FORGET ME NOT

Chapter Thirty-Seven

AIDEN

It's already nightfall when I finished my thesis. I decided to go to bed early so that I wouldn't look like a zombie the next day. After a few minutes, I'm still having a hard time dozing off. I kept on over thinking about stuff that makes me feel antsy.

I emitted a loud sigh, standing on my feet. I lugged in a gray shirt and wore my slippers, hauling myself out of my room.

I went to the coffee shop to have a cup of hot choco. After placing my order, I leaned on the wall and glared through the glass walls. Centering my gaze, I noticed a girl sitting on the grass. I diverted all my attention to her. She didn't budge looking at the sky. I guess she's counting the stars because she kept on pointing up. I studied her every move without a word. After a moment I realized that the girl I'm gazing at is no ordinary person.

When I got my order, I went straight to her. Reaching closer, I asked "So how many stars are up there?" making Trish startle.

I sank down beside her as she glanced up with eyes twinkling in awe. "Infinite" she mumbled averting her attention again to the sky. I could notice her tugging a smile on the corner of her lips.

I got my hot choco offering her some, "You want?". She nodded taking the cup off my hand and started gulping it slowly.

"Why are you here? It's almost midnight" I said.

"Isn't it obvious? I'm counting the stars" she said handling back the cup to me.

I shrugged, "It doesn't make sense. You can count the stars in your room"

Trish shook her head and said "But it doesn't feel like this" glancing around the wide alley.

"You have a point though"

I was silent for a moment, following her gaze.

"Do you love Leera?" she asked out of blue. I didn't expect that question, especially not from her. I didn't answer because I didn't know what to say.

"I know you love her" she said letting out a heavy breath. "Never ignore a person who loves you, cares for you and misses you because one day, you might wake up from your sleep and realize that you lost the moon while counting the stars" she added making me feel like an airplane crashed on me.

"I already lost the moon" I muttered. I know she knows what I meant because she was astonished for a moment.

"If you ever feel stressed or sad, it's wonderful to just stare up at the stars in the night sky and think about life" she mumbled breaking the awed silence between us.

I glanced at her and asked, "So you're here because you're stressed?"

She hugged her knees, quivering as the freezing air enveloped us.

"Come here" I said scooping her in my arm- hoping to keep her warm.

She shrugged, "Maybe" going back to the topic.

"Spill it out, Trish" I said waiting for her response.

"I just want to get away from it all" she suddenly blurted making me feel curious.

"From what?"

"From all these shits I'm facing" she said.

I smirked, "Just always remember that stars can't shine without darkness"

She nodded then added, "And a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor"

"That's right" I snapped but she frowned once again.

"I'm not sure about myself, Aiden. I feel so down because no one cares and everybody's trying to bring me down. I always compare myself to other people cause I think I'm not in their level or what. They're so high that I couldn't reach them. Why can't I be truly happy for once in my life? I'm so confused" she exclaimed.