Call from Destiny | COMPLETED | English

CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE: Hide

C L A I R E

There was no way that I would let Benedict know.

If Ethan had really left me for good, then the only way I could tell him that I was breaking up with him was through a message. But, if Benedict would have an idea about the student exchange program, then it would be harder for me to let go of Ethan.

And I didn't want that. My heart would suffer too much. It wants to forget but having him back would be too painful for me.

Looking back at Sam, I gave her a worried gaze — my smile disappearing quickly. "Sam, please don't let Benedict know."

Her expression quickly dropped, eyes widened at me. I already knew what she was going to say so I tried to explain it to her. 

"I want to start fresh, Sam. Please don't tell Benedict or else I won't be able to let go of him," I answered with a frown. It was true. My heart can't handle what Ray had said. 

It still remains buried deep, hurting me every second as I accidentally remember it.

I never knew that just one picture could shatter those precious memories in a second. 

She already got it when I tried to emphasize the word. A nod came from her which made me sigh in relief. Sam always has my back and I'm glad that she's always here for me. Even though it's not really her problem, she always tries to cheer me up on my darkest days. 

When she asked me another reason why I wanted to lay low on this one, I told her that I wasn't really needed in Ethan's chapter anymore. 

"He's already happy with Vanessa. There's no point in ruining that."

If he wasn't happy with me, then he should find it with someone else. I would not linger anymore and force someone to be with me even if their heart is set on another. It would not only hurt him but give me such pain as well.

"But you're his girlfriend."

That was what I thought at first. But now, it was clear that he didn't think of me that way. He was just using me to forget his first love. Though, I'm still here waiting for just one message so I could clear his name from my heart. 

Just a message from him whether or not it was true. 

"It was already over, Sam. I was just a fool to fall in his words," I answered her bitterly, breathing heavily in disappointment.  

"Are you sure about this Student Exchange Program though? I mean, you're really going to leave?" she asked me once again, possibly trying to convince me not to go. 

I only gave her a sad look and hold her hand. "I'm sorry, Sam. I need this." 

"Just call me if it's final. I'll be the one taking you to the airport 'cause Benedict might get suspicious if he sees you with your aunt. Also, call me when you land, okay?" A sad smile became evident on her face and I agreed with her offer.

Though, I didn't expect that Benedict was right there, walking towards us with a smile on his face. I'm still sure he was oblivious to our chit-chat about the program. 

"Why are you both looking glum all of a sudden?" he asked, making Sam turn around in shock. 

"B-Benny---" Sam couldn't help but stutter and suddenly became silent, giving me a slight glance before gulping. I gave her a smile, a sign that she shouldn't tell Benedict in any way possible. I'm quite glad that she got the hint though. "It's nothing really. We're just talking about a movie." 

Benedict, on the other hand, didn't seem to believe us at first. He crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow afterward. "Seems like a really sad movie for you both to hug yourselves."

"Nostalgia," I added to Sam before she could blurt it out in pressure. Sam was the type of friend that can keep your secret for a long time unless she is forced or panicking under pressure. And right now, Benedict was doing that to know the truth. 

He gave me a suspicious look before finally dropping the subject. Well, that was what I thought at first. But, suddenly it changed when Benedict was about to sit right next to Sam. 

My friend caught on so she quickly stood up and smiled. Thank heavens. Right now, I just flashed her a smile. I knew what she was trying to do. She was luring him to do something else so I won't get questioned. 

"Actually, can we have some popcorn?" Sam asked me and I nodded. She's suggesting a movie marathon. Since he was already there, might as well lead him astray. Benedict sat there, blinking confusingly --- looking back and forth at us.

He then chuckled. "Don't tell me that you're both hiding something from me."

Sh-t, he knows.  

Trying not to sound suspicious, I decided to lie. "Well, you were asking about the movie earlier so we decided that maybe you could watch it with us." 

He sighed, possibly wondering whether I was telling him the truth or if I was on Sam's side. Knowing how persistent Sam was, I'm sure that Benedict would give up and watch the movie with us. 

A few pauses later, he nodded before standing up --- telling Sam that he'd help her with the popcorn. As soon as they left for the kitchen, Aunt Mich quickly appeared in the living room, clearing her throat. I almost jumped when she sat next to me, giving me the look.

"Aunt Mich, I can explain." Her expression didn't falter. She didn't even say a word. Maybe she's letting me speak. I cleared my throat and decided to smile to relieve the tension. 

"I have good news. Well, better than good. I was one of the selected students in the exchange program of our school and I'm actually going to New York, "I said to my aunt as her expression changed. Her serious demeanor vanished as she suddenly smiled.

"Congratulations, Claire!" She hugged me tightly. Though, I really wanted to pull away from her grasp since I almost couldn't breathe. "I'm so happy for you, dear."

When she congratulated me, I felt an emptiness in my heart.

I don't why but I guess I wanted to hear it from a special someone.

Sadly, he's happy with someone else.