Chapter 10

He could not tell her the real reason why he left then. He did not want to confuse it and he did not want to be guilty of it.

“We need to move, Nathan. And I can't say goodbye to you. I’m sorry. ” He did not know why his voice suddenly rattled. “I’m sorry—“ I’m sorry for being a coward. I’m sorry if I could not accept back then that you could not love me. I’m sorry for expecting so much from you. I’m sorry for wanting something from you.

She sighed when she felt both her arms wrapped around her body. He did not even realize that it had approached him.

“There’s no need to say sorry, Lyn. I perfectly understand. It’s all in the past now. What matters most is that you are finally here… with me. ”

Tears welled up in his eyes. For the past seven years, she made herself strong. He hardened his heart to forget, to remove the pain in his heart. But with Nathan’s simple words, with his simple touch, the wall she had built around her heart crumbles.

She felt warm. She felt safe.

“Let’s start again, Nathan. I missed you… best friend. ” He said to the man. She’s willing to be his best friend once again because she knew right now, she’s totally over him and would not expect anything from him anymore aside from friendship.

There seemed to be some emotion in his eyes. She’s not sure if it’s pain or was it regret?

"Best friend, huh." Poor anito. He did not say a word but tightened his grip on her.

And while being enclosed in his hug, she realized that he’s not the same “stick” Nathan seven years ago. The width of its chest and shoulders!

I missed you, Nathan… I missed your hugs and your warm smile.

WHILE Lyn stared at the red object she was holding she couldn't help but remember what she had been through for seven years. He thought that the time would not come when he would face the person he avoided the most because of his fear. He avoids almost every news item that connects the man out of fear.

But here he is now, ready to restore their friendship. Because he has changed. Because he is stronger than ever.

And because his heart has forgotten.

He felt the sincerity of his heart. There was something in there that she could not put a name upon. There seems to be a desire to lose emotion there that he can not determine what. She heaved a sigh.

He lifted the red object he was holding and stared at you intently. For the past seven years, this red thing had become her lucky charm. From his entrance examination to the admission to Juilliard this is his companion. From the ups and downs of her life, this red thing had been there for her. It seems to be the substitute for the person who used to be by his side on important occasions in his life.

In a way, it really became his substitute.

He closed his eyes and at the same time he remembered the reason why he left the Philippines. And the beginning of everything between them and Nathan…