Chapter Two

LIAM BENJAMIN

“Do you really have the courage to say that, despite what you did to her?” Martin replied, he's glaring at me.

I have no idea in the words that came out of my mouth why Martin's face turned furious, but I'm happy with the expression he shows.

“Martin!” Wendy stopped him. I'm sure Martin and I have an argument, or worse, we'll have a brawl here if no one wants to intervene.

“Why Wendy? That's the truth, right? Aerielle wouldn't be confined here if it wasn't for your BOYFRIEND?” He said while giving me a death glare.

Oh, he really emphasized the word boyfriend? Is he saying I have no right to worry about Erie because I already into a relationship? Is he insane? I will worry about Erie's condition. Whether I have a girlfriend or not. That girl he's claiming his is my special person. He can do nothing if I worry about my friend.

Wendy was silent for a moment at Martin's words. “Please Martin… not here,” that was all she could say. Wendy doesn't want us to have a fight in front of Erie.

“You? Will look after her? Don't make me laugh, nerdy boy.” Martin’s tone was sarcastic. He was staring at me steadfastly, and with those looks, he wanted to make me look like I had no right to Erie.

Yes I know that, he doesn't need to brag that in my face, and it's my fault. But the thing I want to take care of Erie? That's all I can do for the woman I love. Erie is already with him. He's the one she recognizes as her boyfriend, so what else now? Why is he so fuming?

“I'm Erie's friend, so there's nothing wrong I'm doing that thing.”

He was even more irritated by what I said. His jaw clench, and his eyes fumed over me. The type of his stare seems like he wants to strangle me until I turn violet. I didn't give a damn and catch all his glare. Why should I be afraid of him? Who is he? He's just extra here. If he hadn't come out of the frame, it wouldn't have ended our peaceful life like this.

“You don't have to bother because I'm always here for my girl. If it's just about caring, I can do that more than you can do. And one more thing,” he suddenly cuts what he's trying to utter, and he gives me a devilish smirk. “Is it ironic if the person who wants to take care of my girlfriend was the cause of her accident?”

I was suddenly stunned by what he spilled. My guilt and conscience slowly consuming me again. Yes, he's right. It's ironic because… I'm the reason for her accident, and I have the guts to show my face in front of Erie?

Why am I still coming here? All I received was mocking from Martin every time I come here. I'm the only one who's trying to fix everything even though I knew that the percentage of chance to fix this mess is vague than the water on sewers.

“G-guys? What are you talking about?” Erie's asked in astonishment. “Are you guys fighting?”

Martin was about to answer when Wendy suddenly stood up and pulled me upright in my seat. “I think we should go, I still have to finish my assignment and Liam will help me. Right, Liam?” She said and looked at me as if I just said yes to what he said. “And about the plan for your birthday, Aerielle, maybe we can continue it on my next visit?”

“Oh… Is that so?” Erie is desolated by Wendy's sudden farewell. “I still want to talk with you, guys.” Me too, Erie. I badly want to talk with you, like we used before. “But it's okay as long as you come back here. Maybe tomorrow?” she genuinely smiled.

Even though I prefer not to leave, I couldn't do anything. I didn't want Erie to see Martin and me arguing. That’s not good especially in her condition now.

“Of course, no problem. I'll be back sooner, and I'll share with you all my ideas for your birthday party," I tried to smile, she just nodded and smiled as her response. I was waiting for her to say something more, but she only really smiled. It hurts.

Wendy and I finally left the room and Martin was still inside. She really stands by her boyfriend duties, psh. Wendy suddenly stopped walking as we went outside the hospital. I looked at her, her eyes just looking straight down the road. “Why? Did you forget something inside?”

“Are you truly going to cry, Liam?”

“What?”

Will you just let what is yours be taken away?” I understand what she wants to convey, but what should I do? Other man have fenced off what I have long cared for and loved. And why is she opening my embarrassing crying moment? Isn't she my girlfriend, right? What did she eat and why is she acting strange?

I just stared at her. I wanted to avoid answering her question because even though I was hurting, I am trying to accept the truth that I wasn't worth for the woman I wanted and no matter what, we wouldn't be together until the universe eat by a black hole.

She turned and stared at me seriously, “I'll help you.”

What? What is she talking about? Why would she help me? I looked at her in astonishment, “are you crazy?”

Her face became more serious, “I'm not crazy, Liam. If anyone's crazy here, it's you.”

Why me? Is it because I'm just crying all of a sudden? Of course. Who is suddenly cry for no reason?

“You're crazy because you're just letting her not to remember you.”

I was suddenly taken aback by what she said. I really let the woman I love not remember me because Martin was there. Martin was the one she knew was with her from the beginning, and me? I am the extra.

“You just choose to whine every time you regret everything. What if you made a way for her to remember you? Maybe both of you are happy now, and you don't look like the cockroach has bitten your eyes because of crying!” She shouted. Annoyance and regret were obvious on its face.

“For what? She doesn't remember me anymore, what am I going to do? And… Martin is there, he probably won't leave Erie alone,” I excused myself and just lower my head. It's true, I can't do anything—

“Aw! What?!” Her fist landed so hard on my head. What's wrong with her and suddenly hurting me?!

“Your excuse is so useless, Liam. You know that you can do something, you're just scared to make a move.”

Is there anything else I can do? Maybe there is, I'm just afraid to make way because there's no certainty if she will remember me, and Martin? I knew he would do anything to keep Erie from remembering me.

I just sighed at my thoughts. I don’t know if I’ll fight back, or I’ll just let them be happy. Wendy slapped me on the arm again, just weakly this time. “Don't even think about it, Liam! Just accept the help I'm offering.”

I looked at her with skepticism. Even though I was hesitated about what this midget was planning, I still asked what help she would do. Maybe there's nothing wrong if I lift my hopes again, right? “What help are you saying?”

“I will help you with her to remember you… and to win her this time,” she smiled and gives me a look that it's not too late for me to fight for my love.

I could not immediately respond to what he was offering, I am scared. I want her to remember me and not to forget our good memories, but how? If she doesn't seem want to remember me, as if she has never been with me for a long time. How do I say that? Because I saw it in her eyes since the accident happen. I feel like she is so far away from me, especially Martin is in her life. How can I fight anymore?

“So, will you accept my help? Or not?”

Will I accept it? Can I bear to see Erie happy with other man's embrace for the rest of my life? Can I forget my promise to her…? Our promise to each other?

I was momentarily stunned by the thoughts because I remembered something. I suddenly recall my promise to her years ago.

Yes, that's it. Why did I forget that?!

I promised her that I would hold her hands even when the day came for our hair to turn white. And she said… She promised that she will never leave me. We will never let go of each other, even we are walking in different paths… And even if we don't stay together, we won't forget each other.

Yes… That pinky promise we made!

Hope suddenly flared up inside me. My guts are not wrong that there is still a way. And destiny is wrong that it’s all too late for me to admit how I really feel for Erie.

“Hey, Liam? What? How long are you going to decide? When they're both married?” Wendy said with a bored tone in her voice.

No way! I will not allow Erie to marry that man. It’s fine for me whoever tie the knot to Erie, just not to that man! But it would be better if I'm the one who's going to be her groom, right?

I wiped the remaining tears from my eyes and looked at her full of determination. I smile and said, “Yes. Please help me.”

-AndyThoughts-