"When the eyes meet and hold strongly they are bound to meet again.."

Chapter 35 - Fading, Blossoming

Isabelle rode the chariot with a confused mind. She wasn't speaking to her parents, her mind was wandering off to a rewind of the guy who literally swept her off her feet and another guy who helped her. She was feeling something else. She thought it was weird for the second guy to show up and just randomly pick her book then ran off to the same staircase where the guy in the skateboard went. Then she thought, what if they were the same guy? She shook it off the second she thought of it, "there was no way a disrespectful man can suddenly go back and become a gentleman". And the weirder part was Isabelle couldn't seem to remember both of the guys faces. Well, the first guy is an exception since he was wearing a mask. Isabelle was staring outside the window her mind still rewinding the event over and over. She couldn't possibly be feeling anything for the guy/ guys. She had enough to handle. Her eyes were staring past the glass window then suddenly, her eyes caught a glimpse of a guy standing near the gate. She was startled. She blinked a few times but he was still there. But unlike the last time Isabelle saw him, she only felt a little spark. Miguel. Her reaction was like a mosquito's bite compared to the electric shock before. She didn't know what was happening. Isabelle even tried to question her heart. "Beat fast! like a railroad train remember?" But still, nothing. Her heart beat at a mild pace, faster but not as fast as the past. What was happening to her? Was Miguel replaced? Forgotten? Maybe there's a new competition.

". "love can be blissful, love can be sad but right at the end, love will always be everlasting giving you satisfaction like no other"."

Chapter 36 - New Guy

It was the month of January and another day of school. Isabelle placed her things on her desk and sat quietly, her mind wandering off. She remembered the days when her mind was at peace: no Miguel, no Juanito just going to school to study. She thought about the past months: of being love struck and heartbroken. Her mind was swirling and her heart, pounding fiercely then right at that moment someone loudly dropped their things on the seat next to her. Isabelle didn't mind it she thought it was Maria getting her attention again. But a hand was extended towards her, it was a guy's hand. She looked up and saw the guy who helped her carry her books, he was smiling directly at her.
"Hi. I'm Marc", said the new guy which such confidence. Isabelle was surprised her eyes surely expressed it. "Umm... I'm Isabelle. Nice to meet you, You're new here, aren't you?". Isabelle shook Marc's hand with anxiety. "Yes, just transferred from New York. My family's a little adventurous you see", he said with a smile that won over Isabelle. "Oh. well then welcome. And, uh, thanks for yesterday", Isabelle, still finding words, blurted out.

"Cool you still remember. That was nothing. Hey no offense, but your school's kinda ancient. Do you mind showing me around one time? It's gonna take time for me to get used here."

"Sure. Anytime"

Marc and Isabelle looked at each other with quite a long gaze and smiled. The bell rang but Isabelle's heartbeat was louder than any sound. Marc offered his hand and helped Isabelle from her seat. They left the classroom together smiling the whole time that left her classmates, even Maria, wondering.

".For it is love that can withstand all things, even the most difficult problem on Earth."

Chapter 37 - Concentration

There was the sound of the chalk writing feverishly on the blackboard while a loud and stern voice filled the room but Isabelle could only hear a glimpse of these. Her mind was going places. And it was only the first period: Algebra.

Marc was seated next to her and jotting down notes like there's no tomorrow. Isabelle slightly turned her head and right at that instant their eyes met. It was magical and enchanting, a feeling Isabelle had never felt for in a lifetime. Her heart did not beat faster than a railroad train but it melted like an iceberg hit by global warming. Their gaze was long as if they were the only two in the room. Their hearts beating in the same rhythm, harmony and melody. Everything was a blur and all they could look at, think of and feel were each other's presence. But the moment crashed when their teacher shouted loudly asking for an answer to the question they never heard. The room was back to being filled with eager teenagers trapped in an academic classroom with a teacher eager to burst.
"Ms. Turell would you mind telling the class the answer", the teacher said with such fearful voice. Isabelle was startled and instantly blushed. She had no idea what topic they were on. Marc coughed and Isabelle looked down with Marc pointing to a portion on his notebook. Isabelle read it fast, her hands shaking, she had to trust Marc. She cleared her throat. "It's 3 pi over 4", she said with such confidence. Her teacher smiled and bowed, "correct".
Isabelle was able to mouth a "thank you" to Marc and seated quietly on her seat. She couldn't concentrate on the subject matter anymore. Then the bell rang.

".Life's too short to think, better act now when it comes to love."

Chapter 38 - Rejection

School was over and the students were off to their different rides, some fetched others in groups towards their service. Isabelle grabbed her things and as she was about to leave, a hand grabbed her arm.
"Hey. How 'bout I take you home", Marc pleadingly asked Isabelle. His eyes seeped through hers.

"Um. I'm Sorry. My parents fetch me."

"Oh well then at least let me walk you out from school."

Isabelle wondered. "Why?"

"Oh I don't know. I just want to spend time with you".

Isabelle flushed and looked away.

"No. I'm sorry." Isabelle ran off her heart beating faster than ever.

Marc was left there his hands shaking. He never felt like that before maybe it was the feeling of rejection that took him. He got this things with such depression while Isabelle hurriedly left the campus.
This isn't right, Isabelle thought. She mustn't fall for him she had enough to deal with, having Miguel and Juanito. There was too much distraction. Too much for her heart to handle. Too much for her mind to think about. She was almost teary eyed with all these coming to her. Everything was a mistake: her talking to Marc, gazing upon him at Algebra class and agreeing to show him around one time. It was not right to let him hope because she does not want him to. Isabelle knew what to do. It would be hard but it must be done. She must reject Marc and eject him from her life.

".Friends are the roots of what is to be called the fruits that is love."

Chapter 39 - Wake - up

The carriage was right in front of Isabelle's door step. But for some reason she did not want to ride it, Isabelle stood there: motionless. She took a deep breath and opened the door to the carriage. Miguel was seated near the door, an empty seat was next to him. Isabelle looked down and took the seat. She felt the heartbeat: it was a feeling that can never be compared to what she felt when she was near Marc. It was highly above it. Miguel made the same move: he touched ever so lightly Isabelle's finger tips with his. Like he was tapping her, tapping her heart definitely. Isabelle was stoic but deep down her mind swirled with glee.

They arrived at the school proper and Isabelle walked down with a smile on her face. She definitely liked Miguel with all her heart; it wouldn't be ruined with a simple infatuation with Marc. She snapped back to the reality that she can't have other guys near her, invading her heart and confusing her mind. One man was enough .

***

"Juanito won't be coming to school anymore", a loud voice announced at Isabelle's earshot. She looked for the person who spoke and saw Olivia, a 3rd year student who was a classmate of Juanito.

"What? Why?", her friend asked.

"He's sick. Not sure what exactly it is though. Must be really serious."

Isabelle was shocked. Juanito won't be coming to school. She won't be able to see him again. She sighed and shook it off. That's one person on the list, she thought.

".Love will a find a way for it is THE way. "

Chapter 40 - Moving on

Marc was unusually quiet. They were seated for the whole day without talking to each other. Isabelle felt relieved. Space and time would pave the way to forget what she feels for Marc. It would simply be a crush, nothing more. It must end there.

Isabelle gathered her things but when she looked at the seat next to her, Marc was gone. She got out and saw him talking to a girl a little bit taller than him. But he was happy and his eyes met hers in such a magical way. Isabelle felt like her heart was pricked by a thousand needles. She was saddened with the view right in front of her. But Isabelle needed to swallow whatever she was feeling and accept that Marc was moving on. She needed it too. She needs to choose. She can't be stuck in the middle running of wherever fate takes her. She must make her own destiny, her own choices for her own future. It lies on her decisions, what she truly feels deep inside.

Maria and Costanza was by her side. "It's fine", Isabelle said. "He's a guy. He just got bored easily". Isabelle was stung but she felt fine. No matter what happens Miguel would stay in her heart.

She was about to exit the gate when Ms. Sophia called her attention. Ms. Sophia was the adviser of the school paper. Isabelle walked towards her curiously.

"Hi Isabelle. I expect you to be prepped up for the yearly press conference. Okay?", Ms. Sophia told Isabelle eagerly.

"What? You picked me? Why thank you Ms. Sophia! I promise, I won't let you down."

"I expect it from you then."

Isabelle smiled proudly. She has moved on from both Marc and Juanito, ready to face the realities that come her way.

".Nobody can hear their heartbeat they can only feel it."

Chapter 41 - Competition

There were pictures being taken, essays written and news broadcasting done all over the place - and it was only 7am. Everything was laid out in front of them: what to do, where to do it and how much time they would perform the given task. Isabelle was prepped up for the Press Conference. She entered the Photojournalism category. She held her camera tightly and started to take photographs. The competition did not start yet, they were still being oriented and trained. She was accompanied by her other schoolmates. All of them tensed and ready to defend their school.

Isabelle sat on an empty bench and opened her camera. She needed to place film in it. She carefully got the film but as she was about to insert it, the film slipped and rolled from her hands. It stopped as a boy picked it up.

"I'm guessing this is yours.", said he.

"Yes. Thank you.", Isabelle answered as she got it from his hand.

"I didn't tell you to take it. Did I? I'm Jase by the way. What's your name?", he said with a big grin.

"Isabelle. Now, give me that film. I need it very much right now.", Isabelle said with a little irritation to her voice.

"Haha. Okay. Sorry". Jase said still with the same smile.

Isabelle snatched it from his hand and placed it angrily in her camera. She got up from the bench and walked towards the room where the contest was to be held.

"Hey wait! I'm sorry. I just wanted to be friends. I'm part of the team anyways. Sorry." Jase said with sad eyes this time.

Isabelle was rushing then.

"Yeah sure. Just don't do it again. Good luck in your category!"

"Thanks! And don't worry. You'll be my inspiration the whole time I'd be writing my story." Jase said with the same smile that could mean trouble.

".Space makes time seem long and slow when you're far from me."

Chapter 42 - Pick - up

There were colorful flowers, attractive posters and picturesque sceneries. It was hard to choose what would be the subject of Isabelle's entry for the contest. She searched and looked carefully for the best shots. She got hold of her camera and started to click and take that first picture. She decided to go for the butterfly resting idly on a flower; but as she was about to take the shot, the butterfly flew leaving the flower seem ordinary. Isabelle shook her head and became frustrated. She needed to make a good impression. They were 20 participants and only 5 would be able to reach Regionals; she had to make it. "I would be happy with 5th place", Isabelle thought to herself. She searched again for a better subject. As she was walking, Isabelle saw Jase sitting on the staircase. He was directly lighted by the sunlight. It was dramatic and definitely eye - catching. Isabelle sighed, she had to. She grabbed her camera and took the shot. The picture won't be viewed 'till they would be printed so she prayed that it would look good. If it won't, she'll blame it on Jase. 4 shots to go, she got around the building and took shots of all kinds. It was exciting and nerve - wracking at the same time. She was doing what she loved but she was doing it for a cost. It was a life and death situation.

It was waiting time. The films were all passed to the board of judges for printing and evaluation. Isabelle was tensed, her hands were shaking and she could barely speak. Jase smiled and approached her. She started to poke Isabelle. She didn't mind him, her mind was wandering off. But Jase was all over the place, poking her arm and smiling in quite a weird way.

"Hey!", he said.

Isabelle looked at him with a little irritation again. "What?", with a fake smile.

"Isabelle. Hmm. Your name's kinda long. Can I just call you Isa? Better save this wonderful voice of mine."

"Yeah Sure. Whatever."

"Hey Isa!"

"What???"

"You may fall from the sky, you may fall from a tree, but the best way to fall... is in love with me", Jase said with a big grin.

Isabelle was shocked; but she noticed that some other people were making cheesy pick -up lines too. So to lessen the tension she was feeling, she decided to just ride with the conversation.

"Okay Jase. Well then. People call me Isabelle, but you can call me Tonight! Haha.", Isabelle said with a little exaggeration.

"I see where this is going. Game on. Ms. Isabelle, Do you have a map? Because I just keep getting lost in your eyes!"

And so the pick - up lines continued. The fear and anxiety of Isabelle was lessened. They laughed and smiled at each other for the whole afternoon. Making lines that seemed to cheesy even for them. They were talking like they were long - time friends.

"Time for the announcement of winners", said the emcee of the competition.

".Love has no meaning, no definition but it defines a relationship that can't be explained further."

Chapter 43 - Best Friend

The tension came back. Isabelle's heart was pounding, the announcements were to be made. The emcee was on stage and the students gathered to hear who would be moving on to the next level. The broadcasting category was first but unfortunately; The Academy got only 2nd place which meant that their team wouldn't be going to Regionals. The next category was News Writing, 1st place was given to Isabelle's school. They rejoiced. Other categories followed, each leading to them going on to Regionals. Photojournalism was up next and Isabelle's hands were shaking. Jase was at her back and gave her a pat.

The first placer was up, and it was Isabelle's seat-mate. She applauded him with a smile; after all, it was Maria's best friend. The 2nd placer was called next and Isabelle was losing hope. She sighed. 3 places left. The 3rd was announced and it wasn't her.

"Don't worry. You'll make it", he said with a wink.

The speaker held the envelope with due care. She spoke with such pride.

"And 4th place goes to, Isabelle Kate Turell"

Isabelle couldn't believe it. Her name was announced but she was caught in the moment. Jase pushed her slightly.

"Isa! Get up there and receive your award!", Jase said enthusiastically.

Isabelle got up from her seat slowly. She climbed up the staircase towards the stage, her hands shaking the whole time and her heart pounding faster than before.

"And in addition to being the 4th placer, Ms. Turell also won the 'Best Picture' award", the emcee said with joy.

The judges gave her numerous congratulations and shook her hand. She was pinned with a ribbon and the photograph which won 'Best Picture' was given to her in a frame. She looked at it and unexpectedly, it was the picture she took that made Jase the primary subject. It did make a good shot. The lighting was perfect and his expression fit the scene.

Jase laughed at the sight of his picture. Isabelle descended the stage and her teammates hugged her and they all exchanged congratulations. Jase approached her with a big smile.

"I didn't know you took my picture. Are you stalking me? haha.", Jase said jokingly.

Isabelle slapped his arm. "Hey in my defense, it was professionally done. You want it?"

"No, you can keep it. You'll need it as a reminder of me."

"I don't need it then."

"Oh yeah. 'Coz I'm always on your mind right? haha"

"Shut up. haha"

Their teammates were eying them with suspicion. Isabelle rolled her eyes. They left the venue to get something to eat. Jase was with Isabelle. They were telling each other stories and joking around. Isabelle didn't feel a spark like when she was around Miguel and so did Jase with her. It was a relationship that could only be defined as friendship. In the end, their label was of 'Best Friends'

".It's not the time spent with you, but your presence alone that makes me happy."

Chapter 44 - Forget

The sunbeams woke Isabelle up. She stretched and gave out a big yawn. It was a new day. The competition was over and it was back to school for the participants. Isabelle was also to ride the chariot once again. She got up from bed and made the daily morning routine. Her hair was clipped tidily in place.

The carriage arrived on time as always. She opened the door and searched for a place to sit. Her heart pounded fiercely again. In that instant she remembered everyday of the ride to school. The moments spent with Miguel. The time - stopping events they shared together before she got to school. There was an empty sit right next to him. Isabelle couldn't help but smile. She was overjoyed. Her feelings were once again revived. The feelings which were temporarily at pause during the competition, when Miguel wasn't on her mind. When it was all Jase. When all her teammates were teasing her. When they she and Jase had a love team. Their coach even joined in. They laughed and smiled at every moment whenever Jase would approach Isabelle. The competition wasn't all serious, it involved a lot of joking around and kids. Jase had his eyes on Isabelle the whole time and whenever their teammates would caught them together, the teasing ensued. But Miguel was never thought about by Isabelle. She had almost forgotten about him during the competition, it was all Jase. But seemingly, her heart beat fast unlike any other feeling. She didn't feel that way for Jase, that was sure.

Miguel looked up at Isabelle and smiled. She took the seat next to him and placed her bag on her lap. The carriage moved swiftly but Isabelle's heartbeat sounded faster. All that was forgotten came back in a flash.

".even a short smile can brighten one's dark day."

Chapter 45 - Wrong side of the road

Isabelle got down from the chariot still dozed. Her heart was definitely alive and her mind was still reminiscing the moments. She got to the classroom and opened her books. She decided to review, she had a lot of catching up to do. But the words were all blurred. Isabelle couldn't concentrate. Her hand rand through the chapters but she was still thinking of Miguel. It was weird though since they never have actually talked to each other. She thought about the last few days they would be spending time riding the chariot. The school year was about to end and she hasn't told him how she felt. and nor has he for that matter. Her vision started to blur. Her eyes were watering. She sat quietly near the door of their classroom. She needed to make a move or it would be too late.

***

An event was to be held at campus and Isabelle was part of those who would be facilitating. She was vice president of the History Club and she, along with the president, would be handling the needed things for the event. They also served as guide for the guests that entered. There were a lot schools that participated. Isabelle, with the rest of the team, smiled courteously at the students and coaches that were geared up for the event. There were papers needed to be filled up so she decided to leave the gate and move to the other side of the room. Suddenly, Miguel came in along with a couple of students. Isabelle was shocked. She couldn't believe her eyes. And at that time she scolded herself from moving from the gate. She could have welcomed Miguel instead she was stuck writing down things at the other side of the room. Her heart beat fast and her mind swirled. She sighed and slapped her forehead. That was an opportunity she missed. "At least", she thought, "there's a whole day left".

".Hope. Just Hope and have Faith. "

Chapter 46 - Information

Isabelle, along with the rest of the team, headed to the program. They made themselves comfortable at the back seats. Miguel was at the front row and Isabelle couldn't help but stare at his direction. He was there. At Isabelle's school. Sitting just less than 5 feet away. She wanted to run, no leap to him. She wanted to hold him and talk to him forever. Isabelle wanted him all to herself. She wanted him, period. But it was only the start of the activity and there was nothing to do but listen to the long talk being given. She was getting bored and so was the rest of the students. They couldn't wait for the break.

At last the speaker announced that they could get snacks at the other side of the hall. Everyone stood up for the prayer. Isabelle's heart pounded. It was time. Their group was also in charge of handing out the food to the guests. Their group was the very first to stand and head to the tables. The visitors gathered around and started to file to a line. Isabelle could see Miguel lining up at the farther back. She sighed. This was going to take long. She thought of what to say. What to do. How to act. In less than 2 minutes she would be able to see him. Close and possibly even hold his hand. They were distributing the packs of food to each participant. But Isabelle's head was not focused on that duty. She gave each snack her eyes constantly searching for Miguel. He was getting closer and closer. If she had a rope she would have probably thrown it at him and pulled it like a cowboy. Her heart was still pounding like crazy. This wouldn't be like the ride in the chariot. This time would be different, Isabelle thought. She would talk to him and he would talk to her. They would have a great time and maybe, possibly, it would lead somewhere to friendship and in the end, a relationship. She winced at the thought. Finally, Miguel reached the table. He first got a cup and some juice from the first station. Then, they were face - to - face. He and Isabelle were just inches apart just like when they were seated beside each other in the chariot, only it would be different as Isabelle thought. They looked at each other, eyes sparkling as bright as the moon. Miguel smiled. Isabelle's heart just stopped then beat so fiercely she could hardly hear anyone in the room. And it was a pretty busy room.

"Hi", Isabelle said. Stuttering in the process. Their eyes still meeting. Isabelle waited for a response. Any response.

".Time can do wonders in a relationship."

Chapter 47 - Shock

Seconds passed quickly. Still no response. Isabelle felt the humiliation streaming in her. What if he wouldn't respond. What if he just passed by her. What if he didn't recognize her at all? Isabelle was about to turn her head away when an angel - like voice came to her ears.

"Hello", Miguel said with such innocence and a smile overcame his face.

Isabelle's heart beat faster than before. Her eyes were directly looking at Miguel. She couldn't move. Her lips more immobile. Her mind was going places. She couldn't think properly. Miguel was standing there. And he just talked to her. One word changed it all. One word made her heart pound and her mind swirl. It was breathtaking.

"Can I have that?", Miguel asked with his arms extended towards Isabelle's hand. She was still stuck in dreamland. Isabelle gave her hand.

"Umm. I was talking about the pack of food. If you don't mind. I'm a little hungry.", Miguel's smile had faded and he was looking annoyed.

Snap out of it, Isabelle's mind shouted at her. She was staring at Miguel. She hadn't said anything for nearly a minute. Miguel coughed, his food was still not given and the others at the back of the line was starting to get irritated. At that Isabelle awoke from her shock. She felt stupid. She gulped then gave the snack to Miguel with a little humiliation. She shook her head when Miguel went back to his seat. When, she thought, would they ever have a conversation together. She sighed, a frown building up.

".When you fall in love, it is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake, and then it subsides."

Chapter 48 - Sudden

"Thank you for coming. Have a Pleasant Afternoon", the speaker said which ended the event.

"Yeah. It is so pleasant", Isabelle thought. She didn't say anything at all after that little encounter with Miguel. Not only because there wasn't anyone to talk to or any topic to talk about but because of the unbearable humiliation and sadness she felt with Miguel. She was suppose to have a conversation with him, a talk. Something. But it turned out to have an opposite result. What could Miguel be thinking right now? About her? About them? She sighed then slowly got up from her seat. Her group was gone now and she was the only one left at the back row. She made her way downstairs with no one to accompany her. She could have been Miguel at that time if she weren't so dumb during the break.

Isabelle was at the gate. Waiting for her parents to fetch her. She still carried the frown. People were exiting faster than they entered in the morning. There were even boxes being carried from the school. She constantly had to move from the gate to make way then she felt a bump behind her which made her tumble from the gate to the ground. Her knees were bent and her hands caught gravel. She became more annoyed. A box had hit here, hard. A guy held her up pleading and apologizing for what he had done but Isabelle couldn't here him. She was too angry. First Miguel now that. She was frustrated.

"Next Time. Will you Please watch your step? Ho-", Isabelle stopped mid - sentence. She saw the guy and was immediately at shock. She flushed.

"I'm very very sorry. I didn't see you.", Miguel said. His eyes made Isabelle melt.

"No. No. It's fine. I was in the way. It's my fault", Isabelle was about to faint.

"It was mine. You fell down. Do you have any wounds? Anything? You must be hurt. That was a pretty hard fall", Miguel seemed so concerned.

"I'm not sure. I haven't checked yet. Though I do feel a little pain on my knees"

"I'm so sorry. How about I take you to the clinic. Then we can go grab a snack. My treat. I just feel so bad.", Miguel told Isabelle with such sympathy Isabelle just wanted to hug him.

They rode the first vehicle that passed through The Academy and sat side by side. Like in the chariot. Isabelle flushed.

"My name's Richard by the way", he said with his hand extended towards hers. Isabelle smiled.

"Isabelle.", She shook his hand. Not daring to let go but she didn't want to act stupid again.

So his name wasn't Miguel. Her mystery guy wasn't so mysterious anymore. She finally had found out the name of her dream guy. Maybe this day would turn out better than what was expected. Richard. They were seated together, smiling and talking during the whole trip.

".No matter how many times I get hurt because of you, I won't leave you. Because even if I have a hundred reasons to leave you, I'll look for that one reason to fight for you."

Chapter 49 - Decision

They entered a cafe called Skies. Richard opened the door for Isabelle. She smiled. Her heart didn't stop beating fast ever since their encounter at the school's gate. She couldn't believe this was actually happening. It was literally like being in heaven. They picked the right place to stay. The ceiling was painted with beautiful clouds and colorful lights glistening throughout the whole room. Each table had flowers as their centerpiece and it's aroma filled the place. Isabelle really felt that this was all a dream. She was with Richard. The man who made her head spin and her heart grow crazy. She was standing beside him. They were in the same place and this time, they were actually talking to each other. Now, they knew each other. He wouldn't be the "mystery guy" anymore. He would be "Isabelle's guy". The guy who would be there for her. The guy who would offer everything he had just to be with her. The guy who lived to serve her. The guy who would visit her everyday just to say the words, "I love you". The guy who wouldn't be afraid to shout her name to express what he feels. The man that she would call her own. Richard.

"Wow", Isabelle managed to say.
"Glad you like it", Miguel said with a smile that Isabelle couldn't get tired of. It was almost angelic. Heaven, Isabelle thought.
"So how about we take a sit?"
"Sure"

They took the table near the windows. The view was wonderful. The stars lighted the night sky and people walked along the roads. It was a Friday night so the streets were busy from families gathering to watch a movie to couples holding hands at the park. Couples. Isabelle blushed. She was with a guy in a cafe. And not just any guy, he was the guy she loved. She dreamed of this moment for so long. And it was now happening. They were seated across each other. More like a couple than just friends, just acquaintances actually. He was looking at the Menu with such poise. Reading through all the choices.

"So, what will you have? My treat remember?", Miguel asked.

Isabelle was startled. She was so caught up in the moment that she didn't realize she was blankly staring at the Menu. She didn't know what they served. She quickly scanned the Menu; but she couldn't read the words. Her mind wasn't functioning correctly with Miguel looking directly at her.

"How about you pick. It's my first time here so I don't really know what to choose.", Isabelle stalled.
"Well okay then", Richard said with a laugh. A cute laugh Isabelle thought.

Miguel called the waiter and told their orders.

Isabelle suddenly remembered her parents. They must be worried. She hadn't told what had happened and they might still be waiting at the campus.

"Excuse me. Sorry. I forgot to call my parents"
"Ah. I understand. I'll wait."

Isabelle couldn't be dazzled more. She got up from her seat and got to the phone. As expected, her parents were fuming. She told them she was with a friend. But didn't stress further on that. Her mind was back on track. She hung up and suddenly remembered one topic they haven't talked about. Isabelle arrived at their table and seated quietly across from Richard.

"So. Tell me what was happening at the chariot?", Isabelle said with such certainty.

".No matter what happens, love can break any boundaries."

Chapter 50 - The End

Richard looked up from the table. He was speechless. Shocked. The question was unexpected but Isabelle was firm. She wanted an answer. She needed an answer. It lingered on her mind for almost a year. Everything that was happening in the chariot. Every single detail involving her and her so - called mystery guy Miguel. She wanted to know what was the real score. What were all those stares and touches in almost every single ride towards The Academy. What did all those "signals" and "signs" mean. Why they never even communicated. He didn't even ask for her name let alone say a mere "hello" to her and yet he would make eye contact or show body languages that made Isabelle's heart beat to a rhythm. It was the moments at the chariot that started it all. That made Isabelle confused on who her heart belongs to. On which person she would fall in love with. All she needed was an explanation. Why nothing ever happened in the chariot, no advancement to the next step just some petty signs. She wanted to know what was happening in the chariot, happening between her and Richard.

"What are you talking about?", Richard asked confusion present on his face. Isabelle was even more confused. What kind of response was that? Was Richard drunk every single day that he didn't remember the simple moments they had? Those looks he would give to Isabelle and the simple touches his hand would place over hers. Isabelle saddened then became angry.

"What do you mean 'what am I talking about?'", Isabelle asked fiercely, "Don't you remember anything? Haven't you been paying attention to everything that was happening in the chariot? Those things you have been doing, that we've been doing? The stares, the touches, the times we've sat side by side? Don't you recognize me at all?"

Isabelle's eyes were starting to blur. She felt tears streaming down like a waterfall. She couldn't believe Richard. Was all that had happened her imagination? Maybe this whole thing was just a dream. An illusion.

"I'm sorry. I don't know what you're talking about. Maybe you've mistaken me for another person. I seriously haven't known you until now."

"Look again Richard. Are you sure? You just met me?! The chariot, Richard. The village. Our village. The chariot we ride everyday to school. Remember?"

Richard bit his lip. He looked at Isabelle. Really looked at her. And he can't help but feel a recognition. He did know her. He saw her everyday. How could he be so stupid not to recognize her at that very instant they saw one another. He shook his head.

"I remember now. You're that girl. My mystery girl. The girl I've wanted to talk to but didn't have to guts to carry on with it. You were always at that side of the chariot where the sun would strike and I couldn't see much of your face or you would be beside me so I couldn't turn my head and see your face. I was stupid. Stupid not to talk to you. Stupid to give those stares while getting your hopes up and not even doing any action. But I was scared. Scared of rejection. I guess you could call it an ego. I'm sorry I didn't recognize you. Sorry for all the signs I made that never led to anything."

This time it was Isabelle who was speechless. What was she suppose to say? An apology? Forgiveness? What was to respond to what Richard had told her. Her question was answered that's for sure. But was it really the response she was hoping for? She didn't feel anything. It was an apology. Richard was giving her an apology. He was saying sorry for what he had done. He was asking for forgiveness for getting her hopes up. Giving her an answer she never dreamed of hearing.

"Sorry? That's it? Your asking for my forgiveness? Well then with that explanation. What else can I say? You were forgiven from very moment you left my heart beat for you. From that first look we've given each other". Isabelle and Richard were standing. The conversation was intense. They didn't notice that there hands were rolled to fists and eyes surrounded them. They didn't care. For a year they have been waiting for this to come. The confrontation. But Isabelle just became disappointed. It wasn't the answer she was hoping for. What did he expect? Isabelle would smile and put everything behind her? He made her fall in love and wishing that one day the time would come when they would be together and all he could say was an explanation.

Isabelle shook her head and started to leave. She ran. Richard chased her. Tears were streaming down her face. The lovely evening turned out to be a nightmare. She ran fast never looking back. Her heart was shattering. She didn't want to look at Richard nor did she want another ride in the chariot. But Richard was fast and caught up with her. He got her hand and pulled her towards him. Isabelle still didn't look up.

"Look I'm sorry okay. I didn't mean to hurt you.", Richard said pleadingly.

"I told you you're forgiven. It's fine. Just leave me alone.", Isabelle's voice croaked.

"Why?"

"Just leave okay. I shouldn't have expected anything from you. I just kept hoping. I kept on expecting that something would happen. And it turned out like this. It's better if we just forget about this. Forget about everything. It's better this way."

Isabelle started to leave again. But Richard held her hand tight.

"I'm not gonna lose you. Now that we've finally met one another."

"Look. It would be easier if we just forget about it. okay?"

"No it's not okay. Isabelle I love you".

Isabelle froze. He said her name. She looked up and Richard's eyes were staring toward hers hitting her heart. It started beating again. And the shattered pieces started assembling itself. It finally found its match. Isabelle didn't know what to do. Her guy. The mystery guy she'd been dreaming for months finally said what she'd been waiting for. 3 words. Those 3 words made her feel like the only girl in the world. The happiest girl in the world. And the most special person in the life of one guy. Isabelle couldn't help but hug him. They hugged under the moonlight. Their hearts beat as one. Her choice. The choice of her heart. Richard.

"I love you too.", Isabelle said with a faint whisper.