Last Teardrop

Chapter 12: Hold My Hand

“Sam?”

Jasmine came nearer. “And you are…?” her eyes were on Patrick.

“Hi, I am Patrick.” He held his hand to Jasmine.

“Are you together??”

Jasmine just couldn’t stop her big mouth. And Daniel was looking at us waiting for an answer. But neither one of us did. I don’t know why Patrick didn’t argue on the fact. I planned not to say anything that might hurt him or would make him feel dismissed. He just saved me, and if not for him I never would have imagined where it would all end.

 “Jasmine, that’s enough.” I decided to break the silence. “I just want to go home now.”

“But you’re not answering me.” Jasmine said.

“I’ll bring you home.” Patrick told me.

“No, I’m fine. You don’t have to do that. Thanks tonight Pat.”

“I insist. Please Sam.”

I would have said yes that time just when Daniel interrupted.

“It’s alright. I’ll bring her home. We’re heading to the same direction anyway, so I don’t mind.”

I saw excitement in Jasmine’s face. And since when did she and Daniel become close?

“Settled. Now, go home my dear. And Daniel, take care of her.” Jasmine ended the conversation. Patrick wasn’t able to do anything.

When we were on our way to the house, I remembered what just happened and was about to cry. But I was holding back the tears because I want myself fully composed in front of Daniel. He has no clue at all and breaking down will make him feel unease. I was shaking with fear as we crossed the dark street. What if the guys were still out there? I paused. And Daniel did too.

“Hey, are you okay?”

I could not explain how I felt. I was just watching the road wherein the light was only coming from the moon and a single lamp post. It feels so cold that I want to run back. Just then Daniel held my hand.

“Let’s go.”

And I completely found the courage to pass through the dark street ahead. He held my hand tighter.

“Daniel, I’m scared.”

“Just hold my hand. Sam, I’m just here.”

No one uttered a single word. When we were already saw people around, the fear just went down.

“So...” Daniel started, trying to break the silence. “Are you and that Patrick guy, you know, together?”

“No. He’s a great guy. But we’re not on that track.”

“Not on that track? Or Not yet?”

I smiled.

“You’re smiling. That’s a good thing. So, he makes you happy?”

“Daniel, we’re not really….”

“You like him?”

I paused. Do I like Patrick? We’ve only met yesterday. Although a lot of things happened, it is still not good to rush things. But I must admit, Patrick is fun to be with, and he is important to me, especially now that he saved me from those 3 guys a while ago.

“I hope you’ll both be happy.”

Daniel smiled. I did not see any hurt or jealousy in his eyes. My mind was playing tricks on me a while ago. I was trying to defend myself so he’d not think something’s going on with me and Patrick. But obviously, I was wrong. He really doesn’t care. He’s just curious.

“Yes. I hope so too.”, trying to hide the irritation in my voice.

And I let go of his hand when I realized that he was still holding me. It’s not that scary anymore. He could have let it go a while ago. When we reached my house, we paused for a while.

“Thanks Daniel, though you didn’t have to.”

“I wanted to. Besides, my house is just 3 blocks away.”

“I would have wanted to invite you in, but I’m sure my dad’s drunk again. You wouldn’t want to witness that.”

“It’s okay Sam. Have a good night.”

I was about to say something else when…

“Daniel!”

Little-Miss-Skirty was already outside the house of Dan. He apologetically looked at me and went to the girl waiting for her excitedly. He hugged her and she hugged tighter. And together, they went to Dan’s house.

I felt troubled and my heart sank. It even beats faster now than the time those 3 guys chased me. I could hardly breathe as if it has been taken away from me. What’s happening to me?

Oh well. Tonight just isn’t my night.