Chapter 32: Chapter 32

Ruzzel's POV

Our two days out-of-town vacation ended quickly but we had a lot of fun.

When we returned, there is another occasion that we have to celebrate. It's Light’s engagement party.

Yes, you have read it right. It's Light’s engagement party. He is already soon to be engaged at the age of nineteen. He is the first one who got engaged among all our friends and we know him very well his fiance. We are happy for him and he looks so very happy too. I just wonder when will I and Aliyah will be engaged?

I went to the engagement party first. My original plan was to fetch Aliyah so that we will be having our ride together but she refuses to because she will be using her motorbike, so in the end, I was all alone here while waiting for her to finally come.

"Bro, why did you come all alone? Where is Aliyah?" Light asked when he saw me.

My friends occupied the same table that is why I choose to sit beside them even if it is against me hahaha.

“She is on her way, she will be using her motorcycle that is why I come here first. Do not worry, she will be here in just no time.” I answered.

“Reasons! You should come here together!!!” said Tatsi... I know he just wanna tease me.

“You know what Ruzzel, if you love each other, you should always be together, in sickness and in health hahaha hahaha.” I raised my brow. Now, Vince is also trying to tease me. Okay, that’s what friends are for. Real friends were created just to ruin your life haha hahaha.

“Let us leave Ruzzel for a moment. We should pay attention first to Light. Our very own friend got engaged first among all of us. Let us have cheers!” said Mark.

And we replied ‘cheers’ in unison.

“Who will be the next bachelor to get engaged?” -Josh

“I bet it will be Ruzzel!” said Mark

“Mark will be the third.” -Tatsi

Then we laughed.

I excuse myself for a moment. I will call Aliyah and ask where she is right now. I expected her to come right just before I arrived since she is driving a motorcycle.

I dialed her number a lot of times but she is not picking up her phone. A lot of text messages were sent coming from me but she does not have a reply. I suddenly felt nervous. Does something bad happen to her? We have just talked earlier but now, I can not able to speak to her. Or is it just because she is driving?

“Hey you Ruzzel, when do you plan to propose to Aliyah?” asked Light when I came back to our table. I just smiled as an answer to his question. Maybe this is not the right time to speak to anyone else. I am so worried about Aliyah. By this time, she must be here.

“You should propose quickly Ruz! You should propose tonight! Ha hah hahaha.”

I guess, they are starting the flame again. They are putting me again on the hot seat. But I am really in the mood to pay attention to what they are saying.

“But come to think of it guys, Ruzzel owes us a lot regarding the status of his relationship right now,” said Josh.

“Owe? In what way?” Mark seems to forget about what Josh is trying to say.

“Have you forgotten about the bet?”

“It is just a bet right from the start right? But look at them now, seems like it's true love indeed. Hahahahha”

“Ruzzel is so good! Who among us have thought that they would end up so in love with each other.”

“Hahahhaha, still in love even though Aliyah always beats him up.”

"CHHEEERRSS!"

I do not know how to react. No words are coming out of my mouth right now. I am frustrated because I can not able to contact Aliyah and I am frustrated as well because of my friends.

"It may be just a bet at first but look at them now.”

"Uhm wait Ruzzel, have you already explain to Aliyah? About the bet?” Mark asked.

I just shook my head.

"What if she finds out that everything started because of a bet?"

“Do you have to ask that Josh? For sure, Ruzzel will be beaten to death by Aliyah so better not tell this thing to her.” Light said.

“There is no need to tell me about the bet. I heard everything.”

And we are all shock upon hearing and seeing Aliyah. She just suddenly appear right in front of us.

I have not seen her coming that is why I have not done something to stop my friends from talking.

I immediately stood up and approached her. I’ve reached for her hands but she immediately avoids it.

“A-aliyah…. Let me explain. ”

And there it is. Her hand landed on my face.

“Explain? Explain what?!? That our relationship was just a product of an idiot deal? An idiot bet?”

“A-a-aliyah…”

"How much was my price?"

Her question shattered my heart so much that I could not answer her.

"HOW MUCH?!?!?!"

I bowed.

"Your presence can not be paid by millions, even billions… You are priceless Aliyah."

“I don’t believe in you anymore! All these times, you were just playing games with me!"

“Aliyah... I love you!"

Then she slapped me again.

"I HATE YOU!"

And she suddenly runs away from all of us. I immediately followed her. My friends also followed. But Aliyah just quickly disappeared from our sight because she is driving very fast.

Aliyah's POV

Yes. Here I am again. The toxic one. I’ve been here before. And why do I need to come back here again?

Come back to my old self. I hate this place.

I do not know where I am going. I'm lost again. I thought everyone had their destination but how come I have not?

All this time… they were just hiding the truth from me! Yes all of them! All of his friends!

They made me a fool! They wanted me to suffer. They wanted me to get drowned in my feelings and believe me, it is killing me inside.

“Aliyah,” Patrick called me. Yes, I went to the hideout. Maybe this is where I belong right? My world shall revolve here and not on Ruzzel.

“When someone looks for me, tell them I am not here. If they cause trouble, beat them. ” I just said and walked straight to my room.

As soon as the door closed, I could not stop my tears from falling. Where did these tears come from? I must be strong so I should not be crying!

I harshly wipe my tears.

Suddenly my cellphone rang. I saw mommy’s number flashing on the screen. I’ve decided not to answer it. I looked at the other missed calls. It’s from Ruzzel, his friends, Joana, Lewis, and Aunt.

I choose to turn off my phone. Which only means that I am cutting my communication with them.

I deserve a break. My heart deserves a break.