Unfading Connection (complete)

Broken

at Aylow City

Eli's POV

"Good morning Eli." John briefly kiss me on my cheeks.

He has been my friend aside from Bob our supervisor, since I came here in Aylow City.

John and I had been close from the start. We practically worked close to each other and we grew comfortable in each other's company. I was able to have a couple of friendly date with him. But our friendship became a little awkward when he admitted he has feelings for me. He wants us to be more than friends but I am not ready yet.

"So how was your weekend?" he smiled showing his dimples. He is handsome I can't deny it but there is no spark. With his great features and characteristics, he can be easily loved. But that is not the case with me. I like him more as a friend. I don't have any romantic feelings towards him. Maybe because I shut down my heart since Anton.

"Fine. Nothing fancy actually. I always do the usual walk in my favorite park and read some books, listen to music." I briefly looked at him and smiled.

He has always been concern how I spend my weekend and for almost two years now all he can get is the same answer. Sometimes I think it is just a routine for him to ask.

"Why not join me and my family next week. We will have picnic and fishing on the countryside. It will be fun."

I know it is just a friendly invitation but I don't want him to expect more. The last time I joined his family picnic, I felt awkward. It's not that they are not friendly but all of them are expecting that me and John are more than friends. They are all lovely people specially John's mom and his two sisters. I hate to break their hearts.

"Perhaps next time, John. I plan to visit my mother next week."

"Okay. I just hope you will come next time." I saw the sadness in his smile.

I just smiled. I don't want to say yes. I don't want him to expect.

John is a good man. He is responsible, family oriented, not to mention no known vices. He admitted he had a couple of previous relationships that did not work out but it was not due to his being unfaithful. He said that eventually the women get tired of their situation. I feel that it made him lost a little confidence.

Looking at him, I think the 'problem' is he is too kind. Maybe those ladies' conscience was bothered when they were able to know him better. I can say he has a pure heart. Like me he don't do flings.

For me, I don't want to take advantage of his kindness and use him just to have a relationship. He is too kind for me to experiment on my feelings if it will progress or not. I don't want to be unfair with him.

"Ok then. Perhaps you can have dinner with me tonight?" Now I look straight in his eyes. A dinner will not hurt but sooner or later I have to be frank to him.

"Eli, don't worry. It is just a friendly date," he supplied as he can read what's in my mind. "You know that you are the only one I am close here in the company. As I told you before, I understand that you are not yet ready to give us a chance."

I sigh.

"That's what I appreciate from you. Your frankness. You don't give false hopes to a broken hearted man." I laughed as he made a funny face and pretend that he is having a heart attack.

"It's my birthday on Sunday. And since you can't come to my celebration maybe we can have advance celebration tonight."

"Yeah, I know it's your birthday. How can I forget." I teased him.