Chapter 19 - I am going to get you Anns (J)
All through the journey back home I only thought of Anna and how everything felt so right being with her until I reached home surprised to see Mum and Dad sitting on the couch in the living room. It was quarter past eleven and they’re watching television which is definitely a first unless they are waiting for me.
“Took you long” Mom chided in displeasure as she slowly added “So, is it true?”
Seeing my confused look she continued “That you dumped Cheryl and now dating Anna”
“Yup” I answered dryly when she continued “You dumped Cheryl for her? You’re so thick sometimes Jason. You know Cheryl’s dad----”
I cut her off angrily “I don’t f**king care how many companies her dad owns or how much money he makes, I don’t like her and never will; And for your information she cheated on me”
“Don’t you dare talk to me like that Jason. She regrets cheating on you; you have to learn to forgive people. And needless to say, you’re so stupid to give up all of that for Anna”
“I like her mom. So much” I yelled angrily. “She’s so plain, how can you---”she started.
“Ya, she’s plain and that’s what I love the most. She is beautiful and simple and not like the materialistic bitch I saw growing up” I said looking directly at her.
Either she didn’t seem to understand that I implied her or she didn’t care because she continued “Don’t tell me you are in love with her”
“Oh trust me I won’t; Thanks to my mom who made me lose faith in love” I spat bitterly looking directly into her eyes daring to give a reply back.
She shuddered at my answer and left the room without sparing a second glance.
“I’m happy you did the right thing. That girl’s a keeper” Dad replied with a sly grin.
“Thanks dad. I’m happy too---- doing the right thing”
I hugged him and mumbled a quick good night before leaving the room.
**************
The news about me dating Anna travelled the whole school and as I was walking through the corridors the next day, I didn’t miss the deathly glares Cheryl is sending my way. I just hope Jamie doesn’t behave like that bitch; Speaking of Jamie she’s been surprisingly calm this year, I wonder what’s the reason.
Seeing Gabe at his locker, I ran towards him “Gabe. I need to ask you something”
He looked confused by my sudden arrival but replied “Yeah. What?”
“Why is Jamie not around us these past few months, not that I want her to. But, why?”
“Oh, that. She is dating some guy who works at a pharmacy. Too old for her but she’s serious”
“So, she’s over me?” I replied with a grin. “Not sure about that bro” He replied with a wink.
Seeing my grimace, he chuckled “I think it would take some more time, but she sure will”
“I hope so” I shrugged as he asked “So… You and Anna, how’s it going?”
An unknown smile swept through my face as I answered “Amazing. I just can’t stop thinking about her. She is ---- God!! I don’t even have the right word”
He chuckled “I never thought there would be a day when I’ll see a dreamy smile on your face”
“Shut up Gabe, I don’t---”
“Ya, sure. So when are you going to tell her?”
“Tell her what?” I asked feeling puzzled.
“That you love her” He replied smiling.
“I don’t love her Gabe” The smile instantly vanished off his face replaced with a frown.
“What are you talking about Jason, you still don’t realize how you----”
“Common Gabe, we just started dating. How do you expect me to fall in----- love? Besides you know I’m not really into it. I know she is a great girl but don’t you think I need time for all that stuff”
He seemed disappointed by my answer as he said softly “I know Jason. But, don’t you think you have already fallen in love with her?”
“What?? No.. I mean, I don’t know.”
“Just think about it, ok? Promise me you’d give her a chance and that you won’t panic when you realize your true feelings for her”
Though I am confused at what he was trying to imply I nodded “I promise”
“So, what are your plans for next date?”
“Umm--- I was thinking about the fair in Shealin this weekend”
And then I launched into an explanation of what I was planning to do as we walked into the class ignoring the puppy dog and slutty looks some desperate girls were giving me; few things never change I guess.
During lunch that day I once again realized no matter what happens, my friends would never stop interfering in my life.
“So, how was the date?” Emily asked looking at me and Anna.
“It was amazing; as I already told you” Anna replied confidently which came as a surprise to me.
“But you didn’t give me details” she whined.
“Even I want to know what my idiot of a brother did” Elle pondered.
“What do you want to know Em? And Elle” I droned impatiently.
“Apart from the fifteen minute make out session at my front door, everything” Em replied with a wink.
I groaned “You were spying on us?”
I need not see Anna to say she is blushing because I am sure she is. “I couldn’t help it” Em shrugged.
In spite of their continuous protests to share full details, I simply replied we got to know each other which is true actually; we did find out a lot of things about each other. After everyone left I nodded to Gabe who left the table too leaving Anna and me alone.
“So---- I was thinking of asking you something” “Yeah?” she said raising her eye brows.
“Umm--- How about—ano-- another date tomorrow?” I seriously don’t know why I’m tensed because one this is Anna, two she’d do anything I say.
But still I am scared she would not agree; may be it has to do with having to lie to everyone.
“Yeah—Yeah, sure. I mean if that’s ok with you; we went on a date just yesterday”
“The place is far from here. So we have to start early tomorrow and if it’s ok with you we’ll stay over the weekend” I said doubtfully.
Her eyes widened but she quickly regained her composure and replied “Fine”
“Ok then I’ll make the arrangements but don’t tell about it to any of our friends”
Nodding she fidgeted with the ends of her t-shirt looking like a lost puppy as she lowered her head and slowly asked “So, umm—you--- you ok being with me?”
“What do you mean?” I asked frowning.
“I mean—ummm--- that—are you serious about me?” she blurted out.
“Of course I am. Why would I take you on a date if I am not” I replied laughing a bit.
“Oh” she replied to which I scooted closer to her chair and asked softly “What happened Anns? This is so not you. What happened?”
I tilted her chin up only to see worry seeping through her eyes as she slowly replied “Umm—I bumped into Megan and Cheryl in the restroom and they were--- discussing how you’d get bored of me quickly and dump me just as you dumped her”
“Did they do anything to you?” I asked suddenly remembering Cheryl’s threats.
“No. They just looked like they wanted to kill me” She chuckled.
“I should’ve discussed about this earlier Anns. Listen I was never serious about her. Ya, we dated but that’s it. I—I feel different about you, I don’t even know what it is but I like you Anns. I like you so much” She looked disappointed by my words; why, I don’t know. May be she wanted a more clear explanation which I don’t have, so I continued “Trust me on this Anns. I’ll never hurt you”
With a small smile she quietly mumbled “I know”
I quickly wrapped an arm around her shoulder pulling her close to me as she laid her head on my shoulder. Kissing her on the forehead I mumbled “We’ll leave directly from school, tomorrow evening. Bring your luggage with you tomorrow morning when I come to pick you up. You can tell Lily about our plans but please make her promise not to tell Em”
“Fine, I will. By the way, where are we going?” she asked slowly.
“Why? Don’t you trust me?” I smirked though she couldn’t see me.
“Umm, may be” she said much to my annoyance. “Hey--” I started to which she instantly added “Fine. As a matter of fact you’re the only one I trust blindly apart from my aunt”
“What about Em and Gabe?” I asked slowly
“I love them but sadly I don’t trust them as much as I trust you”
“Thanks” I mumbled to which she snorted “That’s not a compliment. You’ve expectations to live up to”
I chuckled “Gladly”
“You didn’t answer my question” she grumbled.
“About that, we’re going to a town named Shealin five hours away from here. It has ---- ” Before I could complete the sentence she pulled back from my hug abruptly, looking at me with panic stricken face.
“What happened?” I muttered tensely to which she quietly mumbled “I have been to that place with my friends once. It’s four hours from my home town”
Seeing her panicked made me wonder why she is so scared about her home town. She didn’t tell me anything about her parents, friends or hometown but judging by the looks of it, I knew it is a sensitive subject to her.
Not wanting to upset her by asking what happened, I simply said “It is still far, don’t worry”
“We’re going to the annual fair conducted at this time of the month. Aren’t we?” she asked with worry laced in her voice. So, she knew. Well, it is popular; she would obviously know if she lived around.
“Yes. If you don’t want to go, it’s ok. But please think about it once, it’ll be fun” I said sadly.
Seeing me, her face instantly saddened and I can say she is debating with herself until finally she sighed “Fine, I’ll come”
I grinned immediately pressing my lips to hers “Thank you”
************
It’s ten by the time we reached the hotel I booked, all thanks to Emily. When school ended she insisted on coming with us to my home (we lied that we are going to my house) and didn’t accept any excuse that I and Anna kept telling her to keep her off our company. Finally I called Lily for help who messaged her daughter to be at home for some family emergency.
Both of us are so tired with the long journey we had that we fell on the bed immediately after dinner not even bothering to change or shower.
The next day we woke up at nine in the morning sprawled in each other’s arms before lazily getting up and had breakfast on the bed. We walked into the fair at almost twelve in the afternoon after fifteen minute drive from the hotel we are staying.
We made our way through different stalls, occasionally stopping by to get into some rides and had lunch at some local booth that sold hamburgers.
After playing a couple of games, both of us finally gave up as we somehow always managed to lose. After five hours of walking we decided it’s time to go back to the hotel before Anna whined to have an ice cream at the Ben & Jerry’s stall.
“Chocolate Fudge Brownie for me” she told the man behind the counter giving him a ten dollar note.
“Peanut Butter Cup and I am paying for it” I pulled back her money giving my own.
“You’ve spent too much already. Let me pay all the expenses until we reach home tomorrow”
“No way, a gentleman would never let a lady pay” I retorted
“If you want me to come out with you again, you’re letting me pay” she stated.
“That’s not fair” I pouted when she grabbed my note and put it back into my wallet giving her own.
“I’m not sharing my ice cream with you” I mumbled.
“Someone’s bit grumpy” she taunted.
Once we got the ice creams, we dug into our own tubs all the while arguing on whose ice cream tastes better. Dumping the empty tubs in the bin I walked back to where Anna was standing only to find her eyeing me with a smile.
“What?” I grinned.
Sighing, she came closer to me and pressed her lips to my mouth while I wound my arms around her waist. “What was that for?” I asked once she pulled away pressing her forehead to mine.
“For the amazing date we had and also I didn’t get to taste your ice cream; Now I can definitely say mine’s better” she smirked.
“No way, mine’s far better” I argued.
“Anna?” We heard someone call and turned around to find a girl standing ten yards away from us glaring in Anna’s direction.
I heard Anna gasp while the girl walked towards us with a murderous look “Anna? Wow, finally!! Fancy meeting you here”
“Em-- Emily?” she croaked.
“I didn’t think I’d meet you here bitch. How dare you come to this place after everything you’d done?”
“Mind your language miss” I glowered.
“Who are you and don’t you dare tell me what to do and what not to” she spat angrily.
“I’m her boyfriend” I grumbled equally angry by her rudeness.
“You moved on pretty fast bitch, how come you forgot Jonathan so easily” she fumed.
“I told you to mind your language miss, stop bad mouthing my girlfriend”
“Girlfriend? I pity you mister, whoever the hell you are. You know nothing of her, so stop interrupting”
“I can say the same for you. So if you excuse us, we have to go” I pulled Anna who was dumb founded and rooted to the spot looking at the girl and started walking away.
“I know a lot more about her than you do mister” she said as I continued walking away trying to ignore the bitch following us. “Did you know she ended up in jail for killing someone” she shouted which made me stop walking and look at Anna in shock who was close to tears.
“N-No.. You are lying” I glowered.
“Ask your girlfriend. And that someone was my dad” she spat with so much hatred and tears filled her eyes as she said ‘dad’ which can only mean one thing -- she is saying the truth.
“She killed my father; our family broke because of her. My mother had to take care of me and my brother and we had to go through all the hardships because of her. Her own parents disowned her; ask her if you think I’m lying. And you know what was worse - she was my best friend, almost like a sister” she croaked with tears freely falling down her face.
To say I was shocked would be an understatement, I didn’t know what to say anymore and the whole time Anna didn’t speak a single word apart from her cries of sob.
I pulled Anna from a sobbing Emily to an isolated place in the park wanting to talk to her alone.
“Why didn’t you say anything to me Anna?” I asked angrily.
She didn’t say a word and still looked shocked until I put both of my hands on her shoulders and shook her gently which successfully managed to get her out of the trance she’s in.
“Care to explain what happened in there?”
“I---I---I---”
“I want to know the truth now Anna, I know whatever she said was true. I just wanted to know what made you kill someone” I snapped annoyed by her silence.
She looked defeated and hurt at my words that I instantly regretted yelling at her but decided not to back out from knowing the truth now.
I can definitely say Emily misunderstood Anna about her father’s death and blamed her but why the hell didn’t Anna ever say about any of this to me? Didn’t she trust me enough to share her secret?
“Why didn’t you tell me about this before?” I yelled to the top of my voice.
“It’s painful and I didn’t want you to share my pain. I was scared Jason”
“No, you didn’t tell me because you didn’t trust me enough Anna” I hollered.
“No, it’s not that--”
“Don’t lie to me Anns, I know. Why would you hide the truth if it’s not for that reason?”
“No Jace. I-I w-was scared of losing you” she said slowly between her tears.
“And you didn’t lose me now?” I spat angrily to which she shuddered and looked beyond hurt.
“You should have given me a chance Anna, you should’ve said everything and let me decide to believe you or not to. Have I ever given you a reason to doubt me?” I grumbled feeling more hurt than angry.
“I trust you Jason. It’s just that no one believed me – my mom, Emily, Jonathan or my friends. I lost everyone and I couldn’t risk losing you too” she said sobbing.
“You left your family, didn’t you? How worse can it go? Your life would be the same as always. Why didn’t you take a chance, given me a benefit of doubt, given me a reason to trust you. Why?” I hollered looking at her.
“BECAUSE I’M IN LOVE WITH YOU” she shrieked with moist eyes and pained look on her face.
“Because I love you Jason. I—I didn’t want to lose you and I couldn’t see you in pain for what happened to me. I don’t have any other answer for what I did”
I looked up to her eyes shocked by her sudden confession and knew she was saying the truth. In fact, looking at her now made me realize how stupid I was; all the while the truth was staring right at my face and I was a fool to ignore it. Gabe and Emily always told me about the way she looked at me, even I had my doubts seeing her couple of times but I had been stupid and stubborn; just as my friends said.
Overwhelmed and panicked at the same time, I walked away from her not knowing what to reply back and wanting to think alone and digest all the things happened today; that’s too much to take for a single day. I walked along an unfamiliar path not really paying attention to where my legs are taking me or to my surroundings.
Anna Haven loves me? But, why? What did I ever do to deserve her?
Argh!! This is not the time to think about all sappy stuff. There are far more important matters of concern. First, she killed someone and second her own family disowned her which explains her aunt’s presence in her life; but what about the first?
She killed someone; why would she kill someone?
Anna Haven can never hurt anyone; that I am sure of. Then why the hell would she kill someone? Unless--- Unless she’s in danger; but what can be it?
Oh My God. How stupid I was for not being able to put two and two together.
She said she was molested. Did she try to kill that guy who tried to rape her? Was he Emily’s dad?
Jesus. That’s horrible
If it was him, then I am glad she killed him. But why did no one believe her?
There’s only one way to know; Anna. I looked around to see where I had gotten and was surprised to find fair far away from where I was standing. I immediately ran to the park and searched Anna everywhere until I reached the spot I left her; she is nowhere to be seen.
How stupid I was? I left her alone in this godforsaken place wallowing in my own misery. The only place she knew in this town is the hotel we stayed, she has to go there. Sighing, I ran outside rushing through the increased crowds into the parking lot and finally managed to find my car.
Once I reached the hotel, I ran to the elevator and pressed the floor number. I tapped my foot impatiently in the elevator thinking of ways to apologize to her and say that I trust her.
Upon reaching the floor, I quickly made my way to our room and entered when I saw it unlocked only to be shocked to find it empty. Her bag wasn’t there, so was the iPhone charger she left beside bed this morning which means she--- she left.
To where? Definitely not back to Pihan, I am sure of that.
She would’ve thought I don’t trust her too and left me; where will she go this time? God!!
Tears stung my eyes as I realized about what I had done. I looked around trying to breathe in the traces of her chocolate aroma in the air and found a paper lying under the bed lamp on the night stand and ran for it hoping it’s from her.
Dear Jason,
I am sorry I hurt you, I didn’t mean to. You were right, I was used to living alone; No family and friends. The past few years had been like that but I am glad this year had been different. Do you remember telling me I would find my BFF at our school on our very first day; that was the day I realized I wanted friends and I’m glad I listened to you because I found Em and Gabe and most importantly you. Thanks for being with me when no one else did, thanks for asking me to be your girlfriend even if it’s for a short time. I will cherish your memories forever.
I will miss you so much.
Yours truly
Anna
Folding the letter, I put it in my back pocket and rushed downstairs to the travel department to check if she booked any taxi which she surprisingly did; the taxi left twenty minutes back - to the airport.
I ran back to my car and slid into the driver seat as I gunned the engine making my way to the airport with a single thought running my mind.
I am going to get you Anns. I won’t let you leave me; not until you hear me out and forgive me.
---
He He...A cliffhanger!!!
Thank you for reading. Please consider voting if you liked the chapter
I hope you guys remember Emily - I mentioned her in Chapters 2 and 7.. She was Anna's best friend when she lived in her hometown
So, what do you think will happen next? Will he meet her in the most cliched way in an airport or will he lose her?
Thank you Arnav_Khushi, Mystery_Milk, snowflake_pink, blackwing21, PoohKhimz for your support and love to Anna and Jason
- Janaki
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