Whisper of the Heart (COMPLETED)

CHAPTER XXII

She expected worse. Judging from the way Edward's dad looked at her.

She thought it would have been a whole lot better if Edward's dad did say something harsh or insulting, but he said nothing at all. He just look at her plainly, he did not even return her smile. Then he looked away. 

"Where are we? " he said to his companions,  like their presence is an unwelcome interruption. The group laughed, like he said a joke.

She colored deeply. If she can be at another place in just a snap of a finger. She felt degraded. An outcast. Non existing. Invisible. She pursed her lips and fight the tears from coming.

Edward did not speak. But he gritted his teeth.

Gwen hid a smile as she looked away.

And Melba, now feeling the tension building,  whispered to Edward.

Edward excused themselves, and pulled Maymay with him. They passed by of course earning curious glances from the guests.  They silently walked towards the pool, which is on the other side of the mansion, where they can be alone. They sat on the lounge chair side by side.

"Ayaw niya sa akin, Edward. "

She even smiled to hold her tears. But her tears start to fall anyway.

Edward stands and squat on the ground.

"Im sorry May. " His heart felt like it was stabbed as he wiped her tears with his both hands, then cupped her face and made her look at him. Her sullen expression slowly killing him. His innocent Maymay, is crying because of him. He felt responsible for all those tears. 

"Pagpasensyahan mo na ang Dad. Maybe he was just surprised. It shall pass."

She wanted to stop crying. She wanted to believe Edward, but her tears just wont cooperate. Being ignored, being treated like you don't exist really hurt any remaining pride still left on her. She can't imagine going back and socialize with those people again.

So without any further speaking, both remained there, sitting side by side. Listening to the music still playing, and to the distant chatters. Edward holding Maymay in his arms in their own world.

But their silent sanctuary was founded.

"Ahemm. "

Both looked up, and standing near them is a man.

"Luke."

"You're here. I've been looking for you guys. Everywhere. " said the guy.

"You found us. But. Luke, can you please excuse us? Maybe-"

"Hmm.. As much as i wanted too. But your father is looking for you. He asked me to find you. "

Edward's face hardened. His grip to Maymay's hand tightened. But Maymay slowly freed her hand from his grip.

"Go. Maghihintay na lang ako dito. "

Edward remained motionless.

"Ok lang Ed. Diko rin naman kayang sumama sayo. Saka, importanteng okasyon to sa kanila."

"Will you really be ok here?"

"Oo, basta... bumalik ka."

Edward took a deep breath. " But i dont want to leave you here alone, May.  Can you just come with me?"

Maymay shook her head.

Edward is torned. He pulled his hair and borrowed his face on his hands.

Maymay pat his shoulders. "Go. Ok lang ako. Promise."

After a few minutes of remaining still, Edward got up. Worry is written all over his face. Then he held her hand for one last time.

"Stay here until i get back,  ok? " His eyes searching hers.

She nodded and smiled.

And the two men started to go back to the party. Edward glancing back at her from time to time,and she reassuringly smiles at him everytime.

When he's gone, Maymay never felt so alone in her life. With the loud music and people's chatter on the other side of the mansion, she never felt so alone.

She entertained herself with the dancing reflection of lights above the pool's water. But the water was so inviting so she took off her heels and sat by the pool. Her feet are sore. She's not used to wearing heels for long hours. She dipped her feet into the cold water.

Then she heard the people on the other side applausing, and that someone is speaking on the microphone. Edward's dad,  probably, thanking all the guests that have come. She wondered if she's one of the people he's thanking. She smiled bitterly.

Then another applause. Then the music played. And Edward's singing voice reached her ears. She smiled to herself. Edward's voice felt like caressing her wounded soul. It is the first time she heard him sing.  Then another applaud was heard, followed by a woman's voice. They were singing a duet. It must be Gwen.

If words could explain how she felt at the moment, i could have written it. Because she remained there motionless, staring at the dancing lights above the water.  No tears coming. No sad expression.

She just realized something. The present feels like surreal. The voices slowly fading. These people. She couldn't be one of them.

That inner voice she'd been hearing inside of her head.  She can hear it clearly now. Shouting loud and and clear. You can't simply just cross the boundaries. Countries have boundaries, and one can't just simply cross the boundaries just because she wants to. She has to abide with the rules. She and Edward are living in different countries, in different worlds. You can cross the boundaries. If you can afford it.

But in their case, crossing the boundaries, is something she can not afford.