Planet Tierre

Chapter 11

CHAPTER 11

Luna:

It's 3:00 am. I've been waiting for her to come home for a few hours now. I haven't slept. I haven't eaten. I've just been sitting here on the couch, staring blankly at the TV.

When is she coming home?

I mean, I'm sure she's hurt because of our break up. But I hope she doesn't do anything stupid.

I couldn't sleep! Not without her. Even if we're in separate rooms I just need her to be home. I need to know that she's safe.

What if she had too much too drink? What if she passed out somewhere? And what if those lecherous girls tried to take advantage of her? It's her first time drinking.

I shut my eyes closed. The scenarios I were picturing just became worse every second.

And I feel terrible. I hurt her.

I buried my face in my palm and a few tears escaped my eyes.

If only I can teach my heart to love her more than Shannon. Things would be easier.

Before I knew it, it's already time to get ready for school. My mind is still on Aimee.

I'm going to call her. She had her phone with her.

I got my phone and dialed her number. After a few rings, she answered.

"Hello?" A raspy voice answered. Not Aimee.

"Uh... Is Aimee there?"

"It's really rude to call someone so early in the morning," I could detect just a slight hint of amusement in the other person’s voice.

"Anne? Is that you? Where is Aimee?"

"Oh she's here alright. You didn't tell me your girlfriend is such a nice bed mate. Oh, wait I forgot. She told me you two broke up," then she chuckled evilly.

My blood boiled. "You didn't!"

"But I did. Good bye Luna," then she hung up.

Fuck! I have to go to her!

“Give me space.”--

I could feel myself tearing up again. I stood up and weakly got up from the couch. I went upstairs to shower and then got dressed. When I finally went into the kitchen. Eve was making breakfast.

"Good morning Mistress Luna."

I nodded and sat down.

I buried my face in my hands.

How am I going to fix this now?

Without touching any food, I got up and left the house, not bothering to say a word more. But every step I take, I couldn't get the thought of Aimee and Anne together out of my head. I stopped and closed my eyes. They slept together. Slowly, I could feel a small bit of my heart breaking. Before I could cry in the sidewalk, I took a deep breath and continued walking to school.

Shannon greeted me with a kiss at the gate. "Good morning!" Then she noticed my face. "What's wrong?" She asked, concerned.

I shook my head and held her hand. Forcing a small smile, I squeezed her hand. "Let's talk later."

Shannon just stared at me and then pulled me into a warm embrace.

"I love you. You can talk to me anytime," she whispered.

I nodded. "I know. And I love you too."

We walked together to our homeroom.

***

"She found out." I started.

"So how did it go?" Shannon quietly asked. We decided to go in the greenhouse to talk.

I hugged her and cried on her shoulder. "She hates me."

She cooed and patted my back softly, trying to calm me. "I'm so sorry. I did this. I-..."

"Don't talk. I just need you to hold me," I felt her nod and wrap me tighter in her arms.

"I love you, Luna," she whispered.

"I love you too."

"Does this mean that we're officially together?"

I smiled and sniffed. "Yes."

This girl never fails to make me happy even through my current misery. "But I hurt her..."

"I know baby, but maybe it'll do you both good when she leaves."

I paused. "Leave?"

"Well, yeah. You've already made your choice and you broke her heart. Do you really expect her to stay?"

I gulped and broke away from her. "No. She said she'll never leave my side."

Shannon looked at me sympathetically. "Luna...-"

"I believe Aimee. She promised me she'll stay," I stubbornly replied. "And I know she will stay true to her word."

Shannon nodded and pulled me to her. "I just... I know how much she means to you. And... I'm afraid of what will happen to you if she leaves." Then she added. "Nothing lasts forever."

I didn't say anything and thought about what she said.

What if Shannon's right? What if Aimee leaves?

And then, lunch time came far too fast.

"Where are you going?"

I nearly jumped out of my skin. I turned around and saw Shannon behind me. "Shhhhhh! I'm going home for a bit. I'm going to check on Aimee." My eyes scanned the area for the guard.

He's not on his usual spot! Great!

"I think she'll be okay. Do you really have to do this?"

"Yes. I'd do anything for her," I glanced at her direction and saw her looking so sad. Then I realized what I said.

"Oh..." This is... Another pang of guilt went through me.

I went closer to her and cupped her face before I gave her a soft kiss. "I love you, okay?"

She nodded before I smiled at her. Then I quietly slipped out.

If I still don't find her home, I swear I'm going to march right into Anne's house.

When I finally reached the house, the front gate was open while the door was unlocked. Then I saw Aimee's shoes by the couch. She always leaves it there. I sighed, relieved.

"Aimee?" I called out. But the house remained quiet. I went upstairs to check our room first. Maybe, somehow, Aimee stumbled in by mistake. But it remained untouched. No sign of someone being there since I left this morning. After that I checked the guestroom.

The door wasn't locked so I went inside.

She was sprawled across the bed with her shiny blonde hair on the covers. I tiptoed towards her and knelt down beside the bed before I watched her sleep; dishevelled hair and all.

I miss her so much already. But I know the pain that I am causing her right now is too much. Maybe it would be best if I just let her be; at least for the moment. I removed a few stray hairs from her beautiful face. And by doing that, I caught a glimpse of her neck. Or rather, what's in her neck.

Is that a hickey?

I paused, unable to move.

My whole being cried with unexplained anguish and distress. I did this. I caused all of this. I don't have any right to even be slightly upset. At least she's okay.

I leaned in to fix the sheets cover her with a blanket. Then I kissed her forehead before getting up and leaving the room.

What's this feeling? The thought of someone else touching her... kissing her.

I took a long, deep breath before I went downstairs to find a couple of aspirins and fetch a glass of water. Then, I went back to the guestroom and placed it carefully on the nightstand. I saw a piece of paper and a pen so I wrote her a note.

I hope you'll feel better. I'm sorry.

-Luna

After a few more moments of staring at her, I left the house and went back to school. I never thought that I'd do this. Out of all the people in my life, Aimee's the one I don't want to hurt. And yet, I ended up doing exactly that.

I shook my head. I didn't have any class with Shannon this afternoon. At least I got some time to think. 

I just need Shannon. Somehow, I needed her. So I met with her after class.

"So, you wanna hang out?" she asked while walking me home. "We can go to the ice cream shop and just eat."

I hung my head. "Shannon... please don't be offended. But Aimee needs me right now. I just..."

She nodded. "I understand. I'm just scared that you'll go back to her. It will kill me Luna. I love you too much."

I looked up to find her wiping something from her eyes.

"Hey," I stopped us from walking and faced her. "I love you," Then I hugged her. "We'll make this work."

When I got to the house, I saw Aimee on the couch. My heart started beating like crazy.

What am I going to say?

She’s watching the news? But Aimee hates the news channel.

"Hey, I'm home," I called out.

Aimee ignored me and continued to watch the TV.

It hurt.

"Your fans club asked for you today," I sat down on the other side of the couch, mindful of our distance.

She remained quiet.

I tried being cheerful. "They were actually heartbroken because you didn't go to school. Can you believe that?"

Silence.

"You're going tomorrow, right? You have to. We have an exam."

Still no answer.

"Aimee... please. Look at me," I pleaded.

She's really acting as if I didn't exist at all.

"Aimee. Please..."

"I can't," she whispered, staring blankly ahead. I was shocked that she actually replied.

"Why? Please just... don't ignore me," I can't stand her ignoring me.

The moment she faced me, my heart broke. Her eyes... Her beautiful eyes... What happened?

The natural mischievous glint in them vanished. They showed so much sadness. The golden edges became more prominent and it feels like staring at a different person.

Now her eyes are just hollow emerald orbs.

"I can't look at you because it hurts, Luna," she said, tears forming in her eyes. It made my heart break seeing her like this. "I can't look at you and see you because it freaking hurts!"

Then she got up and stormed off; dashing upstairs. I was left feeling like crap. I lied down on the couch and slung my arm over my eyes.

"What am I going to do?" I asked myself.

Then I remembered something. I hurriedly got up and got my purse from my room before going out of the house. About an hour and a half later, I returned carrying a bouquet of different fragrant flowers and the best pizza in town. I'd buy her chocolates, but she doesn't like it. Then I went to the kitchen to cook lasagna. I'm not a very good cook, but with Eve maybe I'll learn something.

It took me about three hours and a few burns, but still, I made a decent lasagna. I'm actually proud of myself. I changed out of my clothes and showered.

With a deep breath, I stood by Aimee's door.

"Aimee. Dinner's ready. I cooked lasagna and bought some pizza." I called out, but no reply came. "Please Aimee. I know you're hungry."

"Go away." I heard from the other side.

I sighed. "I won't eat unless you eat with me."

"I don't care."

"I'm serious Aimee. Just eat. We don't have to talk. You'll make yourself sick if you skip a meal."

I stood at her door for a few minutes before feeling tiredness, so I sat down, leaning against the wall. I didn't know how long I was there, until my eyelids felt heavy. I closed my eyes for a second.

Until I just fell asleep there.

Aimee:

She's not actually going to do it, right? She won't starve herself waiting for me.

I tossed and turned on the bed while forcing myself to think of anything else besides her. The funny thing is I ended up thinking about her more.

I miss talking to her. I miss holding her hand and telling her how much I love her. I miss cooking for her and seeing that mask of pure bliss on her face every time I make chocolate cake.

I just miss the little things.

Like telling her that she looks beautiful every time I see her. Or asking her what would she like to eat. I miss arguing with her and seeing her face turn red. I miss flirting with her. I miss watching her complain about school and every small, insignificant thing that bothers her.

I miss her.

But the fact that she broke my heart still remains in my mind and heart. The constant, dull ache deep in my chest never fails to remind me of it.

What I would give to just forget about her for a day and live painlessly--even just for a little while. I hate feeling like this. I played with my ring tracing each small detail with a finger. I flipped it, turned it, and rolled it between my thumb and pointer finger. Then I named its gems one by one.

Gerian.

Hua.

Lusik.

Tauop.

I sighed and returned the ring on my finger. I never thought my journey to Earth would end up like this. I should have listened to my mother. She warned me before not to find a human bride. They're too vulnerable and too fragile, she used to say. But then again, I never would have met Luna. And hurt or not, she was the best thing that ever happened to me. She made me feel things I've never felt before. She made me feel alive. But like every story, all must come to an end. It all feels so surreal. In less than three weeks, I would be ending my most wonderful dream.

The moment I stepped on this planet's soil, I knew my time was already limited anyway. Maybe we were never meant to be together, Luna and I. Maybe she was just someone so breathtaking who's meant to come and go in my life. Like a shooting star. Even if I leave though, I would continue watching over her. I'd still be loving her. Heck, I started loving her from the first time I laid my eyes on her and probably will continue loving her until the day that I take my last breath.

But it's sad that I'll never see Luna in a wedding dress. It's sad that she will never be my wife and the mother of my children. It's sad that we will never grow old together. But you know what hurts?

She will never love me enough to choose me.

And that hurts me every time I think about it. The sound of my phone ringing distracted me from my thoughts. I followed the sound of my phone and retrieved it from somewhere under my bed.

ANNE GARDENER

I groaned. Ever since I slept over at their house, she had been calling me non-stop. I never could recall what happened that night. I lost control of myself, and I acknowledge that. But to me, that night's events were just blurry and unclear. I had too much to drink, Anne and I made out, I eventually passed out. Then I woke up in her bed, half naked and bearing weird marks all over my neck and chest.

Did we have s*x last night?

Speaking of sleep, I really just want to sleep. But of course, me being polite, I answered her call.

"Hello?" I asked.

"Hey Aimee," She replied, cheery. "How are you?"

"I'm fine Anne. Thanks for asking. You?"

"Oh I'm fine. So," she said after an awkward pause. "Any plans for tomorrow?"

I stopped and thought for a while. "No. I guess not."

"That's great! We could go hang out and stuff. So, you up?"

"I really can't tomorrow, Anne." Usually, I just spend the weekends with Luna. I shook my head. I'm not in the mood for going out either.

"Please? Pretty please?" she begged.

I really can't say no to that. "Okay. Fine." I quietly replied.

"Great! How about I come over in the afternoon and bring some movies? Sounds good?"

"Do you have comedies? And no romance, please..." I requested.

"Oh, I have plenty of funny movies," she said. Then after a while, she added in a sincere voice. "And I'm sorry about you and Luna."

I didn't say anything and took in a lungful of air. "That's... alright. I'm okay."

"I know you're not okay. Yet," she said in a kind manner. "But you will be okay. I'm here for you."

I smiled. Anne is actually a nice girl. I don't get why Luna doesn't like her. Then, I remembered something. "Oh! Last night... Did we...?"

"Have s*x?" She continued.

"Yes."

I heard her laugh softly. "Relax. You were too drunk to even take your shirt off. Much less perform."

I didn't know why, but that fact relieved me.

"Oh."

"So, do we have a deal?" She said, going back to our last topic.

I smiled again. "Yes. Yes we do."

"Great! See you tomorrow. Bye Aimee."

"Bye Anne." Then I hanged up.

Suddenly, my stomach started growling and rumbling. Damn, what time is it? I looked at my beside clock.

10:00 PM

It clearly displayed the hour with its red, led light. Luna must have fallen asleep by now. With weak legs, I managed to get off the bed and stretch lightly. After feeling like all my bones are in their right places, I went out of the room, immediately seeing a sleeping Luna beside the door.

This stubborn, immature, childish-...!

I sighed. How long had she been in that position? "Hey, get up!" Then I shook her lightly.

She just stirred a minute before settling down again; as if sleeping in a sitting position against a wall was the most comfortable position one could be when sleeping.

I stared at her and I felt my heart beating right out of my chest. I really, really don't have the heart to wake her up. Giving up, I went to her room and opened the door. After that, I went back to her and picked her up bridal style.

Slowly but surely, I carried her. Towards her room, towards her bed. When I reached the said furniture, I gently laid her down. Then, noticing the goosebumps that appeared on her skin, I covered her with a blanket.

I started to stand up, but at the last moment, I caught sight of her face.

"Beautiful..." I muttered as I stared at her. But then I remembered just what she did to me. My breath hitched up on my throat. I stoop up and turned around, ready to leave. But the pull of my heart is far stronger than my brain's. I again turned around and gave a swift kiss to her lips. "I love you. Always."

Then I went downstairs to find something for my stomach.

I'm really hungry. Luna mentioned pizza and lasagna bef-...

My heart melted at what I saw.

The table was nicely set, complete with flowers and unlit scented candles. I knew the candles were scented. I bought them during our senseless grocery shopping last week. Besides the candles and flowers though, sitting on the table was also a little teddy bear holding a miniature balloon. Attached to it was a note saying I'm sorry.

A few droplets of tears escaped from my eyes. Knowing that Luna put this together for me, only made her that much more endearing. Quickly, I got my phone and began to take pictures of the whole setting.

I have to remember this. I have to take pictures so that years from now, I would know that it wasn't all make-believe. Luna actually set a dinner for us. After I was done, I sat down and began to eat heartily. I didn't bother to heat the food up in the microwave. I'm too hungry to do that.

After I was done, I cleaned up and took the teddy bear with me. Before I closed my eyes to sleep, I prayed to Mer and asked for one wish. Then, sleep claimed me and pulled me into the dark abyss.

High Mer, I pray that you give Luna a plentiful and joyous life after our parting. I pray that she finds someone who can love her more than the way I loved her.

Luna:

I woke up with a rumbling stomach.

God. What did I eat last night?

Then I remembered.

Oh right. Nothing.

I groaned and stretched on the bed. Then I looked at the empty space beside me longingly. I dejectedly went into the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. Then I walked downstairs like a zombie. Funny. Sleep is supposed to energize and refresh you. But why do I feel even more drained?

I'm clearly out of it.

I went to the kitchen and sat down on one of the chairs. I hate mornings now. After a few minutes, Aimee came in and sat down across me, looking out of it too. Subconsciously, I got up and went to the fridge to get milk. I heard Aimee getting up too. Then I poured the milk into a tall glass and handed it to her. Just as she handed me a glass of orange juice. We both sat down, still out of it, and began to drink.

Halfway through my juice, I paused. We just did one of our usual morning routines.

I put down my glass and looked at her. She looked like she realized it too and put her glass down. Awkwardly, we avoided each others’ gaze.

I guess we still have to get used to the idea that we're no longer a couple. I sadly watched as she got up and went out of the kitchen and into the living room.

"At least she didn't pour the milk all over me." I consoled myself. I sighed and decided to make sandwiches. I went to the fridge and saw some leftover pizza and lasagna. I smiled. Even though we didn't eat together last night, at least she saw the table. I wonder what she thinks of it.

 I really hope that she'll forgive me. I miss her.

I thought of making grilled cheese. I immediately set out into making it. The kitchen smells so good right now. I reheated some pizza and lasagna to go along with the grilled cheese.

After I was done, I set everything on the table and went out into the living room to call Aimee. I saw her lying down on the couch talking to someone over the phone. She was smiling. Instantly, I felt envious of the person she was talking to.

When she saw me though, her smile disappeared. That hurt. And that brought me to the sad reality.

I am the cause of her unhappiness.

"Breakfast is ready," I softly said, casting my eyes downward. Tears were threatening to spill out of my eyes and my shoulders slumped down on their own.

I went to the kitchen and sat down, waiting for Aimee. A minute later, she went in and went straight ahead at the cupboards, rummaging for something. She pulled out a box of cereal and then got a bowl and spoon as my jaw dropped in disbelief. She completely ignored me as she then got milk. As she was about to go, I spoke up.

"Are you kidding me?" I said, still not believing that she would do something so harsh. I made this breakfast thinking about her and she's not even going to try a bit?

What's so good about cereal anyways?!

She stopped and turned around, giving me a cold stare. Funny. Aimee wasn't the one who got out of the kitchen first. I ran upstairs as fast as I could, holding back my tears. I got inside my room and jumped on my bed. Just as the tears started coming. I sobbed and cried my heart out.

Nothing's ever going to be the same.