Scarlet Strings of Love

Chapter 44: 心の囚人

"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you"

—Lewis B. Smedes

ELLIE's POINT OF VIEW

Belle and I are currently lounging on the living area. I was sitting on the armchair while Belle was on her phone, probably watching dance videos. With the welcoming party for freshmen coming up, everyone else in a club or an organization are busy with the preparations.

Now that I think about it, most of the people I know are a member of something. Regina and Czarina are in the student government, Red and Luxus are in a band, Ysabelle is in the dance troupe, and... Ugh. I guess Angelo is included. Speaking of that guy, it's been a few weeks since that day. Dad and I spoke, and after that Mum came up to me apologizing.

She said she never realized how much sadness she caused. It was understandable, really. That parents would naturally involve their children in their fight. We're theirs, and we were still little kids back then so they had every right to decide for us. But moving on, Kuya also apologized in the most Kuya way— He bought another blueberry cake. This time, it was more expensive than the last. Safe to say, his wallet was dry but at least my stomach was full. That was the best blueberry cake I have ever consumed.

"Ellie," Belle called. I lowered the book and looked at Belle.

"Nakausap mo na ba si Angelo?"

"No." I raised the book and started reading again.

"It's been weeks, Ellie," she said. "Aren't you two tired of ignoring each other?"

I closed my book and looked at her, my brows furrowed, "I could ask you the same."

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"It's been weeks, you two have a performance together yet you're still not talking to each other," I said.

"That's..." Belle sat down and avoided my eyes. I shook my head and opened my book again.

"But just talk to him," she said. "After mo siya kausapin, promise I'll talk to him."

Oh, so that's what this is. She just needed someone to help her talk to him. I smiled at her. She looked at me with an expectant smile.

"No."

"But—"

"I said no, Belle."

"Sige na. Please?"

"Oh, now you're begging? Real mature, Belle," I said and stood up. I'm going to my room so I can continue reading in peace.

"But I want you two to talk first!" she exclaimed. I turned around and put my hand on my waist.

"Good luck marrying him then because I will never be the first to talk to him," I said. I heard the door open.

"Wha— I don't want to marry Angelo!" Belle exclaimed. "I just need you to talk to him so it's not so awkward when—"

"You don't want to marry my brother?"

We turned around and found Kuya Harry and Kuya Calum entering the house. Great, these two are together again. This is why I told Kuya to get his own place. He can't bring his friends to our house whenever he wants like he's still in high school.

I told him that and he cried saying I want him out of my life, and honestly in that moment, he wasn't wrong.

"Kuya Calum?!" Belle asked, shocked. She started stammering and the two old men laughed.