Chapter 8

Background color
Font
Font size
Line height


"WHAT ARE YOU GUYS doing here?" I cleared my throat.

Ashton smiled and handed me a gift box. "Welcome back, Shelly Rae!"

I smiled back at Ashton as my trembling hand accepted the gift. I was about to turn around to give way to both in entering the door when Art called my name.

"Shells..." his voice cracked.

I didn't look nor spare him a glance. "You guys can go straight to the living room." I focused my vision on the gift box in my hand. "Ave is about to start a movie. I need to get something from my bedroom."

I hurried towards the stairs without looking back. Even when Avery called me from a distance, I kept going. I only have one goal: to get away from Art.

The moment I entered my room and locked the door, I let my emotions out. My eyes pooled with tears, and my shoulders sagged as my body limped slowly down the floor. I couldn't explain why, but the grief I felt for the loss of my grandmother had resurrected.

Seeing Art added pain. But I knew if I let things slide again, whatever Art and I have, or if there was, it would be a continuous cycle of getting hurt and broken.

As much as I would like to listen to his explanation and be near him, I knew better. So this time, I would go by what my dad told me: when something is for you, you wouldn't have to force it.

While in the Philippines, I did a lot of thinking. And I got some funny but excellent advice from newfound cousins my age. In addition, observing the love shared by my married Filipino relatives gave me something to aspire to.

I wouldn't forget my cousin Raul's words: you're too young for this broken heart shit, cuz! I learned that their endearment for cousin was cuz. So let him go and do your shit. If he comes after you, then it was meant to be.

Though he spoke while holding his third bottle of Red Horse, and I was munching my now fave chichacorn, I realized there was no harm in following his advice.

But being cornered by not just one but two wasn't what I prepared for. I knew the longer Art stayed downstairs, the harder it would be for me to avoid him. Not to forget to add to the complicated mix of Ashton's presence.

I needed help.

S: SOS!

A: OMG! What's happening? I can't concentrate on the movie. Art looks like he wants to kill Ashton any minute!

S: Pls make them leave! Tell them I don't feel well due to the long flight. Please!!!

A: πŸ‘Œ I got this! Don't worry! ❀️

***

Since the day I got back to Boston, I made it my job to avoid Art. I didn't answer his calls or reply to any of his messages. Avery was a big help in my escape from Art's presence. Even my mom contributed to giving all excuses possible on my behalf.

But just like in anything, everything came to an end. My month-long avoidance saga reached its end. Auntie Jenny's birthday came. It was a tradition that we all attended. On our way to the party, Avery and I knew there was no way of escaping Art anymore. Especially at all our mothers' parties, the three of us shared the responsibility of greeting the guests.

"I can attempt to stand between you, guys, to get Art's attention," Avery whispered as she scratched her head. "But I can only make it happen for a few minutes. Knowing Art, he had planned his moves tonight already, Shells."

I nodded and whispered back, "I know."

"What are we going to do?" Avery asked.

"We'll take on all ways possible, in any way we can."

I bit my lip and clasped my hands. My hands were starting to shake. I could feel my nerves stressing.

"You have to face him and talk to him, sweetie." My mom's words echoed as I remembered telling her I would want to skip Auntie Jenny's party for the first time in eight years.

My reverie was interrupted when I felt Avery's hand squeeze mine.

"Tell him what's in your heart, Shells. He had to accept whatever your decision was."

***

When we arrived at the party, Art didn't waste any time. He immediately approached me and asked to talk to me. Of course, I said yes, but Avery and I tried to prolong whatever way we could so Art and I wouldn't be alone.

But I couldn't find any more when all the guests were seated and dinner was served. Art was sitting in between Avery and me. Avery's eyes couldn't stop blinking to send me signals that Art indeed planned everything, starting from our seating arrangement.

He was the same all, attentive and caring to Avery and me. But he didn't hide from the people around our table that the attention he gave me was the most special. The attention I was craving for so long. But I could have enjoyed it if he had given it to me months before.

The moment the dance floor lighted and the dance music blasted in the room, I felt my hands shaking. Art's face lit up when Avery's cute new neighbor approached.

Avery's focus changed. Her face blushed as she mouthed, I told you so. Then, when Avery and her cutie went dancing, Art stood up and reached out his hand.

"Shells, can you please give me this dance?"

I looked around, hoping to find someone to help me out of the situation, but there was no one. And I knew Art wouldn't take no for an answer this time. He'd been suffering from my coldness and one-word response for the night.

You've got this, Shelly! Kick his ass!

I stood up but didn't take his hand. His smile faded, and he gestured for me to take my steps first toward the dance floor. Though we both started dancing and his eyes never left me, I took time looking at almost everything around me except his face.

But as luck could have it, the music changed into a slow one. If only I could focus in one direction, I would have done it the whole night.

"Shells." Art whispered. "Shells, may I?" He slowly clasped my one hand to his as the other led another to his shoulder.

He took a deep breath when I didn't contest. Then, when the light dimmed, I slowly looked at his face. His eyes were gazing at me. His lips curved into a smile.

"Thank you, Shells, for giving me this chance." He cleared his throat. "I've been trying to talk to you. I'm sorry about your grandma. I wish I were there with you."

I nodded. "I know. It's fine. Avery and Ashton were there for me."

Art's shoulders sagged. Though the dance floor was dimmed, I saw his smile fade. He clenched his jaw. And his clasp tightened a little.

"If you only gave me a chance, I loved to be there for you."

"I'm sure. It's already done; we should leave it at that."

"Have you been talking to Ashton? Is he courting you?"

I bowed my head and took a deep breath. Then, when I looked up, I met Art's eyes.

"He isn't courting me anymore." I sighed aloud. "He's my boyfriend now."

***

"When something is for you, you won't have to force it into your life." - Hanna Shebar


You are reading the story above: TeenFic.Net