"Hey, listen," he said, trying to catch my attention. "Next time, if you want to fall, just fall on me, not on the ground," he suggested playfully, a sly smile playing on his lips that suggested he was enjoying the moment far too much.
It took me a moment to process what he had said.
"Shameless!" were the only words I could manage once the meaning finally registered and my cheeks flushing slightly at his boldness.
"Now you're talking," his grin widening as he clearly relished my late reaction. The playful glint in his eyes made my heart race, even as irritation bubbled within me. Annoyed, I rolled my eyes.
"Of course I can talk!" I shot back, glaring at him.
"Well, not all the time," he teased.
"Maybe I just don't like talking about useless things?" I raised my brows at him.
"We're the same, but we can talk more," he said sweetly.
My smile widened at his cheesy words, which I had never expected to hear from him. His surprise at my reaction was evident.
"Oh!" he chuckled, visibly delighted "I miss that smile!" he added, and my smile faded away.
"Are you sure that was my smile?" I asked, and his expression shifted to a seriousness I had never seen before. It amused me to see his emotions change so dramatically.
"Only you have that sweet smile, so yes," He said, almost
genuinely." And I always think of you." His eyes softened, they seemed hopeful. hope full that i will believe him and His words hung in the air around us, charged with meaning.
"You and your flattering words, Mr. Talledo, are freaking me out!" I said honestly, a displeasant grin on my lips.
"I am true to my words, and you know that!" he insisted, which made it harder for me to believe him.
"I came back because of you," he added, looking deep into my eyes. I wanted to say something, but when his dark brown eyes met mine, they were filled with emotions that were difficult for me to understand.
"I know it's hard to believe, but I truly mean it," he said, leaning closer to my face, shortening the distance between us. I instinctively leaned away, but my eyes remained locked on him trying to understand the meaning of his words.
I always thought we would meet again, but I did not expect it to happen while I was trying to heal from a broken heart.
Nearly five years since that chapter closed feel both long and short. Yet, sometimes I find myself lost in memories of our time together. I often think about our relationship. I remember the happiness we shared, our late-night talks about dreams and secrets, and how safe I felt with him. But I also have to face the hard parts of our relationship. I think about the misunderstandings that drove us apart and the small hurts that added up over time. These memories remind me of both joy and pain. Each experience has taught me important lessons about love, loss, and the healing journey I am on now.
A clearing of a throat brought me back to my senses and I quickly turned around to see staring at me.
A familiar face broke into a wide smile as she stood in front of us, clad in a crisp white T-shirt that hugged her frame and a pair of casual blue jeans that accentuated her relaxed style.
"It's Melissa," Harrish whispered, noticing my hesitation. I turned back to him, curious about why he was mentioning her name.
"It is her," he confirmed, observing the puzzled look on my face.
"It's me, Bhest!" a spirited voice called out. I turned to the source of the voice and took in Melissa from head to toe. She had transformed significantly, shifting from a charming woman to a more boyish appearance, her silky black hair now cut into a flat top.
"Can I hug my best friend now?" she asked earnestly, her arms open wide in invitation. At that moment, I realized I was still leaning against Harrish, which made the situation all the more overwhelming.
"I guess she misses you a lot," Harrish said with a sweet smile on his face. He hesitantly let go of me, but before I could steady my feet on the ground, I found myself embraced in the warm hug that only Melissa could provide.
Reluctantly, I hugged her back and then realized just how much I had missed her. She might not look the same on the outside, but her presence reminded me that she is the best friend I've known and will always have a place in my heart.
"Hi!" she cheerfully greeted Harrish after our warm embrace, and we both turned to face him.
"I'm glad you are here!" he said with a small smile on his lips while looking back at Mhel, which bewildered me.
"Of course! All of this is for my best friend!" she happily exclaimed, making me frown as I tried to figure out what they were talking about.
"Congratulations!" she shouted, her voice bursting with excitement as she draped an arm around my shoulders, squeezing me affectionately.
"Can you share the story?" she asked playfully, awaiting an answer, but I couldn't shake the blank expression on my face as confusion consumed me.
"What story?" I replied, a hint of frustration creeping into my tone. Her smile widened, seemingly unfazed by my confusion.
"Oh my!" she exclaimed, looking back at Harrish. "I'm so sorry, bro! I blew your surprise!" she apologized, and my eyes darted back and forth between them.
"Please, let me explain," Harrish interjected, clearly uneasy. A sense of unease washed over me.
"Explain what?" I demanded, my tone serious. His guilty expression deepened.
"You don't know?" Mhel asked, still bewildered. "About your wedding?" she added, her confusion mixed with mine.
"What?" I exclaimed, incredulously. "He told you that?" Frustration surged through me as I rubbed my hands over my face, the weight of the situation settling in. I turned back to Melissa, who stood there, wide-eyed and surprised.