Breaking Them Up

Meanwhile...

As Adeline was walking down the stairs, she came across Nicholas, sitting on the bench, waiting for Ella. She then sat beside him and offered him the chocolate milk she bought this morning.

"What are you doing here?" Nicholas asked, putting the straw into the cup.

"I was on my way to Mr. Edmond's office to ask him some questions, but I'll stay here and sit with you for a while." Adeline put the books she was holding on her lap.

"Graduation's in a few weeks. Do you plan to go home after that?"

"If you're coming, then—"

"Ella's coming with us." Nicholas leaned back on the bench. "I'll be introducing her to my parents, so I hope you don't mind if she comes along."

Adeline moved away. "What's wrong with that? Of course she can!"

"I do feel like you're lying."

"Why do you say so?"

"Do you really think I'm that dense, Adele? Tell me what's wrong."

"Umm... Mr. Edmond's waiting for me. I'd better get going now." Adeline stood up.

"Answer me." Nicholas grabbed her wrist and pulled her into a hug. "I've endured this long enough."

Adeline looked away, hiding her red cheeks. "I've told you to stop doing this. We aren't children anymore. Others will misunderstand us."

Nicholas tightened his grip. "I'm not letting you go. Tell me the truth. What's going on?"

"Ca-Can we talk somewhere else? Ella can come out anytime."

"Are you ashamed of me?"

"No, it's just that you should mind your actions."

Nicholas cupped her face. "How about this then?"

Before Adeline was able to respond, Ella abruptly came and slapped Nicholas' face, leaving it bright red. When both Adeline and Nicholas turned to face her, they saw her puffy eyes, tearing up.

"You call this being loyal?" Ella's voice was soft, almost fragile, as if her heart would break any minute.

Nicholas held her arm. "Look, this was the only way—"

"Only way, Nic? Use your head! There are a hundred ways to stop her from leaving!" Hot tears streamed down her face, and she squeezed her eyelids shut in the hope her tears would stop.

"I don't want to talk to you!" Ella wiped her tears, running away.

"Let me explain!" Nicholas ran after her.

As Adeline stood beside the bench thinking about what she had done, she squatted down and covered her face with her hands. She had no intention of breaking them up, but why did she care when she saw Ella yelling at Nicholas?

"Why does my heart feel stuffy. Is it guilty?" Adeline flashback to Ella crying. It would have been anyone's dream seeing their crush break up with their girlfriend.

"But...why...why does it hurt...?" Adeline clenched her fist. "Pathetic. I'm such a coward! I don't deserve to live in this world..."

On the other hand, as Nicholas tried to catch up with Ella, he paused for a moment and put his hands on his knees. "If you don't stop, I won't chase after you anymore."

Ella slowed down, turning to look back. "What? You're letting me go?"

"I don't have the energy nor time to play with you."

"Play?" Ella's eyes flashed angrily, stomping towards him. "Is that what you see our relationship as? Have you ever once taken me seriously?"

"If you're upset then I'm so—"

"Is that all you can do? Apologize? We've fought about this tons of times, but you still keep doing it! How long are you gonna keep on fooling me?"

"I was asking her what she thought about you coming with us."

"Why do you need her approval? You don't live in the same house!"

"We're like family. We grew up together."

"Stop giving me excuses." Ella covered her ears as more tears started falling from her cheeks. "You just can't admit that you like her don't you?"