WHAT ABOUT NOW

CHAPTER SIX

It has been four months and I have come to accept the fact that they are growing stronger in their relationship. I missed Jasper. Maybe Sheena is the perfect match for him. After all he seemed happy being with her.

Graduation day has ended. And it's time to take a big leap in finding the right job. I started packing my stuff and I'm about to head on a vacation to London England. That is where my Aunt Stella lives. I agreed to this for a change. Maybe I need a new phase in life.

I headed to the store downtown to get a new jacket and some basics that I need for my trip. Anne and I have became close once again. She is still with Darren and they are getting stronger. It seems everyone has moved on I am the only one left still single.

"Dana, are you sure you don't want me to come with you on your trip?" Anne asked while I was trying on a new peplum skirt.

"No. I will be fine. Darren needs you here. Besides Aunt Stella told me we're gonna visit the Buckingham Palace. Who knows we might end up in Paris or Rome."

"Stop. Teasing me I've never been to those places." "I will just drop you off at the airport then, and don't say no." Anne insisted.

"Alright, I've got everything I needed. Time to head back home and finalize packing my stuff."

We ate at Chinese Buffet downtown then went for Ice cream at Ben and Jerry's. We called it a night and I drove Anne to her place. As I was parking my car in the garage I saw Jasper seating on the benches on the front porch.

"Hey, how are you?" I asked him.

"I'm fine. I heard from Darren you're leaving town." He sounded worried and sad.

"Wanna go for a walk?" I don't feel like inviting him to my room. Ever Since he had a girlfriend, I felt like I have no right over him.

We started walking on the sidewalk. "When are you leaving?" He blurted.

"Tomorrow, actually." We sat down on the bench near the park. "And you didn't even bother letting me know about this? What has happened to us Dana?"
"Did we just forget each other totally, like we're strangers?" He seemed hurt by his own choice of words.

"I don't think I have any rights to let you know about my plans, since you have Sheena."

"That doesn't mean we will act like we hardly know each other!" He yelled this time.

"Did you come to my place to just throw those words at me? It's a good thing I thought about going for a walk or else my mom would hear us arguing." I fumed.

"I'm sorry. I just missed you Dana."

"Likewise. But our lives are different now."

"You don't get my point Dana. I have been used to almost breathing through you. I understand you needed space. I gave you that. I even asked you if you want me to leave Sheena, you said it's fine." "Everything you want to happen, had happened." He was right, I had been selfish towards him. My jealousy over crowded our friendship.

"What do you want me to do?" Was all I can manage to say while holding back my tears.

"I need you to say you love me." "Just admit it."

"What good will it do? You're taken."

"I love you because you're my best friend of course I do." I gave him the safest answer possible. Although I know that is not what he wanted to hear nor what I truly wanted to say.

He looked at me straight in the eye. "Do you love me more than a friend?" Oh God! This is what I'm scared of answering. This time tears kept falling down my cheeks and it is very visible to him.