UNREQUITED LOVE

CHAPTER-14

Finally the most awaited day came. The day of fest. After all the misfortunes and difficulties we were able to reach this day successfully. My leg is also great. It's not hurting anymore and I can walk in heels flawlessly after many trials and errors. Markus was also well and became closer to me from that day which I did not expect to happen but I was satisfied. Atleast my leg did something good to me. Everyone was energetic and happy as their hardwork would pay off today.

The school was decorated beautifully by the students. There were lights all around the building and the cherry blossom tree was also looking beautiful in those lights.

I wore a beautiful red off shoulder dress with red heels. I recently bought it from an online store. It was looking beautiful so my mom told me to buy it. After I was done changing and finished my make-up I went to the green room where the participants were supposed to wait. As I entered the room, I saw Markus standing in front of me. Looking at him I had an adrenal rush in my body. I was feeling hot when the weather was damn cold. My heartbeat started to increase as if it would come out at any moment.

He wore a black tuxedo and his hair was beautifully styled. He had this beautiful aura coming from him which could make a person blind. He stood there, standing like a beautiful sculpted male statue.

His eyes were shining probably because of the lens but he was looking dead, dropping hot and sexy. I never knew Markus would look this hot even after he got dressed up. I mean he looks hot on a daily basis but today he was hotter.

"Erica! Erica!..."

I was still standing there, frozen, staring at him.

He came closer and waved his hand near my eyes.

"Hey Erica! What are you looking at?"

"Noth-Noth-Nothing...." I said while stammering.

"Oh my god! Erica! You look beautiful in that dress." Markus said.

He-he-he said I look beautiful!! Oh my god! Markus just complimented me! I am over cloud nine!!!

"Th-Th-Thanks Markus. You're looking handsome too." I said while blushing.

We both were standing next to each other. People in the room started gossiping about how Markus was looking breathtakingly handsome and hot and sexy at the same time but he paid no attention to them.

Standing in the green room preparing for the speech, I was getting nervous. The nervousness was flowing all over my body. My mind was blank and I was not able to concentrate and I had my biggest distraction right beside me.

"Don't be nervous," Markus suddenly said, tapping my shoulder.

I looked at him and gave him a smile.

"Don't worry. I'm right there. Beside you." He said with an assuring smile.

Looking at his assuring eyes, my heart started melting and my nervousness was slowly leaving my soul. I was feeling much better than before.

Everyone in the auditorium was already seated. It was time for us to go on the stage and officially start the programme.

"A warm welcome to one and all...." Markus started doing anchoring followed by me.

The fest lasted for three hours. Naomi and Ashley did a spectacular performance and amazed the audience. Soon we were on the last segment of our programme. It was singing and Natasha was the one who was going to perform. It's not like I hate her or something...it's just that I don't like her being around Markus and always bugging him and suddenly holding hands and then you remember the haunted house... God I was so damn frustrated with her!

Anyways, Natasha wore a beautiful light pink dress with white heels. I know that I don't like her but it was a fact that she looked amazing.

As Markus called out her name, she came and stood on the stage and started singing. Everyone in the auditorium looked at her with awe. I turned around to see Markus' face. He was looking at her. His face was stuck on her. I kept staring at him the entire time she was singing. After she was done with her singing, everyone gave her a standing ovation. Even Markus clapped his hands in utter happiness and excitement. I looked away.

I was supposed to give the ending speech so I went on the stage. I turned around to take one last glance at Markus and saw that he was standing beside Natasha. Their shoulders were literally touching each other. All the excitement and happiness which I had in me got destroyed within a second. I was feeling empty inside me.

I ignored them and carried on with my speech.

I finished my speech and was headed to the green room. I was feeling sad and weak. Not able to control my emotions. I was about to go inside but something made me stop. It was Markus and Natasha's conversation which made me stop.

I stood in the doorway and tears started rolling through my eyes.

I tried my best not to cry but my soul and body gave up on me.

I ran. As far as I could. I kept running. I wanted to pretend that I heard nothing but the words kept ringing in my ears.

I started walking toward the school gate. I don't want to be here, I said to myself. As I was walking I bumped into someone.

I looked up and saw Nicholas. He had that worried look on his face. I haven't seen him for the past few days.

"Erica!" he said in a low voice.

As he said my name my eyes started to fill up with tears.

"Erica! What happened? Why are you crying?"

"Nothing. I'm fine."

"Erica, you can tell me. I'll do my level best to help you. Just tell me."

"It's nothing Nicholas. I'm fine. I just want to go somewhere. Like a quiet peaceful place. I just don't want to be here."

"I'll take you. Let's go" he said and I followed him to the car.

The whole ride was quiet. I didn't utter a single word nor did he. I was depressed. My heart was aching. It was terribly painful.

I looked outside the window. It was snowing. There is a saying that first snow is like first love but for me the first snow was nothing more than heartbreak. First snow brings people together but it makes me distant from the one I gave my heart to.

We reached somewhere quiet. I don't exactly know where we were but the place was beautiful, quiet and peaceful.

I got off the car and started walking. Nicholas accompanied me. He was walking quietly. Keeping up with my pace.

"Natasha said 'I love you'" I said, almost choking on my tears.

"Huh?"