After All

Chapter Twenty-five

Beatrice was Gab's friend. She had been in love with him since the first time they met. They were college buddies at the same university. But Gab never looked her way. At that time, he only saw her as a friend.

And she was fine with that.  As long as she can stay by his side or so she thought.

"I'm sorry Bea. I'll have to keep my distance from you. My girlfriend Isabella is not comfortable with our relationship." He said one day

She felt that pain in her chest.  But what can she do? She is nothing but a friend. A girlfriend always weighs more than a friend. She knows she must do as he says.  It is the right thing to do after all.

"Is that so? Well, I didn't know you had a girlfriend now. If that's the case, this friend needs to step down for your flowery love life. Good luck!" she said, forcing her smile.

"Yeah. I hope you will still consider me as your friend," he said

"Of course. If you guys need help just call me." she said

Days  passed. Then weeks. Then months. Despite being in the same classroom Gab never really talked to  her anymore. There will be just times when she will bump into them in the hallway and all Gab will do is nod to acknowledge her presence and Isabella will only glare at her.

It goes on for moths until a horrible news struck her.

Isabella died on an accident.

That time she felt utterly disgusted with herself feeling the tiniest relief that she had died. Thinking that she will once again be close to Gab. 

However, all that positive feelings flew away the moment she saw the state Gab was in. He was devastated. The whole two days after she died he was there like sitting and looking at her coffin. His mother cannot even convinced him to eat or sleep so she asked for her help. 

Hoping that she can persuade her son to take a little break. She slowly went to him. He didn't even  greet her. 

"Gab." She started as she looked at him.

He's not crying but his facial expression screams all the pain he's feeling right now. Ah, he really did love her. 

You're so unfair Isabella. You had the greatest man a woman can ever ask and you just left him  like this. I know it's not your fault but still.

She thought. She then can't help but cry herself. She didn't know that seeing the person you love suffers made you feel their pain too.

"Gab... I'm sorry. I'm so so sorry." she told her while crying.

She actually didn't know what she's sorry for but she felt like she needed to say something so she can let out whatever she felt inside.

Gab finally looked at her. Seeing her crying face his face crumpled into a sad expression and tears began to rain on his face.

"Bea... Bea... Isabella is dead. She left me. I no longer know what to do." he said as he cry

Bea hugged him to console him and Gab hugged her back while crying.

"Isabella won't like seeing you like this. She definitely wanted to see you well so you can live for her stead." she said

"But she's my future. She's the person I think of whenever I envision the future. and now she's gone." Gab said

They stayed like that for some time and when he finally calmed down she forced her to eat food. During the funeral, she was there with Gab. She was there looking after Gab and making sure he's not neglecting himself.

She was tending to his broken heart while her own was breaking a part looking after him.

But she loves him. 

Several months after the funeral, she barged in his apartment. 

"Food delivery mister!" she joked

She looked at his haggard appearance. He hasn't shave for weeks now and loose some weight. He smells alcohol and looks like he hasn't took a bath for days.  

"What re you doing here?" he almost hissed

Bea forced her way in and was greeted by the strong smell of liquor and pile of trash everywhere.

"Get out, Bea." he said

"Not in your current state. Go take a bath while I clean up here." she said as she started picking up the trash and put it in the garbage can.

"I said get out! Stop bothering me!"

"Listen here young man. You're mom was worried sick for you so she asked me to do this. I don't really care what happens to you but stop making your mom cry. I know you're still grieving but at this pace it will just be little time before you follow Isabella." She said half truth and half lie

"That's even better." he said

She sighed.

"If you died from neglecting yourself, that's practically a  suicide so... you'll never meet her in heaven. You'll probably go down there. So suit yourself." she said as she was continues cleaning up

"Fine!" he said as he went to the bathroom and shut the door

Bea sighed once again, holding back her tears. She didn't know she was a good actor.

When Gab finishes his bath,  Bea was serving food on his table.

"Eat up. I cooked you lunch and dinner. Your dinner is in the fridge so heat it up later. Here's your lunch. I gotta go. I have afternoon classes." she said

Gab just stared at her.

"Why are you doing this?" he asked

"I told you your mom practically beg me to make you a living human again." she said as she was trying up her shoe lace

"Is that really all?" he asked

She stopped at her track and pause for a while. She then stood up and meet his gaze.

"I'm your friend remember? I told you I'll be just here for you." she said softly as she gently tap his shoulder.

"Gab, I know you've lost yourself when Isabella died and I  know it will be hard for you to stand at your feet again but there are a lot of  people who still want you here. We're all here for you so just take it slow and I know you'll be able to pick yourself up again." she said as she smile and leave

Gab was left there pondering her words.

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Hi! Author here! So sorry for late updates hihi. So here ya go! The story of their past. What do you think? 

Is it wrong for Bea to take care of Gab despite knowing that she likes him and Isabella hates that they were close?