The Biggest Loser Is My Lover

Chapter 24: Bridges

"I'm in love with you...P'Lingling. I've always loved you."

It was the end of freshman year, almost summertime. Outside, the sun was shining brightly above the sky. The rays seeped through the thick glass window of the university auditorium. Most college students either already went home or out celebrating with friends. 

Charlotte stood awkwardly, still in her uniform, while waiting for Lingling’s reply. It has been more than a minute and the other girl was just quiet, her eyes were looking anywhere but her. As the silence went on, she was beginning to realize she had read everything wrong. She couldn't shake off the feeling of dread, knowing that whatever Lingling would say would break her heart. She could feel it beating fast against her chest. “P'Lingling…” 

“Charlotte.” Lingling spoke up then. She was in her casual clothes. After the final examinations, she already left to train at Noiam. She was just there that day to get her files. Charlotte asked to meet but she didn't know it would come to this. “Look, I—”

“You don't.” Charlotte whispered, realizing that she didn't want to hear Lingling say it. She kept her eyes on her but she looked away. She knew she wasn't good at expressing herself. They have been friends for years anyway. “I know. I know now.” She swallowed the thick lump in her throat as her eyes started to well up with tears. It was so painful that it made her laugh. 

Lingling felt bad. She really did. She was her best friend along with Engfa. She felt conflicted. On one side, she hated herself for hurting Charlotte. But on the other hand, if she told her she felt the same, then she would be lying. “I'm sorry, Charlotte.”

Charlotte nodded. A tear fell from her left eye, so she wiped it off quickly. She was always the weakest one among the three of them. She was always the one taken care of. “I just thought that you felt the same.” She chuckled. Her heart was breaking into millions of pieces. “I guess I was wrong.” 

“I didn't mean to lead you on. It wasn't my intention to do that. I swear. I never wanted to hurt—” Lingling stopped upon seeing her cry. “Charlotte.” She took a step forward. It came as a habit, but Charlotte stepped back. She gulped and looked down. “I'm sorry.” 

Charlotte smiled despite the tears. “I know.” She sniffed then wiped the years on her cheeks. “I'm okay.” She nodded while smiling, although her eyes were filled with sorrow. “I'll um…I'll get going. You should go now too, right?” She turned around then. 

Lingling felt awful. “Charlotte.” She called out. 

As soon as she turned around, Charlotte couldn't hold back her tears. She tried her best to walk away with a heavy heart 

There, Lingling stayed standing on her spot silently cursing at herself for hurting her. 

Lingling stood by the window of her hotel room looking out into the street below. It has been almost a decade since she last saw Charlotte. Everything that has happened before felt fresh in her memory like it was yesterday. Out of all the places, they would meet here. She shook her head to push the thought aside. 

To take her mind off of things, she decided to read. She opened her iPad to scan through the suggested articles at the summit. It was only 6 o'clock in the evening then. As she was reading, she received a message from Orm. “Oh.” She frowned. It would have been midnight in Bangkok already. ‘You're not sleeping yet?’

Calling Baobao❤…

“Bubu, hey.” Orm's sunshine smile flashed on the screen. She tilted her head when she saw her wife frowning.