THE OLD ME BACK

Chapter 45

"Did he hurt you?" Right away he asks after he grabs my hand to get us far from the student who was slapped and punched by us.

"In words, yes," I answer but in short. I really wanted my hand to be free from his grip but then again, it's so tight that I feel weak if I attempt to do it.

"Thanks God that I made right to follow you still or else you would be physically hurt. That jerk really went beyond for what he said."

"It's already none of your business. You just wasted your time here. Mind you, I don't need a protector."

He looks at me unbelievably and sigh. "Just let me protect you still. It's my duty as a person who is concerned for you."

"But don't claim me as your future girlfriend, could it be possible?" I ask him frankly. That's what he said to that arrogant earlier which makes me glared at him while two of them were exchanging threats to each other already.

"It's ok with me, as long as you won't accept suitors except me, could it be?"

I overreact. "Why would I? Tell me. Who are you to dictate me?"

"So, are you telling that you're getting yourself ready for your next relationship?"

"Who knows," I shortly give hint that makes him smiled by that.

"Then why wouldn't you choose me? I'm the only guy perfect for you."

I laugh fake. "Oh really? You're not actually my type, just to tell you."

I hear the bell rings so he suddenly stops walking that makes me stop too.

"Did you hear that? I must go to my class now. So let go of my hand, please."

He still grabs my hand and lead the way again.

"Hey, let go of my hand, can't you hear me? I'm getting late!"

To my very best, I make a way in order for my hand to be free from his tight grip but it ends up useless by doing that. Argh, he's already getting into my nerves! I can't bear to handle his naughtiness!

"If you have problem in life Denzel, could you please don't get me involved because I do have mine too?"

"I'm not your type huh," he says that in a sulking voice. "Let's see."

"Wait. What are you planning to do? Where will you take me to? Tell me!"

He smirks then utters "let's find out."

"I don't like how you say that!"

"Just keep your mouth shut, could you?"

"Why would I do that? You're doing beyond your limits already. You should not suppose to grip my hand that easy way."

"Fine," then he heaves a sigh. "I'll let go of your hand but promise me not to run away. Just follow me."

I nod right away and so I'm able to get back my hand free from his. But then again, I stare at him like I want to figure out what he's thinking as of this moment which I couldn't understand what he really wants in life.

"Can you please tell me? Where do you want us to go? Won't you let me attend to my class? Are you planning to ditch?"

"Yes, just for now," he shortly reply.

"But why? Don't you know that I don't want to miss out my class?"

"I just want to borrow your time. Let's talk."

"Gosh, Denzel! We're already talking to each other! What do you call it then?"

"I mean, let's have a heart to heart talk. No shame. No hesitation."

"Where will it take us to? Why should we do that, anyway?"

"Can you please cooperate with me just for now?"

I deeply sigh.

I realize that we just arrive at a place that has ongoing fire because of the grass and trashes that are currently being burned. We're actually behind the building of the library. I think this is the dump site of the school. No people, just two of us.

"Why here?" Out of curiosity I ask. "Is that how you think how you cheap I am?"

"No, of course. Can't you see? No students. No one will disturb us here."

"I see," agreeing to what he has said, I deeply sigh and look at him again. "So what do you want to talk about?"

He heaves a sigh, maybe earning courage to say those words he would like to express out.

"I wanted to know your struggles. I'm afraid you always choose to be alone which you handle it all by yourself then."

"Why do you want to know, by the way? You can just mind your own struggles, not already mine," I tend to explain that drives him to plainly smile.

How could this guy still smile even if I throw hurtful words to him?

"As of now, your struggles are also mine. That's why I'm very much insistent even if I feel so ashamed already to get near to you still. Yes, that's true. I don't want to know and to see the person I love struggling that ends up like I can't help her," he says then looks at me straight from his attention to the fire that slows down its flame.

The silence comes next which dominates all over this place. I'm not sure of this feeling but I'm touched by what he said, of his intention to me. Of all people who know me, he is the only person who is still there even if I choose to be alone. He is there to protect and check me out if I'm still fine. If I feel lonely and no one to talk with, he is there. Many times I push him away and attempt to avoid him, but still he is here right now, trying to help me. Maybe I, myself, is already the problem here.

I attempt to look at him when his eyes are already darted to mine so there's no way I could escape his eyes that start to form tears.

"Alesha, I already understand and accept that you can't love me back because I'm not your type and you don't like me at all. But by helping you in any ways I can, I would have no regrets at the end why we will not be together even if I show my love for you and did my best."