Chapter 14
Mark opened his eyes, a small smile spreading on his face as he saw the first early rays of the sun. “Morning… a new day, and a fresh beginning.” he thought. After the ordeal that he went through last night, he finally figured out what he was to do for that day. He would go over to Magda’s house and apologize, and try to explain to her. Then he would also go over to Toni’s house and try to talk things over. We wasn’t sure if it would turn out okay, and he wasn’t sure if he would forgive her instantly, but he just felt that he needed to see her and talk to her. It had been more than a week since he last saw her, and he wants to know if she’s doing fine. He was still concerned about her, and the love was very much still there. Time would heal all the wounds of his heart.
He stretched himself on the bed and got out of it. He washed his face and after doing his morning rituals, he went out of his room. After eating breakfast with his family, he explained why he didn’t go home for a week, and he apologized for not calling and making them worry so much. His mother handed him a letter. “It came in a few days ago.” she said. He instantly knew who it was from. The handwriting and the scented envelope could only be from one person. He often would receive letters from her when he was away from home because of touring with the band. He sat on the sofa, carefully opening the letter. He didn’t know exactly how to feel. If he wanted to tear the letter into pieces, or hold it close to him.
Dear Mark,
I’m really sorry for all the things I’ve said. I just want you to know that I didn’t mean it the way it sounded to you. I was just teasing you, and somewhat finding some reassurance, but most of all, I just wanted to hear it from you, that I was the only one you thought of while you were away. But due to my foolishness and being discontented of being reassured of what I now truly and deeply in my heart, I had hurt you terribly. If only you tried to listen, but of course, I can’t blame you for not doing so, none of this might have happened. And if only I tried to be much more patient with you, all the fights we have had in the past would’ve certainly be avoided. Maybe it’s the distance and the time apart that adds up to all the frustration we feel, but I’m quite certain it isn’t. For I really believe that love has no boundaries. It can withstand space and time. No height nor width, depth nor length could ever come across it. There are still so many things we have to say to each other. Apologies to be said, and reasons to be heard. Hopefully we could talk some time soon.
Toni
He smiled, knowing that they would be able to talk in a few minutes as he prepared to head for Magda’s house. It was true, he had a lot to tell Toni, he wanted to tell her he loved her still, and he wanted to ask her so many things. The sun was shining brightly, and he could feel his spirits begin to soar. He went out and walked, since Magda’s house was pretty near. He smiled at everyone he came across with, and would often stop to talk to a fan or someone who recognized him. He continued walking, breathing in the warm summer air, as he climbed the steps and knocked on the door. He had also laughed at some of the memories he had of Magda and him as he was walking nearer her house. He shook his head occasionally, for he really never knew what he saw in her. Magda opened the door after he knocked. She didn’t know what to do, and neither did he. Magda let Mark in, and they sat at the sofa in the living room. “Magda, I don’t know how to tell you this but…” “Mark, you don’t have to explain.” Magda said, looking Mark squarely in the face. He looked questioningly at her. “I know what happened last night was wrong. You were drunk, and I took that as an advantage to say what I felt. I shouldn’t have kissed you. And I’m really sorry. I’m sorry for myself that I did kiss you, for I just hurt myself in doing so. I knew you still love Toni, and you should’ve seen my reaction when you started kissing me back. Even more so when you whispered Toni’s name as you kissed me.” “I did?” Mark said aloud, suddenly blushing. He shouldn’t have said that. Magda laughed, much to his surprise. “Yes, you did!” she smiled. Magda continued, “That incident actually made me think really hard. I realized I don’t love you anymore. And maybe I never did love you in the first place. I know you never loved me too. It was all a huge mistake. It was all just an obsession, for I wanted to take everything good that was in Toni’s life away from her. That also lead me to think of why I wanted to do that, and I came up with only one answer… I was being a jerk. I was afraid of competition… being thrown over by someone without that person even trying to do so. Maybe I am a racist, but now I’m not. And I somehow thank you and Toni for that.” she said happily. Mark also apologized, for he felt like it was mandatory for him, even though Magda reassured him he had nothing to apologize for. She wished him and Toni all the happiness they could find together. He thanked her and left, smiling wryly to himself. She still didn’t know about his sort of break up with Toni. They hadn’t officially broken up yet, and he certainly hoped that it wouldn’t be that way.
As he left Magda’s house he felt even happier. At least that was one pebble out of his shoe. He approached Toni’s house, and he suddenly felt every anxious. His palms became clammy. Mark knew something was going to go wrong, but he just had to talk to her. He rang the doorbell and waited patiently. He suddenly wanted to turn around and make a run for it but someone had already opened the door. It was Alessia. She was wearing a dark blue silk robe on top of her silk pajamas. With her hair all tousled, Mark thought she looked cute. She had been rubbing her eyes for she just got out of bed when she opened the door. “Oh, hi Mark, come on in.” she said sleepily as she turned around and headed toward the kitchen. She suddenly turned around, her eyes as wide as saucers. She was totally wide-awake now. “Mark! Where have you been? Gosh! It’s so nice to see you!” Alessia shrieked. She cam over and gave him a hug. “I’ve missed you guys. Where are the others?” Mark asked. “Shut up! I’m trying to get some sleep here!” someone shouted grumpily. It was from the room next to where Alessia was standing. It was Sandra. Mark and Alessia suppressed their laughter. They went in the kitchen, laughing as Alessia made some coffee. Mark apologized to her for having disappeared during the tour. “It’s okay. You really don’t have to apologize to me. My other band mates don’t mind as well. But you do owe an apology to everyone, especially to the fans who bought a ticket to see you and you weren’t there. We were all worried about you so we searched for you all over town when we got home, I think we were out until 3 in the morning.” “Wow… I’m really sorry.” “As I’ve said, don’t apologize to me.” Alessia said as she sat down on a chair next to Mark. “Is everyone mad at me?” he asked. “Actually, I’m very disappointed at you, and Sandra, Helen and Patricia could just kill you when they see you. Well, that’s what they said last night. If Bryan, Shane, Nicky and Kian knew what happened too, I bet they’d feel the same way. But I think Nicky already knows, ‘coz they’re just so close to each other.” she said. “Knew what?” “What do you mean? Yeah right, go on! Act as if you don’t know. You’ve got the nerve to be here.” “I don’t understand…” “Look Mark, I’m not stupid, and so are you so don’t play dumb on me.” Alessia said. “Could you please just tell me ‘coz I’m totally confused here.” “Well, we happened to be going over to your house for we found out that you were at a hotel. The guys told us to wait for you there at the house while they go with your parents to the hotel. When we approached your house Toni got out of the car and started running as she saw you. She felt like she nearly died when she saw you kissing Magda passionately.” Alessia said quietly. “She saw that? Oh gosh…” Mark trailed off. He didn’t know what to say. “I guess you’re pretty pleased with yourself.” she said as she got up to leave. Mark grabbed her hand. “Wait. Sit down and please listen to me.” He pleaded. She sat down, and roughly withdrew her hand away. She just hated it when someone made her friends cry. Mark explained his side and told her everything that had happened, as well as his trip to Magda’s house earlier. Alessia’s face began to soften as he began to understand. She apologized for having judged him without hearing him out. “So, is Toni here?” “Yeah, but I guess she’s still asleep. She hadn’t had any sleep for a few days now ‘coz of you.” “Do you think I can go see her?” “Well, not unless if her door is locked. And I’m pretty sure it isn’t.”
They climbed up the stairs quietly as not to wake up the others. “Well, here we…” Alessia stopped dead on her tracks. She turned around, tears starting to flow down her cheeks as she slammed the door of her room behind her. Mark stood in front of Toni’s door, which was opened a bit, but wide enough for Mark and Alessia to see through it. He closed his eyes and turned away, wishing he didn’t see what he just saw.