Chapter 29 - ''Decisions''
Tuesday, March 9
11 days left until graduation..
💕 Gajeel Redfox 💕
I sat with my leg shaking nervously in Mrs. Mavis' office as she pulled my profile up on her computer. My heart was doing flips, the anxiety of the situation was driving me up the wall.
Come on, calm down.
''You're all set on graduating, Mr. Redfox. You have all of your credits. Do you plan on going to college?''
A sense of relief flowed through me upon hearing the news. ''Well.. yeah. I plan on g-going back to my hometown to complete an associates degree.''
''I see,'' She smiled warmly. ''For what?''
''To become a mechanic.''
''You like fixing things?'' She asked casually in attempt to make a conversation as she typed away on her computer.
I nodded slightly. ''I guess so.''
''Well,'' Mrs. Mavis tore her gaze away from the screen and back onto me. ''I wish you the best of luck with that, Gajeel. You did an excellent job in this program. Just keep working hard like you did here and you'll be living your dream soon.''
Her words of encouragement made me smile. It felt good that someone acknowledged my hard work for once, that someone acknowledged me at all.
''Thank you.''
I stood up and exited the room, running into Levy in the hallway. She seemed to be heading into the direction of where I left.
She must be going in next for her clearance check..
''H-Hi, Levy..''
Levy gave me a soft smile. ''Hey Gajeel.. um,'' She tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, looking down at the floor. ''Can I.. talk to you? I have something to tell you.''
Something to tell me?
Oh god, I hope it isn't bad.
What if something is wrong with her?
''Oh, sure.. I'll meet you outside in the courtyard.'' I mumbled.
She nodded. ''Okay, thanks.'' Levy then headed inside Mrs. Mavis' office as I went on outside to the courtyard, sitting down on one of the benches.
She seemed nervous.. maybe it is bad news.
A couple minutes later Levy came out and approached me, holding her books tightly against her chest. Her body appeared tense and her lips were quivering.
I stood up from the bench while she closed the big gap between us. ''So.. I've been meaning to ask y-you something..''
''O-Okay..'' Why is she so nervous?! Please, something can't be wrong with her.
She stayed quiet for a moment before taking a deep breath. Suddenly her eyes flickered up to meet mine. Her gaze was focused and intense as if she had came to an absolute resolve. ''Do you want to go out?''
My tightening in my chest lessened. Thank god it's not anything serious.
''Sure. Where?''
Levy sighed, sounding disappointed. ''No.. no where. That's not what I meant. I meant as in dating..''
My jaw almost dropped. Is she serious?
Wait, she likes me?!
I can't believe it. She likes me back.
''Of course I'll go out with you..''
A big smile grew on her face as she pulled me into a hug. Her head rested on my chest because of how short she is compared to me. I wrapped my arms around her small body, holding her securely.
''You're my first boyfriend, Gajeel. Did you know that?''
I do know, Levy.
Thank you for giving me a chance.
Thank you for liking me back.
''I know. You're my first girlfriend, too. And I hope you'll be my last.''
💔 Erza Fernandes 💔
I tapped my foot silently against the carpet floor, watching the woman in front of me scroll on a page on her computer.
''So,'' Mrs. Mavis turned to me. ''You're in the clear to graduate, Miss Fernandes. What are your post-grad plans?''
''Um, I plan to go to college.. just not sure where..''
''I see. Better get on that soon, then. There isn't that much time left. You're free to go.'' Mrs. Mavis turned away from me, getting back to work.
I stood up from the chair, awkwardly exiting the office and closing the door behind me. As I headed down the hall, my palms grew sweaty.
The truth is, I don't know what I'm going to do. I haven't thought about my future aside from Jellal.
I know we could go try to go to college together in a different country but..
Can I really abandon everything for him?
Can I really leave behind my home, my family?
What if we don't work out? What happens then?
Do I choose family or do I choose love?
Maybe I should call dad. He'll know what to tell me. He's been in this situation before.
I made my way back to my dorm to talk to him in private. Dialing his number on my phone, my heart hammered loudly in my chest. I knew I had to make a decision soon.
I finally have everything I want, but..
But..
''Hello? Erza?''
Hearing his voice on the other line made me jump in surprise. I quickly brought the phone up to my ear. ''Hey..''
''What's up, dear? Did something happen?''
''Yeah, I.. need your help.'' I muttered quietly.
''I'm all ears.''
So I told him. Everything. I told him what happened between me and Jellal, what we are now, and what I have to decide now. My voice was shaky and I had to pause every now and then, but I managed to get it out. And you know what's funny?
Not one second did I feel like he was judging me. He stayed quiet, listening intently to every word I said like it mattered. It was like he was letting it sink in and putting himself in my shoes.
I missed that about you, dad.
''What do I do?'' I questioned desperately for answers.
''Honestly?''
''Honestly.''
''I would choose my family, Erza..'' My heart stopped as he continued. ''I wish I did before. I left you alone when you needed me, all because of my own selfish reasons. I know it's not what you want to hear, but.. your mom loves you. She needs you. And going off like that with no explanation? It'd break her heart. I hate to admit it but I'm not the only one who got hurt during that time. Your mom stayed, she's always been there.. your family will always be there. But love? There's no telling with that, dear.''
Processing his words, I was speechless. There was nothing to say, and I didn't know what to think either. Was he wrong, though?
No, definitely not.
''Thank you, dad. I guess I have a lot to think about..''
''I know with whatever you decide, it'll be the right decision. Good luck, Erza.'' He voiced sincerely before hanging up. I held the phone tightly in my hands, swallowing the lump that formed in my throat.
What am I going to do?
Time is running out. I need to choose soon.