Chapter 4
Soon, Leila sent me a picture.
It was the screenshot of Norah’s Twitter.
“AntoNora: I mentioned about the show. My best friend waited all night to get me the tickets. He even bought me dessert this morning. I’m touched.”
Norah also posted the ticket. It was the same as the one Antonio left on my desk.
I didn’t reply to Leila.
Instead, I fetched the mop and started cleaning the floor.
As I bent over, tears streamed down my cheeks uncontrollably.
I pitied myself.
Suddenly, I realized something.
Back inside the bedroom, I started packing things that related to Antonio.
It included the photos we took in more than a decade and the gifts he gave me.
I was getting rid of them all.
I was getting rid of Antonio.
Since that day, Antonio and I didn’t even text each other.
Before I blocked his number, I went through all our texts.
In the past, when we fought, we’d make up in less than a day.
However, I was always the one who caved first.
It was the fifth day since the argument. I assumed Antonio was waiting for my apology.
Perhaps, he was busy sucking face with Norah and forgot about
- me.
It didn’t matter.
I didn’t care.
I blocked Antonio’s number and his social accounts and changed the password of my house.
Afterward, I called my aunt who was living abroad.
She had been asking me to visit her after my graduation.
Before, I planned a trip with Antonio and always said no to my
aunt.
Finally, I was making a decision without being affected by Antonio.
When Mom heard about it, she teased me.
“Grace, what changes your mind? Didn’t you plan to travel with Antonio after graduation?”
I didn’t tell her the truth.
I made up an excuse and changed the subject.
After my new plan was ready, I went out shopping and wanted to watch a movie on the way.
To my surprise, I ran into Antonio in front of the cinema.
He was with his friends. They seemed happy.
Naturally, Norah was right by Antonio’s side.
Antonio stood behind Norah and was bending slightly.
His chin was on her shoulder. The two looked like a loving couple.
I looked at them and felt a prick in my eyes.
Antonio never acted intimately with me in public.
We grew up together. But in public, he could scold me when I was just standing a little too close to him.
“Grace, we’re not a couple. You’re going to ruin my reputation.”
Alright. Being intimate with me would ruin his reputation.
But he could do that with Norah because they were pals.
I tried my hardest to keep my tears at bay.
Clenching my fists, I turned around and left.
I didn’t want to watch the movie anymore.
Before I could go far, a familiar voice shouted behind me. “Grace?”
Someone grabbed my wrist.
I looked up and saw Antonio and his gloomy expression.
“How dare you block my number?
“You’re serious this time?
“Unblock me now. We’re going to travel soon. Remember? While
you act like a spoiled brat, nobody will want to go on a trip with you.”
Antonio grew angrier and tightened the grip on my wrist.
I threw his hand off forcefully.
I shot him a glare and said curtly, “Leave me alone.”
Antonio paused and became even angrier.
“Grace. This is enough…”
He said more, but I toned him out.
Antonio’s friends and Norah came over to pull him back.
“Come on, Antonio. The movie is starting. We need to go inside.”
“Yes. Grace is acting like she’s the queen.”
“She’s so annoying that I can’t stand her…”
I didn’t look back once no matter what they said or how harsh their words were.
I walked away firmly.
“It’s time to move on,” I said to myself.
