A/N: Exams are done for me. To celebrate, this chapter is my gift to you my dear readers. You guys have been great and supportive. For that, I'm grateful.

Enjoy and Happy Reading!

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Twenty two

Since Andre was unavailable for the weekend, and the plan about going to the beach was cancelled, I called on to my trusted group of people who I knew wouldn't say no to an outdoor gathering. I already had this weekend off and I did want to go to the beach. Plus, I wouldn't let this opportunity to bond with my friends slipped away.

Last Friday night, I had Annette's help on planning out the get together with the whole gang. It wasn't that hard to convince three, hard working girls, to take some time off for a beach getaway.

"So, are you girls ready?!" I shouted with enthusiasm as Annette pulled the car in reverse and out of her drive way.

"White sand under a hot sunny day, I can't anymore wait!" Meg yelled as her voice rings inside the car.

"Quit it, Meg. You're so loud and it's still seven in the morning." Rosie complained as she rolled the window down.

"I don't get why we are so early." Noelle stated as she grab something from her purse.

"We are early because the drive there is at least two hours long, and that doesn't include Annette's bathroom breaks." I explained with a grin as we drive the car towards the free way.

"Hey! Do not tease the pregnant woman. My mood swing can turn this day bad in a second." She warned in mock outrage, but her eye was twinkling with excitement. I knew that no foul comment about her could ruin her good mood. She is beyond ecstatic about today.

"You heard here ladies, no pregnancy jokes for the rest of the day. Glad I got that out before she bands it." I stated and laughs, everyone joining in.

And, as I've estimated, it did take us more or less two hours to get to the beach. Annette had at least three bathroom breaks on the way here. After we parked the car, we went to a small stall by the beach to get some refreshment and take a few minute breaks. When we had our fill, we headed out to the beach with our umbrellas, blankets, and a basket full of picnic goodies. We came prepared for this day.

We set up just a few meters by the sea. The beach wasn't that crowded yet since it's still quite early for other people. We lie down after setting up and soak up some sun before heading out the sea. The few minute silence was very relaxing. But, such luxury could only last long went you are surrounded by friends.

"So, we heard that you're dating someone, Ally?" Meg asked. I couldn't help but pinpoint her tone sounded accusing. I knew that I've somehow betrayed her, being that she is still single.

"I have met someone... or had..." I replied silently, trailing off as I remember my last conversation with Andre.

Annette noticed my tone and turn towards me, looking worried. "Is everything alright?"

I gave her a sad smile and lie back down, sighing as I close my eyes. "It's complicated."

"Spill, Ally. We've hardly know what's going on with you now, except for Anne." Meg stated with conviction as the rest of the girl looked at me sternly.

I know, somehow within this day, this was bound to happen. "I don't know where to start..." I sighed in defeat and sat up, trailing off as I try to gather my thoughts.

"Why not tell us the reason of that gloomy expression of yours?" Rosie asked, raising an eyebrow at me questionably.

I eyed her for a moment before I replied. "Last night, Logan came by my place..." I started softly as I tell them vaguely about Logan's confession. And then, I paused for a moment before continuing on my last conversation with Andre. It was better to get it all out there in the silver platter.

"So, you still have feeling for Logan?" Annette asked after a few moments of silence when I finished telling them everything.

I looked at her straight in the eye, giving her a sad smile. "Yes." I admitted softly.

"We knew you still love him, Ally. It's quite obvious even after all these years." Noelle states after my answer sinked in.

"That's true, I mean it's quite obvious how half hearted you are with most of your relationships. I don't want to sound that I think of you as heartless. It's just, you keep on lying to yourself that you love those men. I think you're trying to ease some pain." Rosie agreed, voicing out her opinion.

"Ally. What are you afraid of?" Meg asked after a beat of silence, her voice stern as the words linger in the air for a moment.

"I don't... I don't know." I replied, stuttering slightly. I was caught off guard by her question. I've never seen it that why. Was I afraid of something?

"Ally. We don't want to confuse you. We want to see you happy. But, whenever I see you try, it's like you're only doing it so that you wouldn't face a certain amount of pain. Why couldn't you take that risk?" Annette asked, her voice ringing with desperation.

Though the air around me was light with the cool breeze of the sea, it felt thick with the tension of our conversation. I know that they want me to be happy; I know they are only asking because they are worried. But, how am I going to reply those questions when I don't know the answer myself?

A sudden sound of children's laughter brought me out of my dark thoughts. Every one relaxed after that and didn't anymore ask me any questions. I know that they are giving me some space with my thoughts, and they would be there for me and ready to listen when I have the answers.

I didn't want to ruin our day together with my love life problems. I'll pretend one last time that I'm okay and forget about it. Today is the day to be happy and enjoy life with my friends. Today, I'm not going to let anything bother me. With that, I jumped on the salty sea; laughing and smiling with friends I consider my family.

I couldn't help but feel drained when we finally reached Annette's home. We stayed at the beach for almost half of the day that it was already sunset when we got back. I felt relax as I finally crushed down on the comfortable couch by the living room. I didn't plan on going home tonight and decided to stay at Annette's place. I know that she still wants to talk to me about Andre and Logan.

The girls stayed for awhile and ate dinner with us. Tristan wouldn't be home until late since he was doing double shift at work for an upcoming week long vacation he was planning with Annette. When the girls finally went home, Annette and I were in the guest room - which is considered my room when I'm in the vicinity - laying down in bed as we stare at the ceiling in silence.

"So, are you going to break up with Andre?" She asked, breaking the silence.

"I don't know. I'm still not sure with everything yet." I replied softly with a sigh.

"Logan finally made his move after all this years. The man sure knows when to pick his moment." Annette stated with exasperation.

"I agree." I chuckled at her words and shook my head.

"Do you still love him?" She asked softly, turning in the bed to face me.

I turned my head in the same moment, my eyes weary. "I don't know. Love is a strong word to describe it. I can say that I may have some feeling for him, but I don't know if its love."

"What are you going to do now?" She asked as he stared at with worry.

I turned away from her and look back at the white ceiling. "I'm going to do what is best for me." I replied sternly as my heart beats hard once, and then twice.

Annette and I stated silent after that and found some comfort with it. I knew she wanted to ask more on what are my decision, but she also knew that she would be the first to when I made the decision into reality. So, she patiently stayed with me without questions asked.

I didn't realize I fell asleep in that silence. When I woke up, I was all alone. The sun was peeking through the windows, creating a luminescent fell to the room. For the first time in awhile, I felt serene. I felt calm, my mind clear of thoughts and troubles.

I washed up and ate breakfast before heading out back to my apartment. Annette insisted to drive me back, but I wanted to be alone. She understood that and let me go.

When I reach my apartment, the place looked too bright from the last time I walk in here. As I reached my floor, I gleefully walked to my apartment. It felt kind of rude to feel for carefree with the decision I was about to make. But, for the first time, it felt right to go with my guts than my mind.

"Ally, you're back." Logan greets as his door suddenly opens, jolting me back to the present.

"Logan. Hi." I replied, stopping in my tracks as I gave him a small wave.

"Were you out getting coffee?" He asked after he closed the door behind him.

"No. I was at Tristan and Annette's place. The girls and I went to the beach yesterday." I replied with a smile.

"Wow. The beach? I couldn't remember the last time I went to one." He stated in thought.

I opened my mouth and was about to offer him to go with me some other time. But, I close it back and rephrase the thought. "You should go. It's very relaxing." I said with a small smile.

"Maybe I will..." he replies softly as he mirrors my expression. The smile that does not reaching his eyes. It was the same expression he had when I rejected him.

We both stayed their immobile as his words linger in the air between us. I was stuck. I don't know what to say to him after that thought. Then, I mentally slap myself.

"Well, I better go inside. I'm still sleepy from yesterday's activity." I stated in a close as I gave him a curt wave of farewell.

"Oh. Right. I'll see you when I see you." He replied, giving me a short wave as he paced away from me towards the elevator.

"Have a good day, Logan." I said lastly before turning the knob of my door.

"You too. Sleep well." He called back as the elevator door opened.

I didn't wait for the door to close and stepped inside my apartment. This was my decision and I'm sticking to it. So, I close the door without a one last look from him. I got to my room and crushed down. Now, I can let it go. Now, I can finally cry from all the faults I made, to the heart I'm going to break, and to my heart I would shatter some more.

The day was long as I waited for Andre's returned. He texted me for the first time since he went way that he would be back my tonight. This would mean we are finally going to talk about it. Tonight is the night I would tell him my decision.

Sitting in the small balcony, I let the cold breeze of the night and the faint sounds of the busy street fill my thoughts. I was in my peaceful place; a place where no one would bother me, where everything was in place. I grab the wine glass in front of me and took a small sip. The liquid burned my throat as I gulped it down. Those were my only thoughts in the moment.

But, I knew that I was living in fantasy land, that I was bound to get back to reality. Then, my phone rings, signaling me that my time was up. I had to get back to reality and face the real problems head on.

The knock on the door continued as I walked on towards it to open. I knew who it was, but I check on the peephole to be sure. Andre was still in a suit as he stood on the other side of the door, knocking lightly to my door.

Taking a huge breath, I calm my suddenly frantic heart. How was I going to tell him? Where to I start? My thoughts suddenly crush down on me in a frantic panic. So, I close my eyes and take in deep breath to calm myself down.

"Ally, are you there?" Andre called his voice calm.

That's when I opened my eyes and let out one last breath to steady my heart and thought. And, I knew he would listen and respect my decision. For I knew, Andre Pierce was not just any man I met. He was the man that finally made me see the thing I was afraid to face before. He opened a door that would help me face my fear. He made me realize my fear in love.