Danielle's POV
Sunday came.
The day has finally come.
The moment of truth.
My phone beeps.
It's Ervin.
" Are you really going to be okay? "
Yes. Don't worry.
" Can't help it. After all, it's you... "
Trust me. I can handle this.
That's what I've said. But the truth is, I don't really know what to do.
It'll just happen. I mean, that's how it always goes for these kinds of situations, right? And if nothing else, I have to make an effort. For myself at least.
We both know that I have to get through this one way or another.
I'm sure he knows me well enough. He knows me better than anybody. That's what counts, right?
He's a good friend. I wouldn't expect anything more...
With that thought I felt a tug on my chest. It wasn't painful, just there. A small yet strong feeling. One that I guess should make me feel a bit happy? Or perhaps it would have made me think about things differently...
But today wasn't the best day to be thinking about stuff like that. So I decided to keep it out of mind and focused on what I have to face right now.
***
I reached the place that Jessica sent me. It was an outdoor cafe that had its own garden area with tables and chairs inside. There were also tables that were set up under the shades of trees. There were many children enjoying playing outside. The weather was nice and bright, perfect for the occasion.
As soon as I entered the venue, I saw Jessica. She was talking to some guy.
Jessica noticed me and waved her hand in greeting and gesture for me to wait. Then she turned her attention back to the guy. I didn't recognize him. But then again, I was too busy trying not to make eye contact with anyone else as well.
I walked towards one of the tables under the tree. Far away from everyone. I sat and waited.
"Hey." Jessica greeted me. I stood up and we hugged so tight.
" Group hug! " and another pair of arms wrapped around me and Jess. It was Alexa.
" We miss you, Daine! " they said in chorus.
" I miss you, too! " I said quietly. But we're all laughing when we break out of our hug.
" Where's your baby? " I asked.
" With my husband over there " Jess pointed out to the man with a baby near the cake.
" She's so pretty "
" I know. " Jess smiles.
" So what happened to you? " Alexa blurted out as soon as we were seated.
I breathe out. It's time to open up.
" Well, as you already know, I ran away 2 years ago. "
" And? " Jess is trying to be patient. She's not a fan of waiting.
" My parents want me to marry Billy Sanchez. "
" WHAT??? " they both stare at me in disbelief. " WHY? "
" Business reasons, guys. " I said disappointedly.
" Why didn't you tell us? " Alexa said sounding a bit hurt.
" I don't want you to get involved. You're the first one to be questioned by my Mom and Dad so I thought it's better for the two of you if you don't really know. " I explained.
" Well, that's true. They went to our house right away when they realised that you're gone. And because I really don't know, I can't really be of help to them. " said Alex
" Same here. " Jess butt in.
" See my point? " and they both nodded.
Silent.
" How about you and... John? " Alexa asked awkwardly.
I was caught off guard when I heard his name. But I'm quick to recover.
" I tried to reach him by calling him a hundred times but he just won't pick up. I even went to their house but no one's home. " I feel indifferent to this.
" I lost my phone that day and we attended a family gathering. " said the man's voice behind me.
We all turned to look at him. And, yes. It's him. John Alcaraz.
" Hey! " Jessica greeted him.
" You're invited in here, huh? " Alexa said and looked at Jess.
Jessica just shrugged. They were close with him, too. And they don't know what really happened back then.
He walked around and settled on the chair in front of me.
" Won't you even say hi? " he said with an awkward smile.
" Hi. " I simply said with a stern look.
" So you were saying that you lost your phone and you're having a good time when Daine needed you most? Am I right? " Alex said sarcastically.
John's lips twitched.
" If you put it that way, then, I am. "
" Oh maybe that's really the case and it just happens when Daine is in trouble, what did you do when you found out that she ran away? " Jess is trying to be sympathetic.
" Well, I tried to look for her but I can't find her." he said nonchalantly and tried not to meet the eyes.
" That's it? " Alex said, obviously disgusted.
" Don't you even try harder? " Jess gives him the benefit of the doubt.
" Why should I? Why would I waste my time? And how could you really find a person that doesn't want to be found anyway? " he now said firmly and stared straight in my eyes.
I winced and looked sideways. I can't take all his crap.
" So you're saying, I'm just wasting your time? That I, your girlfriend, is just a waste of time? " I said suppressing my anger and trying to be calm.
" Are you not? " he asked me back.
" John that's bullsh*t! " Alex hissed quietly. We're at a children's party for goodness sake.
" Hey, we thought you loved our best friend? What's going on with you? " Jessica can't believe what's happening.
" Yeah, that's true. Since you're back, we can continue our lost love right? " and he grinned at me. The nerve!
" Hello, Love! " a girl from nowhere appears on his side. He didn't notice her so he turned to look and she took the opportunity to kiss him on his lips. Alex and Jess were dumbfounded. I feel nauseated.
" Love? What the fvck? " Alexa whispered.
" Riza, you know him? Jessica asked Riza, who happens to be Eric's cousin. Eric is Jessica's husband.
" But of course! He's my boyfriend! "
" I-I can explain. " John said, stammering.
I stand up and glare at him.
" Who needs your crap? " I muttered. I don't want to make a scene and I don't want to embarrass myself for the likes of him. So I turned my back and started walking.
" I know that you still love me, Danielle. "
" What are you saying, Love? What's going on here? "
I dare not say anything. I take another step.
" You still love me. Admit it! "
" Shut the fvck up you good-for-nothing b*stard! I don't love you anymore! Since that day that I wasn't able to reach you and can't even find you, I stopped loving you!" I said trying not to shout but still able to make myself clear.
" If there's someone whose time was wasted, it is me! Damn you!" I turned my back. " I'm leaving, guys. Sorry. " I whispered to my best friends.
" We're off, John. " the last word I said to the stupefied man. And I left that place.
I felt betrayed. But I feel relieved in a way. I thought that I still have some lingering feelings but I confirmed that there's none. All I really needed was closure.
I felt my chest become a little bit lighter.
The two years I've wasted for the wrong person has finally come to an end.