Friday, April 2, 2010

Me And The Boy Next Door - Round 38

Round 38 – Goodbye, My Chicken Face


Two weeks have passed since the breakup. As much as Ella wants to reach out for Chun to explain everything he saw, Chun have kept his distance from her. He acted as if nothing happened, as if he doesn’t know her, as if she doesn’t exist. Somehow, she managed to get the recorder, for Nicholas have given it to her.

Ella looked at the recorder Nicholas was giving her. Then, she looked up at him. “It’s his proof… that he never cheated on you, Ella…” he said. Ella lowered her head, and let a tear fall from her eyes. “He was set up by Sphinx. Larissa told him that. That day he saw you kissing Sphinx, he was about to tell you all about it…” Nicholas said. “I’m sorry…” she whispered. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know…” Nicholas let out a sigh, and shook his head. “I couldn’t blame you, Ella. You got hurt as well… but the hurt my brother is feeling now… it’s more than the hurt that you fell…” Nicholas said. Ella looked up at him, and reached for his hand. “Nic… can you talk to Chun? Please tell him that it’s all a misunderstanding… I.. I didn’t mean to kiss Sphinx that day…” she said. “I wish I could talk to him about you. I know you didn’t mean it, but Chun won’t listen to what I’ve got to say about you. I could understand him, Ella… and he needs time to forget all the pain he is feeling.

Ella lowered her head again. She could feel the tears falling from her eyes. “I never meant to hurt him… I never did…” she said. Nicholas nodded his head. “I know… and I know how much you love him, Ellie… just give him time…” he said. Ella let out a sad smile at him, and nodded his head.

--

Ella settled in her room. She took the recorder from her bag, and began to listen to it.

“Ella, I know there is no way that I can make you believe that I am innocent… that nothing happened between me and Larissa. That’s why I’m doing this… that’s why although it’s impossible to make her admit the truth, I’m taking this risk. Ella… I love you, and I don’t want to lose you… not in this situation, not with Sphinx. Please believe me, Ellie…” she heard a sniffing sound on the tape. “Ellie… of all the wrong things I’ve done, loving you is the only right thing I’ve made… you were the most beautiful thing that happened in my life… please, Ella… please believe me…”

The next thing she heard was the conversation Chun and Larissa. It was clear on their conversation that Larissa was lying to Chun, and in the end, Larissa admitted that she and Sphinx planned everything, that they set him up to ruin their relationship. After that conversation, she heard Chun speaking again. “Ella… I got my proof. I wish you’ll believe me this time. I knew your best friend is up to no good. Ella… please trust me this time. You know that I have always been faithful to you…”

As she listened to Chun’s voice. The tears couldn’t help but fall from her eyes endlessly. She laid on her bed as she cried, and curled herself up. There was too much pain in her heart, and she felt as if she couldn’t breathe. She let out a sob, hoping it will ease the pain she feels in her heart, but it’s still the same. “Chun…” she whispered. “Chun… I believe you… I really do… I’m so sorry…”

Just then, the door opened. Selina and Sphinx went inside her room. They upon seeing her crying, the two couldn’t help but feel sad for her. Especially Sphinx. Not only was he feeling sad for her state now, but he felt guilty. He was the reason why she was broken this way. Now, he realized that he should have not done what he did to break them apart. He should have accepted the fact that he and Ella could never be together, and that Ella don’t love him anymore. He should have accepted that Chun won in her heart. He wished he did not become selfish of her. He only wanted the best for her best friend, and he thought that Chun would be no good for her, and he thought that only he could give the love she needed. But then, he was wrong. Chun have totally replaced him in her heart, and as much as he wants to keep his promise to Ella, that wouldn’t be the case now, for someone else is there to love her and take care of her. And it was wrong of him to break them apart.

He walked up to her, and reached up to her, but as he held her, Ella pushed her away. She looked up at him, and glared angrily at him. “Why?!” she asked him. “Why did you have to break us apart, Sphinx?! Why?!” Sphinx lowered his head in guilt as she speaks. She went up to him, and hit him on his chest with her closed fists. She wanted to hurt him so bad; so that he will realize the pain she is feeling right now. “What did I do to you, that you have to make me suffer this way?! Why did you have to set him up? Why did you have to make me believe that he’s lying to me? Why can’t you be happy for me? Why? Have I not been a good friend to you? Sphinx, I was there for you through it all! All I want is to be happy, and you can’t give that to me!” she said to him as she cried. Sphinx held her as she cried to him. She doesn’t mind her hitting her. All he wanted to do is hold her, and assure her that everything will be all right. “I’m so sorry, Ella… I’m so sorry… I didn’t mean to hurt you this way…” he said sadly. Ella looked up to him, and let out a smirk. “Didn’t mean to? Damn it, Sphinx! Damn it! All this time, I did my best to be a dutiful friend to you. I’ve been there for you, seeing you fall in and out of love with girls that weren’t me. I was there for you, even if it’s hurting me. Why, Sphinx? Why do you have to ruin everything?” she said bitterly.

As he looked at her, he felt a tear roll down his eyes. “I only wanted the best for you, Ella. And I thought that the only person that could give you what you truly deserve is me. I admit, I’m wrong. I shouldn’t have done what I did… I guess no matter how many times I say sorry to you, you will never forgive me.” He said. Ella wiped the tears from her face, and then pointed at her door. “Get out, Sphinx…” she said to him. “I don’t want to see you… “ Sphinx lowered his head, and reluctantly let her go. He stood up, and with his head hanging low, he walked through the door. He paused, then looked back at Ella. “I know I’m wrong. I’ll do my best to fix what I have ruined…” he said. Then, he went out of the room. As he left, Ella broke down again. This time, Selina walked up to her, and hugged her tight as she cried. “Ellie…” she said. She found herself crying with her cousin. She have never seen her in this kind of pain, and somehow she wished she could take away what she feels right now. “I lost them, Selina… what have I done to deserve this? Can’t I be happy? Don’t I have the right to be happy?” Ella asked. “You have every right to be happy, Ellie… one day… you will find your happiness… one day…” she said. She could only wish that day would come sooner for Ella.

--

There was a guest at the Wu-Ruan-Teo household. A guest which is very familiar to them. It was Bianca.

It was a Saturday morning when Nicholas heard a knock from the door. “Coming.” He said as he rushed to it. As he opened the door, he was surprised to see Bianca. “B-bianca?!” he said. Bianca let out a smile. “Nice to see you too, Nic. Where’s your brother?” she asked. He could only point inside the apartment. He made way for her so that she could get inside the house. Then, he helped Bianca with her luggage. “Why are you here? It… it’s a surprise, you know?” Nicholas asked. Bianca gave him a confused look. “You mean to say, Chun haven’t told you yet?”
“Told me what?”
“Told you that –“

“Bianca!”
Nicholas and Bianca both looked back, and saw Chun walking up to him. “Hey, Chun!” she said. Chun walked up to her, and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I didn’t know you were arriving today?” he said. “I wanted to surprise you. And besides, I want to tour Taipei before we both leave for France in the next few days.” Bianca said. With that, Nicholas gave his brother a confused look. “France? You’re going to France? Is that the reason why you’re always busy with everything?” he asked. Chun nodded his head. “I’m going to try to get in to Le Cordon Bleu. With Bianca…” he said. “You’re leaving us?” Nicholas said in a hurt tone. Chun let out a sigh, and nodded his head. “Yes.”

Nicholas looked angrily at his brother. He knew Chun, he never keep something from him, especially if it’s a big one. “And you have no plans of telling me all about it? What are we here, dummies?” he told him. Chun was surprised at his reaction. He knew he made him mad because he kept this from him. “Nic, let me explain…” he said. “Oh yeah, I forgot… since you broke up with Ella, you wouldn’t have anything to do with everyone connected to her. And since I am her best friend’s boyfriend, you planned not to tell me about this. It’s OK, Chun, I perfectly understand.” He said. With that, Nicholas stormed away from his brother.

Chun could only watch as his brother leaves him. “Nic… let me explain…” he said. He let out a sigh, then he looked at Bianca. “Go after him. Explain your reasons. Let your brother know why you made this decision.” Bianca said. Chun nodded his head, and followed his brother in his room.

“Nic…” he called as he opened the door. He saw his brother sitting on his bed. He glared at him, and then looked away from him. “Nic, look… I’m sorry…” he said as he entered his room. “Even if you say you’re sorry, that doesn’t change the fact that you’re leaving… and you didn’t tell me about it…” Nicholas said. Chun sat beside his brother, and let out a sigh. “A lot of things have happened these past few weeks. I don’t even know for myself how I was able to get through it all…” he began. Then, he looked at his brother. “Believe me, it was hard my part to leave, but this is the only thing I know I could do right… for myself… for Ella…” he said sadly. As he lowered his head, Nicholas looked at his brother, and saw the sad expression on his face. Seems like after all, he is affected with his break up with Ella.

He could remember that day he broke with Ella. He stormed inside the house, and rushed to his room to lock himself up. The whole day, he could hear his brother cry. He never knew what happened, until the next day, when Chun told him what he saw at the park when he went looking for Ella to give him his proof - that he saw Ella and Sphinx kissing. He never asked for her explanation. It was all clear to him, or so he thought. And besides, he knew Ella would be happier with Sphinx, he is his first love after all.

“You’re leaving because of Ella…” Nicholas said. It was more of a confirmation that a question. Chun slowly nodded his head. “I hate to admit it, but yes. I am leaving because of her. Nic, right now, I can’t think straight because of what happened. I need space. I need the time to think things through…” Chun said. “I know a lot of things have happened. I know you were hurt because of it… but have you ever thought that maybe she is in pain as well? Chun, she loves you too… maybe, maybe this is all just a misunderstanding…” Nicholas said. “But still… I need to get away from her. Maybe one day, I will be able to forget everything and move on… but for now, I need to get away from this place. You understand me, right, Nic?” he asked. Nicholas could only sigh at his brother. He wished that all of this would end soon.

--

“I heard Bianca arrived.” Hebe said to Selina. Ella, who just walked out of the kitchen, heard what Hebe said. Surprised, she dropped the glass she was holding on the floor. The two girls looked at her. They stood up, and helped Ella clean up the mess she made. “Ellie, are you all right?” Selina asked worriedly. Ella nodded her head. “I am, don’t worry…” she said. Hebe gave Selina a guilty look. She shouldn’t have told Selina about it, when she knew that Ella is around. “You said that Bianca is here?” Ella asked. Hebe nodded her head. “Nicholas told me…” she said. Then, Hebe hugged Ella tight. “Oh, Ellie… I’m so sorry… I should have been more sensitive of how you feel.” She said.

Ella was confused as to why Bianca arrived. “Did… did Nic told you why she was here?” she asked. Hebe looked at her, and shook his head. Then, she looked at Selina, and bit her lips. She knows the reason why Bianca is here, but she doesn’t have the heart to tell Ella about it. “I guess she’s here because of Chun… because she heard her junior was brokenhearted because of some stupid DJ who thought she knew everything about love…” Ella said sadly. She let out a sad smile at her friends. “Oh well… I guess I will always be the villain in Chun’s life… just like before…” she said. Selina shook her head. “No way, Ellie. You got hurt too, right? And besides, it wasn’t your fault. It’s all Sphinx’s fault.” Selina said. “Frankly, I don’t give a damn about what will happen next. If in the end, it will be Chun and Bianca… I’m tired of all of this…” Ella said.

“Are you going to give him up just like that?” they heard someone say. They looked back, and saw Sphinx by the door. “I thought you love Chun. Are you going to give him up for Bianca?” Sphinx asked again. Ella looked up at him, without any emotions in her eyes. “Chun have always loved Bianca. I know he still does. If they got together, then good for them.” Ella said. Sphinx gave her a worried look. “This is not the Ella I know…” he said in a low voice. Ella nodded her head. “I am not the person that I used to be. I’m getting tired of loving someone who could never love me back…”

--

Sphinx sat at the corner of the restaurant as he waited for Bianca to come. After a while, Bianca came and headed to his direction. “I’m glad you came…” Sphinx said. “I guess I had to face you after all.” Bianca said as she took her seat. “I don’t want to waste my time here, Sphinx. Just tell me what you want to say, then I’ll take my leave.” She said. Sphinx let out a sigh as he leaned on his chair. “Why are you here, Bianca?” he asked. “Why do you have to ask? What does it have to do with you?”
“I has to do with everything.”
“I don’t think it’s any of your business.”
“It is my business, Bianca.”

Bianca let out a smirk as she folded her arms. “We already broke up, remember? I don’t think you have any concern as to what my business here in Taipei is.” She said. “Whatever that concerns you and Chun, it is my concern.” Sphinx said. Bianca glared at him. “Why, Sphinx? Haven’t you got tired of hurting Chun? You had Ella by yourself now. He gave her up for you. What else do you want from him? Do you want to get back at him because of what I did to you?” Bianca said angrily. She looked away from him, and let out a groan. “I’m taking Chun away from here. Away from Ella. Away from anyone that can hurt him. That’s why I’m here.” She said. Sphinx’s eyes widened upon hearing what she said. “You’re taking Chun with you?” he asked. “I think I’ve said too much…” Bianca said.

Bianca stood up from her seat, but as she was about to leave, Sphinx stopped her.”What do you mean by that?” Sphinx asked as he held her hand. Bianca looked back at him, and struggled from his grip, causing a scene at the restaurant. “Let me go, Sphinx.” She said firmly. “I won’t let you go until you tell me what you mean by that.”
“Let me go!”
“Bianca! Just tell me. I have to know.”
“You have no right to know. It’s none of your goddamn business, Sphinx.”

Sphinx let out a sigh, and then let her go. “Fine, don’t tell me. I’m bound to find out, anyway.” He said. Bianca could only glare at her ex-boyfriend. “Why does it have to do with you? So that you can rejoice when Chun leaves?” she asked. “I regret what I did, all right?” Sphinx shouted at her. He let out a frustrated sigh as he looked away from her. “What I did, I admit it’s wrong. I shouldn’t have done it. I shouldn’t have been selfish, and broke them apart. Now, my best friend hates me. She doesn’t even want to see me. She hates me because I am the reason why the man she loves doesn’t want to see her or speak to her. I want to make up for what I’ve done, that’s why I’m doing this. I want them back together…” he said. He paused for a while, and then took a deep breath. “After we broke up, I realized that the only woman that could love me is Ella. So I came back to win her back, but I was too late. I wanted her badly, that I did my best for her to realize that Chun doesn’t deserve her, that I am the one meant for her. But no matter what I do, I can’t change the way she feels for him. I became so vicious, that I had to set him up with another girl. I know what I did was bad, and I feel guilty. I know what else you’re thinking… that I’m getting back at you through Chun. Well, yes, I am. I admit it too. I was hurt with what you did, Bianca… when you chose Matt over me. But I can’t ask you to stay with me, because I know he is your happiness. Maybe I was blinded by my anger, that’s why I was able to do those things to Ella and Chun… I forgot that when you love someone, your priority will always be their happiness, even if it means that you’re not part of it.”

Sphinx looked up at him, and held her hand. “Please, Bianca… please don’t take Chun with you… if I have to kneel down, and beg, you, I will. Just… please don’t take him away from my best friend…” he said. Bianca was somehow moved by what he said. She looked at him, and let out a sad smile. “In the end, it will still be Chun’s decision. I can’t promise anything, Sphinx.” She said. “I’m sorry about what happened between you, and Ella... I guess Chun’s decision to leave with me for France was based on what had happened. Sphinx, we’re leaving tonight. I guess that’s the only help I could give you… if you want, tell Ella about it. Let her ask Chun to stay… for her sake…” she said. Sphinx just looked at her. He still couldn’t believe that tonight, Chun will leave tonight, and he might leave her life for good.

--

Ella got out of the radio station that evening. As he walked through the street, she heard a loud horn behind her. She looked back, and saw Sphinx getting out of his car. “We have to go…” he said as he held her. Ella struggled to get free from his grip. “I’m not going anywhere with you, Sphinx.” She said. Sphinx let out a sigh as he held her arm again. “Ella, trust me in this.”
“No, Sphinx. Just let me go. Let me be alone.”
“Ella –“
“I told you I didn’t want to see you!”
“Ella, listen to me!”
“Leave me alone!”
“Chun is leaving tonight!”

With that, Ella stood frozen, as if someone poured cold water on her. “What?” she asked. “Chun leaves for France tonight. With Bianca.” He said. Ella shook his head, not wanting to believe what he said. “You’re lying!”
“Bianca came here in Taipei to take Chun with him. They leave tonight. If we go now, we can still catch them. You can still stop him.”
“You’re lying!”

Sphinx held her by her shoulders and looked into her eyes. “Ella, listen to me.” He began. “I know, what I did was unforgivable, but trust me on this one, OK? Go with me. Maybe you can still change his mind about leaving.” He said. She felt a tear roll down her cheek as he looked into her eyes. With the way Sphinx looked at her, she could tell that he is telling the truth this time. “Is he leaving because of me?” she whispered. Sphinx slowly nodded his head. She felt a flinch in her heart with his answer. The man she loves is leaving, and she is the reason why.

“Then, let him go…” Ella whispered. Sphinx was surprised by what she said. “Are you giving up on him? I thought you love him?” he asked. Ella nodded her head. “Yes, I love him…” she said. “And I love him so much that I’m willing to let him go.”

--

As he put the last luggage at the back of the car, Chun looked at the apartment before her. “Ella…” he thought. The lights are still off, letting him know that she have not arrived. She should have been home by this time. She should be home to see him leave. Inside his heart, he was hoping that she will ask him to stay, but she’s nowhere in sight. “I guess it’s really over between us…” he thought. “Chun…” he heard Bianca call him. He looked up at her, and let out a sad smile. “I’m ready to go.” He said.

As the car leaves the apartment, Ella got out of Sphinx’s car, and followed the car as it leaves. She knew Chun is inside that car. She knew that car will take him to the airport, where he’ll board the plane that will take him a thousand miles away from him. She wanted to run after him, and ask him to stay, but she knew that she is the reason why he chose to leave. And she wanted to give him that space.

The tears cascaded from her eyes as she watched the car disappear from her sight. “Chun…” she whispered as she cried. She doesn’t know if she’ll ever see him again. She doesn’t know if their paths will cross again. But still, she prays to God that one day, when the pain they both felt have subsided, fate will play a trick on them again, and he will be back in her life for good. “Goodbye…” she whispered.. “Goodbye, my chicken face…”




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