The Foolproof Plan

Chapter 26: ONE LAST CHANCE

On Friday I arrived at my apartment around 6 after my last class. It had been a tiring day, and I slumped down on the sofa. I was about to turn on the TV when my phone rang. It was Bella.

"Hello?" I answered nervously. I was afraid she'd heard that I went to the movies with Minda last night and prepared my defense.

"Hi. Are you busy right now?"

"Uh, no. Is something...wrong?" I asked slowly.

"No. I just wondered if you would like to do something."

I gulped. "Wh-what...would you like to do?"

"Well, what would you like to do?"

Immediately, all sorts of steamy scenarios began playing in my mind before I tamped them down. I was sure that was not what she meant. "If it's okay with you, maybe we can stay in and watch a movie on TV. Maybe you can come over?"

"Uh-huh." Her tone didn't sound convinced.

"No! I didn't mean anything else. I really meant just watching TV. Honestly. I had a busy day today, and I don't really think I'm up for drinking or dancing tonight," I said. "I'm sorry if that disappoints you."

"Oh. If you're too tired, then--"

"I'm not too tired to spend time with you," I interrupted. "Can you come over around 7?"

"Okay. I'll bring some food so that you don't have to cook or anything, all right?"

I sighed with a smile on my face. "That sounds perfect. See you tonight."

I let the phone fall on my chest and threw my head back on the sofa cushions. If our relationship was really moving along the way I hoped, then I would have to eventually tell Bella about what happened. In my heart I knew that it would probably sound the death knell for our relationship. She would not forgive me again, not when she'd been dealing with this sort of thing from the beginning.

This was all my fault. Why did I never learn? Why did I always allow myself to fall for women's tricks and schemes? Was I really that much of an idiot? I sighed again. Namjoon would definitely kick my ass--that was a given. I knew he had a soft spot for Bella, and if I hurt her again, I might lose him forever as well. I would be the loveless, friendless moron that others would point to as an example of what not to do in life.

All I wanted now was one last evening with Bella, one last chance to hold her gently in my arms and tell her how much I loved her. One last moment to feel the beauty of what could've been. No matter how much she would end up hating me, I would always love her. I would never get over her. I would be true to her forever. Too bad I was such a clueless asshole.