Love Journey

Chapter 28

Tina's POV

Every night, the cold seeped into my bones, and loneliness sat like an uninvited guest at my bedside. I spent hours on the balcony, staring at the horizon, or lying in bed, the ceiling becoming an unwelcome canvas for my thoughts.

The nights felt endless, each moment stretching into eternity as I lay awake, consumed by an unbearable weight pressing down on my chest. No matter how tightly I shut my eyes, the darkness offered no escape. Only a cruel reminder of the emptiness within me.

Tears slipped silently onto my pillow, one after another, like a relentless storm that refused to pass. I tried to hold them back, to swallow the sobs rising in my throat, but the pain was too raw, too overwhelming. My body trembled, my heart ached, and no amount of reasoning could stop the flood of emotions tearing me apart.

I curled up, hugging myself, wishing for warmth, for comfort, for someone to take this unbearable loneliness away. But the silence answered back, cold and indifferent, leaving me lost in a sea of sorrow with no shore in sight.

I always knew this day might come. Even though I knew how it would end, I still let myself fall. Hoping, dreaming, loving. Only to have my heart shattered all over again. I've been heartbroken before and promised myself I wouldn't fall in love again-but I did. It's been a week since I've spoken to anyone. I knew I wouldn't be able to control my emotions, so I shut everyone out. I needed time alone, but everything keeps weighing on me, especially thoughts of him.

Joe.

No matter what I did, I always ended up thinking about him. The memory of our last conversation played on a loop, each word an echo that wouldn't fade. Everyday I went to bed late, lost in the maze of my thoughts, and woke up around midday, groggy and empty. Veronica and Trisha called many times, I told them I was fine, that I just needed time alone. It was a lie I wasn't sure they believed. I promised to call if I needed anything. I never did.

The world outside my room seemed distant and dull. But last night, a new anxiety crept in. Tomorrow, summer break would be over, and I'd have to face Joe. The thought made my chest tighten. Since we decided to take a break, we'd only exchanged a handful of messages. What would I say to him? Would he even want to talk?

This time, I won't let love slip away. I'm determined to make it work. I'll have an honest conversation with Joe, clear the air, and start fresh. I refuse to keep failing in love.

The university corridor buzzed with life the next morning, students swarming like bees in a hive. My eyes, heavy with sleep and unshed tears, scanned the crowd instinctively. Searching. Hoping. Dreading.

Joe.

In my head, I kept telling myself: Keep your distance. But my heart rebelled, tugging me toward the unresolved tension between us. That day on the beach. It wasn't right. The pain of it still lingered like an unhealed wound. I had to talk to him, clear the air, even if it left me vulnerable.

"Hey! Wait for us!" Veronica's voice pierced the chaos. She and Trisha jogged toward me, their faces flushed. I waved and forced a smile.

"Why are you two running like maniacs?" I asked, trying to mask my unease with humor.

"We were looking for you," Veronica said, her words tumbling out in a rush. "You didn't pick up our calls. We were worried something happened after, you know..." Her voice trailed off, and she gave me a meaningful look.

"I'm sorry," I said softly. "I didn't mean to worry you. I've just been... processing things. I'll do better next time, I promise."

"Processing things, huh?" Trisha quipped, her tone light but probing. "By any chance, does 'processing' involve a certain someone?"

I sighed, knowing I couldn't fool them. "I need to talk to Joe. Have you seen him?"

They exchanged a glance. "Cafeteria," Trisha said. "But we're late for class, and you know Mr. Rodrick doesn't tolerate tardiness." She grabbed my arm, dragging me toward the lecture hall.

The lecture was a blur. Joe was already seated when we entered, his familiar silhouette instantly drawing my gaze. He turned as if sensing me, his eyes locking onto mine. My pulse quickened. How does he do that? I thought, trying to steady my breathing. I looked away, feigning indifference, and slipped into my seat.

But no matter how hard I tried, my focus refused to stick to the lecture. My mind was a battlefield-logic urging me to stay distant, while my heart screamed for closure. Every time I dared glance around, I found his eyes on me. Why is this so hard? I thought, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

When class finally ended, I packed my bag in a daze, following Veronica and Trisha out. As we walked toward the cafeteria, lost in conversation, I collided with something solid yet familiar.

Him.

The world seemed to tilt as I looked up into his eyes. "I'm sorry," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

Joe's gaze softened, but he didn't say anything. My heart thudded painfully in my chest. Veronica cleared her throat, breaking the moment.

"It's all right," he said finally, his voice warm but guarded.

The scent of his cologne wrapped around me, intoxicating and painfully familiar. He was wearing a striped shirt that clung to his frame, revealing the muscles I hadn't noticed before. I swallowed hard, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks.

As he turned to leave, I panicked. Now or never.

"Joe!" I called, my voice trembling. He stopped, turning to face me with an unreadable expression.

"Can we talk?" I asked, forcing the words out before I lost my nerve.

He nodded without hesitation. "Follow me."

The oak tree behind the building was a quiet refuge, its sprawling branches casting dappled shadows over the black steel bench beneath it. Joe gestured for me to sit, and I obeyed, nerves twisting in my stomach. He remained standing, his hands shoved into his pockets, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

"You can sit," I said softly. "I don't bite."

He smiled faintly and took a seat beside me. The silence stretched, thick and suffocating. Finally, I spoke.

"Look, Joe," I began, my voice faltering.

"Yeah, I'm looking," he said, a hint of humor breaking through his serious demeanor.

I smiled despite myself, the tension easing slightly. "I'm sorry," I said, my voice barely audible. "For everything. For shutting you out. I just... I needed time to think."

"And what did you decide?" he asked gently, his gaze piercing but patient.

I hesitated, my fingers fidgeting in my lap. "I think I need more time. I don't want to rush this, Joe. I care about you, but I need to figure out what's best for both of us."

He nodded, his expression unreadable. "Take all the time you need," he said quietly. "Just promise me one thing. Don't shut me out completely. It hurts like hell."

Tears pricked my eyes, but I blinked them away. "I promise," I whispered.

A small smile tugged at his lips. "By the way," I said, trying to lighten the mood, "what's with the whole gym look? Trying to impress someone?"

He laughed, the sound warm and familiar. "Maybe. Did it work?"

I blushed, looking away. "Maybe."

As we sat there, the weight between us felt lighter, but I knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy. For now, though, it was enough.

Joe's POV

The soft, hypnotic chanting of a yoga mantra filled the house, seeping into my dreams like an eerie lullaby. I groaned, pulling the sheets over my head and pressing my pillow against my ear.

"Not again, Jia."

The mantra droned on. I peeked at my phone screen.

6:30 AM.

"Seriously, Jia? Do you worship yoga or what?"

I was about to put a pillow over my head when my screen saver caught my eye. Tina. Her smiling face, frozen in time, made my heart squeeze. I traced her picture with my thumb, remembering how much I'd missed her.

For days, I'd driven myself crazy, overthinking every unread message, every call she didn't return. I even stood outside her door with a bouquet and her favorite takeout, only to be ignored like a desperate ex. That was when I decided to back off, give her space.

But yesterday...

Yesterday, she finally approached me at uni. She reassured me she wasn't breaking up with me. She just needed time to think. And now, I had hope again.

Aum... Aum...

The chanting pulled me back to reality.

"Okay, Jia, let's do this."

I tossed off the blanket, threw on some comfortable pants and a t-shirt, and stepped onto the balcony, where my zen-master sister was contorted into some ungodly position.

"Namaste!" I greeted, suppressing a yawn.

Jia snapped her head up, blinking at me in disbelief.

"Have I been transported to another universe, or is it really you?" she teased, then smirked. "You know, if you spiritually meditate, you can do that."

I grabbed the spare yoga mat she usually kept for Mom and rolled it out beside her. She stopped whatever alien pose she was attempting and just stared at me.

"Are you sleepwalking?" she asked, her tone laced with concern-and a lot of mockery.

I gave her a duh look and started mimicking some warm-up moves I vaguely remembered from a fitness commercial.

Jia folded her arms. "Okay, what's the deal? Did you lose a bet?"

"No bet. Just thought I'd give yoga a shot," I said, cracking my neck.

She narrowed her eyes, as if gauging whether I was pranking her.

"If you try any stunts, I will throw you off this balcony."

"Noted."

She sighed dramatically, then nodded. "Alright. Try this for a few seconds."

Next thing I knew, my body was twisted in ways that should've been illegal. Muscles I didn't even know existed were screaming in protest. By the time we stopped, I felt lightheaded, like my soul had actually left my body for a spiritual journey.

"You okay?" Jia asked, amused.

"I think so," I mumbled, barely upright.

She smacked my arm, rolled up her mat, and strolled off, leaving me a sweaty, crumpled mess.

"How mean." I tried to yell after her, but all that came out was a whisper.

Somehow, I dragged myself inside, showered, and threw on my best outfit. Today, I was asking Tina out properly. Just like our first date. I needed this to be perfect.

By the time I got to university, I was late. Tina was already in the lecture hall. I barely had time to slide into my seat before Mrs. Pitterson walked in and drained the life out of us with her never-ending lecture.

"Come on, lady. Just say 'class dismissed' already."

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she uttered the magic words:

"That's all for today."

"Thank. You. Lord."

I packed my bag faster than ever and hurried to Tina.

"Hey," I greeted, trying to sound casual.

"Hey," she replied, her eyes flickering to her friends, Veronica and Trisha. They exchanged some cryptic girl-code glances before she looked back at me.

"Um, can I take you out for a coffee date?" I asked, bracing myself.

She studied me for a second, then glanced at her friends again before answering.

"Okay."

My heart leaped. "Great!" I nearly cheered.

We walked outside together, and I led her to my car. Like a gentleman, I opened the door for her before hopping into the driver's seat.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

"Love & Latte," I said, already giddy that she said yes.

She nodded, and I might've been imagining it, but I swore I saw a small smile tug at her lips.

Two minutes later, we were at the café. The moment she said yes earlier, I'd texted Herbert to reserve us a table.

We sat down, and the waitress immediately brought our drinks. Chai latte for her, espresso for me.

"Thanks," I said.

She raised an eyebrow. "For what?"

"For this. For coming here with me," I admitted.

She chuckled, shaking her head. "You don't have to thank me. And it's not like this is our first coffee date." She paused. "Besides, we love each other, right?"

Her words hit me like a wave.

"She still loves me."

The weight of the past few weeks lifted off my chest. I reached for her hand and planted a soft kiss on her fingers.

Honestly, I wanted to pull her into my arms and kiss her properly, but we were in public, surrounded by our nosy uni peers. So, I settled for savoring the way she smiled at me. Genuinely, like she meant it.

We talked for a while, laughing over random things, and for the first time in forever, I felt like us again.

"I should go," she finally said, sipping the last of her chai latte. "I have an assignment to finish."

"I'll drive you home," I offered.

She hesitated. "I'll walk."

"I insist." I smirked. "Besides, it means I get to spend more time with you."

She rolled her eyes playfully. "Fine."

I drove her home, taking my time because I wasn't ready to say goodbye just yet. When we pulled up at her gate, she lingered.

"See you tomorrow," she said.

Before she could step out, I caught her hand.

"Wait."

She turned back, her brows raised.

I didn't think. I didn't second-guess myself. I just acted.

I pulled her toward me, closing the distance between us, and kissed her.

She gasped softly against my lips, but instead of pulling away, she surprised me. She kissed me back.

The world faded. Nothing else mattered except this. Her warmth, her scent, the way her fingers brushed against my cheek.

When we finally pulled apart, her breath hitched, and my heart pounded.

"I love you," I whispered.

A slow smile spread across her lips.

"I love you too."

Relief, happiness-hell, maybe even euphoria-rushed through me.

She got out of the car, pausing to look at me one last time before heading inside.

I exhaled, gripping the steering wheel.

Finally.

Everything was back to normal.

Tamara's POV

I threw the cushion, and it hit the photo frame, sending it crashing to the floor. The sharp sound of shattering glass pierced the silence, echoing through the empty room like a cruel reminder of everything I had lost. My breath hitched, and my vision blurred with unshed tears as I staggered forward.

"No," I whispered, my voice trembling. "You can't do this, Joe. Not again."

I dropped to my knees, my fingers shaking as I picked up the broken frame. A jagged piece of glass cut my palm, but I barely felt the sting. My focus was on the photo. Joe and me, frozen in time, smiling like we belonged together. My lips trembled as I traced his face, the face I loved more than anything in this world.

He was mine. He was supposed to be mine.

But tonight... tonight, I saw the happiness on his face, the ease in his laughter, the warmth in his eyes. And I knew.

Tina.

She had him again.

I clenched my jaw as a bitter sob forced its way up my throat. I had spent weeks-months-trying to win him back. Apologizing. Swallowing my pride. Pretending to accept his relationship with her, even when it killed me inside. I had told him I could still be his friend, that I would step aside, that I would wait for the moments when Tina wasn't around just to be close to him.

But all of it-every effort, every sacrifice. Was for nothing.

I had been so sure I was making progress. He was distant, quiet, lost in his thoughts ever since their breakup. He buried himself in the gym, spent hours at the café in solitude. And yet tonight, he sat at the dinner table with his family, laughing, eating like everything was fine. He never did that when he was hurting. Which meant... he wasn't hurting anymore.

He had seen her.

A strangled cry left my lips as I ripped the photo in half, then again, and again until nothing was left but tiny fragments of a love I had clung to for too long.

I had done everything. Everything to bring him back to me. I had stayed close to his family, helped his little sister with school, cooked with his mother, cleaned, smiled, played the part of the perfect girl. But it didn't matter. They didn't choose me. He didn't choose me.

I had even let Justine use me.

A fresh wave of nausea rolled over me as I thought about the things I had done. The things I had allowed. The desperate, pathetic lengths I had gone to just to hold onto a sliver of hope that Joe would one day wake up and realize it was me he should be with.

But he never did.

The sharp ring of my phone pulled me from my spiral. I wiped at my wet cheeks and reached for it, my heart pounding wildly.

Joe?

My fingers fumbled as I turned the screen.

Justine.

My stomach twisted.

Not now. Not tonight.

The call ended, but almost immediately, it rang again. My hands shook as I clutched the device, my mind spinning.

I didn't want to see him. I didn't want to be reminded of my mistakes, of my desperation, of the night that changed everything.

Justine had only ever wanted one thing from me, and I had given it to him. I had no choice. He was the one who helped me stage that stupid act at the beach. The one that made Joe come running to save me. But his help came with a price.

And I had paid it.

I had told myself it was a one-time thing. That I could forget. But Justine had never forgotten.

He kept calling. He kept texting. He kept showing up. For nothing. Only to sleep next to me.

A part of me feared him. Feared what he might do if I ignored him completely. He knew too much. He could ruin me. He could ruin everything.

The phone rang again, and this time, I answered.

"Leave me alone," I whispered. My voice was weak, defeated.

He chuckled darkly. "If you really wanted that, you wouldn't have picked up."

My throat tightened.

I swallowed hard. "Fine. Come over."

The words left me before I could stop them. I hated myself for saying them, but the truth was, I had nothing left to lose. If he wanted to use me, I would use him, too.

I had already lost everything. What difference did it make?

Fifteen minutes later, the doorbell buzzed. My heart pounded in my chest as I made my way to the door. Mum and dad were fast asleep. I hesitated for only a second before unlocking it.

Justine stood there in his usual black hoodie and jeans, his sharp eyes scanning my face.

"Hey," he greeted, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.

I closed the door behind him. "Hi," I murmured, barely meeting his gaze and walked back to my room.

His expression shifted as he looked around the room. The broken frame. The torn photo. The mess I had made.

"You look upset," he said, his voice softer than I expected. "Is everything okay?"

I scoffed, turning away from him. I didn't want his concern. I didn't want his pity.

Without answering, I walked to the bathroom, shutting the door behind me.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My eyes were swollen, my face pale. I looked... broken.

I was broken.

I let out a shaky breath and splashed cold water on my face before slipping into my nightdress. When I stepped back into the room, Justine was still standing there, hands in his hoodie pocket, watching me.

"Are you sure you're okay?" he asked again.

I snapped.

"Why does it bother you?" I hissed, my voice thick with unshed tears. "Why are you even here? Are you here to have sex again?"

He didn't flinch. He just smiled, that same unreadable smirk, and pulled off his hoodie. Then, to my surprise, he climbed into my bed.

"Come here," he said, patting the space beside him.

I hesitated.

"Just come," he repeated, his voice lower, softer.

Against every instinct, I did.

I moved closer, lying beside him. He lifted my head, sliding his arm under it. His fingers brushed my hair away from my face, and for the first time, I saw something different in his eyes.

Not lust. Not amusement.

Something else.

He exhaled, his breath warm against my forehead.

"Sleep," he whispered.

My chest ached as I closed my eyes.

This wasn't love. This wasn't what I wanted.

But for tonight, it was enough.

I let his heartbeat lull me into the darkness, knowing that when morning came, I would still wake up alone.

________________________________

"Love is a beautiful journey. One moment, it fills your soul, and the next, it slips through your fingers like sand. Cherish what was, embrace what's to come."