“W-WHAT___”

It was when Vincent turned to her with a serious face. “I can see how she has been treating you ever since she lived with your father. Is it really that hard for her to cook something for your packed lunch instead of allowing you to bring sardines at school? Look, the fridge has always been loaded with food and it’s for everyone. I’m sorry but it is not fair to treat you like that when your father has been very kind to her,” Isla could sense the controlled anger in his voice and that made her feel sad, but on the bright side, grateful for Vincent’s concern for her.

Isla cleared her throat and filled her lungs with air because of that long but straightforward statement from the young man who just started the car engine.

“Forget it; it doesn’t matter to me anyway. It is fine,” she replied to stop the conversation.

Vincent clicks his tongue. “It matters to me because I care so much about you. So please answer my question, tell me the truth,” his authoritative request.

The young lady was unable to control her emotion because of that. When Vincent noticed her crying, he abruptly stopped the car.

“Hey, sweetheart, did I scare you?” he asked in a low voice and gently holds both of her shoulders and carefully turned her to him. “I’m sorry, I’m not angry, okay?” he said holding her chin to lift her face.

Isla shook her head and forced a smile while Vincent started to dry her face. “I know you’re not angry. I just can’t believe that you care so much about me,” she admitted. YOU DON’T KNOW HOW LONG I HAVE WAITED TO GET YOUR ATTENTION. SO, THIS IS HOW IT FEELS WHEN WHAT YOUR HEART TRULY DESIRES CAME TRUE? IT’S LIKE I’M STILL DREAMING, IT’S BEAUTIFUL.

Is what she wanted to add but decided to keep those words to herself instead.

“I don’t think it’s hopeless already. As a matter of fact, I believe this is the right time, for us,” based on how Vincent looked at her, it seems that he wanted more than the kind of friendship that they have. But she has always been too scared of getting hurt so she decided not to assume.

Isla sniffs and nods. “About your question, I don’t know why Aunt Aida is having a hard time to accept me,” she said that because of her desire to divert the topic from the one that Vincent has started.

She saw the affection in Vincent’s eyes when he touched her face in the gentlest way that she could remember.

“Would you believe me if I tell you it is not difficult to like or even love you?” without a single trace of hesitation, the young man told her that, and that stunned her.

Isla stared at Vincent for a long time with questions in her eyes. “W-What did you say?” after a moment of silence the young lady came back to her sanity but still couldn’t believe those words coming from the young man.

Vincent nodded. “Hey, seriously? I know you heard me right? I just told you the truth. So if for example, they find it difficult to like or love you that is not your problem anymore. The best thing to do is smile. Because the truth is, you can make me really happy every time you do that” she felt the sincerity with what the young man said so she ended up smiling at him.

“There, and one more thing, we grew up together. It’s like we are siblings because we grow old inside the same house and played together in one yard, so I want you to feel comfortable when you are with me. If you need anything just tell me and I will find a way to help you” he even added.

The word siblings that came from Vincent suddenly wiped away the smile on her face. “Sure, thank you, anyway” Isla responded and forced a smile in the end.

“That’s my girl!” he said cheerfully then again, he took her hand and squeezed it gently.

The wonderful sensation she has because of what Vincent did is enough to ease the sadness that devoured her a while ago. Maybe it will be much wiser to be contented with the friendship and the “siblings” relationship that they have now.

Well, at least Vincent is closer to her now, and she’s happy with that.

____________________

“ISLA?” she was at the laundry area and trying to fix her broken school shoes when she heard the familiar voice of Vincent approaching.

“Hello, do you need anything?” she glanced at the young man for a moment and takes her attention back into what she has been doing.

“No, I don’t need anything actually,” he said then came near her. “What are you doing, by the way?”

She smiled timidly. “Trying to fix my school shoe, I am actually losing all my hopes with this one but since its Monday tomorrow I have to give it a try,” Isla said worriedly.

Vincent nodded then took the broken shoes from her. “Let me see?” he said.

“Oh no, please don’t! Give it back to me,” she protested trying to stop the young man but she was too late to do that.

“I don’t think you can still fix this. It needs replacement. Look at the sole, it is grinning already, see?” Vincent said chuckling.

Isla was unable to control herself from laughing with what Vincent said. “Very funny, I never thought you have this high level of craziness!” she said then stopped from laughing with misty eyes.

She saw the amusement in his eyes when he remained to stare at her. “Yeah right, it’s so good to hear and see you laughing. But hey, do you think you can come with me? I will be attending a mass,” the young man afterward.

“Of course! Wait I’ll just change and tell my father about it,” she replied.

“Okay, I’ll meet you at the garage,” Vincent said in a cheerful tone.