Chapter 10: Truth and Tulips
Jeff was hardly recognized by his friends in school for he was sporting new clothes. Gone were his long curly hair and his handsome face stood out to the delight of many girls. Anya was still the same pretty lady but everyone noticed her smiling for the first time. Maureen was blooming, she met a guy last break and they have been going steady ever since. Bart was no different; he too met a guy who loves him for who he really is.
One month into the semester and nobody has seen Nadine. Jeff was secretly searching all over campus but he failed to find her. One day as he was about to meet Anya he noticed a blond girl with short hair rushing towards the back of the campus. He never got to see her face but one thing that made him follow her was her unlaced rubber shoes. He was certain that this girl was Nadine and his heart was starting to beat faster, he was not over her yet.
Jeff followed her; he made sure she would not notice so he kept his distance. He watched her walk through the mud and take out a small cup from her bag. She filled the cup with water from the river and walked to the place where the Tulips were and watered the ground. He watched her do this repeatedly and after some time she walked towards the tree and started carving.
Jeff slowly approached her, Nadine noticed someone at her back but she continued carving. He saw lots of sticks figures carved on the tree trunk, “What are you counting?” he asked and Nadine paused and dropped the knife. “The number of days that I have not seen you. Now I made a mistake, I have carved one for today but when I turn around I get to see you” she replied.
“How are you Nadine?” Jeff asked and still she would not face him. “I am fine I guess, I want to ask you the same but I heard rumors that you and Anya are together now” she said. “They are not rumors, it is true” he revealed. “Good for you, I don’t think you should be here then. Anya is the jealous type” she told him. “Just like you” he said and she laughed. “Nadine you are being rude, I am talking to you but you wont face me” Jeff said and this was almost the same situation as before, that time she was the one saying it.
“I am not being rude, I am just afraid to turn around and face you” she explained and Jeff curious. “Afraid of what?” he asked. Nadine walked towards the riverside where the Tulips used grow, Jeff followed her but still she would not face him. “They are all gone right? Don’t worry I planted new ones, I just don’t know if they will grow the same way” she muttered.
“I am sure they will, let’s take care of them together” Jeff said and Nadine sighed and bowed her head. “No we won’t” she said and Jeff was surprised. “What do you mean we won’t?” he asked. “I will, not with you. Don’t worry I promise to take care of them” she said. “Hey, I know were not together now but we can still be friends right? Let’s forget what happened in the past” Jeff told her.
“Hey Jeff…I heard another rumor that you cut your hair” she said softly. “Yes I did, turn around so you can see for yourself” he replied. “If only I listened to you and trusted you then my heart won’t be aching this much. I can’t sleep at night thinking of what I had done to you. I just want you to know that the time you saw me in bed with Tony that was just an act to make you jealous. We never did anything I swear. I don’t know why I am still explaining myself now that you have moved on already”
“Jeff I want to apologize for everything I have done. The last poem you wrote me I never read it. I didn’t want to hear you say goodbye, I thought there was still a chance but now I think I am going to read it” she said. “Jeff, I am going to turn around now” Nadine said and she slowly faced him and she quickly hugged him tightly. Jeff embraced her and tears started falling down his cheeks. “I miss you so much Jeff and I am so sorry for what I have done” she whispered. Jeff embraced her back and caressed her back. “I miss you too Nadine” he said. The two of them just stood there embracing each other.
Nadine looked at Jeff and she moved her face closer to his, Jeff looked away and she leaned her forehead on his chest. “I’m sorry Nadine, you know I can’t do that” he told her. “Jeff, if I ever do something bad will you forgive me?” she asked. “What? What are you planning to do?” he asked. “I won’t harm anyone I promise, will you forgive me?” she clarified. “Of course I will, why what are you planning to do?” he asked. Nadine looked at him and took a deep breath. “I am going to kiss you…all you have to do is keep still. I know you can’t kiss me back so I will be the one to kiss you. Don’t worry this will be the last, I miss you so badly and I really want to kiss you right now. So please let me commit this mistake” she softly said.
“No, I can’t let you do that” he told her and Nadine bowed her head. “Nadine look at me” he said and she slowly gazed at his eyes. “Let’s commit this mistake together so that there will be no regrets” he said and he kissed on the lips. Nadine put her arms around his head and he embraced her tighter. He knows he was with Anya already but somehow he was not guilty, it just felt so right and he did not know why.
Even when they were out of breath they would stop but still continue kissing. Little did they know there was also another person near them watching them, she was fuming mad and could not stand seeing them together.
“What the hell are you two doing?!!!” Anya shouted. Jeff released Nadine and hid her at his back. “Jeff how could you do this to me?!!!” Anya said and she approached them. “I am sorry Anya its my fault, I was the one who kissed him” Nadine told her. “No! You don’t need to apologize! We don’t need to apologize! In fact you are the one who should be apologizing!” Jeff shouted at Anya’s face.
Anya was shocked, Jeff grabbed her arm and they walked towards the tree. “At first glance I did not realize it, but when I was kissing Nadine it all became clear. Look at this count Anya! Look clearly! Everyday Nadine came here and would etch one stick when she didn’t see me. Count them! Go ahead and count them!” he shouted.
Anya was just staring at the tree trunk but she bowed her head. “Did you count them? Those are the number of days Nadine has not seen me! What a coincidence, those are also the number of days I have been with you! Don’t you find it funny?!” Jeff was in so much anger already.
“You told me she went for a vacation. You told me called her. I trusted you and I cant believe I really did. Oh yes you found me here that day but if I waited a little longer Nadine would have found me too. Oh yes you made your phone available to me anytime but every night you would check if I used it. I didn’t use it! But let me tell you I was waiting for her to call up, I was praying for her to call up. You brainwashed me and I am such a fool to fall for it” Jeff said.
“You made me fall for you but the foundation of the feelings I had for you were all lies! I hate myself right now and it took one kiss to make me realize that” Jeff told Anya.
Jeff walked towards Nadine and knelt down on his knees and started to tie her shoelaces. “Nadine this time it was my fault. I should have waited for you, I knew you would come find me but I am sorry. I don’t want to hurt anyone anymore, I have caused so much pain for everyone” he said.
Jeff stood up and hugged Nadine, “I am sorry Nadine, I don’t want to hurt anyone anymore. Take care of our Tulips” he whispered in her ear. Jeff turned around and started to walk away but Nadine ran after him. “Jeff are you running away again? Will I ever see you again?” she asked. Jeff looked at her and smiled, “Of course you will, I just need some time on my own now” he said. Nadine let go and Jeff walked towards the muddy area and back to campus.
Anya was about to leave through the fence opening but Nadine caught up with her. “What do you want? Are you happy? We both don’t have him anymore” Anya said and with all her might Nadine slapped her. Anya fell on the ground and Nadine stared at her. “From the beginning you planned to take him away from me. I thought you were changing but I was wrong. Tony is bad but he has no balls and no brains. Now I understand how he was able to think of a clever plan to break us up. Tony gets me and you get Jeff. I never thought of that before but now I do understand”
Anya laughed and slowly stood up, her cheek was so red and she was caressing it. “Nadine you never grew up, you’re intelligent but you were never wise. I always knew you liked Tony, so I used him. You are right, that guy is dumb but I should say he is a good actor. We almost succeeded but he did not cover his tracks that fool. Anyway he got the job done, we managed to make you look like the bad guy and I got what I wanted. Well I had a great time with Jeff, he is all yours if you ever see him again” Anya said and she quickly slipped out of the fence.
“What do you mean if I ever see him again?” Nadine asked and Anya laughed. “Do you think I never plan ahead? Silly you, well you will see what I mean” Anya threatened.
The next day Anya filed assault charges against Nadine. She had bruises on her arm and face. Nadine’s parents planed in to be with their daughter but Anya’s plan was flawless. She had witnesses in tow to make her more believable. Nadine’s parents decided to settle the issue quietly and Anya’s parents agreed.
Anya wanted Nadine out of the country for one year, outrageous as it may seem but Nadine’s parents agreed. They missed their daughter so they brought her with her. Anya filed a restraining order, so Nadine could not come near her. Nadine found this silly but when she saw Anya by the river she understood what her purpose was.
Nadine didn’t have the chance to say goodbye to anyone. She could not leave Jeff a message by the river since Anya was always there. With a heavy heart she left hanging on to the last words Jeff told her. “Of course we will” is what Jeff said and she believed no matter how long they would be apart they would see each other again.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Chapter 10: Truth and Tulips
Epilogue: Of Mud and Laces
Epilogue: Of Mud and Laces
Two years later, a classroom was filled with students. There were lots who were standing and fighting for a better position. The door opened and the professor walked in, he was wearing rugged clothes, his shoes were muddy and the laces untied. He sat on top of the table and smiled at everyone.
Jeff’s hair grew long again, he was earning a decent pay but his appearance never showed it.
“Good morning!!! Wow! Are you sure you are all enrolled in my class? How come I can see many familiar faces? I never failed a student as far as I can remember. Why are some of you here again?” Jeff asked.
“Tell us the story again sir, the story you told us last year” one girl said. Jeff laughed and shook his head. “I am sorry, I can’t do that, the book is already published. Oh and I can see a lot of you have my book, that’s flattering” he told them.
“Professor, about your book, there seems to be something missing. The ending is hanging, why is that?” one student asked and again Jeff laughed. “Excuse me are you really our professor? Sorry to ask but why are your shoes muddy and unlaced?” another student asked. “Dumbass! Read the book so you will know why!” a lady student said and Jeff laughed louder.
“Okay please no name calling, since this is the first day of school then I will allow you to ask questions and I will answer them honestly” Jeff told them. A lot of students were raising their hands and most of them were his students last year. “Wow, I think this won’t work so let me just explain why the book ended that way. You see the publisher was egging me to finish it, even though I explained to them that I am still waiting for the happy ending they would not listen. So i submitted my copy, I thought they won’t publish it since it had an open ending but they did. They said let the readers finish the story according to their imagination” Jeff explained.
“Sir that may work for a few but for us who know you we want to know the real ending” a lady student said. “Just like I said, the last chapter isn’t written yet, so I can’t tell you how it ends” Jeff replied.
“Sir did you and Anya get back together?” one asked and Jeff laughed. “Do you think she would let me teach if we were together? And you read about her, if you were me would you get back together with her?” Jeff asked and there was a loud negative response.
“Sir what happened to Nadine?” a gentleman in front asked and Jeff shrugged his shoulders. “Two years I have never seen her, I have no idea where she went” he replied. “Sir you don’t tie your shoe laces, don’t tell us you don’t know how to tie them” one student said and the room erupted in laughter. “You want me to tie them for you sir?” a young lady asked. “Hey! You new students read the book first! The professor never lets anyone touch his shoelaces! Last year there were some who tried but he never let them. Go buy the book and read it!” one loyalist said. “Sorry for asking mister know it all! I was just riding the wave of the humor!” she shouted and Jeff laughed and shook his head.
“I bet you a hundred he will let me tie his shoe laces” a lady voice was heard saying. Jeff looked at the crowd but he could not see where it came from. “Yeah right! Make it a thousand!” a man replied. The lady stood up and Jeff froze and stared at her. “Fine, a thousand dollars then, I am going to walk towards the professor and I will tie his shoe laces” she said and everyone laughed. “Good luck! As if he would let you!” one shouted.
For two years they have not seen each other, Jeff just watched Nadine walk towards him. Everyone didn’t know who she was, but they noticed her muddy shoes and untied shoe laces. The room fell silent as Nadine and Jeff both stared at each other. Nadine knelt down on her knee but Jeff stood up, “See I told you he won’t let you!!!” shouted a student.
Jeff knelt down on one knee and he extended his other foot forward, Nadine did the same and they both tied each other’s shoe laces. Everyone was shocked; a lot of buzzing and whispers were heard. The two in front changed positions and got on their other knees and again extended their untied shoes to each other. Once they were done they both stood up and smiled at each other.
“Oh my God! She has blond hair! That is Nadine!!!” one shouted and a lot were almost teary eyed. “Is that really her?” one asked. “Of course it’s her, she tied his shoe laces and he let her do it. He even tied her shoe laces!” another one replied.
Jeff and Nadine were laughing hearing those comments from the students. Jeff extended his hand and Nadine grabbed it, everyone was clapping their hands and Jeff bowed to them and smiled. The two went straight for the door and everyone else rushed to follow them.
Hand in hand they walked the campus and headed towards their sweet spot. The students followed them and more curious people joined in. Through the mud they walked and they just kept silent and smiling at each other. “Why are they not talking?” one asked, “I don’t know, maybe they are just too happy to speak” a girl replied. “Nope, I they don’t know the right words to say, yeah maybe they don’t want to mess up their greeting” another commented. “Oh shut up and let’s just follow them” the girl said.
Jeff and Nadine reached the tree; one student raised his arms and faced his fellow students who were still struggling through the mud. “We cannot go any farther, let them have their moment” he shouted. Jeff and Nadine laughed hearing this and they both stared at the tree. Nadine noticed a lot of stick figures added on to the ones she etched herself, she looked at Jeff and knew they were the number of day he had not seen her.
They walked towards the Tulips, but Jeff pulled Nadine’s arm and they walked up the inclined slope. He pointed towards the Tulips and from there she could see there was a marvelous formation that spelled her name. They go back under the tree and Nadine takes out a copy of his book and a pen from her bag. She opens the book and hands him the pen, Jeff took the pen and scribbled on the first page and smiles at her.
Nadine takes a look at the autograph but it was not his signature written there, she blushes and looks at him and smiles. “I love you too” she replies.
Under the tree they embraced and kissed, from a distance the onlookers were pumping their fists and silently celebrating. A lot of them were crying, some were taking photos and videos using their mobile phones.
“So this is how it ends, right where they first met. This time he really waited for her…two years and she found him” a girl said and she started to cry. “Nope this is not an ending; this is a new beginning for them. But you are right, the book ends here and I am so glad that I was a witness to this last chapter” the guy beside her said. “If only the publishers could wait, man I bet more people would buy his book” another student commented. “Hey lets help him out, we can open a site and we shall be the ones to tell the story, we even have photos and videos, right? Let’s make it as a tribute for them, one true love that knows no boundaries” one suggested.
Under the tree Jeff and Nadine were smiling at each other as they embraced. “Where have you been all this time?” he asked her. “Oh somewhere far so you would miss me” she replied. “How did you know I was here?” he asked again. “I actually didn’t but I was tired of looking for you. Then I remembered our last talk, so here you are right where we last saw each other, I am happy that you waited for me” she said.
“How sure are you that I waited?” he asked. “You kissed me and you don’t have a ring on your finger” she said. “How sure are you I don’t have a ring?” he teased her and she pouted. “So you didn’t wait for me” she said softly. “I am sorry, it’s been two years Nadine, you left without saying goodbye” he told her.
“So why did you kiss me then?” she asked. “Because I want to” he answered. Nadine hit his chest repeatedly and looked at him. “Liar! Two years I longed for you, I came back here for you and this is how you surprise me?! Show me the ring, who is she? I want to see you wear it” she said and Jeff bowed his head. “I hid the ring inside one Tulip; I leave it there every day. Before I go home I come and take it” he said and Nadine immediately ran towards the flowers and stared at them.
“There are so many! Where is it and who is she?!” she asked in anger. Jeff pointed at one Tulip and Nadine plucked it out, she opened the flower and her eyes suddenly grew bigger. Jeff knelt down on one knee and Nadine was shaking all over. Inside the Tulip was a platinum ring with one large diamond stone perfectly cut to the form of a Tulip.
“When the book was published I had lots of money but I was not happy. I bought that ring hoping I could give it to you some day. I come here every morning to hide the ring inside one Tulip wishing that this day would arrive. If it didn’t I would come back and take it before I go home wishing that tomorrow you would come. Now you finally came back to me, I know this is sudden but for two years it was only you that I have been thinking of. I have become successful but still I am not happy and there is only one person who can make me happy and that is you Nadine. Two years apart, I know a lot have changed but my love for you has not wavered and I cannot say the same about you but I am going to ask anyway…”
“Nadine will you marry me?”
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Announcements
Greetings!
I received reports about chapter 18 not showing and indeed as i checked this a while ago it was definitely not showing.
I did some editing and i think it works fine now. I checked and reloaded the page three times and its okay now.
Anyway, hold on for just a little longer as i am currently writing a new story. Sorry Frank fans, the new story is OF MUD AND LACES
Its a roller coaster or emotions actually and i hope you will like it.
Currently i am at chapter 3, i cant give you a specific time when i finish this but definitely it will be soon enough.
Frank fans, i promise to write the second book after that. A lot are asking if Frank is a super human, an alien or a mutant hehehehe...
Well you will learn the truth soon. I promise to make it funnier and more cheesy hehehehe..
See you in a few days!
