CHAPTER 26

"You're not a statue, Anna. You also feel pain, sadness, and exhaustion. Let me help you to lighten what you feel. Whatever it is, I'm always here for you, to help you out whatever you're facing and to be with you," I can sense that my tears are starting to form again. I tried to blink it away but it made it even worse.

He hugged me again upon seeing the water in my eyes. "And remember, it's ok to cry. It's ok if you cry in front of me, I will never judge you, and I will never make fun of you even if you look like a witch that trips on mud," I just chuckle at his words and hug him tightly so he has trouble breathing. He said he will never make fun of me but what is he doing now?

He pushed me gently and cupped my face with his hands. "It's ok to feel sad sometimes, Anna," he kissed me on my forehead for I don't know how long but it helps me to at least forget for a moment the pain I've been through then he hugs me tightly. I feel so secure and it feels so warm in his embrace, it's just sad to think that this hug is not going to last forever.

I realized how drenched his shoulder was when I placed my face on it. "You want to change your clothes? You drenched over here," I said with my hoarse voice, it feels like I didn't talk for a thousand years.

"I don't care even if you drenched the whole shirt, I will never let your tears go to waste. This is the first time that my best friend used my shoulders to cry on. I will treasure it and I will never wash it," we both giggled at his words. I hugged him back as my thanks for lending his shoulders to me even if he was the cause of those tears.

After a few more moments, I finally calmed down now. Kyle let me be alone for a while and get us something to eat. I move from my chair to the couch so I can sit comfortably. I left the paperwork at the table unfinished and decided to do it later. I closed my eyes for a while because my head hurt so much like it was crushing into pieces.

When I opened my eyes again, I saw Kyle sitting on the floor beside the couch. He is reading something while his hand is holding my other hand, rubbing his thumb on my knuckles. "Hey! What are you doing on the floor? It's cold there," he stops rubbing my knuckles when he hears me speak. "You're awake?" Awake? Did I fall asleep?

"You fell asleep after I left to get your food. When I came back you were peacefully sleeping so I didn't bother to wake you up," he explained. "How long did I sleep?" I can't open my eyes now because I cried a while ago. "The whole afternoon," my world stopped to what he said, the whole afternoon? "It's already six in the evening," I snap my head in his direction to check if he's telling the truth. When I saw his serious expression, I shifted my head to where the table is located.

"Crap! Why didn't you wake me up!" I cried when I remembered there are still documents that need my signature. Those documents are for the supplies we need for tomorrow's business. I immediately jumped off the couch. I almost lost my balance when I tripped on my shoes. I feel strong arms embrace my waist and a hard chest before my face.

"Calm down, can you?" A concerned expression is written all over his face. He helps me to steady myself before he lets me go, "Elaine does the paperwork when she sees you sleeping," Elaine signed all the documents. Good thing she checked on it. I'm sure she's going to scold me after this.

"Come here and have a seat. I got you some cakes," he opened the tray on the tea table to show the slices of strawberry shortcake and mousse cake. He sat next to me after I settled myself.

"Thanks, Kyle," I said to him while munching some cakes. "I'm your friend, this is at least what I can do for you. Besides, you always liked this to me back then," I smiled bitterly at his statement. Friends. That's it. The answer to my questions. He treats me as his friend and nothing more. The 'I like you' from that night, the white roses, and his efforts to help in the café are because we are friends.

I lay my head on his shoulder to hide my eyes which were starting to get blurry again. I can feel his arm sneaking on my back. "Are you still sleepy?" He asked me in his deep and gentle voice. I just nod my head to agree with what he said even if it's not true. I think I should accept the fact that he will never like me or even love me like how I love him.

After a while, Elaine pushed me to go home since the café is about to close. Kyle insisted on driving me home since he doesn't have a chance to send me to work this morning and since our apartments are only next to each other.

We were inside the elevator when he started to speak. "It's your birthday in two weeks. Are you still planning to go back?" Oh, yea, it will be my birthday in two weeks and I remember that I invited him to come with me to visit his parents.

"Yes, I want to celebrate my birthday in a peaceful place. I don't want Elaine to ask me to go to a karaoke bar again and hear her loud voice," we chuckle at that fact. "Ok, inform me beforehand so I can prepare. So, I can also apply for leave," he said cheerfully. It seems like he is excited to see his parents again. Good for him though.