12/26, Midnight, Friday
I didn't sleep.
No, I wasn't even able to. There was no escaping this feeling, this raw emotion, this vulnerability inside my heart. Talking to her, clearing it up, that was the only possible hope for me now.
So I sat with the gnomes. They had harnessed such cheerfully-molded faces, it seems like they could do no wrong, and see no wrong. All they did was stare at you with an unwavering demeanor, mocking you for how miserable you truly are.
All because you screwed up.
Wait, they're mocking me?
"Are you mocking me?"
If Mister Dandelion Cape, Jupiter-S could speak his say, he'd be outraged by the thought of me even doubting that they weren't.
Of course, they were mocking me. What else would they be doing staring at me anyway? What other reason is there but to watch me suffer as I longed for her arrival? How will they even remain entertained if all I did was enjoy myself here, all alone, without her?
Maya, come back. No matter how much I hated suspecting you of what you may have done, I still want you back. Why aren't you here anymore? Why weren't you there yesterday?
It all probably has to do with... whatever you said to Ma.
Why? Why did you sell me out? I just don't understand.
"Wh-What are you looking at?" Mister Oliver Crescent, Edison-P glared at me with intense eyes. They were filled with annoyance, it seems he is trying to tell me that my presence is bothering his hibernation.
"What, you want me to just accept the fact that Maya basically revealed my lie to Ma and move on that quick?" I asked the old gnome. I could've sworn I saw him nod.
"Whatever, Edison-P! Gnomes don't even hibernate, what are you talking about?" I exclaimed at his face. Despite the shower of spit, he was persistent with his cheeky grin.
A condescending snicker arose from behind me. I already knew who it was.
"Oh, shut up, Tennis-O! All of you are just gnomes, you're nothing but decoration! You're no better than me!"
That's what I said to those gnomes. Those imprudent, arrogant gnomes, ha! How dare they think that they are superior?
Is it because of Maya? No! I'm concerned, sure, but this obstacle doesn't lessen who I truly am.
Maya doesn't have that big of an impact! It's foolish for me to think that! Nothing could ever be as precious as the time we spent and the relationship we built together for the past week, sure, but it's not the end of the world!
It's not the end of the world, it's not! It's not!
It's... not.
What time is it?
I could hear Jupiter-S announce "midnight."
Midnight? Is it already that late?
Then why... am I still here?
If it's not the end of the world, then why does it feel like I could sacrifice the whole planet if it means I could wait for her here, in this backyard, forever?
I want you back. I need you back.
"Maya..."
"Heya, D!"
...What? This has got to be Tennis-O's doing. I heard he could mimic a female's voice. Such an unusual talent, but it's true.
But, isn't it also true that gnomes couldn't talk?
So through wet eyes, I look up and what I saw... was her pink dress swaying so gracefully against the winter's current.
"Maya."
She displays a confused, contorted face. "Why so sullen? What is it, what is it, what's your problem? Actually, wait! Before you talk, you have to listen to me first, okay? I have great news, and this cannot be interrupted, I can't stress that enough! With that, I declare your mouth be shut until I finish my story!"
"B-But--"
"Shhhh!" Maya shushed me. She freaking shushed me like she didn't do anything wrong!
"Hmm, hold on, something's off! I thought your greeting was now 'What's cookin'?' every time we meet? What happened to that? Your permission to speak is granted!" Maya announced gallantly.
I'm speechless, she's so carefree, I don't understand. Shouldn't she feel... regret? "I just forgot it."
She wrinkles her nose, but then, "Alright then! Permission to speak is ceased!"
Damn it, I can't combat her stupid little rules!
"Now, listen close!" Maya pulls up a paper from her behind. It looks familiar. "Yeah? Yeah? This is because it's... your drawing!" She shows me the drawing I made for her. The more that I stare into that pig with silly wings, the uglier it becomes.
"Don't get mad, but I showed this to Dad, said a special someone made it for me! Wink, wink!" I can't help but feel irritated, that's like, the worst first impression ever! Her dad's gonna think I'm a brainless kid or something!
"Anyway, uh..." Her expression grows tentative, but her beaming face never faltered. It never gave in. "We talked. We... we talked, we really did that." Dreamy, cerulean eyes. She was showered with fulfillment, that I am certain of.
"In the end, we managed to reconcile, settle our differences. For God knows how long, the house actually felt like it was, well, home."
Maya, she... Good for her. I'm happy for her. Glad to see that a drawing as distressing as that, has a purpose, and a meaning to exist after all.
I couldn't wish it for anyone any more than the girl standing in front of me, but...
"By the way, I wasn't here yesterday because the house I mentioned is actually in the city, so, yeah. Sorry if I made you wait." Maya frowns playfully, asking for forgiveness.
I shake my head.
"Oh, right! Um, ahem, I shall declare your curse of the zipped lip be lifted!"
"Why'd you tell Ma?" I couldn't control myself. I just had to.
Maya's eyebrows pop up. "Whoa, whoa, Darryl--"
"We're not talking because of you." I didn't wanna have to say it, but, it's true.
"Hold on, Darryl, because of me?" Her face immediately transformed into something stormy. Something offended and hurt. "Don't go accusing me, I don't even know what you're talking about--"
"Yes, you do, don't lie to me!" I accused her yet again. I just can't stop it. It's what I believe, and I have to set this argument straight! "Or maybe you just told her without even thinking of what's gonna happen to me? I see it as impossible, but we've only known each other for a week, right? It might be doable for someone like you. Maybe you're just that inconsiderate."
"Darryl, what is this, stop, this is crazy! Whatever it is you're thinking, it's not true, so stop!" she begged helplessly.
I take heavy breaths. I couldn't stop blaming her, because it's what I accept as the truth. There's no one else Ma could refer to but her. It could only be her.
"I... need some time alone. I've been waiting all night for you yesterday, and you never came. Now you show up like nothing bad ever happened! That's what's got me so pissed, you're too carefree!" I gasp at the severity of my sharp words. "I'm happy you're getting along with your dad, but what about me? Do you know how broken our relationship is since last year? Dreadful, depressing, I can't forget what she did to me, and Ma can't change to save her life! And now..."
Maya... she twitched, but only slightly.
"Maya, I need the perfect girl. The one that was made for me. I don't need your insensitive side." She stares, absolutely shocked. "I'm... disappointed, sorry. I just can't believe you."
I leave for the door. There's no telling how sly the gnomes' comments are for the way I acted, but...
I could care less.