Choices

Part 2

"---until you want to be with me, really be with me. I just can't be with you now."

With those last words, echoing deep within her. Still piercing through an already broken heart. Even with months that passed by, no means of healing can do to bring back the pieces of her heart. School has ended as everyday has been spent with the comforting presence of Josh. He arrives at Cressa's house as he sees her through the window. She sits in front of a piano with her fingers resting on the keys. No sound is heard, but a deafening silence is shown. Staring through the window, Josh tries to capture a broken picture wishing to renew.

It's been over three months, why do I still feel such pain? Shouldn't I be over him now? I mean he had every right to break up with me. I was always busy with my life, but I still tried my best to make an effort to make our relationship work. But he sacrificed more than I have ever could. He deserves so much better, but I still deeply am intoxicated with the love he's poured within my heart. I truly love him. What in the world am I to do now?

She turns to her side trying to find a clock realizing that it's almost twelve midnight. She takes a long deep breath knowing that soon it'll be her birthday.

Will Kyle call me? Should I just call him? No, it's been three months since we've had any contact; he's never spoken to me, ever met up with me. Nothing. Has he forgotten about me? I never forgot him.

A buzzing ring echoes through her home as she comes back to the real world realizing someone's at the door. She shakes off her thoughts and unwillingly gets up to answer the door. Staring at the door, Josh compiles ideas on how he should present her gift to her. The porch light awakens from the mist of darkness; suddenly he focuses his attention to the doorknob hoping it would open. Cressa looks by the window near the door as she sees Josh nothing but jeans and unbuttoned polo which was well decorated with his hair slick back. She opens the door only to see a gorgeous bright smile with on his face.

"Happy Birthday!" simultaneously a clock is heard ringing from afar noting a new hour. Josh steps through the door giving Cressa a hug. Surprised at such invite, she takes his offer and returns the same amount of emotion Josh gives to her. He pulls back, sees a smile on her face but still with sadness deep in her eyes.

"Hey, cheer up it's your birthday. I got you something," smiling so persuading, she jolts up in excitement.

"Oh really?! What do you have for me there mister?"

"You have to close your eyes first." She throws him a playful disapproving look, but forcefully shuts her eyes holding out both her hands between them. Shaking his head along with a snicker, he takes a step closer leaning in to lay a kiss to her cheek so close from the edge of her lips. Unexpected by his move, she opens her eyes and jumps.

"Hey?! That's my gift?" Disappointed, hoping he bought her a gift. He gives out a laugh taking out a card from behind him presenting in front of her. She smiles with such happiness; she snatches the card eye boggling it. With such elegant inscriptions in it, she eagerly tears the envelope:

"Dear Cressa, Happy birthday of course. I know we've only known each other for such a short time. But with those moments spent with you, nothing could have ever made me any happier. I know that you're going through such a hard time, but it doesn't mean you have to go through it alone. You've got friends, family, and hopefully you thought about it---me. I don't wish you to do anything out of your emotions but I just hope to ensure you that you're definitely not alone. If anything at all, being friends with you is the most important thing right now. With a quote I wish to end this with: 'The heart does things for reasons that reason cannot understand' If only you can see how much I've fallen for you, it's as if my heart fell so deep that it won't have anyone else because with one look, I smile. With one word, I fall. Oh but with one touch---I'm in heaven"

Tear drops run down her cheeks, reading aloud his final statements, "Happy birthday, I wish you the best" Josh looking away from her, he wipes his tears from the anguished heart he feels for her. Just by the gestures she shows, he knows that he can't have her no matter how his heart aches. He gets up, handing her a handkerchief from his pocket. Taking his handkerchief, she grabs his hand from returning back to his seat.

"Is this how you really feel about me?"

"Which part, about me wanting to be your friend? Of course, I want to be there for you" trying to avoid the obvious. He takes her hand and leads her to the living room, as she sits next to him by the piano in opposite direction. He causally opens the piano and starts to play a piano piece fluidly and such grace across the keys.

"Josh?" as she looks down at her hands. While playing, he turns his head towards her.

"Yes?"

"I'm flattered that you want me, but---how about we take it slow. You know I'm just going through a rough time now" He continues to play making it all the more peaceful and majestic. Her tears start to fall more unwillingly, but he doesn't realize it as she is hidden by her hair. He plays the piano with such grace, not once he stumbles. Realizing a change in the tone, she raises her head towards him.

"What song is this?"

"I made it up. I've been working on this for quite some time now."

"What's it called then?"

"I don't really have a name for it, but I was hoping you could help me with that."

"Why me?"

"Well because---" He stops playing, turning his attention to her. "I made it for you." Her eyes widen blushing through her tear-soaked cheeks. She lowers her head smirking and a hint of a chuckle. Her head is still low, toying around with the tissue in her hand. He bravely positions his hand in front of her reaching for her cheek. Turning her head towards him, he makes eye contact with her. She looks at him removing his hands from her cheek. With his hands in hers, her mouth is shaken with each moment of silence being broken by the soft breathing. His eyes trace along her every curve of her face; he fixes his attention on her eyes. Eyes red, deep with sorrow, but covered with confusion. He leans in a bit closer. She remains where she is still keeping her eyes fixed upon his. Releasing her grip from his hands, she moves up her hands to trace along the side of his face. Sliding her hand through his cheek, more distance is broken as he moves in closer. She drops her hands as his raises up holding her head by her cheeks. Only inches apart. Slightly turns his head. She closes her eyes. She shakes. Only now centimeters apart---