The Rebound Relationship

The Rebound Relationship, a short story based on real life ;)

Everything is going smooth. That’s what she thought but she was wrong...

He was pacing back and forth. She couldn’t believe that they were having this kind of conversation. But she should know... He’s been acting peculiar for the past few days. It’s like something is bothering him. She didn’t like it. She doesn’t like this at all.

“Is this a rebound relationship?” She was bewildered of what he was asking her. What is he talking about? She was having a hard time finding the words that she should say. Is he kidding her? His question was an odd one in an unusual situation like this.

They were still talking in her family’s garden. He stood still and turned to face her. Upon looking at his eyes, she knew that he was serious. He wanted desperately to make things clear once and for all.

She was keeping herself composed while sitting on the wooden bench despite the pressure. She is still exuding aplomb so she could hide that fragility inside her. “What do you like me to say?”

“The truth.” Of course, that’s what he needed.

She was taken aback when he emphasized clearly the word TRUTH. He was never out of control of his temper. It’s the very first time that she saw him lost his calmness.

“Well, I’m sorry to disappoint you but this is not a rebound relationship.” There was nothing sarcastic on what she said. “Why would you even think of that?”

She never saw him cry…NEVER. But right before her eyes, she was witnessing it. It’s no wonder that she felt miserable.

Like a bolt of lightning, he asked her, “Do you still love Alex?”

Yes, Alex…of all people. Why did he have to mention him? How dare him! He didn’t even wait for her to answer.

Suddenly, it’s like her life was turned to gray. All was left were the two of them. Everything else ceased to exist.

He went on telling, “You can’t easily get over a five year relationship and the man that you had been with.” Why does he need to put Alex in the picture again? If he includes him again in their conversation again, she would walk out.

She must still love Alex because her love for him couldn’t easily vanish into thin air. This is what Josh was still insisting to her.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” She didn’t like the idea of what he was alluding.

She hoped he would stop talking before it would become worse. But he didn’t.

“You didn’t just use me, did you?” This sentence was echoing inside her head over and over again. He mentioned the word that she was dreading to hear…USE.

That settled it. Her cool demeanor slipped away. She burst out with anger. HOW DARE HIM! Without so much ado, like Flash, she was already on her feet and on her way towards him. 

She wished he could really feel it when she slapped him with all her might. “You should know me better Josh. In fact, you know very well that I’m not that kind of person…much more, of a woman!”

He got her message that’s why he apologized. Her jaw dropped when she saw that instead of his cheek that was hurt terribly and as red as tomato, he reached for her hand.

He held it enough for her to not pull away from him.

He said in a calm voice, “Those five years with Alex was so crucial…” FIVE YEARS.

Of course, she was well aware of that. She fell in love with Alex when she was just a teenager. They broke up during their early adult years. It was a mutual decision. Although it was a peaceful break-up, since then, they aren’t on speaking and seeing terms.

It was crucial, the years that they had together, indeed. Those were the times when one person really grow and mature…not just emotionally but most importantly, in all aspect of one’s life. She and Alex grew together in love and in life. In fact, it was almost a certainty.

Up ‘til now, she doesn’t really know why it ended like it did. They were perfect for each other…

He lifted her chin so he could look at her, eye-to-eye. She wanted to avoid his eyes because it would only hurt more…but she couldn’t do it. It was such a hard task.

“It’ll be easier for us if you’ll just tell me the truth.” That was what came out from his mouth.

How would she reply? They were back again to the truth. She was more afraid than ever. 

She could see the fear in his eyes. She was having the gut feeling that this moment will not end well. She’ll eventually know that she’s not mistaken…or maybe, she is wrong.

It took a great amount of courage for him to finally ask her this, “Did you get into this relationship with me because you really love me? Or was it because you felt you owe me something when I was there for you while you were going through a hard moment after you and Alex broke up?”

She couldn’t understand herself. Honestly, why can’t she answer his question? Why? Is it because her answer is the latter that it’s just too hard to admit it to him? Or is it the former which would be a little easier?

Her whole body was trembling…

But it was far worse for him as he was trying to gain enough strength in his heart. It was bleeding so badly and it seems that it doesn’t have a plan of stopping anytime soon.

It killed him when he finally managed to say these, “I love you. You know that clearly. And I’m pretty sure you also know that I’m not the kind of person who doesn’t know how to sacrifice…to let go.”

He let go of her hands. When he took a stride backward, he bravely said his final words, “I know that my heart will never be the same again after this but I want you to know that you’re a great woman…that’s why I love you.” Tears started to fall from her hazel eyes. “Do you know that no one is immune to your charm?” She didn’t know why she was already smiling. “But the best thing is you’re not hard to love.”

He walked away without even glancing back at her for the last time.

Then and there, she realized that she was such a coward to stop him. She’s so stupid and numb of being blind of what is already obvious…