STAY , Don't Go! (COMPLETED) ✔

CHAPTER TWELVE

Kyler

 We're sitting on a bench here in the park. We've been here for a few hours now. It's not really my style to go on dates, but I think this is what she wants. She's happily watching the children playing and chasing each other in the park. We've talked about many things. She told me about her life, about losing her parents and her grandmother's passing.  

But what surprised me the most is that all she said was what Stella told her story was. I don't know, but I feel something different. I'm just listening to her stories. Her life is admirable because she works hard. Tomorrow, she invited me to come with her to the orphanage she visits. She said I'd like it there because the children and the caregivers are nice.

Because of Aesha, there are many things I want to try. I want to try being independent. But I could never make decisions for myself. When we graduate, our world will change. No matter what course we take that isn't related to our family's business, it's useless. It's like our studies are just a break for us to have a presentable mindset, to be ready for the future. If Aesha and I have something in common, it's that we both lost our parents early. My dad died in a jet plane crash, he was heading to Europe. Mom died because of stress and cancer. She took my dad's loss too hard. There's nothing left for me... except their wealth. For me, it's worthless. I'm family-oriented. I grew up that way, so when Mom and Dad were gone, my world changed, too.

At first, my life was miserable. But when Alyosha came into my life, it was like my world brightened up. She gave color to everything. She brought me back to life from all the past pains I felt. She made me understand that life is precious and shouldn't be wasted. That everything happens for a reason.

I loved Alyosha more than my life.

So when she left me again, my world crumbled.

My life lost its meaning.

"Look, Kyler, they're so cute," Aesha said while laughing. Her smile is so beautiful. I looked to see who she was pointing at. I smiled when I saw the old couple taking pictures. They were wearing wedding attire. "They're so sweet. Maybe it's their golden anniversary, so they are doing their renewal vows." I glanced at her. She's thrilled, and her happiness is evident in her eyes. "Come on, let's go greet them." I was about to respond when she pulled me along.

We were beside the two old lovely couple. They were still taking pictures. Aesha seemed to want to talk to the old lady. She's adorable. She's very friendly. We just watched the pictorial. I just laughed because such love still exists in the world. I glanced at Aesha, who was itching to greet the old lady.

They finished taking pictures, and Aesha immediately ran towards them. I just shook my head while laughing. I followed her and quietly stood beside her, letting her lead the conversation.

"Hi, Grandpa, hi, Grandma. I'm Aesha," she greeted with a smile. The old couple smiled back, looking surprised. They looked at me, so Aesha grabbed my arm. "This is— hm, my friend, Kyler," she said and stared at me, then she smiled.

"Good day, we're happy to see you here, you both look lovely— I love" I said with a smile.

"Oh, my dear child, we didn't expect you to notice us. Thank you," the old lady said. "Actually, we were the ones watching you earlier. We remembered our youth." She added with a smile. Aesha and I glanced at each other, then laughed. "Are you two a couple?" she asked. For the second time, we looked at each other. It seemed Aesha didn't know how to answer. I smiled at Aesha and then looked at Grandma.

"No, Grandma," I said with a smile. "But I'm pursuing this beautiful lady next to me," I glanced at Aesha. She lowered her head and smiled shyly. The old couple looked at each other. Grandpa held Grandma's waist. Honestly. I feel like I'm getting butterflies in my stomach from what Grandpa did.