Never Loved Forever

Chapter 8

"Why aren't you smiling, Jason... Do you know that Joshua used to smile so brightly... so brightly..." Skyler murmured intermittently, her face pressed against his warm back.

Jason's spine stiffened noticeably, his expression darkening slightly.

He heard it clearly, every word, even though he was drunk and his consciousness was fuzzy. Joshua... she called him "Joshua". This name, deliberately buried deep in his memory, was forcefully brought to the surface by this girl, disrupting his hard-earned peace and stirring up countless memories that he never wanted to think about again.

In just a moment, he suppressed his thoughts, selfishly unwilling to reveal the truth. Afraid that if he spoke, the warmth on his back would become distant. But somehow, he had inexplicably grown attached, regardless of who she really was. In any case, when he looked at her, Jason could deceive himself into thinking that Eleasya had never left and was still by his side.

After steadying his steps, he forced a smile and said, "I know."

"Oh, you know? Then do you remember the lucky bracelet? Do you remember... our promise..."

"California, don't be late, right?" he asked, his face showing a hint of indulgence. When he saw her nodding desperately, he couldn't help but pour cold water on her enthusiasm. "I don't remember, I told you I don't know you, and the so-called promise was just something you said."

"You have such a bad memory..." Luckily, Skyler was too drunk to be affected by these words. She found a comfortable position, complained softly, and then fell sound asleep.

Jason shook his head helplessly, smiled gently, and softly scolded, "Silly."

This girl must be the gift Eleasya found for him. Her stubborn foolishness was so reminiscent of Eleasya, like the scorching sun that couldn't be ignored. Even the most unyielding heart couldn't help but be pried open.

"Jason!" Just as he was lost in thought, a loud shout pierced the air, almost causing Jason to lose his balance. Following the sound, he saw Wendy standing with her hands on her hips under the streetlight next to the dormitory building, with Chris looking worried beside her.

"Give her to me." Chris stepped forward, his gaze turning cold and no longer sunny. He looked at Skyler, who even frowned in her sleep, with a pained expression and spoke indifferently, his eyes as sharp as steel arrows, as if he wanted to shoot through Jason.

Without arguing or paying any attention, Jason just stood there, refusing to hand the girl on his back over to Chris.

Wendy angrily stepped forward and forcefully pulled Skyler off Jason's back. Ignoring his resistance, she handed Skyler over to Chris and sternly questioned, "That fool was finally moved by you, you i***t. Consider Jason lucky that he's still a human!" After confirming it was true, Wendy summarized, still finding it hard to believe, "Skyler, are you sure you're not dreaming or still drunk from last night? Oh no... What if you caught a cold and have a fever?"

"Wendy!" Skyler also began to roar, thinking that her voice was just as bad as Wendy's earlier.

"Alright, alright, don't yell like that, it'll kill someone..."

Suddenly, the doorbell rang, interrupting Wendy's complaints.

After exchanging glances, Wendy stubbornly continued to sit and sulk, leaving Skyler with no choice but to go and answer the door. She wasn't good at socializing, and every time someone came to their dorm to visit, it was always for Wendy. Why was it always her who had to suffer and answer the door?

This time, the scene outside the door surprised her. A boy with messy hair—well... she reluctantly interpreted it as this year's trend. An earring on his left ear shone brightly, and when he saw that Skyler didn't react, he impatiently spoke, "Hey, are you Skyler?"

Obviously! Skyler wanted to confidently respond, but unfortunately, she wasn't Wendy and couldn't imitate her tone. She could only dumbly nod her head.

"Jason asked me to give this to you," he said, handing her a box. "Hurry up and take it, I crawled into the girls' dormitory. What if the aunt at the entrance sees me later?"

Who would be that fast? From reaching out to taking the inexplicable thing, it should at least require a series of movements. Skyler pouted and complained in her heart, but she still accepted the box. However, before Skyler could ask any questions, the person outside had already disappeared. Wow! He was so fast!

"Skyler, don't open it!" Just as Skyler was curious and wanted to open it, Wendy quickly warned, "Maybe Jason regretted it and didn't want to say it, so he sent someone to deliver a bomb to blow you up..."

"Wendy! You're overthinking it."

Skyler didn't have the energy to consider such a wild imagination.

She cautiously opened the box and inside lay a set of pink lace dress, just like a princess's outfit. There was also a beautifully packaged card next to it, with strong and powerful handwriting, briefly stating:

Wear this tomorrow and meet me at the entrance of the dormitory.

Hehe, it's a date. Skyler held the card and giggled, completely ignoring the constant eye rolls from Wendy nearby. This was their first date in this city...

The amusement park was crowded on the weekend. Skyler was amazed, mouth wide open, as she watched people passing by and listened to the laughter of couples and the whining of children. This was her first time at the amusement park. Her mom used to say that she would take her, but they never had the chance.

Everything about the amusement park was something she had heard from Joshua before. He said that if she was unhappy, she should go on a roller coaster and scream loudly, and then all the worries would disappear.

Perhaps three years ago, Skyler never imagined that one day Joshua would actually hold her hand and stand in the amusement park.

She smiled, lowered her head, and felt the warmth in her palm. It felt like it could disappear if she blinked, so she held Jason's hand tightly.

"Where do you want to go first?" Jason asked, coming back to his senses as he felt something in the palm of his hand.

"The roller coaster..." Skyler started to say, but before she could finish, he interrupted her, "The carousel, right? You said you always wanted to ride it."

After saying that, he took Skyler's hand and happily ran towards the carousel. Skyler, who hadn't fully reacted yet, just followed along dumbly, trying to search her memory. Did I ever say I wanted to ride the carousel?

But it didn't matter. As long as she could hold his hand and feel the warmth, and as long as he was by her side, it didn't matter what they did.

The gentle wind blew as Jason absentmindedly looked at the girl beside him. Her skirt fluttered in the wind, and her face was filled with an extremely sweet smile.

A small happiness is enough to satisfy her easily. This is a mentality that he can never reach. In the past, he always neglected too much in pursuit of his dreams, thinking that the things that were always by his side would never leave. Unexpectedly, with just a turn, they became worlds apart. He didn't even get to see Eleasya for the last time because of that damn competition.

"Tell Jason for me, he must win, he must become the best painter in the world. Eleasya will always be watching him from heaven, blessing him, don't give up..."

These were the only words Eleasya left for him. Because of Eleasya's death, he threw away his paintbrush, but because of these words, he picked it up again. He must not give up, he must not disappoint her anymore.

Looking at Skyler's smile, Jason seemed to see Eleasya smiling. Filled with intense happiness, he couldn't help but hold her hand. This time, he would cherish it and never let go.

They had a great time that day. Skyler seemed to see Joshua from three years ago, indulging her gently. Back then, he would run a long way to buy ice cream for her; because of her envy and admiration, he would buy her a bunch of balloons, just like he used to climb trees to pick lucky bracelets for her... Sweetness filled the bustling amusement park.

Until dusk, they were tired and walked hand in hand to the beach. The deep blue sea of late autumn was still there, with many people gathering on the beach, building sandcastles and chasing each other with laughter.

Silently following behind Jason, Skyler didn't know what to say amidst the distant noise and sudden silence. Was it because of the missed years? Vaguely, even she felt that the Jason in front of her was so unfamiliar, so distant.

Standing by the sea, Jason let the waves continuously wash over and recede from his feet. With a profound gaze, he looked towards the distant horizon, lost in thought.

After a while, he suddenly spoke, more like talking to himself: "If we keep walking and walking, until we reach the place where the sky and the earth meet, will we be able to meet the people in heaven?"

"No need, they have always been by our side, watching over us," Skyler guessed, perhaps he suddenly remembered Eleasya.

Before her mother passed away, she said, "Skyler, don't be sad, live a good life, Mom will always be watching you. If you're not happy, Mom will be angry..."

So, Skyler always believed that her mother was by her side, watching over her, and she must be happy.

"Eleasya always wanted to come to the beach. But I never fulfilled her dream, and now I finally have." Jason continued, as if he didn't hear Skyler's words at all.

After a long time, he turned his head, looking at Skyler with a bewildered gaze. "Come here, I want to show you something."

Before Skyler could react, he had already pulled her and walked towards the other side where the sea couldn't reach.

They walked for a long time before stopping. He let go of her hand and walked ahead, carefully using his feet to draw on the sand.

Stroke by stroke, the beach beneath his feet was deeply marked.

Seeing him stop, Skyler finally approached and looked at the three big words on the sand, stunned.

"I love you."

He worked so hard just to trace "I love you" on the beach... In this moment, Skyler felt like the happiest person in the world, tears instantly filled her eyes.

Jason smiled and lovingly held Skyler's hand, softly reciting, "I love you, Eleasya..."

These words repeated over and over again, echoing in Skyler's ears without interruption.

At this moment, Skyler felt stiff all over, as if she had been brought to heaven and then forcefully pushed down, completely shattered.

It was Eleasya, not her. He wasn't moved by her three years of waiting, he just wanted to give her a chance to play Eleasya!

Skyler wanted to escape, to shake off those hands and run away. But when she turned her head and saw the expression of extreme happiness on Jason's face, she immediately dismissed all thoughts.

So what if it's Eleasya or Skyler? As long as Jason is happy, it doesn't matter who she pretends to be!

Jason and Skyler were dating!

The news had spread throughout the entire campus of California in just a few days. Almost everyone knew about it. Some people made sarcastic bets and laughed at the situation, while others still couldn't believe it. There were also genuine well-wishes, although only Wendy offered them. Even Ah Chen scolded her as an i***t, but Skyler was still happy.

She was always a bit slow, lacking the ability to care about what others said. As long as Jason was happy, that was all that mattered.

Winter had arrived, and the city's winter was damp and gloomy. It had been raining for several days, making many people feel depressed. Except for Skyler, who happily stared out the window.

The teacher held a book and read it with emotion, walking towards Jason.

Bending down slightly, he looked at Jason's desk. It seemed that he didn't find the desired effect, so he changed angles and continued searching, but still failed.

What caught his eye was Jason diligently taking notes, and those notes were detailed to the point that even he felt embarrassed.

"Well, not bad, not bad. My teaching methods are indeed effective. Jason, keep up the good work. The teacher has high hopes for you." Finally, he admitted defeat, reached out and patted Jason's shoulder appreciatively, praising him.

And Jason, for once, looked up and gave the teacher a sweet smile, a smile that almost made the classmates' jaws drop.

Amidst countless surprised voices, he didn't forget to turn around and give Skyler a warm smile. It was as if fate had given him another chance. He swore that this time, he would seize it and treat... Eleasya well.

Another four-person lunch. Perhaps because of Jason's recent change, he doesn't seem as annoying anymore, so these four-person lunches have become more frequent and the atmosphere has become much more relaxed compared to the first time.

Even Chris has put aside all his biases against Jason just to avoid making Skyler uncomfortable.

"How do you want to celebrate your birthday?" Jason asked while carefully picking up food for Skyler.

The lazy atmosphere from earlier immediately became lively after his words. Wendy exaggeratedly exclaimed, "It's Skyler's birthday?! You're so mean, telling Jason but not me."

"No...how do you know it's my birthday?" Skyler, who never had the habit of celebrating birthdays and always thought it was unnecessary to make a big deal out of it, curiously turned her head and looked at Jason. She couldn't recall ever mentioning it.

"i***t, I saw your student ID!" Jason rolled his eyes, truly not understanding why she always had countless ways to test his patience.

Watching this scene, Chris genuinely smiled. At this moment, he could deeply understand Jason's helplessness. "This is your first birthday after we met, so it must be celebrated. What gift do you want?"

"It's okay, I don't need anything..." Skyler desperately refused.

"Shut up, just leave it to me." With that, Jason forcefully stuffed a large fish ball into her incessantly chattering mouth, looking completely domineering.

Seeing Skyler struggling and waving her hands nonstop, the other two laughed. Chris's well-wishes were the most sincere. If Jason could always make Skyler so happy, he would never disturb them.

But if...Skyler ever felt wronged, he would never stand idly by.

When everyone was in a drowsy state, the school bell finally rang, and in the blink of an eye, the classroom became empty. After Skyler finished packing her things, she was the only one left standing there, completely unable to react.

What's been happening recently? Is there a secret? Every day after school, everyone quickly leaves, and this efficiency is even faster than when the teacher appears and the whole class falls silent.

Even more strange is that Wendy has joined in! These days, she only returns to the dormitory after 9 o'clock. When asked what's going on, she actually has a weird expression and says the word "secret." Oh my god, who was it that said friends shouldn't have secrets in the first place!

Helplessly pouting, Skyler could only pick up her backpack and leave alone.

Her mood worsened, she lowered her head and moved at an extremely slow pace. After all, even when she returned to the dormitory, she would still be alone.

"Jason, wake up, she's Skyler! It's not worth it for you to put in so much effort for her."

Suddenly, the sound of a conversation from not far away brought Skyler back to her senses. She abruptly stopped and hid behind a corner, watching the two people in the garden.

"My affairs don't need your interference. Also, Jason isn't your call!" Jason didn't even bother turning his head, and his icy voice made people can't help but shiver.

"But you went through so much trouble and effort for her birthday, isn't it because you wanted to make it up to Eleasya? She's not Eleasya, she can't replace her." Lucy continued, unwilling to give up.

The surroundings fell silent, and Jason's expression became even more terrifying without a sound.

Eleasya was always a permanent scar in his heart, and having someone bring up the past was like reopening a wound and pouring salt on it. He didn't need anyone to remind him of anything, he just wanted to indulge in beautiful imagination.

Eleasya had returned, and Skyler was Eleasya. What's wrong with that?

"Go away, I don't want to see you now." After a long silence, Jason's lips only uttered this answer, making Lucy feel a chill. She pouted, still unwilling, but didn't dare to test Jason's patience any further, so she left reluctantly, her eyes constantly looking back with longing.

Only when her figure slowly disappeared did Skyler breathe a sigh of relief. It must be a deep affection, because if someone like Jason didn't love deeply, how could everyone see his feelings for Eleasya?

"Come out."

Without giving Skyler much time to gather her thoughts, Jason's voice, as if he knew everything, came through, causing her to break out in a sweat.

So he knew everything, how embarrassing.

"You're so slow, why did it take you so long to come out? I've been waiting for you." Jason chuckled, looking at Skyler, who was full of guilt and almost burying her head in her chest. His anger from earlier had disappeared in an instant.

"Where are we going?" Please, he never even made plans with her.

"It doesn't matter, I just suddenly wanted to go shopping with you, anywhere is fine." He took Skyler's hand and was about to leave.

But this time, the usually slow girl reacted very quickly. Maybe it was because this question had been bottled up in her heart for too long, or maybe she couldn't help but ask, "Jason... why are you so good to me?" He didn't allow anyone to call him "Jason," but he gave her this privilege, why?

Jason visibly paused, then looked up at the grape trellis and smiled gently, "Because lilies bloom on the grape trellis." It was also because her existence had gradually become a habit for him, but he didn't want to say it, didn't want to admit it.

Although it was the expected answer, it still made Skyler feel a moment of heartache. Is it just like that, living in Eleasya's shadow? Is this really all she wanted?

But the warmth in the palm of her hand made her selfishly reluctant to let go, so she allowed herself to be selfish for once, approaching him who had been waiting for her with everything of Eleasya.