Chapter 11

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…

LYN pursed her lips when she heard what her dear best friend Nathan had said to her. They are currently in the Botanical Garden located at Sacred Heart Academy, the school where they attend. She is in her third year of Management while her friend is also in her third year of Psychology. He and Nathan became friends because they only talked in the same village.

"Lyn, please help me." its pleading with him.

While looking at it he could not help but remember the first day they met. He used to play in the park inside their village. She was eight years old that time and so was Nathan. He sees this b-n-bully by men their age and Nathan does nothing to defend himself. Being the fighter girl that she was, she helped him fought those kids bullying him.

After Nathan muttered the words, “Thanks, Lyn,” an instant friendship was born.

At that time, his nickname was "Fred" because he was very fond of his name "Fredelyn." He does not want to call her "Lyn" or "Marie" which is his second name because you are still a girl who is contrary to her ugly image. But when Nathan called her "Lyn," she did not hesitate to agree to a reason she did not know.

And from then on, she became Nathan’s protector. The others made fun of them because of their reversed role. But what they did not know, Nathan had protected her as well on his own simple way.

They have very different Nathan habits. He’s soft while she’s hard. He’s soft-spoken while she’s hot-headed. He looks even more masculine than this because of his demeanor and dress. But despite her admiration, she knew in her heart that she was a woman. Not even once she felt attracted towards the same sex. Also, how can he be stingy if he likes his friend?