Never Again

Chapter 8 - We Belong To Each Other

It was dusk when I went out of the building of the library. I walked in silence and focused my eyes on the uneven pavement until I reached the bus stop. I slumped on the seat but did not bother whether I was on the right stop or not.

I observed the busy street. The sounds soothed my ears, though there were jumble of noises from traffic and human sounds. In the future this city would soon hum of cars honking, traffic, construction, and people’s noises. Good thing, music apps were created to help you escape that world until you reached the comfort of your home... if you have a home.

I could not brush off everything that had happened today. The red mark on my arm has completely disappeared there, but I still tremble in fear whenever I remember the depth of anger in Albert’s eyes. I kept on pushing myself for little luck of changing my future, but the inconsistencies I made has brought events and people I have not met nor seen before. However, I was not thrilled of the changes. No matter how my decisions change, things would still end the same, like meeting him and our first kiss.

I miss Google. It would take seconds to google answer. Now, I had to spend the whole afternoon seeking answers. I read every book, every article related with time traveling, but it confused me more. If I recall it right, I never wanted to be reincarnated, I did not say I wanted to go back in time and add more complications to it.

I felt defeated because no matter what I do, I won’t be able to set things right. My vision blurred as the tears escaped my eyes. I cried in silence because it pains me to realize that time travelers like me won’t be able to change the past and that no matter what happens, the future would stay the same. No matter how I fight my feelings for Albert, we would still end up lovers, and the painful incident in the near future would still happen. His broken promises would still result to betrayal, lies, and pain.

The honk of a car made me look up. Albert’s car was on the other side of the road. He stopped and went out, but he did not come to me. He just leaned on his car, crossed his arms, and stared at me as he waited whether I would run away or go near him.

I took a deep breath then walked towards his direction. What’s the use of fighting time when changes would be irrelevant, right?

He opened the door in the passenger’s seat and I slide inside in silence. I frowned as he glanced my way. I raised both my hands, and pulled the shoulder belt then locked it. I couldn’t figure out whether I was scared or angry with him, but when he ran his hand and brushed a few strands of hair that got lose from my scrunchie to my back, it immobilized me.

“I was so worried. I’ve been looking for you all day,” The anxiety that dwelt in his voice stopped me from answering back. Besides, I was too tired and hungry to fight him today.

“Take me home, please,” I pleaded.

He nodded, but before he started the car, he took something from the glove compartment. My eyes feasted on the chocolate.

“Eat something. The monster inside you might eat us both.” He joked.

I glared at him but snatched the chocolate. I tore the cover and started eating mint munchies. He surprised me when he opened his mouth. I sneered but gave him chocolates. He ate in silence, but he was enjoying as he drove.

We were quiet the entire drive, that’s why when he stopped the car, I knew I was home. I took off the seatbelt, but before I could get out, he stopped me.

I turned to him but shook off his hand from my arm, and for a while he was quiet. I raised my eyebrows and waited for him to talk. When he didn’t, I initiated the talking. This could not wait another day.

“I don’t know what’s your game, but whatever it is, give me time to figure everything out and please...please if you don’t want to stay away from me, at least give me time,” I was almost begging.

If I could not really change the outcome of my future, then there’s no reason for me to avoid him. As the saying goes, just go with the flow, but not today. I met his eyes and then, I planted a quick kiss on his lips. I did not wait for him to say or do anything, I opened the door, and got out of the car right away.

---

Despite the quiet night, I could hear my heart weeping. I knew mom and dad were ready to give me a roasting for coming home late, but when I started crying, neither of them talk. All my mom could do was take me in her arms and gently stroke my hair. Dad just held my hand, and maybe, he was thinking how broken my heart was for falling in love with someone it’s impossible to be with.

My heart ached for everyone, for everything. It was only now I realized that in my entire years of existence in the future, I have never forgotten Albert. I was furious because he did not fight for our love. He left me when I desperately needed him. I was so torn now that I couldn’t stop my tears from falling.

I was in the middle of contemplating about my life when I heard soft tapping on the glass. After a few seconds, I heard it again. It was coming from my window.

The soft tap gave me a fright. Curious, I sprinted quietly towards the window and peek what’s behind the curtain. I gasped when I saw a shadow trying to hold unto something.

“Selene,” It was a loud whisper.

I furrowed my forehead and squinted over the close window.

“Finally,” He heaved a sigh as he continued to climb.

My eyes widen as I recognized the voice. I opened the window right away, and a Greek god chuckling at himself entered my room.

“What the hell?” I uttered when I could finally breath.

He was about to stand when we heard footsteps followed by a knock. I glared at him as we scrambled quietly to look for a place for him to hide. My heart was pounding so hard that my chest hurts.

His silent laugh was killing me at this moment. I gave him a sullen look as he slid under my bed, and I covered myself with blanket.

Albert was already under the bed when the door creaked open and I was snoring impossibly loud when Sienna opened the light.

“You’re really impossible, Selene. Eww!” She said as she throw a pillow on my face.

“What?” I whispered angrily as I took off the blanket, then I realized that I was wearing a white lightweight pair of silk pajamas. My eyes widen as I covered myself with blanket again.

“I just came to find my purple shirt,” She said in a sleepy voice. “But you were snoring. So unladylike.” She yawned as she opened my closet. “Mom told me she placed it here by mistake,” She wasn’t lying. Her Barney shirt was there at the top of all my earth colors shirt. She turned to me after getting the shirt. “Why are you whispering?”

“I’m not,” I denied, but then realized I was still whispering.

She shook her head, then left.

I scrambled to my feet as I ran towards the door and locked it. I turned off the lights so no one will think I was still awake. Good thing the moon shone brightly above the night sky, it was possible for me to see him as he came toward me.

He was making me crazy at this moment. The excitement, fear, anger were making my heart go gaga that I stumbled and tripped with my own feet. I uttered a yelp as I tumble down and expected to hit the hard flooring, but instead his strong arms caught me and I bumped into his well-defined body.

Before I could react, I felt my body in the air. Albert already carried and laid me down on my bed. I could hardly breath, and I think my heart skipped a beat when he leaned over and stroke my hair. His fingers traced my eyebrows, kissed the tip of my nose lightly and then caressed my cheeks. His touch was giving me chills. I was thrilled and scared at the same time.

His eyes met mine. “My beautiful Selene,” He whispered, then put his hand at the back of my neck.

The time stopped ticking. . I could inhale his breath, smell his cool water cologne, and feel his throbbing heart.

“Albert,” I uttered his name softly before I closed my eyes as his lips brushed into mine. A gasped escaped my mouth as he sucked my lower lip and bit it slowly. As my lips parted, his tongue slid inside and began to explore. His soft and warm lips tasted minty chocolates. I moaned and I promised myself, that’ll be my forever favorite chocolate.

There was magic in his kiss. It erased every bad memories I had, and I think I was even losing myself now as he continue to invade my mouth. His fingers curled around my body pulling me closer to him. My hand touched his chest, but unsure whether to push him away or pull him closer to me. I gave a low moan when he left my mouth and started to kiss my ear, then down to my jawline, then to my neck.

He suddenly stopped and burrowed his head on my neck. We were still for a while, but when I finally came back to my senses, I pressed my lips and pushed him away. It was like Billy’s screaming for my mom’s name was our cue to stop. My saving grace. I stood up quickly and put my hand on my chest. I was afraid my heart would jump out.

He pulled me and had me sat on his lap, then put his arms around me.

“I want to hear it from you, Selene,” He whispered on my ear. “I want you in my life, but tell me what to do.”

I swallowed. Here’s to the beginning of my never-ending misfortune. “Give me time. Just give me time,” I said.

He gave me a quick kiss on the lips. “I will give you all the time you want. I will wait for you even if it takes a lifetime,”

I bit my lower lip.

“Just don’t push me away, my love.”

I nodded. “I won’t, but please don’t do this again. I’ll die of heart attack,”

He grinned. I raised my hand and caressed his cheek. He held my hand and kissed my palm, then placed it on my lap. He pulled something from his pocket. It was a bit dark, but I see a piece of jewelry. He put the necklace on me. As he clasp it, my fingers trail over the smooth and cold metal. I stiffened as I touched the familiar shape of the pendant.

He leaned closer and his lips touch my ear as he whispered. “You were wearing this the first day we met. Do you know what this pendant mean to my family? nous appartenons les uns aux autres”

I closed my eyes. ‘We belong to each other.’

“I fell in love the first moment I saw you. And no matter how I try to stay away from you, my heart just kept on dragging me to you.” He said as he torture me with kisses on my neck.

“Who are you, Selene?” There was a hint of pain and accusation in his tone.