How The Sparks Begin

Chapter 20

I looked at myself in the mirror. Okay. I'm gonna do it.

I washed my face with the cold water. I didn't know much about Emmanuel. About his brother's death and how it affected Erika and him.

I shook my head. But that's...it's locked in him. And who am I to just ask him about that?

I was confused. Really confused. Ever since I have friends and ever since I ever know the feeling love, I have experienced different type of feelings.

Short hair that trampled my confidence in high school. I was invisible for two months. And then I became a laughing stock on the third month.

But I was different from the fourth month onwards. Because I had friends.

Unknowingly three months has passed since then. It wad bittersweet. But I wouldn't want to lose them too.

I walked out of the ladies. Travis has gone back to class first. I better go back too.

When I reached the classroom, Travis was already there. He was preparing for the next class.

I shot him a smile before heading back to my seat.

I looked out of the window. Erika and the rest were walking back from the outdoor cafeteria.

As the bell rang, I was about to turned my head back to the books when-.. Emmanuel looked up.

Our eyes met again. He was the first to look away and continue walking till he cannot be seen.

I felt like I couldn't breathe. What was that.. anyway.. I'm going tell him.

Then the teacher came in.

***************

The bell rang as we scribbled the last notes on our test paper and handed it up.

I picked up my bag and walked towards Travis.

"Hey. Wanna walk home together? " Travis smiled.

"Erm...about that... I have to meet someone.. actually I want to meet someone so..er..if you don't mind..I'm not going home with you today.." I apologized to him. I didn't dare to make eye contact.

"Sure." Travis replied. I looked up at him. Travis shot me a smile again,"See you tomorrow."

I waved,"Yeah. See ya." He nodded and headed out of the class. But he stopped and turned around once more.

"Travis. You forgot something? " I asked him. He shook his head,"Stay strong.No matter what his response is."

Travis left the classroom. I looked at the doorway. I didn't say anything but my heart was saying 'Thank you, Travis. '

I took out my phone. I took a deep breath before messaging Emmnauel.

'Hey.Can you meet me on the roof garden? I would like to speak to you -Geraldine'

I closed my eyes before pressing the 'Send' button.

In less than five minutes. I felt the vibration of my phone.

'Sure. -Emmanuel'

I looked nervously at his reply. I almost dropped my phone.

I bit my lip. Right. Let's do it.

I ran up to the roof garden and looked around. He wasn't here yet.

I sat down at the bench. The wind blew and the leaves rustled.

Leaves fell. Summer is over.

The wind blew so hard yet gently. I turned around expecting I'll see him.

And I was right.. he was there.

He walked towards me. His face wore a cold expression but to me.. it just shows me a lonely boy in there.

He stood before me as silence took over. We just stared at each other.

"Emmanuel.." I whispered. I looked down at my feet. I had to say it. I had to.

"I...I..I..erm..." I stuttered. I didn't want to see his reaction. I was terrified.

I could feel my face heating up. Now..my head says no. But my heart.. it says otherwise.

But before I could say anything. He knew already.

"Geraldine. Give up on me."

Those cold words. I wished I was deaf.

My eyes teared up as he walked away. He was so mean. So cold. Yet..and yet I....

He didn't look back at all. I fell onto the floor. My tears. I wanted it to stop.

But now..it didn't matter. These tears are something I'll lose forever.

I wasn't as strong as I thought. I was weak. Useless.

I cried out loud. I couldn't take it. This pain... what is this?

I wanted to hate Emmanuel. I want to.

I wiped away the tears. I stood up.. I have to be strong just like what Travis said.

I walked home quickly. I fear that I may collapse anytime soon.

A person stood in front of my house. He looked up when he heard my footsteps.

Suddenly I didn't care. I ran to him and hugged him.

"I'm sorry..I am not strong... I can't...I can't take it anym-"

"Just cry it all out." Travis whispered.

-To be continued.