eleven

Chapter 2

I woke up feeling really mythical. I will never forget the warmth of that gentle giant.

"Good mythical morning, Em!",Trid cheerfully greeted as she toasted some waffles for waffle Wednesday. "Good mythical morning too. You look so happy today.",I replied. "Of course! We met half of the duo. "Yeah.",I happily replied.

"So what did you and Rhett talk about when I wasn't here yet?",she asked as she put the waffles on the plates. I went to the dining table to eat along with her. "Well, I told him that I can't believe that he remembered me and this place.",I replied as I pour maple syrup all over the waffles. "And?" "That's it." "Really?" "Okay, no." "I knew there was a lot more than that. Come on, tell me." She looked at me and she waited for my response. "I asked Rhett why he was drinking the other night and he told me that Jessie and him divorced.",I sadly replied. "What?! They divorced?!?",she said, extremely surprised. "Sadly, yeah." "But they were perfect for each other!" "I know." "Did Rhett cry when he said that?" "Yes. And I felt myself cry with him too." "Poor Rhett...",she pitifully said. I finished my waffle and drank some milk. "Anyway, I'll go shower now."

I hurriedly grabbed my towel and ran to the bathroom. I silently weeped as I recalled what happened last night. Then, I smiled as I remember when I embraced him. After I knew the bad news, I felt so shocked, lonely and happy. Why did I even feel happy? I'm such a bad person for feeling happy about that. Rhett is finally single and that means I have a chance. No, you don't Em! Stop dreaming. Don't drown yourself in your illusions. He's too old for you. Besides, you aren't beautiful enough for that handsome man. I shook my thoughts and started showering.

After I got out of the shower, I heard Trid talk to someone over the phone.
"So you don't believe me? That picture wasn't edited. Well, I'll show you their studio someday."
"Who was that?" "Xara." "Oh. Don't you kinda hate her?" "Yeah I do but she's really cool." "Doesn't she have favoritism among Rhett & Link?" "Yeah. She likes Link a whole lot more than Rhett." "Ha, I knew it. I bet her ovaries would literally explode when she meets Link." We both laughed. "Yup. She's one of the craziest fangirls ever." I glimpsed at the time and it wasn't long enough before 9:30. "Well, I better go." "Bye, Em." "Bye."

Another tedious school day ended and I was glad that it was over. As I walk downstairs, I realized I left my phone at the Music Room. I ran back to the said room and went to where I sat before. I searched and searched but I couldn't find it and I was beginning to get frustrated.

"Looking for this?", a tall brunet who seemed to be a 10th grader asked as he held my phone. I immediately grabbed it and thanked him. "You're welcome. You should always keep an eye on your things. I'm Cameron." "I'm Emerald but just call me Em." "I like your shirt, Em.",he said as he looked at my Rhett & Link tee. "Oh, thanks." "Well, I gotta go. Nice meeting you." "You too."

Before going home, I decided to go to Ochre since I'm nearing the end of my recent book. I read really fast especially if I'm hooked with the book I'm reading. The owner greeted me and I greeted back. I went to look for another book and guess who I saw there. "Hi, Em." "Oh, hi Rhett. Looking for some books?" "No, not really. I went to your apartment earlier, but no one was there, so I decided to hang out here." "How long have you been waiting?" "Not so long." I skimmed through the titles of books and immediately found one that I like. "Got it." "Got what?" "The book I wanted." I showed him the cover of the book. "The Life of Death. The title seems to be really interesting and also dark.",he commented. "Well, I do like the dark ones." I purchased the book and we went towards my apartment.

"You seem to like visiting us.",I said as I unlock the door. "Correction. Visiting you." "Me?",I asked as we both enter the apartment. "Yes, you. Well, Trid is also great but you've already done a lot for me." Oh, Rhett. If only you knew how much you've done for me. "What I did for you wasn't enough for what you've done for me and I don't think I could ever repay you for all of it." Rhett flashed a weak smile that made me do the same. "Well, you're welcome then."

"So why did you visit me?",I asked as we both sat on the black couch. "I just don't like being in our, well, my house all alone. It reminds me of my memories with Jessie and the kids and it only makes me feel the worst.",he said with sadness in his voice. "Well, there's Link. How about him?" "Being with Link feels good but also makes me feel like I'm a jerk and the worst dad and husband who has ever lived. Link has a strong bond with his family and his family loves him very much, while me, on the other hand, is just some crybaby which had been left by his wife." "Rhett, don't say that! You're not a jerk! You're not the worst dad or husband! And you're not a crybaby!",I shouted and released all of the emotions building inside of me. His eyes widened at my reaction. "Yes, you may be crying about your family leaving you but it's perfectly normal! You're a human! I'm a human! And us humans have feelings! Us, humans make mistakes in our life and we shouldn't be spending our time crying and regretting them, but we should spend our time learning from them and evaluating them in our life!" My chest heaved back and forth as my heart beat so fast and I caught my breath after my emotional and nonstop delivery of words.

"I am so sorry for shouting at you." "Don't apologize. In fact, I should be thanking you." I was surprised. "You're right. I shouldn't be wasting my tears over this. My life took a huge turn and I should be facing it. Maybe I was just a big of a pessimist. Thanks for making me realize." He beamed at me and it sent shivers down my spine. I felt so lucky seeing him smile like that up close. "Don't mention it."

"Anyway, when do you wanna meet Link and the crew?",he asked, changing the topic to a lighter one. "Well, when can they meet us?" "Maybe...Saturday." "Saturday sounds good. I'll tell-",I was interrupted by a knock on the door. I opened it and I was greeted by Trid at the door. Perfect timing. "Hi, Em. I brought some pizza. Rhett's here again?" "Yeah. Your timing was actually perfect." "Why?",she asked as she put the pizza box on the table. "Well, she was about to tell you that you'll be meeting Link and the crew on Saturday." "Oh, okay. What time?",she asked and sat along with us. "You know what I'll just call you whenever we're ready." "Okay. Just don't forget.",I told him. "If you thought I forget, then call me." We exchanged numbers and I was feeling very, very special to have his number. "Whoa, look at the time! I better get going then. Well, see you, probably tomorrow!" "See ya!",Trid and I said in sync.

"Rhett likes to visit us, doesn't he?",Trid asked as Rhett closed the door. "Yes, he does."