S[HE] Be[LIE]ve[D]

CHAPTER TEN REASONING OUT

ALEX

I have slept in my car. I didn't care for how long. At this moment of my life, time stood still. It froze. Nothing mattered anymore. I was shattered. So is my heart...

I was mad. Hurt. I did not know where else to go. Who to talk to. I am alone...
I slept for days. Did not bother going to work for a full week. I just slept in the pain. Maybe when I woke up it's gone. Maybe I will forget about it like it did not happen. I wanted to reach her, give her a chance to explain things. But my heart tells me not to. Then I get to thinking is this karma? Is this what I get from sneaking Erika in my house while wooing Aria? But then that was not by choice. I was trapped in that situation, but I managed to escape. To drive Erika away. But she didn't. Aria didn't drove Colton away. And that's what my mind has perceived. I do not know if there is still any chance for us. I don't know if I want her back. If I will just allow myself to lose completely over Colton.

COLTON

I have managed to make it back home the next morning after staying the night at Aria's place. Was lucky or should I call it being lucky to found out that her Dad was out of town. Even my whole body is bruised. I did not mind. At least I get to spend extra time with her. She offered to bring me home the next morning by taking a cab, since she does not drive, but I insisted on driving myself the next day. I was not able to go to work for four days trying to heal my black-eye, with major bruises on the face and swollen lips to top that.

Aria took care of me visiting me at home trying to make sure I was ok. She was sorry. I am mostly to blame but she won't agree with it. Saying it was her fault. They had broken up indefinitely. She never mentioned a word about him. I leave it at that.

A month has passed since it happened, we became more closer with each other. We became almost best friends. We never kissed again. But I still love her. I will give up anything to be with her. She knows that. In time when she gives me a hint I will take it. I would have never take the courage to do so if she didn't want any part of it. What keeps me going is the feeling that she wants me to, even though she won't admit it.

"What's going on? Are you guys together now?" asked my boss Cynthia hovering behind me as I pile up the books.
"No. We aren't dating. We're just friends, Cynthia." I explained.

"Just friends my ass! How come pretty boy doesn't show up anymore? You said she had a boyfriend, right?" She nudged me. I was annoyed of her nosy ness.
"Yes she had a boyfriend."
"Had? Past tense?"
"Yes Cynthia, they broke up unofficially." I explained.

"And how is that? Let me guess you had any part in this?" As she leaned beside me one eyebrow upwards.
"I guess you could say that." I tried to avoid the subject as much as I can but to no avail.

"What did you do?" Tell me!" this time she dragged me towards the corner wall and tried to whisper.
"Details! Details Colton!" As she stumped her feet like a little girl begging for a candy.I cannot believe she's my boss.

"Ok.ok let me go." I backed away from her while trying to fix my long sleeves shirt which is now wrinkled.
"I aaaa.. I kinda kissed her." I blushed.

She covered her mouth avoiding to make noise while squealing like a teenager. "Then? How did they broke up?" she was whispering while giggling.

"He kinda caught me in the act. At the same time she was kissing me back." I tried to scratch my head ashamed.
"Whoa! That is bad! But you're the man!!!!" "Keep me updated!" she pinched me in the arm and started walking away. I didn't move for a while. Shocked by my boss' reaction.

ARIA

It has been a month since it happened. I miss Alex. He still won't return my calls. My empty heart was being filled by Colton. I am not that depresses with the situation, for some reason he makes everything easier. I did not stress at all, even I haven't talked to Alex. Seriously, I miss him. Browsing through my phone I decided to call him again.
"Alex, I'm sorry. Please talk to me. If you never want to be with me again at least tell me. Text me, leave me a message, write to me, I don't care....just let me know. Please."
If after a week he still won't reply. I have no choice but to move on. I decided to go for a walk to clear my head. I was about to cross the street when I spotted Alex. He was with a bunch of colleagues headed for the diner. He looks sad. I tried to hide as much as possible. Spying is my new thing now I guess since he won't give me any chances.

"What are you doing here?!"

Someone just tickled me from the back of my neck all the way to the middle of my back. When I turned I saw Colton. Apparently, I am not the only one spying someone is doing the same thing to me.

"Cut it out, Colton!" I moved his hand away. "Are you stalking me now?" I asked annoyed.

"Hey, take it easy. I'm sorry!" "I was running some errands after work, when I saw you across the street. Who are you hiding from?" He asked amused.

"Nobody. Was taking a break from walking." I lied.

"You want me to give you a lift?" he asked while sipping his coffee. "You want some?"

"No. Thank you."

"No thank you for what? The ride or the coffee?"

"Both." As I started walking away.

"Aria, wait." He grabbed my arm and looked at me straight in the eye intently.

"Are we ok? Just tell me if you do not want me to talk to you anymore." He looked sad. No. That is not what I wanted. I already lost Alex, I don't wanna lose him too.

"I'm sorry for being upset. I didn't mean to yell at you. It's just this thing with Alex hasn't been settled yet. I'm glad you're by my side. Please don't go." After saying that he hugged me.
"I'm not going anywhere. Now, come on I'll take you home." As he held my hand and led the way to his car.

He stopped the car in front of my house. He Got out of his car, opened the door for me and walked me at my door.
"You wanna come in?" "I will introduce you to my Dad." He smiled and followed me inside the house.

The television was so loud upon opening the front door. I hear my Dad talking and someone laughing hysterically but not on tv. Someone is with him. I see purple heels at the welcome mat. A suitcase. Who could it be? I turned to the living room as I am holding Colton's hand. Then I saw her...

"Aria! Look what the cat dragged in!" My Dad seems so happy and excited by the person sitting in the couch across him. As she suddenly turned to approach me. I was dumbfounded. It's Erika! my long lost sister I should say is standing in front of me. Smiling. Amused. Bewildered. But her eyes were not on me. Not just her, so is my Dad. They looked at our holding hands, then looked at each other. And looked straight to Colton.