we get lost into each other's eyes, both wanting to burst out into tears at this point. I could feel tears running down my face. I try to wipe them away.
As much as I want to embrace him in my arms and kiss him passionately one last time, I knew this is wrong. He has a girlfriend and is a soon-to-be fiance to her. His heart belongs to someone else. The person who deserves his love and affection is her, who had waited for him long enough. Not me. Yet, deep down in my heart, I want to ask him one last question, before he leaves New York City and officially becomes someone's husband. At least, I will remember his answer to my question forever.
"Can I at least ask you one thing before you get engage in three weeks?" I ask him with a sad tone. It's getting harder for me to hide my feelings with him in sight.
"Of course. What is it, Rachel?" Alex asks, with sadness still filled his eyes.
"Alex...after all the times we spend together, was there even a day that you really fell in love with me?" I ask him, wondering in my head how he truly feels about me. If I can't have him, at least I need to know if he ever felt the same way for me.
"Rachel, I've always been in love with you. For every moment we spend together, I only fell deeper for you. Everything about you, it always makes me happy even in the most simple ways. Your smile, your sweet laughter, even your eye roll is lovely. I let myself fall deeper into your love. I didn't expect it coming, but when love comes, there's no turning back," Alex says. His words sounded sincere, as I feel my heart starts beating faster after hearing his answer.
"I've always loved you. Forever, you will always have a special place in my heart," Alex says as tears starts running down his cheeks at this point.
Tears starts running down my face as I hear Alex's sudden confession. How I hope that it didn't have to be this way, since this love is killing me enough with the hard reality. It's hard to know that sometimes in life, you don't always get be with someone you love, even though both of you loved each other. Right now, I just want to turn back time, to the days where we were still together, before all the secrets were spilled, and while we're still living a dream of love. Yet, I knew it was impossible. Rachel Spencer, it's time to wake up! Your love with him has come to an end. It's time to let him go and wish him all the happiness he deserves.
"I also love you. You were there for me through my ups and down. You cheered me up at my lowest point and bring me back to life with love. No guy has ever done that to me. I will always find my way back to your love in my heart," I say, finally saying all that I wanted to say to him.
Without any words, Alex starts walking closer to me. Our faces now only inches a part. Suddenly, he pulls me into a deep hug. He hugged me tightly as if he never wanted to let go. I hug him back tightly as tears starts running down my face again. The warmth of him brings me back the memories we had together. From our first encounter, to the last time we made love.
"I still have some time left before I go back to Ottawa. In the mean time, let's try to spend some time at college while we can."
I agree with him. But other than that, an idea appeared in my head, but more likely it appeared in my heart first. An impulsive idea it is, and though it might sound a bit selfish, this could be the last time I could even experience this guilty pleasure with the man I truly love with all my heart. The guilty love that Alex and I shared.
"Sure. But...can I ask you to do me a favor?"
"Sure. What is it?" he asks.
I gently let go of the embrace. I stare deeply into his beautiful eyes, letting myself get lost again.
"I know this is wrong, and I'm not trying to ruin your relationship or anything. But...." I'm trying to find the right words to explain this in a good way.
"What is it?" he ask in a curious tone.
"Can you kiss me one last time? Just one last kiss, before you go," I ask him.
He stares into my eyes, slowly walking closer to me. He gently pulls me closer to him, as he puts one of his arm on my cheek, and the other on my waist. Slowly, he leans in and kisses my lips gently, sending butterflies dancing in my heart. I close my eyes as I kiss back. I put my arms around his body, not wanting to break this moment which I will cherish forever in my heart, for the rest of my life.
The next day...
8:15 AM...
At Weston University...
"Thanks for the ride, Jack," Rachel says.
"No problem," Jack says, before driving off.
Without anymore thinking, Rachel enters the college building and walks through the hallway. Alex needed to go see Courtney first this morning, so that leaves Rachel to be alone, or so she thought.
"Rachel!"
A familiar voice tinkles Rachel's ears as it sends fear down her body. She recgonized that voice anywhere, since she'll never be able to hear it with the same perspective as before. Being in fear, she didn't answer the voice and just continue to walk.
"Rachel!"
That voice called her again, starting to make me feel irritate. He doesn't give up easily. She thought that all she have to do is ignore him. At this point, some of the girls even glare at her with evil looks at the sight of her ignoring the voice, who belonged to one of the most popular guys in college.
Rachel continue to walk through the hallway, not bothering about the evil glares she is receiving, when suddenly she feels a strong grip on her shoulder, pulling her back to face the person pulling her.
She stare at the guy who she had tried to avoid. The guy who broke her trust into a thousand pieces. The guy who she really can't find a way to forgive.
"What do you want, Jerk?" she asks him with a stern tone. She look into his eyes with a sharp look.
"I want to return this to you before I go back," says the guy, Sebastian, as he hands her the baby blue scrunchie which she left at his apartment a few days ago. "I'll be leaving New York."
Rachel is left both surprised and furious by what he is doing, by that she takes the scrunchie from his hand and throws it to the ground.
Sebastian takes a deep breath. "Look, I'm not here to cause anymore trouble. I just want to apologize to you before I go back to Vegas."
Rachel didn't know how to react at this point. She is left speechless. Suddenly, she sees Alfredo running to her direction from behind Sebastian.
"Dude, you found her," Alfredo says.
"What do you want?" Rachel asks with a stern tone. She's starting to feel furious at the two guys standing in front of her.
Sebastian takes a deep breath. "It's ok, I'll talk to her," Sebastian says to Alfredo, making him nod.
"We want to apologize to you deeply for everything that happened. We understood that what we did was unacceptable, and unforgivable. By that, we don't wish for your forgiveness, but we just want to show our deepest apology to you," Sebastian says in a low tone.
"You murdered my mom and kidnapped me. You jerks! You should be ashame of yourself for hurting other people. Hurting people doesn't make someone powerful! I don't ever want to see you guys again." Furious, Rachel slaps both of the Sanchez brothers before storming off without saying another word.
Sebastian sighs. "We blew it."
"We had to, though," Alfredo says.
"Yeah," Sebastian says as he stares at Rachel as she disappears from his sight.
Alfredo glance at his brother. "Why didn't you tell her?"
Sebastian takes a deep breath. "Some things are better off unsaid."
"We're going back this afternoon. This is your last chance," Alfredo says.
Sebastian went silent for a moment as he recalls all the things he wanted to say to Rachel. He knew that saying it wouldn't even matter now, since she already hates him. Yet, Alfredo does have a point, that now is his final chance to tell everything he wanted to tell her. However, after she storms off, he knew that it was impossible to meet her again, since she'll be furious. At this state, he wants to tell her without having to face her.
A few hours later...
At the cafeteria...
Rachel and Alex are having lunch together at the cafeteria. They agreed to remain friends despite what happened with them. Though they are both happy that they are together as friends again, they still struggle to put their old feelings for each other aside.
"I'm so glad that those jerks are leaving," Rachel says in a furious tone.
"I couldn't be happier about it. They were making me more worry day by day," Alex says. "Finally, we caught the mastermind."
Rachel smiles at Alex, feeling happy that she doesn't have to worry about the stalkers anymore. "I need to thank you guys so much for everything."
Alex smiles. "Hey, don't mention it. We're all your friends. We look out for each other."
Rachel's smile slowly fades upon hearing Alex's statement that they are all friends. Not that she doesn't like the idea. She is beyond grateful to be friends, yet she still tries to move on from her vision of a relationship with Alex.
It's gonna be hard for me to see you as a friend from now on. These feelings stayed for too long, that they keep forgetting that our story as a couple has end. Now, we are walking together with new visions, as friends. Rachel thought.
5 PM...
At Weston University...
"So how's your head?" Alex asks as he and Rachel are heading to Rachel's locker.
"Better I guess," says Rachel as she opens her locker, only to find a golden colored envelop falling to the ground. She kneels down and picks up the envelop.
"What is it?" Alex asks.
"An envelop," Rachel says as she studies the envelop with confusion.
Rachel opened the envelop. To her surprise she finds 1000 dollars cash in it, along with a letter.
"What...? 1000 dollars? And a letter?" Rachel says with a surprised tone. She pulls out the letter from the envelop and starts to read it.
"Dear Rachel... Since we didn't have the chance to say our last words to you, we decided to write you this letter. We understand that you are in pain right now, after everything that happened.
Again, we deeply apologize for everything we did in the past. We understand that it's impossible for you to forgive us, but we just want to let you know that meeting you has been an amazing experience. You are a wonderful person, and we wish you all the best in the future. Farewell. P.S. I know I had lied so much, but in my heart, there really was genuine affection towards. Take care. - Sebastian and Alfredo."
Rachel stood in silence after she reading the letter from Sebastian and Alfredo. She is left speechless, with her heart feeling numb.
Alex notice how numb Rachel looks after reading the letter. Her face looks cold as ice, not even forming a small smile on her beautiful lips.
"Are you ok?" Alex asks with concern.
Rachel looks up at Alex and puts the letter back in the envelop, before putting it inside her bag. "Yeah. Let's go!"
Rachel closes her locker and continues to walk through the hallway with Alex. They finally reach the college exit.
Monday...
7:30 AM...
At the boys' house...
"So it's Wednesday?" Liam asks on the phone. "Ok. See you soon!"
Liam ends the call and puts his phone away. He starts walking to the kitchen area where he sees Jack helping out in the kitchen, along with Alex.
"Jack," Liam calls the young boy. Jack turns his head to see Liam. "Chad just called me. There's something he wanted to discuss involving you."
"What is it?" Jack asks as he continues to cut the vegetables in the kitchen.
"He told me that he wants to meet Rachel in person this Wednesday, and wants her to go through some trainings in LA, which will involve you as well, since you'll be guiding and tutoring her," Liam says.
Jack stops with cutting the vegetables and turns his head to face Liam, looking a little surprised. Alex, who was in the middle of preparing some pasta, glance at Jack before glancing at Liam with a puzzled look.
"Rachel's going to LA?" Alex asks as he stares at Liam with a puzzled look.
"Yeah," Liam says in a chill tone.
About 30 minutes later, breakfast is serve and everyone starts gathering in the dining table. Rachel just woke up and walks downstairs with her hair tied in a messed up ponytail. She greets everyone in the dining table and pulls out a seat next to Jack.
"How are you feeling?" Jack asks with a concern tone.
"A lot better," Rachel says, before she takes a cup of warm tea.
"Good to hear," Jack says. "Umm.., so Chad just called me this morning. He said that he wants to meet you in person and wants you to go through some trainings in LA."
Rachel's eyes slightly widens as she was a bit surprised by the sudden news, not that she was against it. "Umm..ok, when?"
"This Wednesday," Liam says. "You'll be going with Jack since he'll be guiding and tutoring you there."
Rachel stood in silence, confuse at how she should react to this. She never imagine going on adventure overseas, not to mention she still has college to finish. Yet, she is getting more comfortable being a part of the gang, and after the incident that happened regarding Miranda Sanchez, Rachel thought that she might have more enemies than she thought. Somehow, it seems like trouble keeps popping out when she's not ready.
"How long will I be there?" Rachel asks.
"We don't know yet. You'll be going on training first. After that you could be staying there or even send back to New York," Liam says.
She thought for a moment about going to LA to learn more about the gang life. As much as she's gonna miss college life, she knew she needed to start a new chapter in her life.
"What do you say?" Liam asks.
"Ok," Rachel says. "I'll go home and start packing up."
"Ok. See you on Wednesday," Liam says with a smile.
Rachel starts observing the room to see the guys all smiling at her. She feels lucky to have supportive friends. Her eyes eventually landed on Alex, who looks at her with a small smile of concern.
Rachel Spencer...Stay safe. I will miss you. Alex thought before taking a sip of his cup of tea.
"But before I go, there's something I need to do first," Rachel says.
"Ok," Liam says.
11:10 AM...
At the boys' house...
Jack is busy packing all his stuff in his room. He suddenly hears footsteps entering his room. It's Alex.
"What are you doing?" Jack asks as he continues to pack his clothes.
"Just thought about seeing you," Alex says as he observes the pile of clothes on Jack's bed.
"Haha, you better not miss me when I'm gone!" Jack teases him.
"Eww...what the hell, Bro?" Alex says in a discgust tone.
"Hey, I was joking," Jack says before bursting into laughter.
"Whatever," Alex says with an annoyed tone. "Just take good care of Rachel, ok?"
Jack suddenly stood in silence after hearing Alex's words. He didn't expect Alex to suddenly say that to him. The three of them used to have a complicated relationship, when Jack and Rachel got into a misunderstanding and Rachel eventually got closer with Alex. But then, everything changes. His best friend is soon-to-be-engaged, while he and Rachel will be going to LA for training. Sometimes it's hard to believe that things changed too quickly in a blink of an eye.
"I will take good care of her," Jack says.
Hearing this, Alex feels relief knowing that Rachel will be in good care with Jack. Yet, he couldn't help but feel sad deep down knowing that he won't be able to see her again even before he get engage.
1 PM....
At the cemetery...
Rachel kneels down beside her mother's grave, tears slowly running down her eyes. Before she goes to LA, she knew she had to visit her mom.
"I love you, Mom," Rachel says, before she gets up from the grave.
Wednesday...
12:15 PM...
At the airport...
"Thank you for driving me here," Rachel says as she stood in front of the airport while facing Daniel. She had told the man that she'll be leaving for LA since she got a new job.
"It's the least we could do before you leave New York, Rachel," Daniel says. "Stay safe!"
"I will," Rachel says. "Thank you for everything and take care."
Daniel smiles at the young girl, in which Rachel smiles back. "Goodbye," Rachel says before she walks to enter the airport.
Rachel walks inside and sees Jack already waiting for her. Meanwhile, Alex, Liam, and Nate are also at the airport to say their farewell to their friends.
"Hey," Jack says as he puts his arm around Rachel's shoulder. "Are you ready?"
"As I'll ever be," Rachel says.
"Let's go," Jack says.
"Take care, guys," Alex says as he stares at his seven friends ready to board the plane in a few minutes, but he is mostly focusing on Rachel. He smiles at her, making her smile back.
"We will," Rachel says with a smile. "Bye!"
With that, Rachel and Jack walks away to board their plane, ready to take off to LA. As much as Rachel is gonna miss New York City, she is ready to start a new adventure in Los Angeles.
2 hours later....
Los Angeles, USA...
At the airport...
The plane finally landed in LA. As all the passangers starts to depart, Jack received a call from another friend saying that he'll be picking them up from the airport.
"He said he'll arrive soon," Jack says as he and his friends walk through airport.
"Ok," Rachel says, in a rather exhausted tone somehow.
Jack notice that Rachel didn't look too well. She looks like she is sick and tired. "Rachel, are you ok?"
"Yeah, just a little motion sickness. I think," Rachel says. "Do you know where's the toilet?"
"Yeah. Let me take you there," Jack says.
Jack takes Rachel to the toilet. She starts to throw up in the sink. She finds it a little weird that she still feels sick even after the plane landed.
Ugh..what's wrong with me?
Rachel thought, her legs feeling weak.
To be continue....