After dismissal, Serena went to the music room to meet with Geoffrey for their rehearsal. To her surprise, Charlton was only about to enter the other music room and their eyes met.
Serena wondered if she should greet him first or just pretend that she didn't see him. She doesn't know where they stood right now. All she knew was that they were over. She was no longer as depressed as she once was, although a part of her loves him still.
Charlton was also surprised to see her. It was their second encounter with just the two of them. The first time he ignored her as he still felt angry and betrayed. This time his anger and feeling of betrayal has already dissipated and although he still loves her, he has already accepted the reality that they were over. Thinking that this was bound to happen sooner or later, he chose to close the door.
"Hey…"
"Hi..."
They both said at the same time.
Serena smiled, "Congratulations for perfecting the midterm exams."
"Thank you. I also saw you got second. Congratulations too." He replied, giving a small smile back.
"Charlton, I…"
"Serena, I…"
They said again at the same time.
"you go first." Serena said as she laughed a little. She was 3 parts happy, 2 parts nervous, and although she knew she should not be, 5 parts, hopeful.
Charlton shook his head. "How have you been?"
Serena smiled, "I've been better. A little busy with everything that's happening. How about you?"
"Just about the same." He said smiling back. But before he can say anything else, he saw Geoffrey approaching. Telling himself that he should get used to this, he said "Anyway, Geoffrey is here. I just want to say that I'm happy for the both of you. Also, good luck on your project and for the evaluation on Friday." He finished. Not wanting to see her expression lest he be more disappointed, he turned to greet Geoffrey. "Hey."
"Hey." Geoffrey greeted back, "Congrats, I saw your name earlier. I think Leonard might need to leave the student council next year with the results you're getting." He jokingly said.
Charlton could only pretend to laugh back, "he might just kill me for that, but I don't have plans in joining. Anyway, you two go along, I don't want to intrude on your rehearsal just because my partner is running a little late."
Geoffrey turned to look at Serena who turned to the side to open the door on her left. "Okay, then see you later."
Charlton stood there trying to convince himself that it doesn't hurt as much as it did before. That he has already let her go. That he did not feel anything while watching Geoffrey enter the room behind Serena.
But who was he trying to fool? He didn't know that it was possible, but he felt even worse.
--
Serena felt an overwhelming onslaught of defeat and sadness when she heard Charlton say those words. Her heart suddenly felt like it was being quenched. She felt wetness on her eyes and a tingling sensation came at the tip of her nose. Not wanting to cause a scene, she turned to her side, opened the door and went inside the private music room.
She wiped her tears quickly not wanting Geoffrey to notice as he was just behind her.
"By the way, congratulations Serena. I saw the results earlier. I'm proud of you." Geoffrey beamed. He was happy for her and quite sorry that he did not get to congratulate her last time.
"Thank you. Congratulations for perfecting the exam too." She replied, not facing him still. She tilted her head up to stop her tears and took a deep breath.
Hearing the slight rasp in her voice, Geoffrey's brows furrowed. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, I am okay, don't mind me." Serena said as she shook her head.
Geoffrey took it as her feeling bad for not placing first. "I understand the feeling, anyway 2nd place is still an improvement from 3rd place. I see that your lowest grade was biology. Perhaps I can help you with that, surely you will place first next time."
Serena laughed. Thankfully, Geoffrey took it as only that. "It's alright, no need. I can manage. Anyway, I think we should work on our duet. I believe we still have a lot of room for improvement." Feeling that she already calmed down, she placed her bag on the couch as she went to sit in front of the piano.
Geoffrey nodded feeling placated after hearing her laugh. He took a moment to stare at her as she moved. It truly was a marvel how she manages everything. It was the first time that he saw, or rather heard, her reveal some weakness and it summoned a certain feeling he could not describe. It was like her pain was his and he never wanted her to experience any. It was strange as he never felt anything like it. He could not understand but he wanted her to confide in him. But before he could do or say anything to further comfort her, she has already recovered.
He shook his head as he smiled. He could not help but admire her further.
--
On Friday, Serena with her friends saw Geoffrey entering the canteen, he was alone as if looking for someone. His hair was slightly wet and was brushed back. When his eyes met hers, he smiled.
"Honestly, that crown prince right now looks like he just came out of a fairy tale. Without the brooding aura surrounding him, even I would jump him." Gizel commented.
Serena shook her head. Although Geoffrey was pleasant to the eyes and was being nice, she just couldn't help but compare. She admits that there were times when he can make her heart jump, but it was nothing in comparison to what Charlton made, makes, her feel.
Geoffrey walked to her direction, "Serena, Gizel, and Milly, I hope you don't mind me joining you three."
--
TBC