How The Sparks Begin

Chapter 15

I stared down at my phone. I couldn't bear to leave it alone at all. I wanted to find Elizabeth. I wanted to tell her and explain.

If she had not been friends with me, things might not have come to this.

I was tempted to go off with Joseph when he told me that. Since I would never be with Emmanuel. But I couldn't. Something in me didn't allow that.

Geraldine.Think! It's not that hard. It was too late. I found myself running towards Erika's and Elizabeth's place.

My hands shook as I pressed the doorbell.

A middle-aged woman opened the door.

"How may I help you?" She asked, giving me a warm smile.

"Erm..Hi.. I'm Geraldine. Elizabeth's friend?"

She nodded." Come in."

I went in. I look around as I slowly recall the night they befriended me. Oh Geraldine..What have I done..

"Geraldine..." A voice whispered. Elizabeth stood in front of me. Her eyes were red. Erika was behind her with a hand on her shoulder.

"Elizabeth..."I sadly sighed.

She rushed to me and hugged me. What? She was suppose to be furious at me.

"Elizabeth...I'm sorry..I'm terribly sorry.." I started crying,"I caused you so much pain. I'm really sorry...I didn't mean for any of that to happen...I ...I ..I- "

"Geraldine. I know who you are." She hugged me closer. "You are beautiful, smart, kind and most of all loyal. You would never do that.. I know.. I'm hurt because it seems that I could not keep Joseph's heart with me.."

I started crying. Not because I wanted to. It was because I needed to. Her words made me so guilty. Elizabeth...I'm not like what you said I am. I've fallen in love with Emmanuel. I cannot stop thinking about him. But I have to change. This has to stop.

Loving Emmanuel is like trying to count the stars in the sky. Impossible.

But anyway..I owe Elizabeth and Erika everything. It would not be fair to them.

I hugged Elizabeth tightly. "Thank you..I promise that I will never do anything to hurt you two."

Erika rushed in to hug me and Elizabeth. I guessed I made the right choice.

I went to the toilet and washed my face. My eyes were red but I was relieved that we're still friends. I stared at my reflection.

My hair was growing. I smiled. That didn't matter any more. Does it?

I have Erika and Elizabeth with or without short hair. I have Emmanuel too. I wonder if my will to stay friends with Elizabeth and Erika overpowers my feelings for him..

I opened the bathroom door. " So how was it?" A familiar voice asked.

Emmanuel was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.

"It's settled." I smiled. "That's good." He smiled back.

There was silence. Awkwardness crept in.

Argh.. not again. My heart pounded. Why does this always happen?

"So how's Joseph?" I asked breaking the tension. He seemed calm while I was already nervous and shaking. He pointed towards a door. "He has shut himself in the room."

"Alright." I sighed as I walked towards that door.I threw Emmnauel one last glance. He was watching me. That made my heart beat faster.

Come on. Gerladine. Did you just forget what happened earlier? What you promised them?

I nervously knock the door.There was silence. I knocked again. "Leave me alone!" Joseph shouted.

"Joseph! I'm Geraldine." I said after taking a deep breath.

He slowly open the door. "Geraldine?" His was messed up. The Joseph I knew has gone.

"Joseph..I.." He pulled me into his room and shut the door.

"Joseph? What the..Let go off me!" I cried, resisting his embrace.

"Geraldine."He hugged me tighter. "Why? Why did I have to meet you now? I could have met you before I met Elizabeth.."

"Joseph..." I mumbled. "Please don't. "

"Do you love me?" He let go off me.

I knew he would ask that. I came prepared for it.

"Joseph... I don't. I'm sorry." I apologized.

"Is there someone else?" He asked sadly.

I nodded. "Yeah..I'm really sorry."

He knelt down. "I see.." I started feeling pity for him. "Joseph...there is someone who loves you.. "

He looked up. I look down to him.

"Elizabeth loves you."

I bent down and kissed his forehead. "So don't make her wait anymore."

He stared at me. I smiled. " Joseph..Be the Joseph that you are meant to be. A confident, strong and kind person. I'm sure you will be alright. Let's be friends. "

He smiled back.

I felt like this storm has passed. But there will be many more.

Definately.

-To be continued