All My Life

Chapter 6

After what seemed like an infinity, I heard footsteps thundering behind me.

"Oh, you're here! What are you doing here? It's so cold out here." My mom helped me up, and I quickly wiped my tears away.

I've been crying so much lately.

I looked behind her, but it was empty.

I didn't know what I was expecting. Was I expecting Ian to suddenly show up and tell me how sorry he was?

Either way, I ended up hugging my mom, crying silently.

"Oh, don't cry baby! I just.. I don't know what to expect, really. For Anthony to change his mind and come back to me... I really don't know what to expect. I just want to believe that he's there, Nina," She sobbed. "That the part of him that I loved, and that loved me.. is still there."

I nodded. "I understand. I understand, mom, I really do."

I, too, really want to believe that Ian and I could be like how we used to be.

Not as lovers, but just as close friends.

That would be enough.

But, as time passes, our friendship has weakened. We barely even talk to each other anymore.

-

We made our way back inside, and I never appreciated the warmth so much before.

I sighed deeply, hugging myself.

"Hey," A familiar voice sounded in the background, and I opened my eyes. "I need to talk to you."

I nodded slightly, not liking this one bit. I just want to get the hell out of here.

"Sorry I couldn't recognise you.." Ian fiddled with his fingers.

I nodded again.

"But you said your name was Elena.."

I glared at him. "You said your name was Damon."

Ian sighed. "Sorry.. I.."

I shook my head. "You don't have to explain to me. I don't even get why you care. Just play with your girls, and don't ever talk to me again."

Ian sighed, ruffling his hair. "Look I.. I'm not that type.. I-"

I shook my head and got up, but he grabbed my hand.

"Listen, Nina.."

"Just let me go," I shrugged his hand off. "I wonder why Shimin likes you. You're a bastard that doesn't even care how others feel!"

I wonder why I like you, you bastard. But now I know your true colours.

He flinched, and I know I've said the wrong thing. But who cares?

It's not like it isn't the truth.

But before I could leave, he grabbed both my shoulders roughly, and turned me to face him.

"You think Shimin and I Iike each other? No. It's all our parents' choice, you think I like it? I don't know why I care, but I do. I care about what you think, and I don't want you to think that I'm.. like that. Because I'm not. You're my friend, and I don't want that to change."

"Then why did you say that to a stranger you don't even know?"

"I just wanted Shimin to think I was a playboy so she would object to.. us, but she didn't care."

"Then why can't you object? If you so badly don't want it to work, then why don't you just say so?"

Ian sighed. "Shimin is... dying. She's in the third stage of cancer. She liked me since primary school, but... I never reciprocated her feelings. It's all she wishes to be with me. It's all I can do for her, to spend time with her for her remaining days. I don't want this to ruin our friendship. Even if I'm spending more time with her now... I hope we'll always be close friends."