If a  story is not heart breaking than it won't stay in your heart.

-Aki

Unedited....

**************

1 week later..

Marlyn come back from her work. Austin was sitting on the cough again after quite some time.

"I need to ask you something" she said.

"Yes?" Austin looked up from his paper.

Marlyn looked down not knowing how to say this.

"We.. we are graduating, soon. There will be annual farewell prom" she said.

Austin stare at her confused, wandering why is she telling him?

"I don't want to go" Marlyn looked away.

"Can you talk to my homeroom teacher?" She asked him.

"Is it compulsory to go?" Austin asked.

"Yes it is" Marlyn nod her head, "Credit points will be added from this."

"Please I don't want to go. Please can you talk to him?" She pleased.

"Why?" Austin asked, she blinked her eyes.

"I don't want to go" she closed her eyes.

"Did no one asked you?" Austin asked confused at her behavior. She turn to him narrowing her eyes.

"No" Marlyn shake her head.

"I just don't want to go" she again repeated her words.

"Is it about enjoying your life? Mar" Austin asked. She froze tears filling her eyes.

"I .. I.. " she sighed closing her eyes.

"Making yourself happy is not a crime" he whispered.

"This is the only opportunity you will have to attend a school prom, Mar. Go ahead and enjoy it all right. Make yourself happy" Austin smiled at her softly.

"I don't feel like I should go" Marlyn looked away.

"Let me tell you from my personal experience,  Don't let this emotions from enjoying your life. Once this days are gone, it never come back, the only think that we will be left with is regret. Nothing else" Austin have a faraway looked.

"Did you ever went to the prom?" She asked clearing her throat. Austin shake his head.

"No, I did not. I don't have time for that" He said a dark shadow fall on his face. She stare at him. He blink his eyes.

"Will you? Will you come with me? Then" Marlyn asked a bit shy.

Austin chuckled, "I can't sweetheart. School policies"

Sweetheart

She looked down at her silly question trying not to blush hearing him call her sweetheart.

But hearing him chuckle was worth it.

"Why did not you attend?" She asked her heart beat rising. She feel like she stepped into an unknown territory. His face darkened the trace of smile vanished.

"It's alright if you don't want to talk about it" She said biting her lips.

Austin stayed silent not replying to her words.

"Will you wait up for me that day?" She asked after collecting her thoughts.

"I am sorry, I can't" Marlyn flinched at his sharp voice.

"Only if you are home, I.. I don't want lots of time, 2 hours. Can you please give me that time?" She asked waiting for another heart breaking refusal but he did not refused this time, which surprised her.

"Okay" Austin sighed giving up as she smiled at him sweetly.  He closed his eyes rubbing her eyes. Why did he said yes?

Because she almost looked heart broken.

*******************

The day of the prom.

"How do I look?" Marlyn asked nervously. She was wear a silver dress reaching above her knees. Her hair flowing down her waist which she usually tied up. She was wearing a soft peach lipstick and eyeliner.

"You look beautiful" Austin said giving her a softly smile. She smiled back widely.

Austin was home even though he have night shift.

"I will be out at 11 p.m." Autsin said.

"So, Where is your date?" He asked.

"He is not a date. We are just friends" Marlyn said, when the bell ring.

"I did not ask for an explanation, Mar" Austin said shaking his head.

'I know but still I feel like I should rectify it' she thought to herself.

"I will open the door" Austin said coldly.

"What was his name again?" He turn to look at her.

"Jorden" She said. He opened the door looking at the nervous young man.

"Good evening, Sir" He froze. Austin stare at him coldly.

"I want her home before 9" Marlyn smiled, the way he said those words feel like he was being possessive of her.

"Bye bye Austin" Marlyn wave at him who give her a subtle nod.

"You love him, Don't you?" Jorden asked as they walked a farther distance.

"Is he the reason that you rejected my proposal?" He asked.

"Yes" Marlyn nod her head.

"Is not he way too old?" She glare at him.

"It does not matter. I love him" she said.

"Did he force you or something?" Jorden asked.

"No" Marlyn gasped.

"Don't talk about him like that..You don't know anything about him" Marlyn glare at him, she did not like Jorden bad mouthing Austin.

"I am sorry he seems so scary and he looked at me as if he hate me"

"What are you saying he did not even warn you?" Marlyn rolled her eyes. If only his words where true she would have been happy but the truth is the exact opposite of what he said. Jorden keep quite, he can still feel a shiver run down his spine at the way He looked at him. If only looks could kill.

******************

8: 17 p.m.

Austin was sitting on the couch going through a patient's report when  he hear the sound of door. He stand up, walking up to the door.

He opened the Marlyn was smiling at him.

"You are early" She looked up smiling, she was way too excited to come home that she forget to look at the time.

"Yes because you said that you will be out at 11 p.m." Marlyn said. Austin blinked his eyes raising his eyebrow.

"Can you change into something formal?" Marlyn asked.

"Why?" He asked confused at her odd behavior.

"Can you please change without asking question?" Marlyn asked.

"I can but I won't" Austin shrugged his shoulder casually sitting on the couch staring at her.

Marlyn can feel her cheeks heating up and the fact that he was being casual with her.

"Please" Marlyn said staring at him.

Austin sighed, "Fine but I am going to wear my work cloth with out my coat" He said.

"Yes, it alright" She smiled. At least he will wear something formal.

Marlyn waited for him to get inside as she rushed to her room grabbing her music player and lighting ball which she bought after asking him to stay at home. She placed it on the hallway table.

Marlyn walked up to the kitchen to grab cold drinks and chips which was scare because Austin hates unhealthy food.

Austin walked out of his room and looked at the decoration shocked.

"What is this? Are we having a movie night?" He asked.

"No,We are celebrating prom" Marlyn said.

"You said, you never went to the prom. So, I wanted to give you a surprise" Austin stare at her making her nervous. His eyes soften.

He walked up to her in long stride pulling into a soft comforting hug before letting her go. She froze her heart beat flutter and she blushed.

"Thank you" his whisper lingered on her ear tinting it pink. She turned red.

"It's... it's..." Marlyn cleared her throat.

'Nothing' but she could not say that it seems like something to him.

So, she smiled, "Your welcome"

"So, what should we do?" He asked eyeing the chips and cold drinks.

"We can dance" Marlyn said switching off the lights and turning on the table light.

"You want me to dance" his eyes widening in horror.

"I can't" Austin said shaking his head.

Marlyn smiled at him, grabbing his hand. She put it around her waist while she put her on his shoulder. And they danced on a slow song.

At first Austin was being awkward but later on he relaxed and let her lead take the way. She laughed as he looked down time to time trying not to step on her foot.

After dancing they both sit down exhaust, Marlyn took a glass of cold drink and helping him which he refused and did not let her drink either. Austin walked into the kitchen and brought fruit juice. Handing her, she pout a bit before drinking it.

They sit silently, "Did you enjoy your prom?" Marlyn asked him. He blinked his eyes, "Yes" Austin   smiled, her heart warmed.

This is some of the few times she saw him smiling.

"Well, thank you I really appreciate it" Austin said.

"I need to go though" Her heart drop, she did not notice how time passed. Even though he said he needs to go he was still sitting there and stared at the decorations.

Marlyn take a deep breath with lots of thought, she gathered her courage.

She pressed a kiss on his cheeks freezing him and herself in the process.

"I am sorry" She said, turn and  leave trying not to look at him. Her heart beat increase as she fear if she turns, she will see a disgusted look on his face.

Austin grabbed her hand pulling her back, her body slammed against his. Her heart galloped in fear.

His grip was firm but it did not hurt her.

He stayed silent.

"Do you love me? Marlyn" Austin asked her.

She froze not knowing how to answer that.

"I.. I.." she gulped down.

"Don't" he coldly cut her off. She feel her heart dropping to her stomach.

She gulped down, "Stop" Marlyn said not letting him continue.

"Please don't do this" she said looking away.

"Marlyn.." Austin said.

"Are you going to break my heart?" Marlyn whispered freezing Austin.

"Are you going to tell me not to love you? She asked as tears pricked her eyes.

"I know" She gulped down as a tear trailed down her eyes.

"I know" she smiled.

"I remind myself everynight before I go to sleep and every morning after I wake up" her heart was breaking when she said those words. Austin let her go.

"So, please don't"

"Don't tell me that" Marlyn said pleasing.

"I don't want to hurt you" Austin said blinking his eyes.

"I am already hurt" Marlyn turn and leave Austin, freezing him on the spot.

"I am sorry" his words hanged in the empty room.

After what seems like forever Austin moved and go back to his work. But her teary face still stuck on his mind. He rubbed his head.

Austin knows that she feel attach to him but loving him. He sighed, this is bad but he needs to focus on his job someone's life depends on it.

***************

1 week passed by,

Marlyn did everything to avoid Austin, it was not difficult though. He only make it easy as he is not present half of the time with her exam on her head. Everything worked quite perfectly.

But she missed him, even though Austin does not say anything but she can still feel his presence. Two weeks ago she would try to find excuse to talk to him now she is stuck with herself.

What was she thinking? Why the hell did she kissed him? If only she would have controlled they will still be talking at least greeting each other.

Slowly 1 month passed..

Tomorrow is her graduation day but she is not on talking terms with Austin.

The fact that he is dwelling in the living room make her nervous.

Dwelling?

Seriously Marlyn, He is not a ghost.

When she went her way towards the kitchen, Austin was sitting on the couch. It seems like a permanent kind of place for him.

Austin looked up noticing her. Since the last month, he would be lying if he said he was busy but He cannot think of anything to talk about. It's always Marlyn who tried to talk and he listened or replied.

But tomorrow is her graduation it's a special day. He is older than her. He should do it.

"Marlyn?" Austin called her, now what he asked himself.

She froze after few minutes she feel like she is hearing voice. Marlyn turn to him to see Austin staring at her.

"Yes?" She asked.

Did he just call her? She thought he will ignore her forever.

"Tomorrow is your graduation..?" Austin cleared his throat trying to come up with anything.

"Yes" Marlyn said.

"Would you like something?"  Austin asked.

"A gift or something?" He asked. Marlyn's eyes widen, did he just ask her what she wants.

There is something she wants but she did not know how to ask him in their non talking phase.

"Would come to my graduation?" She asked trying not to breath to loudly, what if she misses his response.

Austin eyes widen before he smiled at her, "I would love to"

"When?" He asked, it seems like their old conversation was forgotten. She felt a little disappointed but her lips turned up as she smiled at him.

"Tomorrow 10 a.m" Marlyn said.

"I have to go to the clinic but I will be their" Austin said, she nod her head smiling a bit. She felt relief that they are on talking terms now.

The next day.

Marlyn wake up early and get dressed. She was a bit nervous.

The moment she entered auditorium her life form the past flash through her eyes. She felt a bit nostalgic about it.

Nora waved at her. She was with her family.

If only her mom was alive today. She shake her head, stopping her thoughts from going here.

"Good morning" Marlyn greet Nora, who greeted back excited that she would leave this hell hole.

Marlyn chuckled at her enthusiasm.

At 10 a.m. the ceremony started. Marlyn looked at  the door waiting for Austin.

"Marlyn go head, the principal already called your name"  Nora shake her. Marlyn stare at her door for the last time before taking her certificate and greeting her teacher. She feel hurt, why is he not here?

12 p.m the ceremony almost concluded but her eyes still stuck on the door.

All students are talking to each other taking photos.

"Marlyn, come on" Nora forced her to click some photos after all they decided to attend different colleges.

1 p.m.

Everyone is leaving the auditorium, but she is still waiting for him to come.

"Marlyn?" She blinked her eyes.

"Jorden?" She forced a smile.

"Congratulations on graduating" Jorden smiled at her.

"Will you click a photo with me?" He asked nervously.

"Okay" She nod her head. After that they click some photos.

"I know this is stupid but I want to tell you something" Jorden looked away for a while.

"I love you, I always have Marlyn" Jorden said with a sad smile.

"Jorden, I.. am "

"I know but I feel like saying after all I don't know if we will ever meet again" Jorden bid her goodbye.

Again she is alone waiting for him.

When 1 p.m. turned to 2 p.m.

She did not noticed.

"I need to close the auditorium Miss" A old guard said. Marlyn nod her head walking out of the auditorium heart broken.

The moment she stepped out a figure was running towards her wearing a white coat.

"I am sorry" Austin was standing in front of her with a white flower bouquet.

Marlyn stared at him as he apologized profusely. Tears filling her eyes.

"I thought you won't come" She choked.

"I told you I would come. I am sorry I am late" He said.

"It's alright I am glad you came" Marlyn shakes her head.

"Okay stop crying" He wiped her tears.

"Can you please click a photo of us?" Austin asked the guard whose eyes widen.

"You.. you are Dr. Austin McGregor, right?" The guard asked him.

"Yes, I am" Austin was shocked at his question.

"Thank you saving my daughter's life" The guard said.

"It's my duty" Austin said.

"Knowing very well that I don't have enough money to pay you treated her. I am really grateful, I was praying from here"

"Why were not you there when I was operating on your daughter?" Austin asked coldly. Marlyn feel shocked at his tone.

"I work as a guard in this private school. If I left from my post they would have thrown me out" the guards said with tears in his eyes.

Humanity, even though this school earns enough to treat its staff well it is busy to fill the pockets of higher ups.

"It's alright. Your daughter will be alright. You can go meet her after you shift" Austin pat his shoulder. Marlyn smiled at him.

"Can I ask something of you?" Austina asked a bit hesitant.

"Yes of course" the old guard nod his head.

"Can you open the auditorium for a while we just want a memory of us together there?" Austina asked. Marilyn's eyes widen at his words.

"If the higher ups does creates problem, I will take responsibility" Austin said.

"Austin you don't need too" Marlyn tried to say.

"But I want too" Austin said before pulling her behind him. How could not she fall in love with this man?

They clicked photos smiling. They authority did nothing even though  they get to know. As the principal came to meet and greet Austin.

"I did not know, you are this famous" Marlyn said.

"Did you really think that I could just enter your school and take you away just because you were crying?" Austin asked her raising his eyebrows.

She never thought about that incident closely now that he pointed out that's true. If it was someone else they would have send him or her to the sick room.

"Because I was late I would let you eat whatever you want" Austin said.

"Are we eating out?" Marlyn asked her eyes twinkled.

"Yes" Austin nod his head as he was driving.

"What do you.." he did not get to finish his sentence when Marlyn said.

"Double cheese pizza" He groaned at her unhealthy choice of food.

*******************

Thank you for reading dear readers.

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Until next time.