Love Is Second Best — Chapter 19: UNLOVE YOU NOT

"Hello?"

"Hi, Charm!" She heard a familiar voice on the other line that made her heart flutter right away.

“Ian...hi." She can't help smiling as she responded in an awkward manner.

"What's up? Everything okay?"

"I just want to ask you about what you posted on your youtube video account."

"Oh, that," He responded right away. She thinks that Adrian knew what she exactly meant by what she said to him.

"I'm sorry. I was about to tell you that in person but something really came up. I supposed to invite you again this afternoon but we had a team practice and I shouldn't miss it."

"Oh, I see."

"Sorry that I don't get your permission right away. I was just too excited to upload that one. If you want, I can take it down."

"Oh, no,no,no! Please! Don't get me wrong. I actually love it. I think I am just shocked because I saw it on your youtube account."

"Wow. Really? Did you watch my vlogs?" She could hear his cheerful tone on the other line that made her glad, too.

"Y-Yes. I was bored as I was browsing youtube. I just remember your username and tried searching it."

"Thank you so much! I consider this as a compliment. Thank you for supporting one of my passions in life."

"Yep. I am one of your subscribers now." Carmella felt really happy every time she talked with Adrian. Whenever she does it, she feels like she could handle any kind of pressure and even problems. That call lasted for another two minutes before she hung up.

She sure can't get enough of Adrian but she also needs to study. She hopes that her happiness for the recent times will not be the reason for her regrets later on. Besides, she's thinking of slowing everything down. She doesn't want to assume things or even overthink. It's not in her vocabulary. As of the moment, she's just enjoying whatever they have right now. Friendship and fun as they also enjoy different kinds of food in some of the restaurants that Adrian loves to eat.

Days turned into several months. Hope and Carmella's friendship blossomed into a much deeper kind of love. As Hope knew Carmella more, she realized why she's desperate for the top spot. Some of their classmates might never know the real situation but upon hearing it from Carmella herself, she gave way.

"Hope...why?" Carmella said between sobs as they were hanging out to one of the benches of the mini-forest of their school.

"What why?"

"Why are you doing this? Look, you had a lot of mistakes on your exams. Are you nuts? Are you doing this on purpose? Why?"

Hop hugged her and she can't help but to pour out her emotions, too. After a minute, she let go of her, sighed and smiled as she faced Carmella.

"I'm from America. Remember, I still have a lot of things that I never knew of, compared to you who is always more than ready."

"I am so sorry. I feel selfish right away. I am so sorry if I am used to competing. To others, I may be desperate...but‐‐"

"I will never, ever unlove you. What I knew about you will always remain in me."

"What did I do to deserve someone like you, Hope?" Carmella can't stop her tears. Hope pulled her handkerchief from the pocket of her skirt and wiped her tears for her.

"You did nothing. You just accepted me for what I am, that's why you deserve happiness in life, always."

"We'll still be classmates when we go back here again for our Senior High year, right?"

"Of course. I guess Kara will also be our classmate since she's the top student from section 2."

"Wow! That's great news! We'll be going out together soon. The three of us." Hope said as she excitedly clapped her hands.

"Yes. I am looking forward to it." Carmella replied as she hugged her again. Hope can't help but smile as she touched Carmella's back as she rested her head on her shoulders.

"Congratulations for being the top student among all Junior high students, my dear." Hope held her hand and they both walked together back into their classroom to comply for many requirements for the signing of clearance.

Summer came like lightning. Since Carmella and her mom are not fond of going on trips, Carmella used to spend her summer days in their house. That's why when Hope came, she's able to go outside their house and her comfort zone as well.

They often went to malls to hang out, eat delicious foods and even went to many rides with Hope.

"I love the rides here. It's not too big and yet it's enough for us to enjoy everything that's in here."

"Thank you Hope! Because of you, I get to enjoy the roller coaster. I am so happy!"

"I think they are right! It is more fun in the Philippines." Hope answered, too.

"I can't explain how I feel right now. I never get to experience this one with my mom, that's why. I'm sorry for being really silly. I just can't help it."

"What? Who told you that you're silly? You're fun to be with, okay?" Hope defended her being harsh on herself. She's but a lovely soul trapped in a beautiful body and an almost perfect life. I guess Hope doesn't need anything that much in her life that's why she's easily happy.

We went around the theme park with all smiles when a familiar guy waved at me. When Carmella realized who it is, I almost fainted to where I am standing right now.

Adrian? He's indeed Adrian! But what is he doing here? Carmella's heart almost skipped a beat as I looked around. She spotted Hope buying two cotton candies for the both of us. Since Adrian is a bit far from her, she immediately hid to the crowd of people around them. Carmella also grabbed Hope's arm.

"What?" She said, looking puzzled as Carmella roamed her gaze on the crowd.

"I think I saw some of our classmates. I don't want to even greet them here." She said, not avoiding her sight to the people around her.

The truth is, I don't want her to see Adrian. I already imagine the awkward moment if he will greet me and Hope doesn't know how on earth did I know Adrian without her knowledge.

"Oh, I see. Okay. Let's hide somewhere." She said as she nodded. She took a bite from her cotton candy as she gave her the other on her other hand.

"Thank you. Let's go."

He was able to pass before Carmella and Hope but he didn't know Carmella's there. He seemed to be finding someone around the place.

"Did we lose them?" Hope giggled as she hid her head behind her back.

"Yeah, I think so." She said, looking around very carefully. When she felt that Adrian was already out of sight, she sighed feeling relieved.

"Let them speak all they want. It's your life anyway."

"I can't help it. They really want to make up stories that it’s really crushing me down sometimes." Carmella said as she looked down.

"Don't worry. Even if they will see us, I will be here to defend you. Just don't mind them."

"Sorry Hope. I can't help but to worry too much."

"Don't be. Somehow, I understand where you're coming from. People will have a lot to say you know. All you have to do is to ignore them and spread love instead."

"I hope that's how easy everything goes."

"I think it is not a bad way to start over again. You can try it. A little a day will make a huge difference later on."

"Thank you Hope. You don't know how much I appreciate it so much."

"No biggie. Let's go. Just ignore them and we'll go for rides that you haven't tried yet."

"Wow! I'm up for it! Let's go!" I said as I simply looked around once again.

----

"I'm sure I saw you at the West theme park yesterday." Adrian mentioned that almost made her choke on what she's eating right now.

"Really? But I haven't seen you."

"That's odd. I even waved at you." He insisted that she can't help but bite her lower lip. "Well, I guess you really never see me. I just thought you did." He added and smiled. They ate at a famous Barbeque restaurant on this very fine afternoon.

I was about to eat my food when my phone vibrated. When she saw that it was Hope, she panicked and became anxious all of a sudden.

"Who is it? Are you not going to answer it?"

"Oh, I think it's one of those prank callers. I'm sorry." I cancelled the call and turned off my phone as I slid it into the side pocket of my pants. I smiled to let him know that I am not getting nervous or what.

"I see. You should block those numbers for security purposes." He said as he smiled. I did the same, too. I hope I am not being obvious in hiding Hope for a while. I hope she could forgive me for cancelling her call.

"I will. I'm sorry. I'll just keep my phone for a while."