Choices (Dear Jann Series 2)

Chapter 13: Love Strikes

“By leaving behind your old self and taking a leap of faith into the unknown, you find out what you truly are capable of becoming.” www.livelifehappy.com

I felt like I was in a movie as I glimpsed him getting drenched by the rain. I wanted to fix things with him but not this kind of scenario. He looked at me, and his eyes were showing so much sadness. I shuddered at the very sight of him. I wanted so much to run to him and hug him tightly. I wanted to feel his gentle warmth again.

“What are you doing? Get under the umbrella.” I demanded of him, but he just stood still and looked at me lovingly.

“Please, Jann. I can’t do this anymore. I don’t want to cool off with you.” he said pleadingly.

“Get in.” I asked him firmly.

“I won’t until you stop the cool off.” he stubbornly said.

“Geez, Markus. You are so stubborn. Can you get under the umbrella, and we’ll talk about this? You will get sick.” I said worriedly as I placed the umbrella over his head.

He didn’t speak, instead he hugged me tightly. I didn’t move because I missed him too. I could feel the warmth of his hug despite the cold rain. I moved away slowly so I could see his face. I gestured to him to move towards the building, so we could get away from the rain. He followed, still holding me in his arms. Seems like he never wanted to let go of me again. I love the comfort it brought in me and the warmth it had in my heart.

“What were you doing? You know you can get sick.” I said worriedly as I held him in his face wiping off the rain dripping from his hair.

“I know, but I don’t really care. I wanted you back. Please, Jann. I don’t want to lose you. I hate this cool off. I promise I will change. I won’t be jealous and demanding anymore. I will do whatever you want, just end this.” he said pleading.

“Okay. I’m sorry too. I hate this cool off as well.” I replied, and it made him smile widely and hugged me tightly as he always did.

“Ehem!” we both heard a person behind us. We both turned around to see who it was, and we both smiled to see her.

“So I guess you guys are okay now?” Jona asked as she slowly approached us.

“Yes, auntie. Thank you so much.” Markus replied and looked at me lovingly.

“Good to know. I hope you guys don’t have any trouble anymore. If you guys have a problem, always talk about it and not resort to cool off or break up. You guys look so good together. Treasure each other.” she said as she looked at Markus and me.

“I still can’t believe you guys are related.” That was all I could tell her.

We all laughed. Few minutes later, Jona and I went back to finish our dance practice while Markus patiently waited for me outside the practice building. We both went home together after the practice. Before the night ended, we both made a promise. A mutual promise that we would keep for the rest of our days.

We were at the small store just close to my house. It became our rendezvous when we were together. It had a great view of the night sky, and it was a romantic spot for both of us. Sometimes, we just hang there and stare at the vast sky. The sky which was the very witness of our budding love for each other.

“Love - “ he started.

“Love?” I asked with furrowed brows. It made him chuckle gently.

“You don’t like me calling you love? How do you want me to call you then?” he asked smiling as he wrapped me around his arms.

“Hmmm. I don’t know. Anything else but not love. Love is just like overused and I hear it a lot of times from other couples in school too.” I modestly replied.

“Hmmm, how about honey? You are sweet and so are honey.” he said lovingly.

“You really think I am sweet?”

“Yes. The sweetest person I ever met.” he answered and I smiled gently.

“Honey, please promise me one thing before we end this night.” he asked as he stared at me lovingly.

“What is it?” I asked curiously.

“That we will never break up or cool off until both of us agree to it.” he earnestly requested.

“What do you mean?”

“Until both of us agree to break up or cool off, then we are not over. We will still be together no matter what.” he said seriously and was waiting for my response.

I don’t really comprehend what he was asking me. All I know is that he doesn't want to lose me in any way possible. He doesn’t want to be away from me. I love the idea too, and I feel the same way.

“Okay. I promise.” I said to seal our promise with each other.

“I love you so much, Jann. I really do. I never felt this way before, and I love every moment with you.” he said lovingly and held me in his arms.

It was so peaceful in his arms. I wanted to stay like that forever. From that day on, I know he will be a very big part of my life. Just like what he said, I never felt so delighted with anybody before. Maybe this could be it. Maybe this is what they call “love.”

*****

The prom was fast approaching, and I still didn’t find any partner. Actually, I intended being like that because I was looking forward to inviting Markus to be my date on the prom. I really wished my teachers would allow me to invite an outsider. It would be great. However, my plan was really unmeant to be fulfilled.

“Guys, have you seen May?” Marian asked while we were having lunch.

“Not really.” Jessa answered.

“Speaking of May. I’ve noticed she has been absent many times already. Any idea why?” I addressed my question to Marian, but she just shrugged.

“I’ve heard some ladies in the washroom talking about her.” Nia said with a sad face.

“What did they say?” June curiously asked.

Everyone else looked at Nia and waited for whatever she was to adequately answer. Nia looked at us and heaved an audible sigh before speaking to all of us again.

“Well, they were talking about May and Ronald’s relationship. Apparently, many of them saw them together almost everywhere. Come on guys. Ronald is a college dude.” Nia said.

“I had been telling her to avoid him. I guess May is so in love with him.” I said and looked at Marian who just lowered her head.

“Oh my, looks like love completely knocked her too bad. I just hope she will be okay.” Anna said after the long silence in the group.

I’ve always known the relationship of May and Ronald since I was the first person she mentioned about it. Since day one, I had been telling her to avoid him. Not only because Ronald was a college dude, but because both their family are against their relationship. Both families too made it clear that they would never welcome them in their homes. I felt so bad for both of them. Destiny was playing too hard on them.

Another week passed, and May had been absent most of the week. The pressure landed on our group since almost everyone was bothering us wanting to know where she was. I pity my group being dragged in the situation but still glad that they were very calm about it and understanding.

“Miss Alonzo, can I speak with you for a while?” Ms. Lopez asked me in my class.

I was hesitant, but I stood and went out with her anyway. My dear heart was pounding so hard in my ample chest, I felt like it would come out any possible minute. Ms. Lopez was the guidance counselor in the school and going to her office was always connotated with disciplinary action. I was wondering what I did.

“Relax, Ms. Alonzo. I will not scold you. I just wanted to know some information.” she said.

She probably saw how nervous I was that time. It actually made me feel a little better when she said I was not in any trouble. She prompted me to a chair in front of her desk. She smiled before speaking.

“How are you, Jann?” she started.

“Nervous. Very nervous. I don’t know what I did that could possibly bring me to your office, miss.” I replied sincerely which made her chuckle a bit.

“Sorry if I made that impression to you. Please relax.” she said, trying to comfort me.

I took a deep breath and looked at her. She had a poker face and I couldn't really see what she had in mind. She was a lovely lady, but I know that she was very strict too. Most of my schoolmates' descriptions of her were that she was one of the most strict people in the school. Scary, too.

“So, Ms. Alonzo. How are you?” she asked again.

“I guess a bit better. Breathing.” I said sarcastically.

“Don’t get smart with me young lady. I want to know about your friend.” she naturally asked.

“Who?”

“I want to know about May Abalos.” she said sternly.

I knew it would come to this time, but I never anticipated this scenario. I knew our teacher would be asking about her but not this way. She stared at me as if reading every movement and facial reaction I was making. I shrugged.

“I have no idea what you want to know about her, miss.” I replied as calmly as I could.

“I know you are aware May has been absent for some time now. And there are many gossips coming out about her. I want to uncover the truth.” she carefully explained.

“I don’t know. I haven’t seen her too for a while.” I properly answered.

“Let me tell you, Ms. Alonzo. May’s education is at the line here. If she doesn’t show up soon, she might not be included in the graduating list. And with all the gossip about her and her boyfriend, there is a big chance she might get kicked out even before she graduates. So, if you really care about your friend, you have to let me know where she is.” she said rather demandingly.

She was very intimidating and I hated my self-confidence for leaving me that very moment. I care about May, and I love to graduate with her. But just like what Ms. Lopez said, she is in big trouble if she doesn’t show up.

“Ms. Lopez, I am telling you the truth. I don’t know where she is and where they are going with her boyfriend. All I know is that both their families are not in favor of their relationship. Since they started their relationship, May became very secretive about it. She doesn’t spend much time with us anymore. She would rather be with him than with us. So, even if you force me now, I can’t tell anything more.” I explained to her.

She looked at me again, probably, weighing what I said. She took out her notebook and pen and started writing on it. She looked at me in between her writing on her notebook. I have no idea what she was writing. After a few moments of endless silence between us, she looked up at me and smiled.

“Okay, Ms. Alonzo. I guess I have what I require. Thank you and if you have any other things that you need to tell me about May, then just come to me. Once more, her name in the graduation list is at stake here. I hope we can help each other with this. You’re dismissed.” she said and nodded.

I stood up and made my way out of her office. I was walking aimlessly on the hallway towards my classroom. My classmates looked at me once I entered the room all the way until I got to my seat. I sat and looked blankly at the board. I could see my teacher talking, but I couldn't hear anything. I can’t believe how messy the things are turning out. How am I supposed to let them know that May already eloped with Ronald and I have no idea where they are?