Byron's Secret (Slenderman Romance)

Chapter 59. A Resolution

【Joy's POV】

"I'm truly sorry, Joy." Byron muttered with an unyielding voice, yet there was a hint of empathy in his voice. I swallowed the sobs and hid my face as I heard his footsteps gradually disappearing.

Once the fountain and the muffled voices of the guests inside were the only sounds I could hear, I circled the fountain and sat behind it, hoping it's enough to conceal my cries after I finally gave in. I could feel my chest tightening with every sound that escaped my lips, constricting and suffocating me. I cried and cried, thinking it will be enough to make the pain go away.

I took a deep breath to stop myself from huffing and wheezing. I eyed my surroundings, glad that I was certainly alone to think. Even then, tears kept streaming down my face while I stared straight to nothing.

I felt confused. I thought everything will go well. I know that Byron feels something for me, but I guess I didn't know what kind of 'feeling' it was. Maybe . . . I just played a part in his everyday life and this caused him to think of me as a friend? Or at least someone he doesn't particularly hate? Then, I really did get ahead of myself. I knew there's a chance that what I did may result to my rejection, but . . . I don't regret doing it. It's better than just hoping to be with him and not doing anything about it. I moved forward, that matters.

I sighed, the tears flowing endlessly no matter how hard I try to stop them. I raised my knees to my chest and hugged them, not caring about the fact that I was wearing a knee-length skirt. I doubt anyone would find me here anyway, it's secluded.

Maybe Byron also got confused. Maybe there's a little chance that he will return my feelings and accept me into his life . . . or maybe his confusion is set on a different matter like thinking he felt the same way and kissed me back, only to find out that he doesn't love me at all.

I don't know anymore. Trying to logic this out is pointless. It just hurts so bad . . . I didn't even know that it would be this painful. I didn't know that how I feel about him was this strong. I thought I succeeded when he responded to me, I thought we're on the same page, and I was wrong. Who would've thought it would be this harsh . . . but, it's Byron, what did I expect?

He shouldn't have kissed me back. He shouldn't have. He can't just say it was a 'mistake.'

The scene replayed in my head once more, causing a tugging pain in my chest. I buried my face on my knees and tried to diminish the sobs and restrain myself in case someone walks by. But it looks like I failed at this too.

I heard heavy footsteps getting louder, a bit far from me, "Joy?"

That voice . . . Droney? I wasn't sure because the sound resonating from the fountain was obstructing it. What does he even want?

I got a wake up call and managed to stop myself from wailing like a brat. My breathing is uneven, but I gave my best at keeping quiet to avoid being seen. After what happened, the last thing I want is to be seen by anyone. I never liked the idea of relying on peoples' sympathy after a hard time. I'd like it better if they pretend that nothing happened or else I'll never move on from it . . .

"Ha!" I suddenly felt hands on my shoulders, tightly gripping me. I screamed due to the shock and fell from the side of the fountain, considering that I was hugging my knees and my balance was off.

As I picked myself up, Droney's laughter echoed throughout the garden. At that point, the dam in my eyes had shattered and I was back to crying like a fool. Half of the reason was because of Byron, and the other half was because I was found out. The panic and shock was enough. I'm terrified of what will happen next. I hate being seen at a vulnerable time, the only ones I tolerate are my brothers and even so, I still don't like it.