Broke up for real

Jennifer and I stepped out of the house and took a stroll in the wavy fields. We walked over these small hills that looked like waves from a distance. The field was vast and empty, and finally, we found a shady tree and sat under it.

"Look at that cloud... It looks like a UFO."

"Unidentified flying object?" I replied to Jennifer.

"What does unidentified flying object mean, Chris?"

"It's like... something flying but you can't tell what it is. Not a person, not an animal... just something that's hard to explain."

"I wish a UFO would just abduct me. Ha ha ha!!!" Jennifer laughed, but it sounded forced.

"Why do you always say things like... getting raped and killed or abducted by aliens? What's really going on with you? Why do you seem like you want to disappear from this world?" I asked slowly but clearly.

She sighed.

"Haaaaay.... M-My Dad. A-And our businesses, properties...." Tears started to fall.

"I'm trying to be strong but I can't handle everything happening with my family. I-I don't know what to do if my dad is gone." She was crying hard but trying to say every word she wanted to. Each time she finished speaking, she sobbed loudly.

"I-I really don't know what to do, C-Chris... I can't take it anymore."

I held her upper left arm and slowly moved closer to her. We sat on a big rock that was perfect for the two of us. I reached for her back.

"Just think, Fer... your siblings are still young. I-I know it's hard for you to take care of them while you're studying and handling everything at home. I think your strength in facing these problems... at least that can give your siblings some strength. And remember, your Aunt offered to take you in?"

"I-I don't know, I just feel like I don't want to. I'm used to being alone at home."

"Maybe you'll just need to adjust at first. Like me when I had to study here; there were many things I didn't understand. There were things I was experiencing for the first time. It was hard for me. There was nothing I could do but go with the flow."

It felt like an angel passed by and the surroundings fell silent.

"B-But you... I met you. I-I became happy." I didn't know what to say next.

"Are you still happy now?" Jennifer asked after a while.

"Yes. Honestly... Not just because of what happened between us. But because it's different when you have someone of the opposite gender to talk to. Heart to heart. I did lust after you, yes... I'm still infatuated even after finding out we're second cousins. But as you said, what we did isn't totally wrong or immoral. Because in other countries, second cousins can get married. But it's not like we're sure we're getting married, right?" I explained.

"True." Jennifer had stopped crying and looked at me.

"Just try to let go of your infatuation with me. I feel like if you keep feeling that way, I'm just giving you false hope, right? I don't want to add to your worries."

"I-I understand. I'm still shocked. Mixed emotions. I'm happy but sad. This thing between us is crazy. Out of this world."

"Think of your feelings for me as a UFO."

"Unidentified Feelings... but what's the 'O'?" I replied.

"Think about it, Chris."

"Hmmmmm... Unidentified Fancy Obsession?"

"Wow! That's good!" she said, amazed.

We fell silent again.

"Chris, I have something to tell you, but please don't get mad."

"Go ahead."

"I think I'll let Cons court me."

"Go ahead, so I can finally get over these feelings for you."

"Thank you. You're kind. You're a good listener. A lot of girls will like you. You might not know, but Magnolia... she has a crush on you. Why don't you court her?"

"Hmmp. I'll court her. She's tall and beautiful. She's got dimples and she's morena. We just tease each other."

"Don't worry, I'll be the bridge between you two. I'll make up with her then build you up to her."

From that afternoon, Jennifer and I managed to fake our feelings for each other. Maybe I really was just obsessed with Jennifer. I was overwhelmed by what happened between us, which I didn't expect. So the next day, I went to school with a nervous heart because Jennifer was serious about bringing Magnolia and me together. In my life, I had never tried to court a girl. I found it hard to express my feelings out of the blue. I admit I find Mags beautiful, but I never tried to court her. I knew our relationship was mutual. She's affectionate to me and one of those who defend me when Cons teases me.