Chapter 35 - All Too Well

I was standing, more probably hiding from a tree across the chapel – it's Romeo's funeral today and mixed emotions wobbling inside of me. I've been waiting for Astro's message too long as he was inside distracting Romeo's parents before the ceremony will start.

My mom drove me here and she was a bit scared of our plan – but she has nothing to deal with it because I wanted to. My whole family wasn't welcome visiting him and it made my parents sad too – and just to keep the commotion calm they didn't insist.

But for me as a boyfriend and a lover, I'll take anything to see him for the very last moment. I was breathing nervously and my phone rings fueling up the tension I'm feeling. It is Astro calling as I averted my sight to the chapel, he was standing outside, waving.

That's the cue and I tugged the next second and run across the street to where he was positioned – my chest-puffing, gasping for air and he rested his arm on my shoulder.

“I'll walk back inside and I'm gonna try to persuade Mr. Halliday to have a little talk outside while his wife was busy entertaining some family members,” he whispered.

“Please don't try it, you must do it.” I contrasted, he smiled uncomfortably, nodding his head.

“And if you're making your entrance – relax don't let worried and nervous takeover, I'll be on your side. Okay?” he told just shaking my head as a response. Reassuring that all will be on what he has planned then he wandered inside.

I am lurking from the door frame and wooden long chairs arranged in two columns mostly occupied – people wearing in black and white shirts filling each gap. And in front was Romeo on his platinum-like chest box, organized with plenty of flowers and a large portrait of him standing – I can't fight back my emotions as I started to feel weak.

Astro performs a handshake to Romeo's dad and they started talking – I don't know what they were discussing but I have my trust in him and he's doing it well. I smiled despite all the tension igniting. ‘phew’ escaped my mouth as he manages to get the urge of Mr. Halliday and they are walking out from the chair to the exit – right side from the altar.

This is my chance and I sauntered at the aisle, my eyes glued on them while walking to their own way – but Romeo's father stopped and I abruptly lowered my head but I didn't halt.

“Don't look back – Don't look back – ” mumbling those words repeatedly on my mind and goodness gracious Astro oversees the occurrence. — And finally made their exit.

I stride faster but then stopped, I was standing two steps to finally see him but my heart froze for a split second, just like how the first time we met – but not with his natural charm, I couldn't feel the flattering of butterflies, is the magic's gone? – I began sniffing as tears cascading down my cheeks and continued my paused steps, but before I could get more closer and touch the metal casket, I got distracted.

In the midst of silence, a loud ring tone blasting from the rows of chairs and it was audible to everyone, I looked back and it was Mr. Halliday's phone and his wife holding it – our both stunned face matched.

“No!” Astro yelled and I shifted my vision, Romeo's dad entered while he was trying to curb him – I panicked.

“What are you doing here?” he screamed, I take a few steps back and his blazing angry eyes piercing and all stares on me, I wanted to explain my intentions but reality pulling it back – he wouldn't listen to me as expected.

“You shouldn't be here!” he continued, Astro clasped his shoulders to delay his walks and I dashed off – crying.

I can hear he was screaming but I didn't give my mind time to absorb what his thoughts – I keep running, my sights nailed on the ground and from the corner of my eyes, people murmuring and I knew they were talking about me, I didn't give a damn who they were as my lungs blowing in anger because it seems the world turning against us.

The air filtered my skin and it was cold but refreshing – and the rays striking me as I closed my eyes, when I bumped into someone, she groaned while I nearly lost my balance.

“Kris, I hope you were fine – I'm really sorry.” her red lipstick was like a flame as bad as she was, but for the first time, I saw apprehensive or concern on her.

“I hope soon you'll get better,” Gelli added. I couldn't withstand as my hatred towards her turned on.

“I hope you mean all those words just as how confidently you were erasing my name on our project!” raising my voice, her boyfriend aided by wrapping his arms on her shoulder, she didn't say anything.

“Gelli, get away from him!” someone coming from the chapel shrugged her, it was Daniel and now he subsists from my back.

“You've damaged him and this is not the right time to talk,” he added, and for the first time again, he stands against to what he so-called ‘friend’

“Please, just go!” Gelli nods remorseful.

“But I'm really sorry Kris for all that I've had done – to you and to Romeo.” I keep nailing my shattered eyes and tears fell once more, I didn't react as she walks away inside the chapel. It is true that people only have their regret when it's all too late and when things have been mistakenly made.

“Where are you going?” Daniel asked and was following my trails.

“I'm leaving Daniel, I should have not come here – I've had only added some extra damages to my boyfriend's peaceful funeral, ”

“And to his parents.” I veered around, meeting his beautiful and honest demeanor.

“I've waited for you inside because I know you will come and I'll stand by you.” his words stirred my heart uplifting – I'm lucky that I have him as my friend and despite that clumsy incident, I knew I could trust him.

“Would you do me a favor?” I asked.

“I will, what is it?”

“Would you go back inside and kindly tell Romeo that I love him so much.” Daniel nodded and smiled sweetly – I wrapped my arms around him giving a warm hug.

“Romeo would be glad knowing I have a trustworthy friend – and it was you,” I whispered, detaching our bodies, and walked away, I didn't get the chance to see his face as he stopped coming after.

I've had strolled over to the highway and weeping, not aware of how people will respond seeing me like a mess crying on the street. A manly voice calling my name echoed from the distance – it was Astro running towards me and I stopped, sniffing and wiping my tears dry. He was panting when he reached my spot.

“That was unexpected, I'm sorry!” he commiserated. I was used that things didn't turn out on how it was planned – my lips thinned.

“You don't have to feel sorry, you did all you can just to help me and it was enough and I am so thankful!” I commented I could figure out the disappointment and sad on his countenance but it's still a good job.

I turned and start again my pace for the thought that he was done but he stopped me and told, “I have something to tell you.”

Clasping my right hand and shifted my startling, eager tone. He grabbed something inside his coat as he let go of my hand. “I don't know if this is the exact time to give you this..”

And extended a color blue shiny envelope – I was hesitant to accept it and I don't have any idea what is it for.

“This was from Romeo – he wrote this the night before our junior's prom and told me to keep it.” I touched it slowly and my eyes bulging and he was too, unknown reason swirling around his thoughtful stares. “I don't know what's that for, but he also told me – only give you that at the right time.”

“Is this the right time?” Astro asked.

“I don't know either – but I guess there's no other reason for you to hold and keep this thing anymore, and thank you.” My both hands rubbing the thing, Astro's complexion drawn with hesitation – but I could sense he had something to say or I'm just imagining.

“Romeo was so lucky to have you Astro – as a friend, best friend a brother.” I resumed, he only smiled and exhaled and then I proceed again to stride.

“Kris – ” his bold tone swirling through the air. He was standing a few steps away from me and I raised my brow slightly meaning ‘what is it?’.

He wet his lips and he pauses for a second.

“I started to like you now.” he continued and eyes efficiently enchanting. I don't want to give so much meaning for that – but he came to be turning helpful and kind to me.

“I started to like you too – ” I replied, projecting my nicest smile while my eyes are jaded. He gave me a straight expression that I couldn't figure out, he had much complexity hiding his emotions and enthusiasm that most of the time I'm clueless.

“ – as a friend,” I added, biting my lip and avoided his sight. I am so tired and sad and I just wanted to lay on my bed now, I needed a pause before I could continue and prepare myself from all these life's drama and wonders.

“as a friend,” he said the same words back, nodding his head shakily and blew a sigh deeply, curling his lips.

I can't forecast what else the universe had stored for me as I always ended up surprised or worried – my mind, my thoughts, my body, my emotions, and my whole being launched to crumble as I walked home alone.