Another Love Story (editing)

Chapter 4: "The Truth"

Later that afternoon, I decided to visit Eddie to check on him and cheer him up. Steven was kind enough to tell me where Ed lived at the cost of five bucks, and then was so gracious to tell me that he would've done it for free. “Good afternoon Mrs. Ramos,” I greeted Eddie’s mom when she answered the door with a wide warm smile, “is Eddie around?”

“Come in, come in,” she said as she welcomed me, smiling. “Edgar may bisita ka! (Edgar! You have a visitor)” Mrs. Ramos called out to Eddie.

“You must be Addie. Eddie’s told the family a lot about you.” She said when she turned back to me.

“He hasn’t said anything about the chicken curry accident, right?” My brows immediately knit in worry. Not even a second

“What chicken curry accident?” Her brows shot up with concern.

“Uh... Never mind,” I smiled to myself relieved.

And at my request, she never did mention it again. With a nod, she quickly changed the topic to something more relevant to the moment. “Eddie’s right in his room,” She smiled sweetly.

“Is it all right if I go up there?” I asked permission, glancing up the stairs.

“As long as there’s nothing that’s gonna happen, it’s completely fine." Her pink lips were pressed into a fine line, but she stepped back to make way for me anyway.

“Don’t worry. Nothing's going to happen,” I laughed as I climbed up the stairs.

I met a girl half way down the stairs. She had black hair, wearing a large black graphic tee that reached half way her thighs and pink leggings. She looked like she was around my age. She eyed me head-to-toe, observing every inch of me. “Trina, it’s not good to stare,” Ed scolded from upstairs. “Pardon my little sister, Addie,” he said, smile coming out a little weak.

“Ed, you’re not supposed to get up!” I said rushing to him, quick to make sure he doesn't fall.

“It would be rude to leave my guest alone.” This boy was incredible. Maybe he was too weak to smile, but his eyes really did show that he was happy to see me.

I smiled, “You’re too much of a gentleman. Come on, you better rest.” I led him to his room and put him to bed. “What a mess, you seem like you need help,” I commented taking a long good look at his room. There were clothes, books, and CD’s scattered around the room.

“No help necessary, the place is still habitable.” He said nervously, almost like he was trying to hide something. "It's what you'd call a manageable mess.

“Non-sense” I said starting to pick up some of his laundry.

He tried to stop me but when he tried to stand up, a lucky migraine stopped him. I started piling up his clean clothes and putting the laundry in the basket. I gathered all the CD’s and books and returned them to their proper places. I took another good long look of the room. Finally I was done, or so I thought. I took a quick peek under the bed. It was quite clean ‘xcept for a few pieces of crumpled paper

I straightened up, straightening them out. I was dumbfounded with what I saw. There were pieces of paper and I tried to read what I could: 

I searched

 I searched for someone I never found

I reached for something as high as the stars

I waited for someone who never came

I played something that wasn’t my game  

I thought she was my everything, but she’s not

‘Cause you’re the one who’s given me what I got

I’ve been blinded but now I see

How it was destined to be you and me

I’ll stay with you ‘til the end I’ll be there as a lover and a friend

Addie, I’ll be straight to the point I love you,

I want you to know, that I really do  

 “I have to leave,” I said turning to Eddie. I dropped the papers, grabbed my bag and went for the stairs.

“Addie! Wait! Let me explain!” He ran after me.

“You don’t need to explain yourself at all. I completely get it. All you have to do is go to bed and get some rest. I’ll have to do some thinking. Get well soon, and don’t forget to drink your medicine,” I said to him with a smile. I opened the door and saw Trina by the door, “Please take care of Ed for me.”

I ran for home. I couldn’t stop my tears from flowing. As soon as I reached our porch I fell down on my knees. I really didn't know why I was crying, but my eyes just leaked involuntarily. Tears were running down on my cheeks when Bea found me.

“Addie? Addie! Oh no, stop crying,” She said putting her arms around me.

“Why didn’t he tell me before I made the useless effort to forget him?” I said, trying to cover up my crocodile tears.

“Oh sis, come here. You can cry all you want,” she said holding me closer. “Come on, it’s getting darker,” she said pulling me up. She guided me in. But before I stepped inside our house, I took one last glance outside, let out one big sigh and turned away.