Dying Embers

Chapter Six

Chapter Six: I Did It, Arce!

"Are you for real?!" Jilliana practically shouted at me, and I nearly winced at her sudden outburst. We were walking down the hallway, heading to our first period class, and I had just finished telling her about what Chance said when he called last night, along with my response. Her loud reaction made us stop, and I instinctively stepped away because of how loud she was.

"Really, Jilliana?" I snapped back, though not as loudly as she had shouted.

She looked at me in disbelief. "I can't believe you rejected him! I mean, you like him, don't you? So, why?"

Hindi ako umimik.

I had my reasons. I was scared he might be playing with me. What if it wasn't real? What if everything was temporary? What if he left me? I couldn't bear to end up like my friends from the other school, heartbroken because of a guy. I didn't want to get hurt.

"You're scared, aren't you?" Jilliana, now seriously studying my face as if she could read my emotions, crossed her arms and waited.

Tumango ako.

She sighed, gently put her hand on my waist, and steered me toward our class. This was typical of her; she didn't understand the concept of personal space. It used to bother me, but I've gotten used to it. "I get it, Rain. It's normal to get hurt, and it's natural to be scared of relationships. That's part of love. But isn't it worth taking the risk? Do you really want him to end up with someone else while you still have feelings for him?"

Her last question stopped me in my tracks, even as we kept walking, her arm still around my waist. Just thinking about it was unbearable. I like him, and I know I wouldn't handle it well if I saw him with someone else.

"Of course not! That would hurt even more."

Ngumisi siya. "Then take the risk."

I sighed. "But I don't know him that well yet."

She raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that the whole point of this courtship thing? To get to know each other better?"

I couldn't argue with that. She was right. We paused, and she turned to face me, placing her hands on my shoulders and locking eyes with me. "Come on, give him a chance. I'm sure both of you will be happy." She smiled warmly.

Ngumuso ako tsaka ngumiti. "Fine. I'll give him a chance." I shrugged.

"That's my girl."

We headed to our first class and found Ms. Agoncillo already teaching. Jilliana and I parted ways as she sat on the opposite row while I made my way to the back of the room. I immediately noticed Chance with his head down, resting his face on his arms on the desk. Was he asleep?

Or was he avoiding me? Did he give up because I rejected him? Was that why he was keeping his distance?

Wala akong imik habang nakikinig kay Ms. Agoncillo habang nagdi-discuss siya sa harap. Nakatuon lang ang buong atensyon ko sa harap pero ang isip ko ay malayang naglalakbay kung saan-saan.

Eventually, my gaze fell on our table, and I saw Chance's hand moving, placing a rose right in front of me. I didn't know how to feel, but one thing was clear — my heart was racing.