Devon

Chapter Forty

Hiii lovelies! Here's an update. Kinda took long cause my cat was pregnant but she didn't make it :( I had to grieve for a while. Anyways hope everyone likes this chapter :)
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"You can find someone better than me. But of course the love won't be the same."

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Artemis POV

After a few more minutes I was done with the grilled strawberry cheese sandwiches and tea. I placed some strawberries on the side and some chocolate dips.

Pabalik na ko sakanila, holding the tray when I heard Jess. I stopped on my tracks to listen to them.

"Why are you here Clementine?" Jess asked. She sounded irritated.

"Well why are you here Jessica?" Clem asked back.

"I'm here because.." I heard her trail off

"I thought so." Sabi ni Clem.

I sigh and proceed to them and as soon as nakita ako ni Jess ay nilapitan niya ko at kinuha ang tray sakin. Napakunot ang noo ko habang sinet niya sa table ang merienda namin. I'm supposed to be the one doing this to her not the other way around.

She went and sat on the sofa and pour some tea on the cups. Grabbed one and took a sip. And here I am holding my breath because I can't seem to digest the fact that its her doing these things. Like bakit ako liligawan? Di ako bagay ligawan. Ako ang nanliligaw. I don't even know if liligawan niya talaga ako.. but of course I just got flowers earlier.

"Come sit beside me." Clem asked habang hila niya ko.

I obliged. Pagkaupo ko ay kita ko ang inis sa mukha ni Jess. Napalunok nalang ako. Pero etong katabi ko mas lalo pa sumiksik sakin. Alam kong ginagalit niya lang si Jess pero ayoko naman na magalit sakin ang mahal ko.

"How thoughtful Art! It's good to know na alam mo parin ang favorite tea ko." She said and I shot her a pointed look. Kelan pa naging favorite niya ang Jasmine tea? Pero alam ko na sinasadya niya na mainis si Jess.

She just smirked and went to drink the tea while si Jess ay binaba ang cup ng sakanya. Masama ang tingin niya kay Clem. Nagbaling siya ng tingin sakin at mejo naging soft eto then she looked down. I was about to grab my cup ng sa isang iglap ay biglang tumayo si Jess and went out the door.

Clementine chuckled beside me.

"That girl. Ang bilis niya sumuko ah?"

"I guess she just got really annoyed at you Clem. I better go."

"Sure comfort her a bit. Yung sinabi ko ah. Magpakipot ka naman ex. Akin na tong sandwiches ah! Favorite ko mga gawa mo eh." She said with a wink and went on to grab the sandwiches. I rolled my eyes at that at sinundan si Jess.

Nakita ko siya sa may fishpond. Nakasimangot siya habang tinitignan ang mga coy.

"Alam mo matatakot ang mga isda sayo kasi nakasimangot ka." I commented at napatingin siya sakin na parang nagulat. She cleared her throat.

"Well okay lang yon. As long as ikaw hindi takot sakin."

"Bakit naman ako matatakot sayo?"

"Yeah why would you be. I guess its the other way around." sabi niya and smiled at me sadly.

"You're afraid of me?" I asked her. She shook her head.

"I'm just afraid." She sighed.

"Afraid of what? What are you afraid of?"

Tinignan niya ko ng taimtim. Her lips quivered a little. I grabbed her hands and gave her a smile.

"I'm afraid that.. That your mind and heart isn't mine anymore. That you found someone better than me and already replaced me." She said and looked directly into my eyes.

"You can find someone better than me. But of course the love won't be the same right?" I smiled a little of course it wouldn't be cause it wouldn't be with her.

"You still have my heart. You just need to convince me. Convince me that you won't ever leave again so that I can convince my heart that you won't hurt me like that again." I said and gave her hands a comforting squeeze. It was true. Sakanya parin talaga. But I don't know if I can take the pain again if she leaves.

"Alright. I'll do just that." She said smiled a genuine smile. I couldn't help smiling back. Hoping that she really means it.

She suddenly hugged me tight. Like she didn't want to let go. Without hesitation I hugged her back. Having her back in my arms made me feel like myself again. Whole. Complete.

"I'm sorry for leaving. I love you Art." She whispered. "I'll do everything to make you choose me."

I already did Jess. I will always choose you. I thought. I didn't say it out loud. No I just let the comfortable silence fill the atmosphere as she hugged me like she hadn't seen me for years. Like she's just as afraid of loosing me like I'm afraid of loosing her. I love you too Jess. I hope you don't leave me again.