I'm Sorry

Jessica was now in her village, rushing towards the little playground where she and Liam usually hang out since they were kids. That playground was already abandoned years ago so people never went there except for the two. And you know what makes it better? There’s this secret garden behind it. They said that that garden was taken care of by a couple who died in a car accident years ago. They said that that garden was the symbol of their great love for each other. It held a great meaning for the couple. Now, it was the place where Jess and Liam goes when they feel the need to refresh themselves, when they feel the need to forget everything and just live like they’re the only persons left in the world. Almost every memory of their friendship was in that garden: all the fights, little arguments, the crying and mourning, the laughter, everything. And Jessica knew, if she couldn’t find Liam in the playground, there was only one place that comes to her mind on where he could be: Their Secret Garden.

The sight of the little playground was now clear to Jessica’s view but she stopped midway to catch her breath. All the running made it hard for her to grasp some air. When she got herself together, she walked towards the little playground, scanning the place trying to find her best friend but to no avail. There’s only one place left: their secret garden.

She walked through the playground and towards the wooden fence that could be barely seen since it’s covered with vines. She pushed the wooden door open and the night garden breeze welcomed her. She closed the door before continuing her steps, tilting her head to the sides trying to get a sight of her best friend. If she couldn’t find him anywhere here, then she doesn’t know where to look anymore.

Suddenly, a figure by the big fountain with a cupid statue caught her attention. And for the first time that night, she remembered how to breathe. She was filled with relief that he waited for her this late at night but sad that she had to face him, explaining why she didn’t go to his game. Step by step, she slowly walked towards the familiar figure, her heart as heavy as a sack of metals. When she got nearer, she decided to stop a good distance away from him. He had his hands in his pocket and he was staring into the fountain intently.

She knew he could feel her presence by now but just decided not to take a glance and pretend like it’s not even there. And so, she took this as the chance to speak first.

“Liam…” she breathed, “Liam, I-I’m sorry…” tears began to form from the corner of her eyes. Her heart was beating very fast and loud which made it harder for her to hear her own words. She knew he was very upset at the moment. I mean, who wouldn’t be? When you’re best friend couldn’t make it to the biggest game of your life. The game that stood as the bridge to his dreams on becoming a professional soccer player yet his best friend wasn’t there to witness his perseverance. Not even a call nor a text was sent. And somehow, that made him feel unwanted and unappreciated.

“If sorry could fix anything in one go, then why do you think there are even police in the place?” Liam spat rather coldly, not sparing even a single glance at her.

“I know it’s my fault and I admit it. That was the biggest game of your life, yet I wasn’t there to witness everything. You don’t know how bad I feel at this moment knowing that my best friend is mad at me.” she said, tears were now threatening to fall but she tried to push it back and wiped it with the back of her hands before it could completely fall. Then, she stood beside him and stared at the fountain as well, trying to grasp something from her bag.

“Guess what I brought for you?” she said, trying to lighten up the tensed atmosphere. “Here.” she mumbled, when she got a hold of that thing which was supposed to be two bars of Hershey chocolate. It was his favorite. He likes eating sweet stuff which makes the both of them. So she decided to stop by a little convenience to grab some chocolate bars on her way there. She thought that if she bought some for him, it will lessen his anger a bit.

Liam tilted his head a little to find two chocolate bars offered to him. He glanced up to see Jessica smile but guilt was evidence in her eyes. He knew she was sorry and that she just forgot about it. She was always the type of person who forgets things easily and he can’t blame her for being one, I mean she was born with it so he can’t do anything but bear with it. He looked back at the bars and smirked.

“You really have your ways huh?” he said in rather playful way. Jessica’s smile grew wider and this time it wasn’t forced. Though she still felt guilty about the whole thing she was relieved that he finally talked to her. And that smirk, she could live with it now. When he got hold of the bars, she immediately wrapped her arms around his neck and locked him in a warm embrace which took Liam off guard. His eyes widened in shock but sooner he slowly encircled his arms in her waist, hugging her back.

“I’m really really sorry for not being able to go. I hope you’re not mad.” Tears trickled down her pale face as she hugged him tighter. Liam can’t help but chuckle.

“Do you really think I can stay mad at you, huh, Jessipop?” Jessica chuckled at the nickname then shook her head and pulled back. She wiped the dried tears in her cheeks and looked at him and guffawed.

“You really have to bring that nickname up, huh, Lilipop?” she raised a brow which made him chuckle even more. He pinched his cheeks with his free hand rather hardly earning a glare from her.

“Can’t help it. You’re very cute.” He got his hand back and left it loosely hanging on his side. She looked at him with a weird look. “What?” he asked, blinking innocently.

“Did you just say I’m cute?” she interrogated.

“No. I was talking to your cheeks. I said they’re cute. Not you.” he lamely excused, looking somewhere else but her. Jessica guffawed at his lame excuse.

“That was the lamest excuse I’ve ever heard in my life!” Jessica blurted. Liam just shrugged and handed one of the chocolate bars to her. She looked at it questionably.

“You better take it before I change my mind and have it all for myself.” He challenged and in a second, she grabbed the chocolate bar from him. And again, he chuckled for like the millionth time that night.

They stayed there, telling jokes and stupid stories about potatoes and toothpaste, you name it. They were having their best friend time. Maybe too much of best friend time that they didn’t mind how late the night was getting.

“Congrats by the way…” Jessica mumbled, taking a bite of the last piece remaining from her choco bar.

“How’d you even know if I won or not if you weren’t there to witness it?” he raised a brow.

“Somehow, I know you’d pull it off. I mean that was one step towards your dream so there was no way you’d screw it.” She said, grinning from ear to ear.

“Thanks…” He said, smiling and continued eating his bar. Somehow, he can’t get the smile off his face that night and he doesn’t even know why.