Rely-tionships

Chapter IX: The Experiment's Result

            I read again the book. “Chris went to Stacy’s house and sang a song for her.” I read out loud. In the story, it took four months before Stacy said to Chris that she wants to stay friends with him. I took out a notebook and jot down all the things Chris did when he courted Stacy. “One: he escorted Stacy to school every day. Two: He gave Stacy roses every single day. Three: When he was already courting her for four months, he went to her house and sang her a song.” I brought down my pen and let out a big yawn. It may look few but one and two were done every day. I can’t let Alex give me so much effort knowing that I only love him as a friend and we can never be lovers. I need to do something. I’ll DO something; just to make his suffering end.

            I was on my way out of the house, off to school when I heard someone knock on the door. When I opened it, I found Alex with a rose in his hands. “To you my love.” he said to me while he was handing me the rose. “Thank you!” I said. “Let me escort you to school.” he said and took my bag from me. This went on for months; he brings me roses every day, escorts me to school. He is really sweet but I was still looking for something, something that only Sir James has. Many times I’d tried to tell him that I only love him as a friend and not as a lover; every time, I had failed. He was already courting me for four months. Later that day, around 8pm I heard someone singing outside. I listened to it. Realizing it was Alex, I peeked from the window in my room to be sure. “It really is Alex!” I said to myself. He was in front of our gate, holding a guitar on one hand and a bouquet of roses and chocolates on the other. I was still looking at Alex from the window when I heard a knock on my door. “Aubrey, Alex is here. He is looking for you.” my mom said from the other side of the door. “I’ll be down in a minute.” I told mom as I fixed my hair into a ponytail. I was in front of the staircase when I saw Alex sitting on the couch, talking to my parents. “What are you doing here?” I asked Alex as I walked downstairs. “Courting you.” he replied to me with a smile. I sat beside him. “Alex, you don’t really need to do this. You’re putting too much effort on me.” I said to him. In front of me, he knelt down. “Will you please be my girlfriend?” he asked me while presenting me a bouquet of roses, chocolates and in a little red box, a ring. “I can’t.” I said to him. I can see sadness form in his eyes. “But why?” he asked me. How am I gonna explain this to him? I can feel him falling apart inside. Sighing, I said to him “Alex, I’m really sorry. I only love you as a friend. I can’t love you like you love me.” I gave him a hug to comfort him but he gently pushed me away. “I understand Aubrey, it is okay.” he stutteringly said to me. He’s just keeping himself strong in front of me but deep inside of him I know, he’s just fighting off the tears. I’d known him since third grade so I know the meaning of his actions very well. “Well goodbye Aubrey.” he said to me as he waved goodbye. What have I done? I had hurt my very best friend. I felt a tear run on my cheek as I look at him giving me a weak smile and leave. I know things between us will never be the same.