Part 3: The Reasons

Nathan's POV:

Nathan just finish his revision. It was 11 am in the morning when he go down to the kitchen. His mother was preparing foods for their lunch. His father? His father is still working at the office. Nathan walking to his mother and give his mother a tight back hug.

Nathan: Hi, Ma.

Ma: Are you done with your revision? (Nathan nodded his head)

Nathan: Do you need any help?

Ma: No, Ian. Do not worry about me. I can handle this.

Nathan: Ma, yesterday when I was at the cafe... I saw an old lady was robbing by the two boys. Luckily, that old lady does not hurt because I save her on time.

Nathan's mother turns his body and looking at his beloved son. She smile.

Ma: Good job, son! Do you know her?

Nathan nodded.

Ma: Who?

Nathan: Zayden's grandma.

His mother seems startled.

Ma: Zayden's grandma? How can? Zayden also there?

Nathan: Yes, Ma. He was buying some coffee and leave her grandma at the lake for a while. He seems worried but it's okay. His grandma is totally fine! (Nathan smile so widely)

Ma: How about Zayden? Is he okay?

Nathan: He's okay, Ma. He still become one of the top student. And do you know something, Ma? I always watching him playing basketball with his friends. Two days ago I was bumping into him when he was on his way to the court.

Ma: Really? Then, it's good, Ian! I still remember what happened to him 2 years ago. It's still valid.

Nathan take a sit on the chair at the table. He looking at his mother while having some cookies. Suddenly, his mother sit beside him. Nathan confuse when his mother hold his hand.

Ma: Ian...

Nathan: Hmmm?

Ma: You looks happy when talk about him. Do you still love him like 3 years ago? The feeling is still there, son? (With a soft voice)

Flashback 2 years ago...

It have been 2 weeks after Zayden's mother died because of tumor stage 4. Zayden was really sad. He can't accept that his mother already leave him forever. He will never see his mother's smile, and her laugh. His number 1 supporter is gone!

Matthew: Zayden, you can't be like this! You must accept it, bro.

Nami: That's true, Zayden. You can't stay like this! This is not you!

When they see Zayden's condition, Matthew and Nami are really worried. They are concerned for his health. Over the past two weeks, Zayden has not eaten well. He just eat instant noodles everyday. He always misses their basketball practice, which makes the couch worried about him. He even skips classes.

Zayden: I'll go home first. Tomorrow, don't wait for me.

Matthew: Zayden, are you going to skip your class again?

Zayden just ignores his friends. He walked to the road while carrying his bag on his shoulder. He must cross the street. His thinking is empty. Completely empty! He doesn't care what others think of him. He's really messing up! His soul is not there, only his body.

Zayden crossed the street unconcerned with his surroundings as he walked. He was just walking aimlessly when a car sped up from the opposite way. Fortunately, someone takes action to save Zayden from getting hit by the car at that moment.

Matthew and Nami: Zayden! (They both walk to Zayden)

At the same time, a women (Nathan's mother) That woman also walk to Zayden. Matthew and Nami doesn't have clue who is that woman.

Nathan's mother: Ian, are you okay? (She hug Nathan)

Nathan: I'm okay, Ma. Don't worry. (Nathan looking at Zayden)

Nathan: Are you okay Zayden? (Nathan looking so worry. Luckily he can save Zayden from an accident just now)

Zayden still quiet.

Zayden: Leave me alone! Why did you save me? There is no reason for me to live anymore! I want to follow my mother! I want to die! She's dead because of me! Why did you save me?!

Matthew: WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT ZAYDEN?! ARE YOU CRAZY?!

Matthew and Nami was hugging him. They try to calm him down. Zayden is crying so bad.

Nami: Zayden, calm down! Bring back your sense!

Without knowing, Nathan was crying. Yes, he is crying because he sad when he knew Zayden's condition is becomes worst. He want to hug Zayden but he can't.

Nathan: Ma...

Ma: It's okay, Ian. (His mother hug Nathan)

End of the flashback...

Ma: I almost lose you, Ian.

Nathan: I'm sorry, ma. My feelings for him never changes, Ma. I still love him.

Ma: Why don't you tell him about your feeling?

Nathan: Ma, he don't even know me. We never talk to each other. At the school, I rarely see him.

Ma: Ian... let me ask you. What is love?

Nathan: .....for me...love is a magic thing. I think love is the purest feeling people have for each other. Love is wanting to take care of it, I want him to be happy, I want to see his smile, I want to hear his laugh. I want to hug and wipe his tears when the world is too hard for him.

His mother smile as soon as her son answered.

Ma: Then, why don't you try to approach him? Hmmm? He needs someone...someone who can lighten up his smile like before. Why don't you become that someone, Ian?

Nathan: ...

Ma: Look at his eyes, Ian. He have such a very beautiful eyes but they have 1001 story. That 1001 story needs someone to listen to them and you can become his shoulder to lean on, Ian.

Nathan: But he don't know me, Ma.

Ma: You can try, Ian.

Nathan hug his mother.

Nathan: Thank you, Ma. I'll try my best.

Ma: I'm waiting for you to bring him to our house, Ian.

Nathan shy when he hear that words from his mother.

Ma: You're shy, Ian! (Ma is laughing so hard)

Nathan: Ma!

Suddenly Nathan's phone is ringing. Someone is calling but who? It's an unknown number.

Ma: Why didn't you pick up the call?

Nathan: It's an unknown number, Ma.

Ma: Hmmm...why don't you just answer?

Nathan tap the green button to answer the call.

Nathan: Hello, who is calling?

Grandma: It's me, Nathan. You saved me yesterday. At the lake. Remember?

Nathan: Grandma! How are you? (Nathan smiling)

Grandma: I'm fine.

Nathan: Er... why did call me, grandma?

Grandma: Are you free tonight? I want to invite you for dinner at my house because you saved me yesterday.

Nathan: I'm free, grandma. Just send me your address and I'll come tonight.

Grandma: It's good! I'll waiting for you, Nathan. Later, I'll send the address to you.

Nathan: Okey, grandma.

Nathan end the call.

Ma: Who?

Nathan: Zayden's grandma.

His mother seems startled. It's unexpected!

Ma: What did she said?

Nathan: She invites me for dinner. Can I?

Ma: Of course you can, Ian! This is your chance to meet Zayden.

Nathan: Ma! You are teasing me again!

His mother just laugh. She's happy when her son is being teasing. His ears start turn red.

Ma: Try to approach him, Ian. I'll be rooting for you. Don't worry.

Nathan nodded his head. Then, he hugs his mother. He's happy that his mother always support him and always listening to his heart.

Zayden's POV:

Zayden having his lunch at the kitchen. Alone. His grandma told him that she went to the supermarket to buy something. Zayden was still sleeping when she went out. His father? Maybe at the office. His father still working even at the weekend.

Suddenly, he heard someone from the outside. He walks to the door and see his grandma bring some plastic bags.

Zayden: Hey, grandma. Why you didn't wait for me so that I can drive you there.

Grandma: You was fast asleep so I don't want to wake you up. Plus, the supermarket is near to our house so it's okay.

Zayden : Let me help you. (Zayden helps to bring the plastic bags)

Zayden puts the plastic bags on the table at the kitchen. He turns his head to looking at his grandma.

Zayden: Why did you buy all this things?

Grandma: Do you remember the boy who saved me yesterday?

Zayden: Nathan? (His grandma nodded)

Grandma: I invited him to have dinner at our house because he saved me. Do you want to join us?

Zayden: It's okay, grandma. I need to meet Matthew after this so I think I'll be late tonight. Don't wait for me. (Continue his lunch)

Grandma nodded.

Zayden wash his dish after he finish his lunch. Then, he took his car's key.

Grandma: Zayden... (Zayden turn around)

Zayden: Yes, grandma? You want some help?

Grandma: No.

His grandma walks toward him and looking into his eyes. Suddenly, his grandma hugs him. Zayden seems shock.

Zayden: ...

Grandma: Are you okay, son?

Zayden: I'm okay, grandma. Don't worry about me.

Grandma: Be strong, son. Someday you will find your own happiness.

Zayden nodded.

Zayden: Thank you, grandma. ( Zayden smile to his grandma)

Zayden: Err...I need to go, grandma. If you need anything just call me.

Grandma nodded and Zayden walks out from the house. Zayden dials someone's number.

Zayden: Let's meet at the usual cafe.

At the cafe...

Zayden take a sip of his coffee.

Matthew: What is it about? Seems important.

Zayden: Have you heard a boy name Nathan?

Matthew: Nathan? Nathan Ian?

Zayden: How did you know his full name? You know him?

Matthew sigh. He looks at Zayden.

Matthew: Did you really you don't know him?

Zayden nodded.

Matthew: Listen. Do you remember what happened 2 years ago? The accident.

Zayden: .... (he try to recall back the accident 2 years ago)

Matthew: He's the one who saved you from that accident. You will die if he didn't come to save you. It's Nathan Ian who save your life, Zayden.

Zayden still in shock. That's why his face seems familiar.

Matthew: His mother was there too at that time.

Zayden: ...

Matthew: ...and you know what? I don't know why but Nathan was crying when he saw you. The way his eyes looked at you... it's different. How to explain this? But, yeah. I can feel something.

Zayden: ...

Zayden don't know how to respond after he listen to Matthew's explanation.

Zayden: Anything else about him?

Matthew: Hmm... He is Nolio's best friend. The are second year student from engineering. For your information, Nathan is one of the music club of our university. He's famous among student. Plus, he is cute and adorable.

Zayden nodded. He can't deny the fact that Nathan is very cute and adorable. Every eyes will stuck over his candy smile and his doe eyes.

Matthew: Why did you suddenly ask me about him?

Zayden clear his throat.

Zayden: Nothing.

Matthew: You are acting weird, Zayden.

Suddenly, Zayden's phone is ringing. It is a call from his father.

Zayden: Hello, Pa.

Mr. Pwen: I'll wait for you at home tonight. I need to discuss something with you.

Zayden: .... (without hesitation, Zayden just ended the call)

Matthew: What did your father said?

Zayden take a deep breath for a while then turn his head towards Matthew.

Zayden: I want to visit my mom. (Zayden leave the cafe)

Matthew: What? He just leave me like that?

Nathan's POV:

He arrived at Zayden's house at 7 pm. The house seems quiet. No people just grandma. Zayden or his father are not at home. He knock the door before come in.

Grandma: Hey, Nathan. Come in...come in...

Nathan smile while bow a little to grandma.

Nathan : Where are the others, grandma?

They walk together to the kitchen.

Grandma: Zayden's father is still at the office and Zayden went out to meet his friend. So, it is just me at home. That's why I invited you to have a dinner with me.

Nathan: Wow, the foods look delicious!

Grandma: I cooked many delicious foods, special for you.

Nathan: Thank you so much, grandma.

Grandma: Let's eat! Don't be shy. Eat until you full.

Nathan nodded.

(They start to eat while having a chit chat with each other)

Nathan: This is so delicious. What do we call this dish, grandma?

Grandma: It's jackfruit curry, Zayden's favorite food! He really love to eat them because his mother always cook that for him. You can learn how to cook them, so one day you can cook for him.

Nathan: ....

Grandma laughing.

Grandma: Why are your ears so red, Nathan (Nathan touch both of his ears.)

Nathan: Err...nothing. Maybe the foods are spicy? (Nathan laugh awkwardly)