No Strings Attached

Special Chapter 1

How It Ended

NINE months have passed the last time she saw Marc. That was the day she came back to his condo to pack her things after receiving the non-stop messages coming from him...

(1st week)
Marc: One reason why you blocked me? 😕 Thanks for that.
Marc: I will remember that.
Marc: Maybe you found the one.
Marc: I don't know if the messenger is playing tricks on me.
Marc: What did I do to deserve that?
Marc: You can unblock me and we will talk about it.

After receiving those messages, Leison sent an email to Marc's gmail account, giving him her reasons.

Marc,

I'm sorry if I left without explanation. Akala ko kasi hindi mo na kailangan pang malaman kung ano man yung rason ko. I didn't really want to break this to you... but yeah... you need to know the reason... and you deserve more respect than that.

I left not because I found anyone.  I didn't find anyone. I left because I started to catch feelings for you... and it scared me. It scared me because I caught feelings despite the fact you kept giving mixed signals.

I remember when I asked you about your intention, and then you answered you don't know. You said your intention depends on your mood.

I respect that, Marc. That's the reason I never asked you for anything that I thought I need/deserve. I acknowledged everything you've showned me because that's who you are-- that's just the way you are. That's what you wanted to do, and I didn't want to change nor manipulate your action towards me.

I honestly understand our concept, and it seemed like you are not worthy of my feelings.

I blocked you not because I'm mad. No. You made me happy that's why I can never be mad at you. Perhaps it's just that... I need to get over you... and you can help me by not making this hard for me. Take care, Marc.

(2nd week)
Marc: I do think everyday about how you are doing.

(3rd week)
Marc: I really do missing you..
Marc: Actually I'm mad..
Marc: 💔

Three weeks after Leison left Marc, she came back to his condo to get her things. Sinakto niyang tanghali upang hindi sana ito madatnan sa loob, ngunit pagka-unlock pa lamang ng pinto ay ang binata kaagad ang sumalubong sa kanya.

He greeted her just like before, somewhat she felt relieved. He didn't seem miserable as he seemed on his messages.

"I went on a vacation. Nag-unwind, nagpa-tan ng balat." Sagot niya sa tanong ng lalake habang naghahakot ng kanyang gamit. She's a bit distant at alam niyang nararamdaman din nito iyon.

"Hmm, you have yourself tanned... that's sexy."

It's a compliment from him, ngunit hindi niya pinansin. She believed that it's not necessary for him to compliment her anyway. At ayaw na niya ng ganoong usapan. Kilala niya si Marc.

Imbes makipag-usap ay inabala niya nalang ang sarili sa pag-aayos ng kanyang gamit. Nanatiling nakasunod sa kanya ang binata. Tila hindi alintana ang boundary na binibigay niya.

"Lei in bikini with tan lines." anito. Ramdam niya ang paghagod ng tingin nito sa kanya.

Hindi niya iyon pinansin.

"Naked Lei with tan lines..." Bumulong ito sa kanyang tenga, dahilan upang maputol ang pasensya niya at tuluyan itong harapin at singhalan.

"Stop it, Marc! Sorry but it's uncomfortable!"