Choices (Dear Jann Series 2)

Chapter 10: Bliss

It was my first time to encounter a person who was so full of himself but enjoyed his company. Usually, when I encounter a person like that, I immediately avoid that person because I can not absolutely stand the attitude. But Markus was different. He was full of himself, but I find it cute and he was not annoying in any way. So strange and so not me as my dear friends said so.

“Don’t stare too much. It makes me want to kiss you.” he said and chuckled gleefully. I blushed with what he justly said. How could I not see he was staring at me too?

“You are really so boastful and full of yourself. What made you think I wanted to kiss you? If I know, you have no idea how to kiss.” I said and laughed gently.

He laughed hysterically with me at what I said. He was really a fresh air after all the tension from my group. I just love his company and am actually getting so used to him in the house almost everyday. To be honest, it was the first time that I had allowed a guy wooing me inside the house. My parents hadn’t met him, and it made me wonder how they would react when they met him. I just hope everything will be fine.

“Do you want me to speak with Jessa? About us?” he suggested after a moment of eternal silence between us.

“Excuse me, there is no us.” I smilingly replied which made him chuckle again.

“Sorry. Okay, let me rephrase that. Would you like me to speak with Jessa about me liking you so much?” he said as he smiled gently.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea.” I said with a visible concerned face.

“Do you trust me?” he asked sincerely instead.

“I don’t know. Should I trust you?” I asked back.

“Hmmm fair enough. Can you trust me on this? I will speak with Jessa and let her know about my feelings for you.” he said.

I heaved a heavy sigh and stared at him for a moment trying to decipher if he was serious about his own idea. It does look legit. He wanted to do this for me, for “us.” I was still hesitant.

“I honestly don’t know. What I know is, it’s already late and you need to keep going home. We both have school tomorrow.” I said and smiled gently.

I didn’t want to encourage him with his idea because I wasn’t certain on how the outcome would be. I wasn’t sure how Jessa would typically react if he ever goes to her. I was just unready for anything. He stood up and headed for the door. Before he went out, he turned around and smiled reassuringly at me.

“Jann, I am serious about us. I never felt this way before to any other girls. I hope you will believe in me soon. Trust me with your heart. Good night.” he said and left.

I thoughtfully observed him go until he was no longer in my sight. He really had his ways to make me feel so special. How could someone like me so much? I had to admit I liked the idea that someone really cherishes me even if I had some bad records with boys. Could this be the start of something new? I just wish Jessa would be fine with it. I genuinely wanted to joyfully celebrate it with her and genuinely wanted everyone happy for me. Happy for us.

*****

“Jann, let’s go. Will you please hurry up or else we will all be late!” Marian shouted gleefully when she picked me up for school that lovely day.

“I am coming.” I answered as I hurriedly went out of the house to join them.

I was genuinely surprised and stopped walking when I saw Jessa waiting patiently with the rest of the group for me. She did not acknowledge my presence, but I was still happy. It instantly made me smile widely.

“You’re here. Great to see you again.” I said but she did not respond.

I didn’t mind it at all. All I know is I was happy that she was with us that day. Will she finally come back to our group? It would be fine if she avoids me as long as she was with the group, it will be great. Did Markus speak with her? It made me excited to see him again.

Throughout the day, Jessa tried avoiding me. I didn’t mind it all. I was glad she hung around with us again just like the old days. The rest of the group felt happy about it. They didn’t need to tell me, I could see it in their actions that they are happy that Jessa was back.

“So guys, have you decided yet who would be your partners for the upcoming Seniors’ Prom?” asked Ruby while we were having our breaktime.

“I was already asked by Eric to be his prom date,” says May.

“That was quick. Good for you.” I said.

“I am not sure yet about it. I wanted to invite someone else, but it looks like I have a lot of competition for his attention.” May replied.

We knew who she was talking about. Every girl in the school wanted to naturally have Rio to be their prom date. He was just one of the popular guys in school. He was brain, sporty and good-looking. Whoever he chooses to be his partner would really be very lucky.

“I have some idea who I would like to be my partner but let’s see who invites me.” says June.

Seniors’ Prom was one of the most awaited events for the graduating people. It was like our last gathering before we leave our alma mater. It was also our chance to be paired with the person we liked so much if lucky enough to be invited by that person.

“How about you, Jann? Do you have a partner already?” asked Anne.

“If I were to choose, I would love having Dennis to be my partner. You know I have liked the guy since 4th grade.” I answered confidently.

“But he doesn’t know you exist.” answered Jessa.

Everyone laughed merrily at her comment. I couldn't help but laugh as well. She was right. Dennis was my classmate in the 4th grade. He was the first guy who ever showed interest in me when he saw me crying that day. I was so damn angry that day that I shut him off and told him to mind his own business. Since then he just looked my way and smiled but did not speak with me. He moved to another school, and I finally saw him again in high school. He was damn good looking but like what Jessa said, I was invisible to him now. He doesn't even recognize me anymore.

“That was so mean!” Theresa said but was laughing.

“Accepted. I was just hoping he would.” I answered.

“Why don’t you ask Markus?” Ruby suggested.

My world stopped turning again. Ruby could be very insensitive. I hated it when she did that. My sight ended on Jessa.

“Yeah, why don’t you invite him?” Jessa answered.

Did I hear her right? Did she just suggest that I invited Markus to be my prom date? I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I smiled at the idea, but I smiled more because finally, Jessa acknowledged my presence.

“Silly. No. I don’t think that’s even possible.” I replied.

“It will be when you don’t find any partner a week before the prom. They did it in the past. If you don’t have a pair, the outsiders are allowed.” Theresa said.

“I don’t think so. Besides, I plan to ask Dennis.” I simply answered.

A spark of idea rang in my head with what Theresa said. Could it be possible? I would love having Markus as my prom date if possible. The idea made me more excited to see him again. 

*****

That evening, I was jittery waiting for Markus to drop by our house. I wanted so much to say “Thank you” to him for speaking with Jessa. Did he? I don’t really know if he did, but anyways, looks like everything was falling into place. I was very delighted because finally Jessa was back in our group. I know for sure she will eventually speak with me more. We just needed some time, and I am very willing to wait until she does.

I heard a knock on my door, and I excitedly opened to see the person I had been waiting for. It was Markus with all his sweet smiles. I couldn't contain myself, and I hugged him. I felt he was surprised with what I did and hesitantly hugged me back.

“Thank you.” I whispered passionately in his willing ears.

He slowly pulled me inches away from him to see my face. He was smiling gently but wasn’t sure why I was so excited to see him.

“Thank you for what?” he asked, confused. I chuckle gleefully.

“I don’t know. I just want to say thank you.” I said and hugged him again.

He drew me closer to him and I could feel him hugged me tighter. He rested his head on my neck, and I could feel his warm breath. I smiled. I loved what I was feeling. For some reason, I didn’t want to let go of him. I wanted us to be in that position. I could feel his heartbeat with mine. I closed my eyes and just enjoyed the moment.

“Hmm, Jann?” he whispered.

“Yes?”

“I love to stay like this with you for a longer time, but…”

“But?”

“Sorry, but I need to go.”

I opened my eyes, and I felt disappointment coming over me. I loosen my hug and slowly moved away from him until I could see his face. I gave a small smile and was about to take out my hands around his neck when he pulled me to him.

“Please don’t get me wrong, love. I just needed to walk home my mom. She is actually waiting for me at the waiting shed. I told her I would drop by here before I go home.” he explained.

“You what?!” the more I pulled away myself from him.

His hands were still around my waist, and my hands were around his neck. We were standing facing each other. I know I was blushing, but I didn’t care anymore.

“Why did you let your mom wait for you? Silly. You don’t make your parents wait.” I scolded him.

“But I want to see you before I go home.” he replied.

He smiled as he held my face with his hand. The warmth of his hand made me close my eyes and rested my head on his palm. It brought a smile on my face. He was staring at me when I opened my eyes.

“You’re so beautiful, my love. I definitely wanted to stay longer. I should have known.” he said.

“It’s okay. Go home, silly. Don’t make your mom wait like that again.” I said.

He looked me in the eyes again as he played his thumb on my cheeks. I closed my eyes again and rested my head on his chest. I felt him hugging me as I placed my hands around his waist.

“I love you, Jann. I really do. I love you so much.” he whispered and hugged me tighter.

Few more minutes and I let go. This time, I really pulled myself away from him. I smiled and cautiously opened the door.

“You better go. Your mom is waiting, silly. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I said.

“This is the happiest day of my life, Jann. Believe me when I say I love you, because I really do.” he said while hugging me again.

I watched him walk away. Before he made a turn to the corner, he had looked at me and mouthed “I love you.” I chuckled as I watched him go. It wasn’t really bad. I could still feel his arms around me, and his words still lingered in my ears. Am I finally in love with him? Whatever. Just like him, I was willing to take the risk of spending my time with him. Who knows? Maybe it will work. Maybe, destiny had something special stored for both of us. I just wanted to enjoy the blissful feeling I have at the memorable moment.