Underneath the Fleeting Clouds (Completed)

Final Chapter

"Happy Birthday, Elon." I tried my best not to stutter and gave him a small smile as I greet him.

It was a painful week for me. I was just crying the whole weekend and I don't even know where I've got the strength to stand in front of this man right now.

I was hurt with how Lucius easily agreed on what I suggested. I didn't even hear any complaints from him and I never saw him since the day he told me about where I could find new apartments around the vicinity.

It was painful. Seeing the man you like pushing you away feels like someone is stabbing you with a scorching hot knife that even the coldest of the water can't relieve the burning sensation it leaves.
I don't have any choice but to compromise with the situation. Just like what I said to Elon, I have to wait until the pain fades away.

"Thinking something deep?" I was forcefully pulled back to reality when I felt Elon's warm hands touched my left cheek. It was like before when I held his hand to awaken his senses and made him realize that he could be something more.

I shook my head before moving away my face from his touch. I don't want anyone to see us in this state, especially Caydelle. She'll probably get hurt because of me again. And I don't want that to happen.

"I'm fine. Naisip ko lang yung maraming quiz na iniwan ni Sir Diaz." That was obviously a lie. Ang totoo ay dahil sa sobrang frustration ko nitong nakaraan ay ibinuhos ko na lang ang lahat sa pag-aaral. I tried to divert my attention into various things in order for me to forget the pain. But then the pain Lucius gave me is inevitable. No matter how hard I try, no matter what I do, I'll always feel that excruciating sensation in my chest.

"You should eat. MaRi and Rommel's waiting for you. Just so you know, they noticed that you're not yourself the whole week. They're worried for you." He said before leaving me to attend to his guests.

Ganon na ba talaga ako kahalata na maging si MaRi at Rommel ay nag-aalala na para sa akin?

With a chaotic mind, I took Elon's advice and went to the place where MaRi and Rommel are positioned. Maraming table at guests na nagkalat sa paligid pero agad ko rin naman silang nakita dahil sa lilac dress na suot ni MaRi na akong ang pumili.

"Good evening." I tried to give the both of them a sincere smile. It was hard, but for my friends, I'll try to give my best.

I sat on the chair beside MaRi and I suddenly want to burst into to tears when I saw the worried look on their eyes. No one cared for me this much before. They all thought I am a strong person because they never saw me cry although I have a lot of things going on in my life.

"Pretty as always, Alliyah." Rommel tried to cheer me up with his simple compliment. It was hard for me to compose a sentence so I just gave him a small smile as a sign of gratitude.

I appreciate their efforts to make me happy. And it was enough to make me hope that things will soon get better.

I tried to enjoy the whole night with the both of them. They told me funny and creepy stories about their lives. And because I don't have any happy moments to tell, I just told them how my mother fought her own battles which made MaRi cry. She even said that if she was in my position, she might have lost already.

"Alliyah, come with me." I stopped from drinking my wine when Elon suddenly cameback after attending to his guests.

"Saan?"

"In my room." He said plainly.

In his what?

"What for?" The three of us ask in surprise. Even I can hear the faint complain in Rommel and MaRi's voice.