Chapter 15: Knowing Why He Changed

Ella's POV

I am at the convenience store buying ice cream. I am craving for ice cream today.

When I'm done buying ice cream, I ate it while walking to my house. When I am walking, I saw a man waiting for someone outside Aden's house. I can sense that he is waiting for someone. The man looks like Aden. Is he Aden's dad? I should ask.

"Uhm. Hello. Are you Aden's dad?"

"Yes. And you are? Why do you, Aden?"

"My name is Ella Collins. I'm his classmate,"

"Oh. Nice to meet you,"

"Are you waiting for someone?"

"I'm waiting for Aden. He is not yet home. May I ask if Aden is doing well in school? I know that his grades are not doing well,"

"He is doing well, but our teacher said to pass the prelim exams and make his grades higher,"

"I think it all started when his mom and I got divorced. I think it hurt Aden because his mom left us with another man. I know that I'm at fault because I got so busy with work and had no time for them. It hurt me too, but I need to stay strong because it's only us two. I'm trying hard to be a father and mother to Aden. I'm trying hard to have time for him. Today's the day when his mom and I got divorced. I'm sorry that I told you about this"

"It's ok, uncle. I'm relieved that you told me about it. I always knew that Aden is hiding something and not opening up to anyone. I'm concerned because he changed so much. You know that I forced him to study for the prelim exams next week?"

"You did?"

"Uhum. I forced Aden, and we studied at the library every after class. I also gave him a reviewer so that he has handouts to study on the weekends,"

"Thank you, dear,"

"No problem, uncle,"

"Ok"

"Did you call, Aden?"

"I called him several times, but he is not answering,"

"Can you give me his number? I will call him,"

Aden's dad gave Aden's number to me.

"Ok. You should wait inside, uncle, because it's getting cold. I will call him,"

"Thank you so much, dear. If Aden accepts your call, tell him that I made his favorite dish,"

"Ok"

Aden's dad went inside.

His dad is so kind. Now I know why Aden changed. It's because of his mom and dad's divorce. If only he opened up to me, I could help him.

I called Aden, and after how many rings, he accepts the call.

"Who is this?"

"It's Ella"

"How did you know my number?"

"It's not important now. What's important is. Where are you right now?"

"Why are you asking?"

"I need to tell you something,"

"You can tell it to me in the call,"

"No. I need to tell it to you personally,"

"I'm at the park,"

"Ok. Wait for me there. I will go there,"

I ended the call and went to the park.

When I arrive at the playground, I saw Aden sitting on the bench. I ran towards him.

Aden's POV

Today is the day that mom and dad got divorced. Thinking about it made me feel down and blue, so I went out of the house to get some air.

I went to the park and sat on the bench. I stare at the sky and watch the children happily playing with their parents.

I didn't know that it's already evening. I look at my phone, and dad called several times. I didn't notice it. Suddenly my phone rang, and it's from an unregistered number. Who could this be?

I answered the call, and it's Ella. She asked where I am and that she has something to say to me in person. I said that I'm at the park, and she said that she would go here.

"Aden!"

I look who it is, and it's Ella. She is running towards me, and I am shocked because she hugged me tightly.

"Why are you hugging me?"

"I know why you changed, and I know that you needed a hug,"

"What are you talking about?"

Ella let go of the hug.

"I was walking home because I was at the convenience store buying ice cream when I saw your dad. I asked him why he is waiting outside, and he said that he is waiting for you. He called you, but you didn't answer. He also told me about the divorce. I know that it hurts, but you don't have to change. In my opinion, it just didn't go well with your mom and dad. You still have your dad, which is there by your side to become a father and mother figure. If only you opened up to me. Now I know why. In a relationship, there are always ups and downs. It's up to the couple if they would reconcile or end it. In your dad and mom's case, maybe they just have to end it,"

"Mom left Dad and me with another guy. That's why I promised myself to not fall in love because I'm afraid to be in the same situation as mom and dad,"

"Do not be afraid. Aden, I love you. There, I said those three words that I wanted to say to you two years ago. If I am your girlfriend, I will never leave you. If we will have a misunderstanding, let's try to talk it out. If you love each other, there's no need to end the relationship. Do you know that the most beautiful thing in the world is love? You know that I'm trying hard to bring back the old you. That's all I want to say. You should go home now. Your dad is waiting for you, and he is making your favorite dish. I will take my leave,"

Ella left.

I think I needed that advice. Thank you so much, Ella.

The word that keeps popping in my mind is when Ella said those three words.

Ella loves me? I know that I promised myself not to fall in love and stop this feeling that I'm feeling for Ella, but it's hard. I still love her.

Starting today, the old Aden is back.

After that, I went home. I should also apologize and say thanks to dad.

When I arrive, I saw dad in the kitchen.

"Aden, you're back. I cooked your favorite dish. Let's eat,"

I went to dad and hugged him tightly.

"Dad. I'm sorry and thank you for everything,"

Dad hugged me back.

"I'm also sorry and thank you for staying by my side. Now, let's eat,"

Dad and I ate happily.

Even though dad is busy from work, he always has time for me.

"Oh. Did Ella called you?"

So Ella got my number from dad.

"Yes. I was at the park watching the sky and the children playing. I didn't notice that it's already evening,"

"I like Ella. She is a good influence,"

"Ella is my first love. We met two years ago. When we move out of the house, I didn't saw her again. But when we moved back here again, I saw her, and we attended the same school and are classmates,"

"You should court her, son. I like her for you. You make a great couple,"

"Thanks, Dad,"

And we continue eating dinner.