STUDENT BODY

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

The planning and the scheming aren't my strongest points but for the sake of friendship and love, I convinced Richard to setup a rock climbing activity. We just wanted Ronan and Cameron to come and meet together. As for myself, I will do the persuading for Cameron . If he knew that Ronan is joining, I have no doubt that Cameron will join too in a jiffy no matter how much he loathed rock climbing. And to make a killer persuasion, I will tell Cameron that I have to put up with Richard for his sake as if I loathed it as much as he loathed climbing. I think I can make an acting career out of this.

So all I have to do now is wait for the perfect day to carry out the plan and I intend to do it on Thursday Si everything will not be rushed. Until then, I'll go back to being normal.

Thursday Morning

I dropped by at Cameron's house to tell him personally that we will have the climb on Saturday and that I will be tagging him along because Ronan is coming too. With few hesitation and protests, he still agreed to come with me. I assured him that Ronan is coming. Cameron was hesitant at first since he still couldn't erase the thought that the reason why Ronan is joining us is because of me. I didn't argue with that because I believe that it has some truth to it. But I pointed it out he should seize this opportunity for him and Ronan to clear and patch things up. And Cameron finally agreed.

I immediately called Richard to confirm with him that everything is set on my side. He replied the same thing to me so all we have to do is wait until Saturday. Eventhough Richard told me that everything's set, I called Ronan to verify if he's really coming. Ronan said that he is indeed coming and looking forward to seeing me there.

Saturday Morning

Cameron and I arrived at River Heights Park around 7 am. He looked frustrated since Ronan and Richard haven't arrived yet. I told him to make himself busy by helping me get unpacked our stuffs while waiting for them. He obliged.

Soon after, Ronan and Richard arrived. The former looked so confused, probably expecting a lot of people instead of only two but still managed to sport a smile when saw me, and went poker face when he saw Cameron. Hmmm. This isn't gonna be good.

Ronan headed to my direction and requested to have a minute with me alone. I agreed and we walked away about few meters from Richard and Cameron. When were now at a not so hearing distance, Ronan spoke and said:

"What's going on here Taylor? What is he doing here? Are you like friends or what? Was this a setup?"

I paused for a moment , inhaled a little courage, sighed and replied, " Cameron is my best friend. Right after we met last week, and when I got home that same morning, I found him already at home and told me what happened in the party that involved you two. I didn't know why it took him days to tell me how upset he was. I didn't know too that it was you until he mentioned your name to me. And I'm sorry if you were setup. I just want you to talk to Cameron and clear things up. I'm begging you Ronan. Can you please talk to Cameron? "

He just looked at me for a moment, with a look that is hesitant and unconvinced. Then he said, " Fine. I'll talk to him but only because you asked me too. But you aren't off the hook yet Taylor.

Whatever Ronan meant by his last statement , I still thanked him anyway for giving in to my plea. We walked back to where we left Richard and Cameron. Ronan signalled Cameron to come along with him to the nearby cabin. On the other hand, Richard and I were left standing, just staring at each other, waiting for the outcome of their conversation. After about half an hour, Ronan stormed out of the cabin looking distraught and upset. What on earth could have gone wrong again this time?

I tried times stop Ronan but he was evading my stare. He walked away and when Richard called him back, he sped up into the woods. I immediately went to the cabin and found Cameron silently seated at the bench with his tears about to fall. And when he saw me, there was no way he could have held back his tears. I sat beside him and rested his head over my shoulder as he began to sob silently. He began to open his mouth to speak, but I vaguely understood what he was saying because of the sobbing. He regained his composure and uttered the following, with a clearer voice this time:

"It's all my fault. I shouldn't have rushed or forced him to like me. He made it clear to me that he can only offer frienship and no more than that. But before we parted, I asked for one last kiss and promised not to bother him again. He agreed and after we kissed, he stormed out of the cabin. "

And that's when I saw Ronan came out from the cabin. I didn't say anything to Cameron. I just held him close and made him feel my presence. We stayed like that for few minutes, all in our silence, until I finally decided to say, "Let's go home. " Cameron nodded his head in agreement so I walked with him out from the cabin and headed for my car. I ordered him to go inside the car while I collect my backpack and other stuff. When done, I told him just to stay put. I'm gonna look for Richard time tell him we're leaving.

I searched everywhere but I couldn't find Richard so I called on his mobile and he answered immediately . I asked him where he's been and he said that he was looking for Ronan. Apparently , Ronan went to the woods and wasn't answering Richard's calls. I told him I will call Ronan myself and maybe he answers. So I dialled his contact name and fortunately, he answered.

"Ronan , this is Taylor. Where are you? Richard has been looking for you and you weren't answering his calls? " I said.

"I'm not that far away Taylor . And Taylor ? Can we talk? Alone? " he said.

"This isn't the best time Ronan. We can talk later. We're leaving, " I replied.

"It will not take that long, I promise. " He said.

"Fine. Just tell me where you are exactly," I said. Ronan then told me his exact location which wasn't that really far. After a few minutes, I found him standing beside an old Oak tree. When he saw me, he grabbed my hand and pulled me close to his body and pressed his lips to mine. I was caught by surprise and wasn't able to pull out from the kiss quickly. I regained my composure and immediately struggled to pull out from his grip so I stepped backwards but I went off balance and fell on my side. Ronan trued to tighten his grip to catch me and pull me up but he also fell down and landed on top of me. I wasn't able to move and was too late to resist as his weight was pressing on me. He moved his face closer to mine and kissed me again. I tried to evade his kiss but was too late.

At this exact moment and compromising position, I saw Richard approaching us. His face became so red with anger and ran fast to Ronan aiming to punch his face. I immediately shouted "Richard, noooooo!!! " but was already too late as his fist landed on Ronan's jaw and slammed him to the ground. Richard aimed to launched another punch but I grabbed his leg and shouted at him to stop as I struggle to get up and wrapped my arms around his body, restraining him against Ronan.

Ronan got up from the ground and shouted, " What the hell Richard ? Why did you do that? " as he held his jaw trying to somewhat ease the pain from the blow .

Richard didn't answer. He just stood still as I tighten my embrace around his body . I faced him and look through his eyes trying to calm him down . I looked back to Ronan and asked him to leave us.

"I get it, " was all Ronan said as he left.

I returned my gaze to Richard and held his fist, attempting to loosen it up, and said, " Let's go to my car Richard and let me fix that, " as I held his hand and walked away together.

When we reached my car, I opened my cooler and pulled out two coldpacks. I handed one to Cameron and ordered him to give it to Ronan and put the cold pack to Ronan's jaw. I told Cameron that he can ask question later. So Cameron stepped out from the car and went out to Ronan. Then I quickly turned to Richard, took out his hand and placed the coldpack over his already swollen fist. He looked at me and said:

"I'm so sorry Babe. This should not have happened. I should have told Ronan about us."

"Don't blame yourself Richard. No one is at fault here except me. I planned all this and looked what happened ? I ruined everything. I already feel bad for Cameron. I shouldn't have encouraged Ronan. I knew he liked me but I didn't do anything to discourage him," I said. " And thank you for being there. I could have give Ronan a good fight if you didn't come."