Chapter 34: Woe

YEAR 2020

RHYS'S P.O.V

My jawline has pretty much touched the floor. Metaphorically.

I didn't know how to react at all. It was all so overwhelming and sorrowful. Malinda did answer my question on how the curse started and all, but that still raises questions.

The entire time until now, I hear different types of whimpers and cries all around the cave.

"That story always makes me tear up whenever I hear it." Grace comments.

I've almost forgotten about them… when Malinda and I were playing earlier the day too, it's as if they disappeared.

I try to focus my mind to the problem, "So, that's what you were remembering today?" I ask calmly.

Malinda nodded, avoiding my gaze.

I tread carefully, "Did you know what happened to Maverick?"

Malinda shook her head.

I'm trying my hardest not to step on a mine. Maybe, I could ask something different. "Why were you just sitting around sick? Did that have to do something with your family?"

Malinda blinks then finally talks, "Yes. To continue my story from earlier, they…" there was still a bit of hesitation, but she continues at last, "they forced me to find love and try to fall in love with random strangers. I never understood why it was that important for them, but I didn't want any of it. So, I ran away."

I frown at her story. I was completely off from any of my conspiracies earlier. I didn't know it would be like this at all. It seems Malinda has a lot of bad luck in her past life with these type of things. Perhaps, this is also why she couldn't easily accept Maverick. She was afraid.

It hit me how similar we both are again. We both just want to run away without thinking ahead. We just wanted freedom. I snap my head out of it.

"If you were to… restart, what would you want do with your life?"

Malinda almost wavers before responding, "I haven't thought about that in the longest. Perhaps, I could just wander around like I used to." she smiles with the saddest expression.

But I think it's safe to come back to the topic now, "If you had a chance, would you go back to Maverick?"

"I'm not sure. He truly was kind towards me, and I wish I had done better for him. But I don't think I still would have any feelings for him. I just wished I were smarter when I answered."

"That's in the past now. I'm sure you matured enough."

The light from her eyes dims a little bit, "I don't think I have. There was one person who came inside here, and the water shun for the first time, so bright. He could have saved me. We had a potential special connection. It means that the spell could have broken if we created more bond. But…" she scoffs sadly, "I just seem to never learn my lesson."

Her reply reminded me of the mistake Jacob could have done. Malinda already anticipated what happened and severed her ties with him.

I wanted to reply, but she then again continues first, "I don't know if I will ever learn my lesson. So, I'll have to live these remaining time I have with you instead."

We both gaze at each other's eyes again. This time, it didn't feel awkward whatsoever and I didn't want to look away.

I imagined if this exact same moment has also happened to Jacob before. Or even all the other men before. Contemplating about it properly, I don't think anyone else has had the same moments as what Jacob and Malinda had.

The only similarities they could have thought is how beautiful yet strange it is to meet a girl in a cave who was singing. Everything else was different for all of them. Jacob wanted something in his life and had a taste for curiosity, so he stayed. It was like that for Haku as well, except his taste for curiosity was different and vocational and meeting her just poked it a little bit. Then he returned to his usual self. Nelson was already busy with his life and was looking ahead. And Dylan already had a wife and a child. I still have no idea what happened with Donny Dane. But it must have been different, too.

Even all their entrances inside this cave was different. Malinda was either standing or doing something else which is strange because I'm just used to her sitting down here. I suddenly vaguely remember that she was spotted in the middle of working out when someone came inside.

"Can you do push-ups?"

Malinda was thrown off, "What?"

"Oh I—" I wasn't thinking properly! I just had to randomly ask before giving it any second thought!

Malinda laughs at me, "You must be so tired. It is nighttime after all once you go outside. You should go rest now, Rhys Harrison."

"You know, you should just call me Rhys." I purse my lips, "And, uh, thanks for telling me your story. It sucks you went through all that. I'm sorry."

"It is not your fault, Rhys. But I appreciate your concern. Thank you... for listening to me today."

I nod slowly. I guess, it is time to go. I stand up and walk towards the exit. Then I pause.

Before I start walking again, I face Malinda, still looking at me, waiting for something. "I have one last thing to ask you." She looks at me with the prettiest grin, waiting, "Did you ever regret it, letting go of Maverick?" I say.

Malinda's smile became sad, trying to think of what to reply as we both stare at each other again. She finally answers, "Yes. I do." She looks away, "And I would give everything away just so that someone can love me again."

I nod slowly again, not knowing how to react to that. She felt hurt, I know she did, but I couldn't do anything.

-

Even though I apparently looked tired to Malinda, I couldn't sleep quick at all. In the midst of it all, the only thing on my mind right now is her telling me the entire story. It's the only thought I've been having since I left the cave. Returning back home through the forest was the exact opposite of when I was going to her. It felt extremely dark and depressing. But that whole arc did seem important to my own business, too.

Looks like I already have all the pieces stuck to each other and the truth finally put itself together after what seems like such a long time. Although, I can't really say that when she's around.

I never thought about her curse as much as I do now. I was focused on my own story line when someone else is struggling harshly. If I don't do anything about her problem, she really could be gone. She hints out to me that she'd just accept it. But I know she doesn't want that. She wouldn't admit it, but I know she doesn't.

As her friend, I don't want that too. Is there someone or something I could bring inside that cave and help her out before her time ends?

Or maybe...

Just as I almost thought of a solution, my phone notified a message.

"Jessica: I'm sorry, I just saw this message! Ugh, stupid phone. I think I saw you in school earlier and you were staring at me? Listen, that guy beside me was just a friend. He's just really touchy and stuff. All my friends and I are like that. Don't think I'm cheating on you or something, okay!!! Besides, it's almost our one monthsary! Don't forget our reservation tomorrow. 6pm sharp. Goodnight, babe ♡"

Oh, right.

As I was reading the text, I was steadily pulled back to all my essential matters in life.

I guess, that comes first.