Anna (Go With Him)

Chapter 23 "John"

Anna's P.O.V.

"Where were you all this time anyway?" I never thought I'd look at him with such a fury. I was holding it in.

Julian and I went for a walk. There was no need for me to walk away from whatever he had to say, or himself.

"Anna. There's a long story behind"

"I demand to hear it" Even though I didn't know how to feel about it, I felt the urge to go straight to the point.

"First of all. I'd like to say it wasn't my intention to interrupt your reunion like that"

So leaving me just like you did was your intention then?

"That's so irrelevant" I said. I did not rehearse this moment.

"I get you. You don't even want to look at me in the eyes... Anna" He tried to take my hand, but I discretely pushed It away.

"I'm waiting, Julian"

"I wanted to send you letters. I really did, but I was afraid. See, I was just too young to be involved in that"

"What did you do? Do you have the fucking courage to tell me now?"

"Oh my...Anna. What happened to you?" For a moment I thought he was scared of me.

"Whatever it was, it wasn't your fault. You could have sent a letter after a while, but you didn't. I don't know what you were thinking, I don't care because it just happened. Don't make me hate you. I'm not sad anymore"

He was speechless. He ran his hand through his curly hair like he used to when he was embarrassed or nervous. He sat down on a big rock as he hesitated his following words.

"My dad killed a person. You do understand we had to leave the country, don't you?"

"Family is family. No matter the issues"

He looked up at me with disappointment in his eyes. "I thought you loved me. I thought it hurt you that I left you like that, and that, was killing me every night. I couldn't sleep thinking how much I must have hurt you. I thought your first reaction would be you crying and telling me how much you've missed me. Apparently I was wrong"

"You were right...I coped up with the hardest time of my life after you left. I did cry over you every night..." There was something inside me that made me shiver as I remembered the pain.

"I'm sorry... Anna. I know you won't forgive me even if I say it a thousand times"

"It's not forgiveness. Just make me a favor. Don't try making me getting back with you"

It hit him hard like a rock on his chest.

"Getting back? I didn't break up with you. I promised I'd come back. I just took..."

"So long to come back... Yes. What do you expect after years? Long distance relationship ? I don't think so"

"You're mad at me" His green eyes used to be my weakness, and now they were about to shed some tears. "Dolly..." He stared at me with tears on his eyes.

What happened to me? Where's my compassion?

"I guess we can be friends. Julian, please, I don't want to remember all of that now that I'm emotionally stable. I'm still trying to process that you're here... it's too soon. Give me some time, and then we can try to be friends" I showed no emotion whatsoever; I believe it was what hurt the most for him.

"I should have known... there's someone else...ain't it? I don't blame you though"

I hesitated whether I should tell him or not, but I decided to be honest because I knew that he'd find out eventually.