Jason

I stood right where Zarah left me for what feels like hours. I knew I hurt her, but I thought that she has finally given me the chance to really make it up to her.

I had no idea that she held so much resentment towards me.

I also didn't know the extent to how much I have hurt her. Or maybe I just wanted to deny it. But watching her breakdown in front of me and tell me how much she hurts, devastated me.

It made me hate myself even more. But damn it. I did it for her.

I...

Tears welled up in my eyes.

I had made a lot of mistakes, and she's right, maybe nothing I do or say now will ever make up for them, so maybe I should just stop trying. But damn it, I love her and I don't want to give up. I don't want to live with regrets.

I wish there was something I could say or do. Talking to her and trying to make amends seemed to have made it worse. She just hates me even more.

But damn it. I am not a quitter!

I pulled out my phone and dialled her number. I didn't expect her to answer, but I hoped she would.

She didn't, so I left a message.

"Zarah... Please talk to me. I just..." I trailed off. I took a deep breath and continued, "Okay... If you want space and some time alone, I'm going to give it to you. But please know that when you're ready, I'll be waiting. I'll wait as long as it takes. I'm not going to give up on you. On us."

I hang up, knowing that I can't do anything else at this point. I have to wait until she's ready.

The next few days was torture. Zarah never did return my calls. I called several times, to let her know that I was thinking of her and that I was still hoping and waiting for her.

I parked and shut off my car. I gripped the steering wheel so hard, my knuckles turned white.

I took a deep breath and opened my door.

I got out of the car and walked over to Marco and Ellie's front door.

I pressed the doorbell and waited.

Ellie opened the door and when she saw it was me, she glared at me and folded her arms across her chest.

She narrowed her eyes at me. "You are a class A jerk!"

I nodded.

"You're an asshole!"

I nodded again.

"You broke my sister's heart."

I nodded. Again.

"You look horrible."

I breathy laugh escaped me, and I nodded.

"You love her," she said and her face softened a little when she said it.

There's really no point denying it so I nodded. Again.

"You're an idiot! A stupid idiot!"

I nodded.

"Are you going to just nod the whole day and at everything I say?"

I nodded.

"Damn you! You're lucky you look so freaking miserable that I feel sorry for you!"

She glared at me then sighed.

"Fine. You can come in. But no drinks or snacks for you, mister!"

I chuckled, and followed her inside. "Not really here for that Ellie."

She scowled at me. "Bite me!"

I chuckled and shook my head. Always the feisty one. "Have you talked to her?" I asked.

"Yes. She sounds as miserable as you do."

Pain swept through me at the thought that my angel was hurting. "I don't know what to do."

"Why did you do it? Why did you say those things?"

"I didn't think I was right for her..."

"And now you think you are?"

I shook my head. "No. I still don't think I'm right her, but I'm a selfish bastard. I want to be with her. I want a second chance."

Ellie nodded. "I don't really know what to say to you, Jason. You hurt my sister. I can't make her or force her to forgive you and give you a second chance..."

"I know that. She's not answering my calls and I just wanted to make sure that she was okay."

She nodded in understanding.

"I'm willing to wait. I won't give up on her."

"Good."

I look at her in surprise.

"Don't look at me like that!" She said. "Look, you men are so clueless. You men are idiots and you tend to do stupid things, so whatever. But I also know you. I know that you're a good man Jason. You have a good heart. I also believe that you love my sister. All I ask is that when she's ready and she decides that she doesn't want to be with you, I ask that you respect her wishes."

"I can't promise you that. Like I said, I'm not giving up."

She smiled. "Good boy!"

I frowned. "What?"

She shrugged. "That's what I wanted to hear."

"Again, what?" I asked in confusion. "But you just said, I should respect her decision..."

She rolled her eyes. "We, women love it when men fight for us, so I'm glad to hear that you're really committed into fighting for my sister."

"Why didn't you just say so?"

"What's the fun in that?" She retorted.

I shook my head. Women are so damn complicated. Why not just say what they want instead of going in circles and expecting us to figure out the riddle?

"Just give her some time. She'll talk to you when she's ready."

I sighed and nodded.

I stayed a little while longer and visited with Alejandro. He's getting so big every time I see him.

After saying my goodbyes, I sat in my car for a few minutes.

I gripped the steering wheel and rested my forehead against it and took a deep breath. I was starting to get a headache again.

Damn it.

I decided to call Zarah. I'll be leaving tomorrow for New York to take care of some business and I really wanted to see her before I leave.

I'll be gone for a few days and I guess I'm hoping that she's ready to see me now. I also just wanted to let her know of my plans. I want her to know that even if I'm leaving for a couple of days, I'm still thinking about her.

I pulled out my phone to call Zarah.

She didn't answer, so I left a message.

"Hey. It's me. I just wanted to tell you that in leaving for New York for a few days. I'll be back as soon as I can. I... I miss you, angel. So much. I really want to see you before I leave. I hope I can see you... But if you're still not ready then that's okay too. I leave at seven in the morning tomorrow. I'll be at my place. I'll wait for you, angel. If you don't come, I understand. I'll just see you when I get back? Take care, angel. Bye."

I took a deep breath.

Started the car, and eased back to my place.

All the while, as I drove back to my place, I kept praying she would come...

I really do hope she comes...