CHASING SUNRISE

Chapter 15: Master Plan

Aeon POV

I made a huge mistake. She shouldn't blame herself from everything, it was all my fault in the first place. I thought after today we can start over again. I tried to help her remember what we used to be before, a picnic, a sunset, a dinner, but it only makes things worse.

I was so nervous that day when I saw her at the opening of Lance Café, I'd been waiting for that opportunity, regardless if she's with Edward or not. I even planned out our next meeting, but end out ditching her because I was scared, she was so fragile. A one night of mistake might result for her to leave my life permanently.

The camping was my own idea, but the gang was responsible for the planning, it was so perfect. It's just that I was not prepared to hear the story behind her miseries. I thought a simple apology can make everything right, a kiss and make up can forget all the pain of the past, and a reminisce of our past can ignite the flame that was long forgotten. But I was wrong. I didn't know what she'd been through, for me to deserve that kind of forgiveness. She can smile, she can pretend she's strong, but she's broken.

She may not be the happy Celine I knew, but she's still pretty as before, even prettier now. Simple and refined. I never been prouder of her achievements. She may not know it, but I know everything that matters to her. I was there when she graduated in college, even in laws, and when she passed the Bar, I was the first one to be happy for her. I was with her all this time, and silently watched her from afar.

I had given a lot of opportunities abroad, but I decided to stay here for Celine. I became successful, but all this success becomes nothing, without her. She's always included in my plan, in my future. She's all I have, she's my world.

I regretted the day I called, I wanted to call her again and say sorry but my pride was not allowing me. My anger, frustrations, jealousy was blinding me. I expected her to call and beg, was even staring at my phone all day just for a single sorry from her, but she never did. I even asked Chris to asked about her whereabouts, and Lance to look after her but none of them can give me clear answers. The first time I saw her after our breakup, was in my summer break, the following year. She was with Edward, he was trying to make her laugh, she was so thin, pale, and with dead eyes. The once bubbly, lively Celine was gone. The most painful part was, I was the reason behind her sadness. I wanted to go to her and hug her, apologize, but Edward already took my place.

She wanted me to stop now, not wanting to at least try. The time she steps out of my car, that's it, there's no turning back. I am back to zero. I thought I am brilliant. I lost all my chances. God! I know I deserve this kind of punishment but I'm not ready to give up, not this time.

Its already 1 in the morning, yet I can't sleep thinking about her.

Up? I sent a message to our group chat.

What's up bro? Chris answered.

This better be good Ae, I'm busy.... 😊, Matt responded, for sure he's banging someone.

She rejected me, permanently! ☹

What????? Bern replied.

Hey Ae, I did my very best today. I even helped you planned it. What made it wrong? Lance response.

Bro, did you say anything to her?

Chris, I only asked her if we can be together, again.

Wrong move.... :D Matt reacted.

You should not rush her. Bern explained.

I knew. I was wrong.

So, are you giving up? Chris asked.

Hell, no!

Then get your ass back and do something. Chris replied.

But how?

The way to a woman's heart is.... Lance suggested.

Make her happy. Hahaha! Matt teases.

Idiot. Hahaha! But how?

What makes her happy Ae? Chris asked.

Lance, what makes her happy? This time I asked Lance.

Hmm... Football... Edward... My Café... ME!... Her job! Lance response.

My Café... Her job! My response to Lance.

Hey don't omit those three. They are important to her. Lance rebutted.

His right bro, if you really want to make her happy, you need to endure EVERYTHING, including EDWARD. Chris suggested.

I have an idea. Hahaha! Matt suggested.

Its better be good. My response to Matt.

Let's meet there tomorrow, at your place, we need to have a master plan! Cooked Lunch for us. Matt ordered.

Okay great! My response to him.

See yah! Good night! Chris.

Good Night. Bern.

😊. Lance

😊. Matt

Luckily, I have these bunch of messy friends, whom I can count on anytime. Lance became part of us after reuniting again, three years ago when he opened up his first Café. I knew his loyalty is still with Celine, but it helps me feel secured knowing she has someone she can count on if Edward is not around.

Edward, I'm still furious of him, still jealous for taking my place. Though I understand that it was his original place to begin with. But what can I do, I made this mess. I give him credit for taking care of Celine, it was never his fault, if they met before me, and she loves him before I met her. I hope I can return back into her life. God knows how much I love her.