First Heartbreak

Chapter Twenty-Eight - Give It A Try

Sam's POV

It's been a week since Rome and I talked, he suggested that I use him so that I would eventually forget Zen and Melody. Over the past few days, Zen hadn't missed calling me every after school. She'd ask me how I was hanging, and my answer always remained the same, I-am-fine. Even if I knew too well that I'm not. We'd talk over the phone for hours. Every time I ask her if I had given her enough time to break up with Melody, she keeps on changing the subject which just pisses me off. I just don't get it why she can't say it to Melody!

I woke up on a Monday with a crazy headache. I'm not even sure why? I knew I slept earlier than the usual, I can't put a finger as to why my head is aching.

"Oh, good you're up!" Mom greeted me from the kitchen. I could smell bacon and pancakes that she's making. Yum! "Morning sweetie, did you get a good night's sleep?"

"Urgh! Yeah, I guess. I just have this throbbing headache when I woke up this morning." I complained.

"Well that's just cause you slept without nothing in your stomach sweetie." Mom explained. "When you came home yesterday, you came straight to bed. I was about to wake you up to eat dinner but you looked so peaceful and sound asleep, so I didn't bothered to wake you up." She continued.

"Ugrh! That's why." Thanks mom! I closed my eyes as I continued to rub my temple. "Do we still have pain relievers in the cabinet?"

"I think we still have enough supply, sweetie. But first you gotta put food in your stomach. You know how your tummy gets when you take medicine before eating something." She said as she placed the pancakes and bacon on my plate.

Without arguing any further with my Mom, i ate breakfast silently, took two pain relievers and went on to the shower afterwards. Brushed my teeth and got ready for school.

While on my way, I thought about what Rome had suggested. It was risky, but I wasn't sure if I can take the risk. I hate being the second option, I want to be the only one, needless to say. Rome was right at some point. It's not worth fighting if Zen's being greedy having me and Mel around. I mean, I told her I'd give her the time that she needed. But breaking up shouldn't be that hard to do especially if that person really doesn't mean anything to you, right?

Wait, what if Zen has developed feelings for Mel all this time? Then I'd be left heart-broken for sure. Urgh! I hate thinking about it. I hate to admit it, but Rome is right. Only the two of us would know. Not even Vanessa could know. She's obviously up for Team Zen. Sigh.

-o-

As I made my way through the gates, I spotted Rome who just entered the hallways a few steps ahead of me. I jogged right up to him. "Hey!" I nudged his ribs.

"Hey back." He smiled.

"Can we talk?" I asked.

"Sure." He stopped walking.

"Not here though." I looked from left to right. "Meet me in the library after five minutes."

He nodded and went into his classroom's direction while I did the same.

I swiftly went into the classroom, thankfully Ness wasn't there yet so I need not explain to her why I'm in such a hurry.

I then literally ran to the library as fast as I could so that none of Zen's guy buddies would see me. When I got there, the librarian recently opened it, so, nobody was around yet.

I took a seat at the study table right at the back where it's less seen and located at the least interesting part of the library. I waited for about three minutes when I noticed Rome enter who was already looking for me with his head scanning the room. I raised my hand so he could see me. He nodded and headed my way.

"Hey!" He greeted me as he took a seat. "What's up Sam?"

I was looking down at the table, gathering my thoughts while I traced using my index the carved pattern that a student drew on the table.

"Hey, Sam?" He called me again.

"Huh? Oh, yeah.. Sorry, I got distracted." I smiled. "Thanks for coming."

"No problem. So, what brings us here?"

I took a deep breath before opening my mouth.

"Well..see...it's..." I mumbled.

"What is it Sam?" He looked concerned.

"It's about what you suggested to me a week ago?" I said it so fast I wasn't even sure if he got it.

His eyes widen in disbelief. "A-Are you sure you're accepting it?" He stuttered , which was hard to believe since he IS Rome. The overly-confident boy.

"Yeah. I think I am" I gave him a weak smile. I gotta be honest, I wasn't in shape and I couldn't take it much longer. The time I had given Zen is way too much and I can't go on graduation looking like a zombie just because of all the thinking. I need a life too! I need to feel refreshed and alive and cared for. Not taken for-granted. Sigh.

"You sure?" He whispered and moved his head and arms on the middle of the table while he was still at the side of his seat.

"Yes I'm sure." I answered him truthfully. "But please don't think that I'm really using you to get rid of my feelings for the person I was talking to you about. I just need help Rome. I really am down in the dumps right now... My heart is shattering every time I would see them together." I confessed.

"And although that person keeps on calling me over the phone after school, still, it isn't enough. If I was their number one in their heart, then I think I should at least have felt it." Sigh. "Why do I feel like I'm never going to be number one? That I'm just an option." I felt my eyes water.

"There, there Sam." He moved his chair next to mine and placed his arms over my shoulder. "I'll help you." He smiled, genuinely. "I'll even help you get back on track with the things you missed at school!" He even smiled widely.

I looked down the table. "Thanks Rome. You really are the best." I meant that.

He blushed. "That coming from you, Sam?" He laughed. I punched him playfully on his forearm. "I'm kidding." He smiled again. "Thanks for accepting, Sam. I promise I won't let you down."

"You better." I made a fist at his face that he laughed at.

"Come on, let's go back to our rooms! Don't want to be late for class!" He stood up and took my hand.

"Wait." I stayed where I was at.

"Don't we have like rules or something? Or like what the other person does? Wait a second, what would you be doing, by the way?" I asked innocently.

He turned my way and flashed his smile. "Easy Sam. I'll be your 'make believe' boyfriend." He then winked. "Now come on, before we're late for class!" He grabbed by arm and dragged me out of the library. It wasn't a harsh drag, just a playful drag to get me going on my feet.

Here goes nothing!