10 Chapter 10

Melissa is helpless, she couldn't find Matthew everywhere in the school. She had been looking for him for hours but she couldn't find him. In dismay, she sat on the school bench frustrated, tired of everything she'd been through.

Eric saw her crying on the bench alone, he handed his handkerchief to her. Not a good timing indeed and perhaps an awkward encounter, but she badly needed his comfort. Her eyes were swollen from crying, desperate and frustrations pour into a silent cry. She wanted to be known by Eric, not as a frail woman but as a strong, independent woman and a responsible daughter who take cares of her father. But how can she do that? When Matthew is ruining everything.

"What's wrong?" Eric said with a sound of concern in his voice. Is she dreaming again? Eric is here sitting beside her? Her heart seems to burst out.

"Not really. I'm just having a little trouble." She tries to compose herself not wanting to act foolish in front of him.

"Are you sure? Then why are your tears wouldn't stop from falling?"

"Ahmm." His words moved her. She couldn't speak, instead she burst her pain into a soft cry. She couldn't say anything to him, the reason of her anguish is his brother. To her surprise, Eric hug her, comforting her with his words of wisdom and wipe her tears unexpectedly. How lucky she is!

Matthew saw how his brother comforted Melissa in a long embrace. What happened? Did he missed something? Did Melissa succeeded in winning Eric's heart?

"Melissa." Matthew's stern voice makes Melissa wake up into a sudden realization that she needs to talk to him. "Did you want to see me?" Anger can be seen in Matthew's eyes. He wanted to afflict Melissa more by purposely keeping Melissa on waiting. He knew all along that Melissa is looking for him yet he didn't show up, wanted to test that woman's patience, of how far can she bear in order to tame him, but seeing them together makes Matthew burst in outrage. Seems like Melissa used this advantage in luring Eric's attention, assuming that Melissa succeeded in her trickery. The woman sure has nerves, didn't really missed a chance to strike while the iron is hot!

"Y..yes." Melissa stuttered.

"Then move quickly." He said with malice. "Since, I have a spare time to talk to you."

Melissa awkwardly thank Eric and hurriedly come after him. Mix emotions she felt. Happy, because Eric hug her. His embrace makes her forget every agony she has. On the other hand terrified and confused.