WALLFLOWER

CHAPTER 12

Bright's POV

"Is it really our Win?" I heard Films voice filled with disbelief.

No one talked.

I slowly looked at her.

Yes, Win changed.... a lot. He is no longer the Win I know. But I am not sure if that change is for the best. I feel that it's a mask. I can't imagine what triggered him to wear the mask. I am afraid to think what is hidden within once the mask comes off. I don't know for sure if I want to find out. I am even more afraid of the possibility that he wore that because of me.

I had zoned out a lot that, I missed their conversations. But I suddenly realized that they were talking about Win and Pearl.

"I hope Win is happy with his family. Pearl is a sweet heart. I hope his wife is also sweet and caring. No, I am sure she is. I think Win changed for her. He is more happy now." Film was telling.

"Pearl is not wins daughter, Win is not married" I said, suddenly remembering my conversation with Earn.

I forgot that I didn't tell them, I was far too preoccupied past few days.

"What?" they both asked startled.

I retold the story Earn told me to them. I know they are trying to drown their guilt about Win by imagining a happy world around win. I am really sorry to burst their happy bubble but they should know the truth.

There was a complete silence after I told them the story. No one knew what to talk anymore.

We sat in that uncomfortable silence for a long time, each of us in our own world filled with conflicts. But I was sure everyone was thinking of Win.

"Come, let's go out for dinner. It's no use sitting here in silence. We will think of something after eating something." Earth said standing up.

"You people go ahead, I am not in a  mood." I told them.

"No Bright, no excuse." Earth said dragging me along with him.

I know he is trying to make me engaged in something. He is afraid to leave me alone.

I complied half heartedly. We went to a near by mall. Had dinner in yet another uncomfortable silence, even though Earth did try to make conversations. Me and Film couldn't make ourselves talk. At last Earth gave up.

This is the worst dinner we ever had. No .... the food was great but it was not tasting good in our mouth.

We were going back when we heard someone playing piano. There was a huge crowd gathered around. Film dragged us into the crowd.

We were surprised to find Win with Pearl playing the walking piano. I didn't knew Win played piano.

I don't think they both know about the crowd. They were looking so happy playing it. It was a sight to behold. I felt a pang of jealousy that it's not me who is making Win this happy. I know it's my fault, if only I chose to .... at least ask, to listen to him before jumping into conclusions.

I know I threw this happiness away. I know deep down that I am 10 years too late ....... for everything.

I blinked back my tears. I couldn’t take my eyes off of Win's happy and Bright face.

We watched them having fun. They played it beautifully. They bowed and ran away when they realized about the crowd around.

I realized sadly that I will never be a part of this happy family......his family.

Coming out for dinner was a real bad idea. I could see the same thought in Earth’s eyes.

We are sitting in a park. My mood is not at all good. I am in the verge of breaking down. The fact that I threw him away without a second thought, and that too so easily is eating me up. I still can't believe, I didn't even think of a possibility of a misunderstanding and chose to disbelieve him so easily. I still don't understand why I believed in his infidelity without a doubt.