Chapter 5: Confession from an old friend

Third Person's Point of View 

On his way out, Carlos Hamilton was on his way home when he noticed that a car stopped in the middle of the road. His eyes fixated on the car, until he realized that it's a familiar one and owned by a close friend. 

Meanwhile, a woman came out from the car amidst the pouring rain and thunder. He saw Emerald walking barefoot. A thunder abruptly occurred and Carlos saw that Emerald was looking at the man. Stunned that the man might harm Emerald, he immediately went out despite the danger awaits them. 

“EJ!” Emerald suddenly glanced at the man. 

Her heart melted seeing Carlos at the other side of the road. It has been a while since the last time someone called her EJ. Only her close friends can call her that. 

Carlos assisted Emerald to stand up. His eyes went to where he saw the man earlier but he's no longer there. 

“What happened? Did the man standing earlier harm you?” He asked in a low yet worried tone. 

Emerald gripped Carlos’ hands and then spoke. She didn't say anything. However, her eyes speak a lot about her condition. She seemed scared. Emerald coughed and Carlos took her inside his car. 

That's when he gave his spare jacket to her whilst Emerald was sneezing in coldness. 

“W-Wait!” Emerald halted Carlos as he's about to drive. “Are we really going to leave my car here?” 

“Don't worry, I'll contact someone to get it for you. For now, let's leave this place. It's dangerous.” He affirmed, assuring Emerald before he drove to his condo. 

****

There's nothing else he can think of aside from his condo. He offered Emerald to stay there for a while until the rain stops. A heavy rain has been reported on the news and is currently advising everyone to stay indoors to avoid accidents. 

A landslide already happened in a nearby area and rescuers have been deployed. On the other hand, Emerald is now wearing one of Carlos’ shirts.

“Does it make you comfortable? I can give you a sweater if you want,” he offered after putting two cups of tea above the bar counter. 

Emerald brushed off her wet hair. “I'm fine here. Thanks for letting me borrow your clothes by the way. Don't worry, I'll give it back after washing it.” 

Carlos chuckled. “No worries. It's yours. I'm not using it anymore.” 

He seemed fluttered. Seeing Emerald made Carlos a little happy and shy. He thought his feelings for Emerald faded away yet it's still there. All these years they haven't seen each other, Carlos never set his eyes for another woman. 

“You can stay here for tonight. I have a spare room you can use just like the old times.” 

‘Just like the old times.’ Rings a bell on her. Emerald suddenly remembered their life a few years ago. 

Meanwhile, a certain memory crept in her mind. It was gossip circulating not only in their circle of friends but around her school. Emerald is a well-known smart girl back in her days as well as Carlos Hamilton who's street smart, football varsity player, and a handsome very talented man. 

A lot of people say that they look like a couple. And even a rumor about them dating circulated the whole campus yet Carlos remained unbothered. He doesn't care about what people say yet a lot of people are rooting for them. However, there are still people who are not happy with their rumored relationship. 

“You've always been a good friend, Carlos. I appreciate it.” Emerald expressed her deepest thankfulness to him. 

He chuckled a little. Emerald can sense that he looked kinda nervous. 

“I know we just saw each other again after many years but…” he paused momentarily. “I like you, Emerald.” 

The smile on Emerald's face faded away. She only sees him as a friend and nothing else. Emerald never imagined being Carlos’ girl especially when they were close. 

“Carlos, I-I…” 

“No, EJ. Let me speak, please? Let me express how genuine I am towards you and how many years I kept my feelings just for our friendship…” 

Emerald bit her lower lip. She was speechless. After long years, the man who was rumored to like her is now confessing what he really feels. Stunned, Emerald gripped on her shirt tight. 

Carlos can't take it anymore. He waited for this day to see her again with a bright future. He vowed to himself that he won't see the woman she loves to marry unless he's already successful. Now that he has many things to boast about, Carlos didn't hesitate but to express his feelings. 

“The reason why I became a physician was because of you,” he affirmed in a very low, yet manly tone. “You said you wanted a man of honor. Someone who has a lot of things to brag about. A businessman, a lawyer and a doctor to be exact. I took one of the hardest programs because you once said you wanted someone to look after you so I became a doctor… and I'm very much willing to take care of you for the rest of your life, EJ.” 

Emerald heard a lot of confessions but Carlos’ way of expression was different. It made Emerald lose her mind a little bit. 

She never thought that someone would take her words seriously. She can still remember why she said that. It's because she saw and heard a certain couple bickering outside their school. Emerald wouldn't want a love that is forced, and a love that she's not happy with, so she set her own standards for men. 

However, she still fell in a loveless, one-sided marriage. 

“Actually, the truth is…” Emerald affirmed whilst Carlos was excitedly waiting for Emerald's response. “I appreciate your feelings for me, Carlos. I already noticed it before but I chose to feign ignorance in order to keep our friendship. However…” 

Carlos' forehead creased, and nodded, urging her to speak. 

“However, I can only offer you friendship and nothing more than that, Carlos.”