No Filter

Chapter LIII (53)

Sorry it's been a while since I updated, but I just needed a break from everything. I needed to clear my head, but now, I am back.

Liam's POV

I walk into the dining room and see Jade, washing her hands. "Hi," I greet.

She flinches, and I chuckle. She gives me a glimpse before she turns off the faucet and dries her hands on the rag. "Hey," she said, a little nervous.

I crease my brows. She's been a little off lately. "Are you alright?" I ask.

Her brows furrow, and she stumbles to put her hands on her waists, trying to act cool but failing. "Y-yeah. I am. Why?"

I give her a funny look. "Uh...okay," I reply. She smiles, and I walk to the fridge. I take a glance at the empty plate on the counter. I devoured them last night after Ally and I talked. Ally's cookies made my me joyful even though she slammed the door in my face. She didn't want to kiss me. I know that for sure. Not even a kiss on the cheek. I can't blame her for being committed to her fiancé. That's the Ally that I know.

I open the refrigerator and grab the carton of milk out. I open the cupboard and grab a glass cup. I twist the cap off and pour the milk into the cup halfway. I put the carton back in the fridge and take a sip of the milk. My eyes shift to Jade as I do. She smiles faintly, staring at me as if she was thinking about something.

Jade rests her hands on the counter between us and sighs deeply. She speaks, "I...I like you, Mr.—I mean, Liam."

I choke while swallowing and milk came out of my nose. Jade shrieks a little and quickly grabs paper towels from the counter, repeatedly saying, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to."

I shake my head and take the paper towels from her hands. I wipe my nose and my mouth. "No, no. It's alright. I just..." I couldn't finish the sentence. No excuse came to my mind at the moment. I continue anyways, "...you like me?" I question.

"More than you know," she says. "I...I, uh, I don't really know what else to say. Can you say something? Anything?"

I catch my breath and take another sip without tasting the milk much. I wet my lips and wipe away any excess off my lips. I clear my throat, feeling my stomach full. I rest my hands against the counter. Jade walks up to me with little hope on her face. "Please, say something," she says.

I nod my head, trying to piece a sentence together. I open my mouth and say, "Why, exactly?"

Her brows crease. "Why what?"

I clarify, "Why do you like me?"

"How can I not?" Jade questions. "We've been partners for the last couple of years, and I couldn't resist anymore. I've liked you for a while now."

I shake my head. "Jade, I think you are a sweet girl," her hope begins to fade away, "but I think we are just better off—"

"But I'm just asking for you to give us a chance," she says. "Take me out to a movie or dinner and give me a chance. I know that you are closed off, and I would like to be the girl who you can open up to. Be the girl that makes you a better person. Ally encouraged me to tell you this."

I catch my breath while eyes widen a little. "What?" I mumble to myself. I blink and act carelessly. "So what if Ally encouraged you? That doesn't matter to me. I'm sorry, but I can't go out with someone I have no interest in. Jade—"

She pushes me back against the counter and smashes her lips against mine, and I widen my eyes. I sealed my lips and try not to kiss back. I couldn't do it. Not when there's already someone else in my heart.

Jade cornered me and pulled my collar. I hear her let out a moan. Suddenly, I hear someone mumble, "Oh, my..."

Jade pulls back, and we dart our eyes at the entrance. Ally stood there, holding her stomach and shielding her eyes with the help of her hand, and turns away. "I'm sorry," she said. I can hear the hurt under her tone.

"Ally—" I begin, but she cut me off.

"No, no," she says. "Just pretend like I wasn't here." She turns around and shakes her head, walking out.

I rush out of the dining room and catch up to Ally. I grab her arm and spin her around. "Ally, it's not what you think," I begin.

Ally shakes her head, avoiding eye contact with me. She stares at the ground while she fidgets with her fingers. "Mr. Payne, I have no idea why you would care about what I think."

I catch my breath, feeling my anger rising. I hate it when she refers me to mister. It makes it hard to talk to her on a personal level. "Ally, I do care though," I manage to say. "Please hear me," I knew she would not agree, so I slip, "as a friend."

She bites her bottom lip and nods her head. "Okay," she says.

I sigh, smiling a little. "Nothing happened," I explain. "Jade and I were talking, and then, she kissed me. I didn't kiss her back."

"Sir, why are you telling me this? I'm just your son's teacher. I don't care with what you do with your lips," she says, and I can hear her be a little salty.

"Ally, you know that you are more than just my son's teacher," I said. "You are the person that I trust, more than anyone, and that means a lot to me. What happened in there," I pointed to the dining room, "wasn't in my control. You have to believe what I said is true."

She nods her head. "I do believe you. But I know that Jade likes you, and you should give her a chance." My brows furrow, and I shake my head. I was about to refute until she raises her voice, "Give her a chance because she actually had the guts to tell you in person." Her eyes grew soft, and with that, she left.

My heart saddens, remembering the letters she gave me. She liked me once, but not anymore.

I nod my head and gave into Ally's words. If she wants to give Jade a chance, I will gladly fulfill her wants. I turn around and enter the dining room. Jade relaxes her breath as she stood behind the counter. Her eyes sadden more when she acknowledges my presence. "Liam, I'm—I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"

My lips cut her off, and she kisses back immediately. I grab her arms, and she clings onto my sleeve. My stomach grew a pit, but she moans. I couldn't feel anything. No sparks. But I brush it off and embrace what little feelings I have left.