The Wretched Redemption

Chapter 6- Mr. and Ms. Tomato

Gavin's POV

It was already 6 pm in the early evening when I decided to make a home cook meal for the first time in a while so I decided to go buy some ingredients. I feel energize because of what happened this morning. I still have the smile she gave me. I was about to enter the store when I saw Isla and Theo walking side by side. My smile suddenly vanishes when I saw him hug her and she hugged him back and patted his back the same way she did to me last night. Then before going up on the bus he gave her a peck on the forehead and he patted her head. I clenched my fist. My chest felt heavy and I want to go and grab her to my side but I don’t have the right to. I got frustrated and I turned around cussing Theo under my breath.

The thoughts of losing her before even I can have her beside me drove my mind to a deep dark place.

Will I be abandoned again before I could even show my love to her?

My feet automatically took a step back before I realize it, I was running away. I was jealous.

Isla's POV

I woke up rather late today, I opened my phone to check if Gavin texted me but he didn't. I felt disappointed for some reason.

'But why?'

I was the one who isn't even sure how I felt for the guy. But still I texted him.

[Good Morning Gavin. I woke up late today I won't be running. See you at Uni]

I waited for a few minutes but he left me on read instead. I leave the matter at that. I won't let this unsure emotion rule my day. So even if I feel down because of what happened to me and Theo yesterday, I still forced myself to make this day better than yesterday.

I started by curving a forced smile in my face. Hoping it might work but it didn't. So I got ready and just went on my day in UNI.

I'm walking to class when someone grabbed my arm. I turned around and look at who it was.

"Good morning Gorgeous!" Ruby greeted me with her overwhelming positivity.

"Morning"

"Did something happened over the weekend? we just had a good time last Saturday"

"Yep, so much of that"

"Why? you look drained"

"I'm drained" I replied and she pulled me to empty spot in the benches.

"Spill"

"Well what happened was blah blah blah......." I narrated what happened leaving Gavin's private matters.

"Can I process all of those data for a second please?" She replied and I almost laugh. Sharing really helps release. I smiled when I saw her thinking so hard about what I just told her.

"First, Gavin? and second Theo? You have a lot on your plate girl!" She exclaimed I covered her mouth before she could continue to spill my innards for others to hear.

"Lower your voice before anyone can hear it" I whispered and she shook her head up and down. I let go and she smiled annoyingly.

"Let’s talk about it again after class, cheer up until then you need to smile first. You look like someone who just broke up with her boyfriend"

I tried to smacked her back but she dodges it instead and run towards our first class. I shook my head as I put on a big smile on my face.

Gavin’s POV

I woke up early today. My stomach grumbles because I didn’t eat dinner yesterday, I’m still contemplating about what I saw.

‘Did Theo confessed already? Did Isla accepted him?’

‘Why would they act sweet then?’

‘They’ve been acting sweet though whenever I saw them Theo always sticks beside her’

‘Why did I run away? I could’ve ask her yesterday’

My thought of what if’s began to drown me. I stood up and my phone vibrated.

*bzzt bzzt*

I opened it and it was Isla,

[Good Morning Gavin. I woke up late today I won't be running. See you at Uni]

[See you at Uni then, maybe we could run next time then] I was about to press send but I couldn’t. I want to ask her about what I saw but who am I to? To her I’m just any other guy she knew.

I just went to my first class.

I was walking to the hallway when I saw Reinaia waving at me. She walk towards me with her bright unfading smile.

“Good Morning Gav! Look” as she twirls in front of me

“What is it? Did you become a ballerina after 1 day?”

“Hey! It’s the dress we bought at the mall, you need to learn to look properly. If you and Isla become a couple is that how you will respond to her if she asks about her outfit too? You lack even the basics of dating?”

“That” *I sighed*

“Why?” She felt something was off

“We had a great time before Theo

decided to show up”

“How? What do you mean?” She sounds worried

“After we parted ways last Saturday. I met her in the convenience store near my house. So, I decided to approach her and we talked and it went good. Sunday came and I decided to go for a run and I met her again and it went well and I even convinced her to run with me every day. But then in that evening I saw her and Theo hugging at a bus stop and he even peck her at her forehead.” I narrated

“All that happened and you didn’t even consult me?” Her voice seemed disappointed

“What could we have done? If she decided to choose him. I lose before even I could show my heart to her” My voice cracked

“The fight just started” She replied looking behind me

I looked back and saw Isla and Theo distanced not like the usual treatment. They look awkward with each other far from what I saw yesterday. I suddenly felt hope but felt a little guilt for having hope while Theo looks like he’s suffering.

“Well for now let’s attend our classes and I will try to ask her if we get lucky we might have some time with them again after class.” She linked her arm as she pulled me to our class.

I didn’t say anything after that.

Isla’s POV

We were walking in the hallway when Theo suddenly pop out of nowhere.

“Good Morning Ladies!” he looked at Ruby but didn’t look at me

“Good morning” Ruby replied.

“Good morning Theo” I replied but he didn’t respond and He just smiled

He’s so obviously distancing himself to me. So I stayed silent.

“Do you have class in our building?” Ruby broke the silence and ask Theo

“No, I just want to see the both of you”

“You” Ruby sighed and he pulled him away as I stood there waiting for them to comeback. I looked around and I saw Gavin and Reinaia linking arms.

My chest felt heavy, and I knew this answers my confusion.

“Isla I smacked Theo, he is clueless.”

“Isla?” I could hear her but my eyes are glued to Gavin and Reinaia. She fallowed my gaze.

“Oh boy” She muttered and she pulled me away.

“Ruby I-I” She stops dragging me and look at me

“I know.” She replied and smiled

“Let’s talk about this again later ok? Hmm?” She continued dragging me until we reached our first class

That day we attended rest of our class without speaking anything about it and before I knew it we ended our last class fir the day. We decided to talk in a different place and her phone rang suddenly.

“Hello, uhh yeah were done with class but me and Isla are going somewhere today”

“Yep, next time then” And she ended the call

“Who was it?” I ask

“Reinaia, she asks if we’re going to the usual place but I declined”

“That’s, thanks”

“No problem, shall we?” She replied as she opens the door to a bar where there are private karaoke rooms. We entered the farthest room.

“I think I have feelings to Gavin” I stated looking down at my feet.

“I know the moment I saw the look in your eyes this morning”

“I don’t know when did I fall for him and why him?” I shook my head as I tried to reason my own emotions. She sat down beside me and patted my back

“There is no reason for anyone to fall for someone. Love is unreasonable. Even when you try to solve it its unsolvable. It’s beyond human’s control” I look at her she acted like she already have a lot of experience on this.

“You sound like a love guru all of a sudden” I chuckled as her eyebrow furrowed

“You! I tried to make you feel better” She replied as she chuckled

“Thanks Ruby you’re the best” I replied as she smiled

She grabbed the song book and started playing BTS Butter and we dance and sing like that until our time was up.

Gavin’s POV

The class ended and Reinaia called Ruby to ask if they will hang out at the same spot.

“Hi Ruby! Are you going to hang out at the café again today?"

“oh okay, maybe next time then?” She ended the call

“They’re going somewhere”

“I heard you” I replied I was

disappointed I won’t see her today

“Better luck next time?” She replied and pats my back

“Yep” I replied

We walked outside the campus and Reinaia’s driver is already there.

“Want me to drop you off?” She asks I nodded, I’m too tired to ride a bus and I feel relieve with Reinaia. I avoid the drivers glaring and hop on.

“You should send her a text before you sleep today, ask her about her day and if you could take a run tomorrow since you already had an agreement”

“Should I do that?”

“Yeah work your courage Gav or you’ll lose her. I’m saying this because I’m your friend. You should try to take risks more even if you’re afraid of the outcome. Because holding back won’t get you anywhere.”

“Thanks a lot Reinaia” I was about to pat her head when her driver clears his throat.

*ehem*

Reianaia glared at him in the rear view mirror and he avoided it. And we drove in silence after that and they drop me off in front of my house.

Isla’s POV

Ruby and I decided to go home after 2 hours of being crazy in the karaoke. I told her about Theo’s confession and Gavin’s obvious feelings to me. She listened and never judged me. I washed up and changed into my pajamas as I flop on my bed.

I’m staring at my ceiling when my phone vibrated

I opened the message and it’s from Gavin

[How was your day? Will we run tomorrow?]

I stared at my phone for a second before I replied. A smile crept on my face and my chest felt lighter than before.

[It was fine. You? And yes we will] I press sent and my phone vibrates again.

[It was good. Tomorrow at 6?]

[Yep yep] I replied as I put my phone down smiling.

I put my right hand on my chest and my heart thumped. I covered my face with the embarrassment as I accept my own emotions. I’m a romanticist, I always dreamt the love my parents have and all the movies and books I’ve read. It really is uncontrolled. It fascinates me how a single text from him brightened my day. Before I realize it I have fallen asleep.

I opened my eyes and jolted up my bed I checked the time and it was 5:30 am. I walk inside my bathroom and did my thing. I then put on a fitted top and an oversized jogging pants I put my jacket and I checked the time.

[5:45 am]

I sat down in my vanity and put on some light make-up I put on a light blush and put on some lip balm on my light pink lips. I braided my hair and loosen it a little.

“Perfect” I spoke to myself. I smiled as I sprayed some sunscreen and a little bit of perfume.

I walked out the house quitter than usual. I slowly run toward the park. I saw Gavin sitting down on the same bench. I walked slowly toward him.

He has a cap on and he was wearing his wearing his workout outfit and his hair was all tucked in his cap. He really is handsome.

He sensed my presence and he looks up. He smiled with and tilted his head a little to look at me.

My heart beats faster *badump* *Badump*

I can hear it and it was strange it was louder than usual and stronger.

“Good morning Isla” He greeted me as he grinned showing his well-lined teeth. The wind blew and I smelt his scent, it’s refreshing like a woody, orange and a hint of lavender scent.

“Good morning” I replied avoiding his gaze

He stood up and came closer. I took a step back because I was suddenly embarrassed with my own thoughts. All this small details about him I was suddenly noticing.

“Let’s go” I replied without meeting his gaze. I started running and didn’t look back, I was afraid he might figure my thoughts towards him.

Gavin’s POV

Before I sleep last night I made sure to do what Reinaia told me to. I texted Isla and she replied. My worries washed away with her reply. I set an alarm fearing I might not wake up on time. I opened my closets and prepared my workout clothes and I flop in my bed. I fall asleep with the thought of her smiling face I only saw once. I put my hand to my chest as it beats faster with the thought of her.

I woke up with sound of my alarm. I showered and put on my active wear shirt and joggers as I put on my black jacket and put on a cap. I sprayed my Mr. Marvelous perfume I rarely put on and I walked to the park we agreed to meet on.

I sat down and I felt a presence and I look up and its Isla. Her long brown hair is braided. She’s wearing a fitted top and a jacket on top with her oversized joggers. Her face looks more and more beautiful every time I saw her. I tilted my head as I tried to look at her face. Her eyes won’t meet my gaze so I greeted her hoping she will look to me.

“Good morning Isla” I greeted as I grinned.

“Good morning” She replied still avoiding my gaze

I took a step closer but she took a step back again. I was taken a back a little. It didn’t felt like she is avoiding me but rather she’s avoiding my eyes.

I saw her cheeks flushed a little. It made my heart flutter.

“Let’s go” and she run without looking back.

I followed her without saying anything. We ran the usual route and without talking I still enjoyed this moment.

“Is-la!” I shouted as I stopped running.

I called her name because I reached my limit. She looked back and chuckled. Her bright brown eyes finally looked at mine.

“Your done? Again?” she replied as she walks towards me.

“Yeah, I told you I don’t run” I chuckled as I wiped my sweat with palms. I forgot to bring my towel.

She noticed and she handed her

towel to me. A scent of vanilla hinted my nose it was calming and addicting.

“Thanks you really have a lot of energy don’t you?”

“Yeah I practiced Judo in high school”

“Really?” I was amazed. She looks slim like she would like to do is ballerina.

“Yeah” She replied like it was nothing

“I was more in academic when I was in high school”

“Seems like it” She replied as she stretches again

There are still a lot to discover about her and every time I learn something new I fall for her even more.

“Hey Mr. Weakling! Let’s meet again tomorrow. We need those lungs working more”

“Mr. W-weakling?? HA!” I chuckled

“PFFFFt!!! Yep” She replied laughing her head off after teasing me.

“You really are interesting” Her face blushed and I chuckled and it made her face even more redder.

“If I’m Mr. Weakling you are Ms. Tomato” I teased her and she looked back and smacked my back really hard

“OW ow!” I groaned and she stopped

“This is the first time you joked around with me Gavin you should do it more with other people. Take it easy. Your smiling and relaxed face suits you more” She patted my back and I got flustered I look at her and she got shocked.

“Oh my, Mr. Tomato” She touched my cheeks which made me more flustered so I turned around as I hid my face.

“Let’s do this again tomorrow”

“Why not?” She smiled

‘YES!’ My mind screamed

“Do you want go to UNI together? I ask crossing my fingers.

“Then lets meet at the park? After 1 hour?” She replied as she checked her phone.

‘Yesssss!’ I mentally screamed

“That’s great” I replied

Isla’s POV

After our morning run. I run back home faster that I have ever done.

I prepared breakfast and ate before my parents and after that I left a note for my parents.

I quickly took a shower. I took out a black fitted long sleeve white turtle neck and a line fitted plaid skirt above the knee. A black stocking and black sandal with one-inch heel.

I put on some eyeliner and put on some light brown eyeshadow, I put on a pink lip tint that match my natural lip color and put a little lip gloss too. I sprayed on my vanilla scented perfume. I put on a simple earring and a necklace.

I straightened and curled my hair at the ends. I quickly took a glance on myself in the mirror.

“I really need to dress up sometimes this beauty shouldn’t be kept in the shadows” I talked to myself. I really am losing my mind.

I quickly got out of the house before my parents could wake up. I didn’t want them to know that their daughter is acting like she’s going on a date when in fact she’s just going to school with the guy she likes.

I walked to the park and I texted Gavin that I might be too early.

[Hey, I’m on my way to the park. I might be too early though] My phone vibrates

[Look up]

He replied I look up and saw him. He run toward me and it felt like the world was in slow motion.

His hair shook up and down as he run towards me. He’s wearing a

long light brown coat and a white turtle neck underneath and black trousers. He put his hair up showing his defined jaw line.

“You look so handsome today” I blurted out. He chuckled lightly

“No. You look dazzling today! I thought I saw an angel” He replied teasing me

I felt my face got hot

“Ms. Tomato”

“Mr. Tomato” I point at him

“Mr. and Ms.?” He pointed out

“Stop let’s go or we will be late” I cut his teasing and we walked towards the bus stop.