A SPOT FOR HOPE (MXM) BOOK 2

CHAPTER 2

Roger Frampton as Rale Stephen

"It's not my story to tell," Rale simply said, his eyes focused on the road as he drove me home. I stared at him, hoping to win him over, but he remained silent.

"He didn't lose his memory or something?" I pressed. "Did he get into an accident?"

"Hope—"

"It's just impossible for someone to change completely," I muttered, leaning back in my seat. I glanced at Rale, noticing how much he had matured, too. "I looked at him and felt no sense of familiarity. You get what I'm saying, don't you? That can't be Henerson."

Rale sighed, stopping at the red light.

"What do you think I should do?" I asked, pushing him further. Finally, he looked at me.

"You don't even like him that much, so what's the point—"

"I wouldn't be asking if I didn't..." My voice trailed off as he fixed me with a serious stare. "I've learned to love him, Rale. I can't let it end like this."

For the past three years, all I ever prayed for was to be able to face my fears so that I could be with him again.

I worked so hard to make it happen, I can't just give up like that.

There was a long silence between us before he suddenly got closer to my face, making me froze in surprise.

"I was waiting too, you know..." My eyes widened at his words as he stared at me with a pained expression. "I haven't given up on the idea of being with you, Hope. So if you ask me what you should do? Just forget him and move on."

I was lost for words from what he said.

"It's been three years. Henerson's changed, but I haven't. It was me who was waiting for you."

My gaze dropped awkwardly to my lap. I hadn't expected that.

"I-I'm sorry..." His words had caught me off guard. I hadn't even considered how he felt.

Rale hadn't approached me since Henerson scared him off, so we never had the chance to talk again. He used to switch girls like old shoes, so I thought he'd moved on by now.

Was I wrong?

"But damn, you really fell for him, huh?" he muttered, frowning. I nervously toyed with my fingers, feeling exposed.

"Hope." I glanced at him through my lashes and he smiled.

"I'm kidding," he laughed, and I stared at him feeling flustered.

This bastard.

"You're so dead, Rale," I growled, my voice low and threatening. He chuckled before driving off again.

"Sorry, I couldn't help myself." He reached over, messing up my hair playfully. "But I'm serious about one thing. He's not the Henerson you once knew. If you take any advice from me, it's this: let it go. Don't get involved with Henerson."

I tightened my grip on my seatbelt.

"It's the best thing you could do."

Rale was probably right—no, he was right. Henerson had already said it himself; his feelings had changed. There was nothing I could do.

I was just wasting my time.

'I can't stand seeing your face.'

My chest tightened as his words echoed in my mind.