A TWIST OF FATE

CROSSROADS

Tay Tawan

What was I doing?? I was on top of Newwie kissing him. Why exactly was I doing that?? He was in love with his best friend. He just kissed me to stop me from stomping out of here.

Why was I kissing him back? What were we? Kissing buddies??

A strange restlessness was settling in my chest. I had suddenly frozen. My lips had stopped moving and i raised my head slightly and couldn't help but stare at the man lying there, with his cheeks flushed pink, lips swollen, disheveled hair and wide eyes which held a hint of guilt and regret.

He was staring back at me and I could see the same confusion mirrored in his eyes, which i felt.

I knew that he hadn't meant for that outburst to happen but it had happened and it had woken me up from my make belief perfect world and shown me the face of reality.

I rolled out from above him and grabbed my jacket.

"I should go"

I didn't say anymore. I was too confused, too hurt and probably a little shocked with what was happening.

"Tay...." Newwie grabbed my hand again.

"Don't try to stop me Newwiee........New." I should use his formal name. It would help to maintain a distance.

He looked hurt.

"I wasn't trying to stop you. Just wanted to say that when I said sorry i was earnest. I really never meant to hurt you.... specially bring up such a horrible thing. "

"I know"

I gave a curt nod and started walking out of the door.

He called out again.

"Tayyy.....can you forgive me.....I didn't mean to kiss like that. I wasn't.....I.... didn't......i never meant......."

"It's okay. I understand what you are trying to  say. There is nothing to forgive. I have forgotten it already.....let's never bring that topic up again."

Before he could utter another word, I scurried out. The door shut quietly behind me and I walked towards my Simba, with a heavy heart. I couldn't ignore the ache inside my chest.

I kept replaying the incidents of the last two days in my head and my agitation grew. I rubbed my chest with my palm. C'mon Tay you are stronger than this. I murmured to myself.

I decided to go back home. My phone started ringing. I was half expecting New to call me but it was Pluem.

"Hello P'Tay!"

"I am sorry for not taking your call earlier Plu....."

"Happy Birthday P'Tay!!"

"Thanks Nong"

"Why are you sounding so gloomy?"

"I am just tired Plu." I said rubbing my neck, suddenly feeling very exhausted.

I felt like I had just lost a huge battle.

"Come home P. We are waiting for you. Poh was feeling better today. He came down to the garden today."

"Wow! That's wonderful Plu. He hasn't come out of his room for ages. I will be there in ten minutes. I am already on my way."

I was just about to hang up when Plu said,  "P'Tay there is a surprise for you." I could hear him chuckle.

I rolled my eyes. Almost every year (for the last 5years, ever since I came back from the boarding school) Plu managed to inform me about the surprise birthday party which Mae arranges for me, beforehand.