HER

           I WOKE UP WITH THE SUNLIGHT SHINING BRIGHTLY ON MY FACE.  I opened my eyes and saw the glass window with an overlooking view of the beach.  It took me a while to figure out where I am.  I felt my naked body under the white sheets.  I buried my face on the pillow after I realized what happened last night.

I propped my elbows and tried to sit up on the bed while trying to cover my body with the clean sheets. I looked up and saw Tristan sitting on the lounge chair staring at me. He had a sad expression on his face but when he saw me looked at him, he pretended to smile. I don't know if I am seeing regret on his face.

"Goodmorning. I ordered breakfast, it will be arriving shortly." He stood up and gave me my neatly folded clothes.  I didn't know where I tossed it last night.  He sat on the bed and gently caressed my face.

            I felt my cheeks getting hot with that gesture. He liked doing that a lot when we were together and he would say how much he loves me. But this time, he was just sadly looking at my face. He let out a deep sigh.

"About last night....I am sorry about what happened." He said while somberly staring at my face.

I don't know if I should feel happy or irritated with what he just said. Why is he apologizing? I know I smelled alcohol on him last night, was he just drunk that's why he wanted me last night?  I removed his hand on my face, my eyes were questioning him why the apology.

            Suddenly, I heard his phone buzzing by the side table. I saw Sam's face on the phone. It's like cold water poured on my whole body realizing what I have done. I slept with an engaged man!  There was no reasoning last night, I let my heart rule over my head.  I felt ashamed of myself.

             I stood up while still covering my naked body with the white sheets.  He picked up his phone to answer it while I silently headed to the bathroom.  As soon as I was inside, I stayed behind the bathroom door and tried to listen to his conversation with Sam.  I could barely hear what he's saying until the last part when he was saying goodbye. 

              "....I am glad to hear that.  Definitely.  I will see you tomorrow.  Love you, too."  He said.  And then, there was silence again.  He probably hung up the phone already. 

             The words "Love you, too," kept on playing in my head.  I assumed the night that we danced in the bar, the way he held me was something. But in reality, it is not. He doesn't love me. I felt so stupid to think that he still has feelings for me. Last night was a mistake.  There will never be an "us" and I have to stop making assumptions.  It really hit me hard. I tried to hold back my tears and finished freshening up.

             I went out the bathroom and saw him standing by the glass window staring at the nice view of the beach.  He turned around and looked at me.

            "I will go ahead." I said without any expression on my face and headed straight to the door.  He was fast and immediately closed the gap between us and held my hand.

            "Stay.  Let's have some breakfast first and talk."  He pleaded.

           "What else are we going to talk about? You just said you are sorry and what happened last night was a mistake."  I said sarcastically at him and tried to open the door with my other hand.

           "Please Alecx...." He was still holding my hand, trying to stop me from leaving. 

            "You know this is not right.  Let us stay away from each other.  Just stay away from me."  I snatched my hand from him, opened the door and left. 

             I walked as fast as I could away from his villa.  My vision was blurry from the tears welling in my eyes.  I don't want my friends to see me like this.  I just continued walking in the seashore not knowing where I am heading.  I felt my tears rolling down my face.

            I eventually stopped and sat down on the sand.  I stared at the waves splashing on the shore, the morning sun is shining brightly on me. I heard somebody calling my name and followed that voice. I saw Raffy walking towards me. He sat down beside me. He saw me trying to wipe away the tears from my face.

"Alecx, are you ok? What's wrong?" He asked concerned. He put his arm around me to console me. I hugged him and cried uncontrollably.

"Just let it out. I am right here." He said in a calming voice. He was quiet and let me pour all my sorrows out. It took probably a while before I was able to recover from my meltdown. I tried to compose myself and looked shyly at Raffy.

"Thank you. I am sorry for breaking down like that. You did not have to see that."

"We are friends, right? You can always come to me for anything. That's what I am here for." He smiled at me.

We were both silent after that and stared back at the beach in front of us. A few people are already going for a swim. He suddenly broke the silence.

"So it didn't go the way it was supposed to, I guess."  Raffy said.  I looked at him wondering if he knows.

             "I am not blind, Alecx.  I know there's something going on between you and Tristan.  Even the night when we first saw him at the bar.  I see how he looks at you.  He still likes you.  He is your Ex, am I right?"  He asked.  I just kept quiet and did not reply.

             "Sorry, I didn't mean to be nosy.  You don't have to answer.  Just remember, if you need anything, I am always here for you."  Raffy said kindly.

            I smiled at him.  I know he is a nice guy and I can always count on him.  I rested my head on his shoulder.  How I wish what happened was just a dream but it is not. I have to do something before I spiral down.  I need to nurse this broken heart and stay away from him completely.  And I cannot do that if I continue to see him at work.  I think it is time to take a break.  After 9 years, it's time to come home to my family.  Mom and Paul have always been my source of strength and I need them right now.

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To be Continued....

I'll be uploading the remaining chapters this weekend! Happy Valentine's everyone!