A sunset with you

Chapter 35

Jennie

It's been three months since Jeremy and I started to date. Yes. I gave him a chance. I guess I should try out more flavours as he asked me to because life is peaceful and colourful again. I am happy. Abby loves Jeremy. Lisa seems to like him as well. What more could I want? Hailey and I are back to normal, working as co-teachers. She was barely present at work because of her health condition but now since it's vacation, she can have a proper rest at home. 

She said she moved in with Taehyung so that it's easier for him to take care of her and it was also closer to the school and hospital than it was from her house. She was so happy when I told her that I decided to date Jeremy but probably she was more relieved than happy. Relieved that I let go of her man, finally.

Today Jeremy wanted me to go on a date with him because I would be flying back home tomorrow because Mum wasn't feeling well. Lisa was packed with work so she won't be able to go with me so I would be taking both the kids and spending the holidays there.

He picked me up from home in the evening so that we could go grab dinner together. He said he wanted to take me somewhere before that.

"Where are we going, Jere?"

"You will see." He says with a gleaming smile on his face. "By the way, did I mention, you look gorgeous?"

"Yes. Like a million times now." I can't help but laugh at how cutely obsessed he is. "Thank you once again."

He leans towards me kisses my cheek quickly and resumes driving. After about a fifteen-minute drive we arrive at the beach. I never got to come to the beach after we migrated and seeing the ocean after so long felt quite nice. He parks the car and quickly gets off to run around the back to open my door. One thing I learned from the past few months was to not even bother getting down on my own. If I did, he would make me get in again and open the door for me all over again. Princess treatment extreme version. Not complaining though. It felt nice to be treated like this after so long. Kai gave me the queen treatment while he could. 

"After you my lady." He opens the door and helps me get out of the car. He points towards the beach and I try my best to stop myself from running towards the waves. It's this long black dress that's mostly stopping me from doing so. "You wanna run towards the waves don't you."

"It's creepy you know? How you read my mind every time."

"Shall I tell you a secret?" He leans down to reach my ear and whispers, "I have telepathy." He quickly kisses my ear and runs towards the waves, laughing all the way. So childish yet so cute. I lift my dress and start running after him. 

He stops right at the point where the waves stopped. I reach him a few seconds later, out of breath after the quick jog I just had. I hold onto his well-built arm and catch my breath. One thing I love about being with him is holding onto his arm. It just feels so good.

"Don't wanna touch the waves?"

"What about the dress?"

"It's alright. The restaurant I am taking you to is right over there." He points towards the restaurant at the end of the beach. "So even if you get your feet wet, it won't be a problem." He kneels beside my feet and helps me unbuckle my heels. He should have given me a heads-up about the exact place he was taking me to. Once my feet were free, I lifted my dress high enough to not let the waves touch, took a few steps forward and stood there till a wave rolled in our direction. Jeremy held my heels in his hand and stood behind me. After a while, he placed my heels on the beach and wrapped his arms around my waist. 

"Do you have to leave?" He asks me and he sounds sad. I can sense it very well in the tone he just said this question in. "Can't you ask Lisa to go?"

"I can't Tae. I have to go."

"What?"

"What?"

"What did you just call me?" I turn around to face him, confused. "You just called me something."

"Jere."

"No."

"Yes."

"No. You just called me Tae."

It couldn't be. I wouldn't have. I made up my mind. I moved on. I love Jeremy. I guess.

"I'm sorry if I did, it was a mistake."

"Mistake?" He laughs. A sarcastic laugh. "Mistake was dating me, Jennie. You try to convince yourself that you fucking moved on but you never did. It was always him. I knew it since the day you asked me out. I knew you were doing it to forget him but I was dumb to believe that I could make you fall in love with me. I guess it will always be him whether I like it or not."

It hurts to hear this because it might be true. When I called him the day after the sorbet incident and asked him on a date, it wasn't entirely because I was interested in dating him. I just felt he would make a good replacement. Probably like how Tae thought Hailey would be a good replacement. I convinced myself that I moved on but I guess Jere is right. It will always be Tae.

"I am sorry Jen. I am sorry that I can't pretend to be okay with this but if you can't forget him, might as well go back to him. I can't keep doing this."

"Are you breaking up with me?" He doesn't reply so I make it easier for both of us. "You are right Jeremy. I am truly sorry but I believed that I could love you, eventually. I guess I am not ready to move on just yet. Or ever. I don't know. I guess I will end this game. I am sorry once again."

I pick up my heels and start making my way towards the road hoping to find a taxi. I hear Jeremy chasing after me.

"Jennie wait." I stop and turn around. "I will drop you home."

"It's alright. Thank you Jere for everything you did for me." I hug him one last time and walk away from him, forever. It hurts to lose my greatest friend. I made a big mistake using him. Now I lost him in every way possible.

What am I even doing with my life? I need to get my left together. Maybe, going back home should help me heal my mind and heart. 

However, I did realize one thing today. I must not try to replace anyone. I can't replace him so I won't go looking for anyone. After Kai passed away, I lived a peaceful life with my daughter and I should be able to do it again. 

I will focus on giving my girl a better life.