Chapter 29 - A Tear Of Regret

The next day, Kyle filled in Ava with what had happened the day before. Serefina didn't even say a word while they explained. A lump in her throat wouldn't let her say anything.

She sighed.

"That's the fifth time you sighed Serefina, " Kyle said.

"Sorry, " Serefina said. She glanced at Bryan who she didn't know why, just looked away. Was he mad at her for crying on his coat? Or was it because she didn't thank him after he lend her his shoulder? Was she rude?

"Let's get this straight, " Kyle said after a long silence, "the mission Time Wall was a big fat fail. So we need to figure out something else. Now, any ideas?"

Another long silence followed.

Kyle sighed.

"The Time Wall was my idea and the situation got even worse. I am really sorry Serefina, " Ava unexpectedly spoke up.

"It wasn't your fault, Ava, " Serefina assured, "and besides, the situation didn't get worse."

"C'mon, you and Bryan are sitting like something bad did happen. You guys haven't even said a single word throughout our time brainstorming plans."

She was right. But Serefina wasn't getting the right words to say. She just wanted to hug her grandma again. Experience that warm feeling again. Her eyes started to get watery. She didn't want to cry anymore. Not in front of everyone like she did in front of Bryan the day before.

"Sef-" Bryan was about to speak but he just closed his mouth again. Why was he being like this? Was he really that mad at her?

"Serefina, are you alright?" Kyle asked reaching for Serefina's hand. Ava came to sit on the other side of Serefina keeping a hand on her shoulder.

"I think we should leave her alone for the time being, " Ava suggested as Kyle agreed with a nod.

Bryan stayed silent still avoiding eye contact. She wanted to talk to him. And now.

Kyle, Ava and Bryan were about to leave when Serefina called, "Bryan, can we talk?"

He stood still, his back at her as Kyle and Ava left the house.

"Hey, I know that was very childish of me to cry on your shoulder. I am sorry to get your coat wet and I was also so rude when I told you to leave. So I am really very sorry. I am so stupid and-" Serefina was interrupted.

"Serefina!" Bryan yelled. Serefina flinched "Don't ever say that you're stupid again, are we clear?" He turned to face her. "Never. Sef you don't know what you mean to me. You cried in front of me, I didn't like that. It's not because it was embarrassing but because I can't see tears in your eyes! I am the one stupid here who could do nothing to protect you. Not now and not even when-" he stopped. Serefina was sure she saw a tear fall from Bryan's right eye.

"Bryan, " she started towards him.

"Don't Sef," he wiped the tear away, "I don't deserve your confronting. I don't deserve your friendship either. I think you should just stay away from me. That'll be the best thing to do."

Serefina didn't stop. She walked slowly across the room towards where Bryan stood. Although she met him a few days ago, he seemed to be close to her before she even knew him. His hand's warmth always made her feel better everytime she was feeling down. She couldn't leave him when he was feeling down.

She made an eye contact and hugged him tight, stroking his back and said something she'll never regret, "I'll always be by your side even when you don't want me to. "