Another Shed Of Tears

Epilogue

One year later.

It's been a year since Nico and I became a couple. Everything seems great. We're both happy. I am happy. I'm starting to heal and that is because of him. He made me complete. He made me forget all the bad things that happened.

I walk out of the cafe after I bought my coffee when I bumped to someone. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to-" he suddenly stops when he sees me and my eyes grow big when I saw a familiar face. "Stan," I said and he quickly smiled at me.

"Claire, what a surprise." I smiled back to him. He looked better than the last time I saw him. I think he's happy now even without me. That thought made me feel relieved. "Yeah. I'm surprised to see you here. How are you? How is it in the United States?"

I suddenly remembered Stanley dropping out of school last year. He was a senior and that made me shocked and felt guilty. But he said that the reason wasn't me. His parents we're migrating so he will be with them. I always believed that I'm part of that reason.

"I'm doing good. I'm actually better. You... You look amazing." He smiled at me genuinely. It reminds me of when we first met.

"Babe..." He was cut off by someone. By some girl who I believed is his girlfriend.
I glanced behind his back and I was surprised to see who's with him. "Ava?" She looked surprised and a little confused but she smiled at me instantly when she recognizes me. "Omg, Claire."

I instantly hug her and I remembered the time before she left.

Flashback

I was on my way home after school when I saw Ava waiting outside my house with a suitcase beside her. She looks nervous while standing there. I walk to her and when she saw me, she awkwardly smiles at me. I know she's not used to this kind of things but I appreciate that she's trying.

"Claire, can we talk for a minute?" I simply nod at her. She can't seem to find the words to say and I can see that she's trembling from being nervous. "I... I just want to say I'm sorry for all the things that I've done. I know that I don't deserve your forgiveness but I still want to say that...." Her voice cracked but she still tries to stop the tears that are falling from her eyes.

"I'm sorry." She bows her head 90 degrees as a sign of sincerity and repentance. "I can't say if I can forgive you right now but time heals everything, Ava. The same goes for you, I know what you've been through. So I wish happiness for you." She wipes away her tears as she straightens her body.

"It seems that you're going somewhere." She looks at her luggage and then to me. "Ah yes, since I'm going to take time off from school, I decided to visit my grandparents in the US. To heal as you said." I smiled at her. "I see. Take care, Ava." She seemed surprised about what I said but she quickly composes herself and finds a cab to take her to the airport.

When the cab came, she puts her luggage in the trunk and when she's about to get to the back seat, she quickly turned around to look at me. "Thank you" we both smiled and I watched the cab until it's gone.

End of flashback

We went inside the cafe for a little chat and I'm surprised that there are so many things that we can talk about. We had a little catching up to do and it feels wonderful that I can be like this. That we can be friends again. What also surprised me is that Ava and Stan end up being together and I'm so happy for them.

It turns out that they met in the US and since they don't know anyone, they just start hanging out. They recently decided to be in a serious relationship and tried to work it out. We all heal. We found someone who we can lean on when everything seems to be difficult.

***

The next day, the band got a little time to practice before school starts since we have a competition that's coming up. After we're done practising, we each go back to classes.

As I walk inside the school, I felt a tingly feeling in my heart. It feels like yesterday that when I walk inside this hall, I felt heavier. My footsteps are heavier and it felt like any minute now I'd crumble to my knees.

Now, as I walk inside these halls, inside those classrooms, inside the cafeteria, I still have the memory of those difficult times but it wasn't painful anymore. Since I found someone who I know that I can lean on and I will never felt the pain again.

Who I can share the pain and sadness from those times that I thought I would never be able to get over with. That I know I wouldn't have to shed another tear alone. That I am with him now.

I stopped walking when I saw Nico at the end of the hallway. He smiled at me and I quickly smiled back.

The End

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

AN: Finally it's doneeee. After so many years and ups and downs, I was able to finish this. Hope you guys like it.

2014/01/05 - 2020/03/04 (6yrs :( haha)