Friday, August 13, 2010

So It's You - Part 1

Springtime is here once again.
I sat on the bench as I watched the people pass me by. The park is filled with different beautiful flowers. The grass is much greener than the last time. The petals from the Sakura tree are being blown by the cook breeze, as if making an illusion of pink snow.

And this is the fifth spring that I’ve been sitting here all alone.

I remember the very first springtime that I was here. I remember that I was minding my own business. I had no care in the world. All I wanted in mind is to pass Philosophy with flying colors. I was not the guy that would take note of all the beautiful things around me. I wasn’t who I am right now, not until I met Hikaru.

--

8 years ago.

I clutched the book from my hand as I found an empty bench at the park. I let out a sigh as I sat. It was the third week of school, and right now, we’ll be having a major quiz in Philosophy. I was supposed to be at the library to study for the quiz, but the library turned out to be a circus, as it was too noisy inside. The librarian didn’t even tell off those damn students. And so, I found the peace and quiet I need here at the park.

I was reading the third chapter of my Philosophy text book, when I felt someone sat beside me. I glance beside me, and I noticed a girl with long, curly black hair. She was wearing a pink gypsy dress, and her hair was pulled up in pigtails. I chose to ignore her, and continue reviewing for the dress.

“Hello!”

I looked at her, and she was smiling at me. I ignored her once again. “Are you new here?” she asked. I didn’t answer her. I continued to review, because Philosophy will determine if I would stay at this university or not, and staying here is much important that greeting her back. “Why so serious?” she hissed like Joker. I glanced up at her again, and saw her pouting. “Excuse me, but I’m studying here.” I said. “Studying should be done in libraries, not at the park. Grandpa always tells me that.” She said.
She had this giddy smile on her face. I looked at her, and observed her closely. I think there’s something wrong with this girl. “Well, your grandpa is wrong. Sometimes, you can’t study inside a library.” I snapped at her. She fidgeted her fingers on her dress as she looked at me. I was getting annoyed by her staring at me, but I decided to ignore her. There’s no use fussing over some childish girl. “Philosophy in Life by Arthur Tien. I like that book.” She commented. I gave her a glare. “I read that once. Grandpa made me read that. I like it.” She said with a silly grin on her face. “Seriously?” I asked her. She nodded her head. “Grandpa said if I read a lot of books, I will be smart. Just like him!” she said proudly. I could tell her grandpa is her hero. I closed my book, and turned my attention to her. “You finished this book?” I asked her. She nodded her head. “Are you also taking up pre-law at the uni?” I asked. She shook her
head. “I don’t study. I’m special.” She said proudly.

I don’t know whether I’ll believe her or not. Something is wrong with this girl, that’s for sure. Then, I decided not to mind her, no matter what. Philosophy quiz will start in a few hours, and I need to absorb everything that I could. There was a blissful silence between us, when she finally broke it by squealing. “Eeeeeee! Look! Look!” she said, pointing at the other side. I turned my book down, and look at the direction she’s pointing to. “What? What? What happened? Where is it?!” I asked. She looked at me, and let out a laugh. She was fooling me. “I saw a cute rose over there!” she said.
I counted one to ten silently, trying my best not to lash it all out at her. Then, she gave me that pout again. “Why so serious?” she asked. “Look, Joker.” I snapped. “I have a big test coming up. Now, if you will just let me study in peace –“
“You won’t have any quiz today.”
I gave her a startled look. “Excuse me?” I asked. “No quiz today!” she said. She stood up, hopped happily away from me. Finally, some peace for me.

--

I entered the room, and found Osamu-san by the door. “No quiz today.” He informed me. I gave him a puzzled look. “Professor Rihito is absent today. “ he said. I let out a sigh of relief. I wasn’t able to memorize all the things I need to memorize today because of that girl, and good thing Professor Rihito is not around. “Where is Professor Rihito?” I asked. “He had to take a leave because his granddaughter is coming today from Osaka, and he have to look after her.” Osamu said.

“Did somebody said Prof’s granddaughter?” Da Dong, another classmate of ours, asked, joining us. I let out another sigh. Da Dong is the uni’s biggest playboy, and if the topic is about girls, he gets interested easily. “Don’t be fooled, Da Dong. I heard his granddaughter is a little cuckoo… if you know what I mean.” Osamu said. Then, he turned to me. “So, Ya Lun…” he said. “Want to go and eat out with us? There’s this new Izakaya outside the school. “ I smiled at him, and shook his head. “I think I’ll use this opportunity to study more. I don’t want to fail.” I answered. I could see Da Dong’s eyes roll. “As expected of the scholar, Yan Ya Lun.” He said. The two of them laughed at me. I just gave them dagger looks. “Well, if you want to join us, the Izakaya is just across the uni. You can’t miss it.” Osamu-san said. I said goodbye to the two, and headed back to my dorm.

--

I stretched out my hands as I prepared to study. As I was opening the book, I noticed some shadow by the window. I stood up, and looked outside, but I couldn’t find anything related to that shadow. I sat back, and began to read, when I heard someone whistling. I let out a groan. So much for my peace and quiet once again. “Hey! Hey! Hey!” I heard someone say. I stood up, and opened the window to look if anyone’s outside. “Anybody out there?” I asked. “Over here!” I heard someone say. I looked around, but no one is in sight. “Where?” I asked. “Down here.”

I looked down, and saw her again. She had that childish grin on her face once again. “Hello!” she waved at me. “Miss, I have no plans of playing hide and seek with you…” I said. I was about to close the window, but she stopped me. “Wait!” she said. I opened the window once again. She pouted as she fidget on her dress again. “Can… can you help me?” she asked. She bit her lips after she speaks. “I… I’m lost… I… I couldn’t find my grandpa.” She said. “You’re lost?” She looked up at me, and nodded her head. She was on the verge of crying, I could tell that. “I was walking at the park… and… and… I… and… there… I… I walked… I… was trying to follow… that… and… and… I got here… and… and…”
I don’t know why. Although how she explains herself is child-like and I can’t understand a thing she was saying, but I find it amusing. I found myself smiling at her. “And… and I saw you… and I said that’s the nice boy in glasses, even though he was scowling at me a while ago… and… and…, so I followed you here… so… here I am.” She said. She lowered her head as she pouted. Anytime now, I’m scared she would wail like a baby.

“So, let me get this. You were following something, you got here, you lost your way, then you saw me and followed me, and hoped that I can help you?” I asked. She slowly nodded her head. “Do you remember where you grandpa lives?” I asked her. She shook her head. “All I know is that he lives in this small house filled with a lot of books. And there’s a colorful glass. And there’s a daisy outside.” She said. I feel sorry for this girl. She must be really new around the place, that’s why she got lost. Although I know I need to study for another exam, I couldn’t let this girl go walking alone around the uni. What is someone made fun of her, or what if someone harms her?
“All right,” I said. She looked up at me. I see her face brighten up as I smiled. “Let me get my jacket. I’ll help you find your grandpa.”

--

We walked around the block for a while, trying to find her house. I guess we were walking for almost an hour. “I’m tired…” she complained. I just kept my silence. She looked up at me, and smiled. “Piggyback me, please?” she said. “No.” I said firmly. She gave me another pout. “Please?” she said. I let out a sigh and then carried her on my back. I need to find her house soon.

“So, aside from a colorful glass and daisies, what else do you remember about your house?” I asked. She paused for a while to think. “Daisies!” she exclaimed. “And?”
“There are roses too.”
“And?”
“A mailbox.”
“And?”
“White fence.”

I looked around the area, and saw that all the houses around the area are identical. All of them have mailboxes and white fences. “You’re not helping me, miss. What’s the name of your grandpa, and do you know his number? Maybe we can call him to pick you up?” I suggested. “No number.” She said. This is getting harder than I thought. I wish she could help me find her grandpa really soon.

“Ah! There he is!” She said. I looked at the house she’s pointing too, and I saw a familiar old man by the porch. I saw his face lightened up upon seeing her. He immediately ran up to us, and she got off my back to give his grandpa a hug. “Hikaru! You worried me! Are you all right?” he asked. She smiled at him, and nodded her head. “The nice boy in glasses helped me, grandpa. He’s really really nice!” she said. The old man looked at me, and gave me a warm smile. “Thank you, Yan Ya Lun. Thank you for taking care of my granddaughter, and for taking her back here.” He told me. I smiled at him, and nodded my head. “You’re welcome, Professor Rihito.” I replied.



Read Next Chapter

Labels: So It's You, Songs and Stories

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Songs And Stories - Taken

I sat beside him. The silence devoured us two. It was deafening, and I'm not used to him being too quiet. Danson is not like this, he is usually the talkative one, always telling what's inside his crazy mind. But then the Danson right beside me now is different. He is quiet. I wanted to turn to him and ask him to speak. I want him to talk and talk, until I could memorize all his words, all his tone, and his voice. But each time I turn to face him, each time I open my mouth to speak, words get stuck in my throat. I knew that if I try to, tears would begin to cascade from my eyes. And I don't want him to see me cry at this moment.

He is leaving today. He decided to go to Shanghai for college, while I, I will be left behind here in Taipei. I know, I have no right to stop him from leaving, after all, it is his dream. He wanted so much to go to one of their prestigious schools and finish his studies there. I knew of this dreams since the very first day I met him. He told me Shanghai always amazes him. It was one of the romantic cities he have known. He said that he would want to go there one day, and experience what it's like to be walking in that city of romance.

Imagine my reaction when Danson finally got that acceptance letter from the school of his choice. I was devastated, and yet happy for him. Danson's happiness is my happiness, but it's also my heartache. This will be the first time that both of us will be separated. You see, we're like Siamese twins since we met in kindergarten. No one and nothing can break us apart. Except for his dream.

“Christine...” I heard him call me softly. I lowered my head. I couldn't bring myself to look into his eyes. Because if I do, I will ask him not to go, for my sake. If I look into his brown eyes, I knew I will break down. But then, even if I don't look up at him, and face him, the sound of his voice is enough to make me feel weak. It was enough for a tear to roll down from my eyes. I felt his arms wrap around my shoulder. “Please don't be like this, Christine...” he asked. Does my silence hurts him as well? The last thing I want to do is hurt this guy. I closed my eyes, and took a deep breath, and then I looked up at him, forcing a smile into my lips. “I'm going to be all right, Danson. You don't have to worry about me.” I said. He held my hand, and gazed into my eyes. I could see his sadness reflecting into those big black orbs. I could sense that he feel the same pain I feel with this goodbye. “Wait for me, Christine. Promise me you'll wait for me...” he said. I nodded my head. “I will wait for you, Danson.” I told him.

With that, Danson leaned to me, and kissed me on the lips. It was a long onel, and I could feel his love with that kiss. He leaned itno my forehead, and stared into my eyes. “My heart will always be with you...” he said, placing the palm of my hand onto his chest. “I love you...” I said. “I love you too... you'll always be with me, Christine. Remember that.” he said.

I heard the final call for his flight. He stood up from his seat, and took his bag. He began to walk away from me, while I was left alone on my seat. The tears I was trying to hold back a while ago now falls endlessly from my eyes. I felt like I couldn't breath. I know this is not goodbye, and that I will see him again in four years, but four years without him by my side seems like forever. I stood up from my seat, and as I looked back, I saw Danson standing and facing me. And then, he ran up to me, and hugged me tight, as if he doesn't want to let me go. “If you ask me to stay, you know I would...” he whispered to me. I simply shook my head. “I love you enough that I couldn't take this dream away from you...” I whispered to him. He let me go, and stared into my eyes. “Please don't say goodbye. Just say 'see you later'... at least it will give me hope that we'll see each other again sooner...” I told him. Danson smiled, and nodded his head. And with that, he leaned down, and kissed me on the lips. “I'll see you soon, Christine. I love you.” he said.

And as I watched him leave, I smiled to myself. This is the best decision I made for us. I know it will be tough for the two of us, but knowing that he is happy, it makes me contented as well. “I'll see you soon, Danson...” I whispered as I watch him disappear before the crowd.

Labels: fan fic, Songs and Stories

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Songs And Stories - By Heart

Note: Actually, this is my birthday gift to a good friend who loves Arron Yan. Since I already let her read this story first, I'm going to post it here. Anyways... Daphne, Happy Birthday!

--

She looked outside the glass window, admiring the night view from below her hotel room. She folded her arms, as she leaned on the glass. It was been two years since that fateful day, and she could still remember. She wished she could have forgotten all about it, but she couldn't. She closed her eyes and let a tear fall as she reminisced what happened that day. It was the day her heart was broken. She could still feel that familiar pain, and it was like killing her slowly, suffocating her.

She gave her heart to one man whom she thought would love her forever. She gave half of her life to a man whom she thought would give her the love she needed. She thought he was worthy of all the sacrifices she was making, but she was wrong. In the end, he chose a different direction. He chose to ruin everything. He chose to break her heart. He chose to leave her all alone. Arron broke her heart. Moving on would have been simple for her, if only she have not seen a glimpse of his boyish face. Suddenly, at the sight of him, all the walls she have built around her crumbled in an instant, making her even more vulnerable to heartache. Suddenly, her heart was in confusion. She hated him for breaking her heart. She hated him for ruining her life. But at the same time, she realized that she still love him, that she couldn't live without him.

She wanted so much to let go, but something was holding her back. It was her heart.

--

He looked outside the glass window of his condo unit. He looked up, and saw the stars shining brightly, complimenting that bright lights of the city. He hugged himself as he let out a sigh. It sure is cold tonight. And he felt even more colder, now that she's out of his life. “Daphne...” he thought. He could still remember her smiling face. He could still remember her small arms around him. He could still hear her boisterous laughter as he tickles her. He missed her, that's for sure... but it's too late for the two of them.

He ruined everything for them. He knew for a fact that when they started their relationship, he was already ruining Daphne's life, but she chose to stick up with him. Her family was against him, but she chose him over her own family. They lived together like husband and wife. They were happy. Their life was perfect together. Although money was always an issue for them, it was something that they have dealt with together. It was breaking his heart to see her working so hard for him, as he continued with his studies. Finally, she gave up on her own education in order to support him. Daphne have sacrificed everything for them to be together, but somehow her sacrifice is not worth it. In the end, he chose to leave her, so that she could have a better life.

He closed his eyes, and let a tear roll down his cheek. He knows Daphne is happy wherever she is. He knows he made the right decision when he pushed her back to her family. He wanted so much to give everything to her, but he doesn't have the power to do so. “I'm sorry, Daphne...” he whispered. “I'm sorry for what I've done in the past... it's the only choice I got... I'm sorry for leaving you that way...”

--

Ten Years Ago...

“See you later!” His classmate told him as they got out of the classroom. He walked through the lobby, and then he paused to look at his watch. It's already 4 PM. He still have enough time to prepare his surprise for Daphne. If he could get home before Daphne could get off from work, then it would be perfect.

“Arron!” he heard someone call him. He looked back, and saw Chun coming up to him. “Hey, man.” he said. “Dude, do you want to go out with the guys tonight?” Chun asked. Arron smiled and shook his head. “I can't, Chun. It's our anniversary tonight. I'm planning a surprise for Daphne.” he said. “Oh, I forgot. Today is the big day, isn't it? Do you think Daphne will say yes to you?” Chun asked him. “I hope so. I'll be graduating soon... I really hope she would agree to marry me this time.” he said. Chun nudged him, and then put his arm around him. “Aiyo! You don't have to worry about a thing. I know Daphne loves you very much, she will say yes to you. Hey, don't forget to invite me on your wedding, OK?” he said. Arron smiled, and nodded his head.

Chun said goodbye to him and left him alone. He was walking towards the school's exit, when his phone rang. He took it from his pocket, and saw an unfamiliar number flashing on the screen. “Hello?” he said. “Hello, is this Mr. Arron Yan?” the girl on the other line said. “Yes, it's me.” he said. “Mr. Yan, we have some bad news for you, regarding your girlfriend, Ms. Daphne Lin...”

--

“She's in critical condition...” the doctor told him. Arron became pale at what he said. He felt that his remaining strength were drained at what the doctor said. “She have a rheumatic heart disease, and she needs to undergo a surgery soon. If not, we couldn't assure you that she'll survive.” the doctor continued Arron looked away from him, and gazed at Daphne, who was sleeping peacefully on her bed. “How long will she survive without the operation?” he asked. “Three months at the most.” the doctor said. He closed his eyes, fighting the urge to cry. The thought of losing Daphne was breaking his own heart. If he had thee will, he would ask the doctor to do the surgery on her now, but he doesn't have the money for Daphne's heart surgery.”If... If I get enough money in three months time, will... will she live?” he asked. “It might be too late by that time, Mr. Yan...” the doctor said.

He bit his lips, and then he forced a smile at the doctor. After thanking him, the doctor left him alone with Daphne. He walked towards her bed, and sat beside her. He gazed at her for a long time as he brushed away the strands of her hair. “What should I do? I don't know what to do... God... please help me. I... I don't want Daphne to die...” he thought. Just then, Daphne slowly opened her smile, and as she saw him, she smiled at him. “Hey...” she said weakly. “Hey, baby...” he said, forcing a smile on his face. “Sorry, I got you worried. Maybe I overworked myself...” she said. Arron nodded his head. “You... you did make me worry, baby...” he said in a low voice. “Everything will be OK, right? I'm going to be fine, baby...” she said. Arron just nodded his head. Then, he leaned to her, and kissed her on her forehead. As soon as he saw her close her eyes to sleep, he let the tears fall from his eyes.

--

Arron entered the restaurant, and at one corner, he saw a lone elder man sitting. He took a deep breath, and walked up to him. “Sir...” he said. The elder man looked at him, and gestured him to seat in front of him. “I am surprised that you called me, Arron.” the elder man said. “I know that you wouldn't want to see me, Mr. Lin... and I'm glad that you agreed to meet me today.” he said. The elder man glared at him, as he leaned back on his chair. “What do you want? You said over the phone that this is important. This should be really important, young man. I don't want to waste my time on you.” he said. Arron lowered his head before he could speak again. “It... it's about Daphne...” he said.

Then, there was silence.
“Honestly...” Mr. Lin finally said. “I don't give a damn about her anymore. When she chose you over us, I have assumed that my only daughter is dead.” he said. Arron could feel the tears forming at the corner of his eyes again. He have no other choice but to do this, to give up his pride. “I'm sorry... I'm sorry if... if Daphne have disobeyed you because of me. Sir, I do love your daughter. I love her with all my heart. I am willing to give up everything for her...” he said. He heard Mr. Lin sigh in dismay. He looked up at him, and saw him standing up from his seat. “You sure know how to waste my time.” he said.

He turned his back on him, and began to step away from him. Before he could get out of his sight, Arron stood up from his seat, and followed him.. “Mr. Lin, Daphne is dying.” he blurted out. This made the old man stop. After a while, he turned to face him again. “She... she need your help now. Please, Mr. Lin. Please help your daughter. She... she needs to get an operation soon.”he said. The elder man looked at him for a long time. Arron bit his lips, trying his best not to cry in front of him. This is his last resort to save Daphne, and he have to convince him to help her. He swallowed his pride wholly, as he begged for his mercy. “Please, Mr. Lin...” he said in a low voice. He knelt down in front of him, begging him for his help. “Please help Daphne. Please... I... I don't want her to die...” he said. Tears were falling down his cheeks uncontrollably. “Please...”

The elder man just looked at him as he pleaded. “How much do you love my daughter?” he asked. “I love Daphne very much. I.. I would do everything for her... everything... I... I just can't lose her...” he said in between sobs, “If you love my daughter, then you would do this favor for me. I will pay for all her medical bills, and bring her to specialist abroad. But, there is one thing I want you to do.” the elder man said. Arron looked up at him. He waited for him to speak. “I'll do anything...” Arron whispered. “I want you to get out of my daughter's life after her operation. I want you to leave her, and give her back to us.” Mr. Lin said. Arron closed his eyes, and bit his lip. He has no other choice but to accept his condition, if he wants Daphne to survive. He realized it would be for her best. Daphne only suffers when he's with him. He wanted her to have a good life, and it's something he can't give to her right now. He knew Daphne would live a better life if he returns her back to her parents. He finally made a decision for her. With his eyes closed, he slowly nodded his head, accepting her father's condition.

--

Daphne slowly opened her eyes, and the first person she saw is Arron, who was sleeping peacefully beside her. She reached up to him, and brushed his hair. She smiled to herself as she watched him sleep. Then, she could feel him moving. He opened his eyes, and then looked at her. “You're awake now...” he said, smiling sadly. “I am. Arron... thank you...” she said. Arron sat up, and then stroked her hair. “Thank you for what?” he asked. Daphne smiled sweetly, yet wearily at him. “Thank you for keeping your promise... that you will be the first person I'll see after I wake up from the surgery...” she said.

Arron felt a lump in his throat as he opened his mouth to speak. Now that Daphne is well, he have to keep his word to her father. He pursed his lips, trying to hold back the tears. He leaned over her, and then gave her a long kiss on the lips. As he stared into her face, he could feel his heart being broken into a million pieces. He only wanted to be with this girl for the rest of his life, to take care of her until they grow old. But he have to keep his word, his promise, to that one person who saved Daphne's life. He have to leave Daphne soon, and give her back to the people who loved her the most, and the people who could give her everything that she needed and wanted.

--

“Young man...” Arron heard Mr. Lin call as soon as he got out of the hospital room. Arron paused, and then turned to face him. “Sir...” he said. “We have a deal. And you should keep your part of the bargain.” he said. Arron lowered his head. “Give me more time... to be with her... please...” he pleaded. “I have given you enough time!” Mr.. Lin shouted at him. Arron lifted his head to face him. His eyes were begging him. “Please, sir. I love your daughter. And... and if I leave her just like that, then she would question you... us... please sir... give me more time to be with her. I... I promise you... I assure you she will return to you.” he pleaded. He walked up to the elder man, and held his hand. “Please, sir... please...” he said again. Mr. Lin looked down at him sternly. Then, he put his hands off of him. “I'm giving you a month.” he said. “A month, and you should break up with my daughter.”

--

Arron held Daphne's hand, as she led her down the stairs. She had her blindfolds on so that she wouldn't be able to see his surprise for her. “Arron, baby... you know I hate surprises...” she said. “Aiyo, baby... you will like it. I promise you.” he said. They went outside their apartment, and as soon as they were on their spot, Arron walked behind him. “Ready?” he asked. Daphne smiled, and nodded her her. He untied her blindfold, and from the grassy ground, she saw that Arron have prepared a picnic for the two of them. “Arron... you shouldn't have...” she said as she looked at him. Arron just smiled at him. He knelt down on the picnic blanket, and took a bouquet of roses. “This is for you, my princess...” he said. Daphne took the roses from his hand, and buried her nose in it, inhaling its smell. “I love it, baby, I really do.” she said. Arron pulled Daphne into a hug. He embraced her tight, as if he will never let her go. “I love you, Daphne... always remember that. I love you so much, and I would do everything to make you happy.” he whispered to her. Daphne looked at him, and smiled sweetly. “I love you too, Arron. As long as you're with me, nothing else matters. You're all I ever needed in this life.” she said.

He gazed into her face for a long time, memorizing everything about her. He closed his eyes, and gently caressed her cheeks. He moved closer to her, and then their noses touched. He took a deep breath, and inhaled her sweet scent. “I love you...” he whispered again. Then, he reached for her lips, and kissed her lovingly on her lips.

As they broke away from that kiss, both of them look up at the night sky and saw a meteor shower. “Look baby! There's a lot of shooting stars. Let's make a wish, all right?” Daphne said. Arron smiled, and nodded his head. He watched her as she closed her eyes and clasp her hands to make her wish. He was fighting back the tears as he saw her smile as she make her wish. “Daphne... I will miss you... I know I will forever regret this decision, but I would rather be away from you because I know, one day we will meet again... I would rather have it this way than lose you forever...” he thought. “Arron, aren't you going to make your wish?” she asked. Arron forced a smile, and nodded his head. He clasped his hand, and closed his eyes to make his wish. “God, I wish... I wish someday I will get to see Daphne again... and I wish... the next time we meet, we will together forever...” he prayed.

--

“Arron, baby! I'm home!” she said. She turned the lights on, and found the house empty. “Weird...” she thought as she placed the grocery bags on the table. “Arron should've been here a few hours ago...” She walked towards the stairs, and she noticed a girl's shoe lying on it. Anxiously, Daphne took it, and looked at it closely. “This. This isn't mine...” she thought. She felt her heat beating faster as she made her way up to their room. She wished her instincts isn't right, and that she was just being paranoid. She knows Arron loves her so much, and that he would not cheat on her.

She made a careful step as she walked to their room. As she reached for the knob, she heard some moaning sound inside the room. “Arron, it tickles!” she heard a girl say. “You're so ticklish, Gui Gui...” Arron said. She heard the girl giggle behind the door. She closed her eyes, and with her remaining strength, she opened the room. There was a shock on her face as she saw Arron naked. He was on top of a girl, whom she recognized as one of his classmates at the uni. All kinds of emoitions filled her – she was furious, she was heartbroken. She was betrayed by the only man whom she trusts with her eyes closed. She could not believe that Arron would do this to her, would cheat on her, right inside their house.

“How... why? Why did you do this?” she asked him. Arron got up from the bed, and immediately covered himself. “Daphne, let's talk about this.” he said. Daphne shook her head. She wiped the tears from her cheek, and ran away from that scene. “Daphne!” Arron called. Before he could make a move, Gui Gui held his hand to stop him. “Arron, you said it's over between you. You planned this to break her heart, and now that she left you, why would still want to follow her?” Gui Gui asked him. Arron looked at her sadly. “Because, although I want her to leave me, I can't let her leave me just like this...” he said. He pulled his arm, and then put on his clothes to follow Daphne.

--

“Daph...” he called. He found her seating at the swing in a nearby park. Daphne looked up at him, and wiped the tears from her eyes. It was hurting him to see Daphne like this. He never want to break her heart, but he have no other choice. He have to give her up. “I'm sorry...” he said as he walked towards her. “All this time.. you and Gui Gui...” Daphne managed to ask in between tears. Arron closed his eyes to what seems like forever. “Don't you love me anymore?” she asked. Arron took a deep breath, and slowly he nodded his head to lie to her. “Yes. I have fallen out of love with you.” he lied. He opened his eyes, and saw Daphne in tears again. “I'm so sorry...” he said.

Then, she stood up, and slapped him.

“Why?” she shouted at him. “I love you, Arron! I've given you everything! Everything! I left my family just for you. I sacrificed my life for you. I did everything for you. Why? Why do you have to fall out of love with me?” she asked. He tried to look at her bravely. He tried his best to look so emotionless. He tried his best not to break down in front of her. He have to. He had to. “I woke up one day and realized that this relationship is going nowhere, Daphne. I'm getting tired of this. I just realized I don't love you in the same way that I loved you before. I'm sorry...” he said. She slapped him again. “I hope one day... I hope one day you will regret breaking my heart.” she said.

He watched her as she turned her back, and leave him alone. It's all over between them. He have kept his part of the deal, just to keep Daphne alive. “I know I will...” he whispered. “I regret letting you go now...”

--

Arron stood before a day care center. He doesn't know why, but his feet have dragged him here. He watched the kids as they happily played at the playground. He smiled to himself as he saw the children enjoying themselves. If only he have not let Daphne go, maybe by now they already have a kid of their own, but he did what he had to do. Knowing that Daphne is alive is living a good life is more important to him. It''s more than enough for him.

“Children! It's time for class!”

Arron heard a familiar voice. He turned around, and saw Daphne standing outside, leading the children inside. He felt his heart begin to beat fast at the glimpse of her lovely face. Ten years have passed, and she was as beautiful as the last time he could remember. He felt as if he is falling in love with her again, just like the very first time they met. He have never stopped loving her. All this time that they were apart, he kept on loving her even more. He was longing for her, and he was wishing that someday, he would be able to see her again. And God answered his prayers today. After the long wait, here he is, standing before the girl he loves the most.

“Daphne!”

She heard a familiar voice calling her. She felt a thug in her heart as she realized whose voice is it. “Arron...” she thought. Slowly, she looked back, and caught a glimpse of his boyish face again. It's been ten years since she last saw him, and seeing him again made her more confused. How many times have she told herself that she have learned to move on? How many times have she convinced herself that she doesn't love her anymore. Now that she saw him again, it only proves that she was wrong. There was still a little love for him left inside her heart.

She turned her back again to run inside, but Arron ran after her. He held her arms to stop her from running away from him. “Daphne...” he called in a soft voice She turned to face him, her eyes were red with tears. “Why did you have to come back to my life?” she asked. “You left me ten years ago. You said you don't love me anymore... and now, you're standing here in front of me. Do you know what I've gone through after you left me? I've tried so hard to forget you, Arron. I've tried my best to convince myself that I don't love you anymore. How can I continue loving a man who never loves me anymore?” she said. Arron held her by her shoulder, and looked into her eyes. It's about time for him to tell her the truth. He promised himself before that if he found her again, he will correct his mistakes, and that he will never let her slip away again this time. “I never fell out of love with you, Daphne...” he said. Daphne fell silent at what he said. She was surprised by his revelation. “You... you said...” she said, shaking her head. She lowered her head so that she could not meet his eyes. “I lied, Daphne. I lied.” he said.

Daphne looked up at him again. “You.. lied? Then...” Arron stared into her eyes. He reached for cheeks, and caressed it gently. “I lied. When I left you, I am still in love with you...” he started. “I... I had to leave you... because I was too scared to lose you. It's a deal between me and your dad... that time, when you got sick, I've got no other choice but to seek help from him. He agreed to help you, in the condition that you will return to them, and that I will be out of your life completely. I agreed to that condition, because I was too scared that you will die. I would rather lose you, knowing that you're still alive. At least there is still hope that one day, I will be able to find you again. I don't want you to be gone like that in an instant, because if you die, I die as well. Daphne, you are my life. You are the very reason why I keep on striving to live. It's you... it has always been you...” he said. By the time he was finished, his eyes were filled with tears as well. “Will you forgive me? I know what I did in the past is selfish and stupid. I regret what I did, Daphne. I regret breaking your heart. It's the only thing I thought that would make you leave me... but I don't regret giving you back to your parents because you're here... you're alive. I know I could never give you all the luxury in the world. I know I only made you suffer while you're with me... that's why I made that decision for you, Daphne...”

With that, Daphne gave him a hug. She never thought that Arron loved her so much, that he chose to give her up so that she could stay alive. They have wasted too much time, and now that he's back here in her life, she will never let him go. “Why? Why didn't you tell me, Arron? “ she asked. “Because I know it would be much harder on your part, Daphne. If I ask you to go, will you go?” he asked. He felt her shook his head. “It doesn't matter if I suffer... as long as I'm with you, I'll be very contented...” she said. Then, she pulled away from his hug, and smiled at him. “I never lost hope in you. I knew one day, I will be able to see you again, Daphne. I know... even if we're worlds apart, you'll find the way back to my heart. I love you, Daphne...” he said. She reached up to him, and caressed his cheek. “I love you too, Arron. I will love you for the rest of my life...” she said. Then, he kissed her on the lips, promising her the this time, it's for keeps.

Labels: fan fic, one-shot, Songs and Stories