Chapter 36: Chapter 36

BELLA

I had wondered if there is no waterfall in any of the islands. I had visited so many places but the waterfall wasn't part of it. Maybe that's because I believed none could exist here or maybe I never made an attempt to find one. My mouth opened in awe as my eyes got adjusted to the ray of light

How did Jayden come across this place? I had wondered after he took the veil off my face. I couldn't hold my happiness. The joy I felt watching the water pour down. I had thought my birthday was already a mess. A mess that can not be corrected. I had thought this would be the worst birthday ever. No call from dad which was quite unusual. Maybe he is on a business trip or maybe in a conference meeting. I do know those are the things that could keep him from calling. There wasn't any call from mom either. That would only mean she had gone on one of her numerous vacations. I still don't understand why mom loves vacations. She hardly gets tired of it. Then having to deal with what Mira had said, I lost it completely. I knew this birthday wasn't meant to be. I never wanted a celebration in the first place.

Dia did everything. Returning home after concealing the party. I had thought I was going to gave a peaceful boring night but no!!. Jake showed up to spoil my already spoiled mood. I could not keep up with the trash he was saying. He wanted me back?. After virtually after a year of leaving me?. Can't he remember how we broke up?. I mean, how he broke up with me?. How he made me the subject on the newspaper a day after. released me from him. I dont think he considered how many sleepless nights I had to deal with. What about emotional trauma?. He never thought of all these.

Those were the thoughts I had in my mind and I felt like ripping his head off but had to keep my cool. I noticed every look on Jayden's face during the argument between Jake and Dia. I knew he had expected me to say something. Dia had thought so too but I wasn't ready to say a word. It was supposed to be my birthday, a time I should be happy and have fun. Not a time to get stalked by an ex who doesn't seem to know what he wanted. Or a time to get involved in an unreasonable argument. I already made it clear that I don't love him anymore. I don't think arguing makes him believe that. It doesn't change anything. I wasn't even bothered if he believe me or not. Their argument was so frustrating and tiring I had to leave. All I wanted was a quiet time for myself. I'm so happy I left. If I hadn't, maybe Jayden wouldn't have thought of bringing me here.

Unable to hold my joy, I hugged him. He made my day. "Thanks once again, Jay" I cooed as I finally released myself from him.

He smiled. "Let me show you around. You will love it". He stretched his hand to me.

"After you"

He held my hand and pull me slightly. "No way. You're going with me"

**

We hooted and splashed and chased each other like a pair of little kids, keeping every one of our problems aside. It's been an hour since we came to the waterfall and every minute, I mean second spent was worth it. Every second made something to me. "Hey, Bell. Come over here!!" Jayden yelled. He squeaked a bit at the sound of his echo and I laughed.

He tends to call me Bell, more frequently. "It's Bella, not Bell" I replied but not as loud as his

He walked closer to me. "I love the name. It kinda sounds romantic"

I furrowed my brows and he giggled slightly. "No, that wasn't what I meant. I-i...". I raised my brows. "I-i. Actually. It's a beautiful name and it fits you perfectly. You know you're beautiful and beautiful name fits beautiful people"

I batted my lashes. This is the first time he is directly telling me I'm beautiful. At first, I couldn't hold back my surprise. It's a good thing to hear him say those words but I was afraid reading more unto those words will only make me heartbroken at the end so I adjusted immediately. I folded my hand. "Are you hitting on me?"

He furrowed his brows. "What?. No. I-i was just complimenting you I guess"

"It doesn't look like it"

"No, it was just a...". I busted into a series of laughter. He furrowed his brows. "What's funny. Am I missing out on something here?"

I held my chest, trying to control my laughter. "D-did you see the look in your face when I said those words!"

"Wait. You were not serious about me hitting on you?"

I nodded, laughing. "Of course, I wasn't"

He sighed. "I thought you were". I rolled my eyes. I was hoping it was true though. "Bell?" He called jolting me out of my thought. I raised my head. "About what Mira said..."

I raised my hand. "You don't have to explain. I know you don't love me". I could feel my voice cracked when I said those words and I hope he didn't notice it. I had to take a deep breath before saying the next words. "We should get going it's getting late"

I turned to leave but I felt a pair of hands hold me. "Bell" he cooed. I turned. Why is he holding me?. Did he notice the crack in my voice?. Or maybe he still has something he wants to show me. "Actually, what...". He sighed. "What Mira said is true," he said those words so fast and I wondered why. My heart made its usual foolish happy dance. My nerves were jumping so badly it was a wonder I could standstill. I wasn't sure if I heard him well.

"That you don't love her?"

"That's just a part of it. The other..."

I suddenly began to fear he might say he loves me. "I-i didn't get why you don't love her. I...". I felt his wet lips grab mine and I froze. He's kissing me for real. I stood like a statue afraid it might be a dream. His lips were soft and warm, I wondered if it's real. His tongue slowly find its way into my mouth as I finally let him in. I could feel the soft tickle of his breath on my nose. The scent of his cologne was dazzling and I could feel butterflies in my tummy. I haven't felt like this in a long time. I placed my hand on his hair but he pulled back. I groaned slightly. Longing so much for his lips, his touch, his... He slowly released his hand from my face and held my hand. "I-i know this might sound crazy. I think I am already going crazy for you. I-i do love you. I might not be in love with you yet. But I love you enough to love that I don't want to lose you. I know it's going to be difficult for you to believe me but I...". I placed my shaking finger on his lips, I have waiting for so long for this, there is no way I'm ruining it. "I..." He made to say but I stopped him with a kiss. If this is a dream, I don't think I want to wake up from it.