A/N:

This was the last original (and by that, I mean it’s not a fan fiction) short story that I’ve written as of now. Thankfully, I was able to keep it so I decided to revise – or should I say change most parts of it and then upload it here on Wattpad to share it with y’all.

I’m also planning to upload my old poems, those that I’ve written with my young imaginative mind, heheh.

Please don’t forget to comment with your feedbacks and read my other works!

Thanks & God bless y’all!:)

-Ariann.Xx

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“When It Rains”

Written on: July 14-23, 2010

Revised on: August 4-9, 2012

When it rains, will you always find an escape

Just running away from all of the ones who loved you?

I decided to turn off my iPod before I become too sentimental while listening to a particular song which lines seemed to send daggers to my chest. I didn’t run away, did I? Yeah, I didn’t, but I pushed people away from me…or should I say a person…the only person that tried his best to show me that he loved me. It was certainly one of those decisions that I hoped I never made, but it’s too late to regret now.

It was a typical busy night in the heart of London; however, I managed to escape from the usual activities in the city, for a while, at least. I was in a perfect place where I can find time with just myself, far from the sight of people and all the noise coming from vehicles; I was in our subdivision’s park. Actually, I didn’t know why I went here. I seriously didn’t know, but somewhere at the back of my mind, I thought that it was probably God’s will. I mentally rolled my eyes. Do you really think he would come back just for you? Ridiculous…he has a different life now, a life that doesn’t involve you, my mind suddenly argued, causing me to sigh out of dismay as I felt a searing pang deep inside my heart. It was true, he has a changed life now…if only I didn’t waste the time before. If I had known then that I’d be feeling this way, if I could replay, I would have never let you go, lines from another song then entered my mind.

I sat silently as the rain continued pouring during this tacit night. The waiting shed kept me protected from being wet though, but still, I shivered. It was a dumb decision to go out without wearing a jacket, I realized just now. I was motionless, just staring at the curb for more than twenty minutes now as if I was waiting for something that wasn’t even coming. I tried to gather myself…why did I even come here? Why am I keeping my hopes up if I’m already sure to myself that there’s no way he would come back for me? But even though I was battling with my mind to leave now, I couldn’t; it was as if God had allowed the weather to be this cruel and then something pinned my arse onto the bench where I was seated.

I looked around, realizing not for the first time that the place had changed a lot. The playground across the shed was not as fun to look at as it used to be; the seesaw, swings, and slides were all still there but they couldn’t be used anymore. They’re broken…just like me. I shook my head. What’s wrong with me? I was being emo like what others suppose, but for me, I was being ludicrous. I looked down at the curb once again, embracing myself as the blowing of the wind sent another chills to run down my spine.

“Avrilaigne?” A voice suddenly caught my attention.

Impossible, I thought, maybe I was just hearing things because of my current mood.

“Av, is that you?” He called again.

This time, I deliberately lifted my head. My eyes then widened. I was frozen in place as if I saw some sort of a ghost, but this guy was way too disqualified to be a ghost; he could even pass as a model, actually. This can’t be…I have already convinced myself that there was only .1 percent possibility – or none at all – that I would get to see him again, and that he would come to this place at this exact day. But why is he here now?

He then started darting towards me from across the street. His hoodie and dark jeans were becoming wet due to the raindrops but he didn’t seem to mind. I just watched him, unable to think of how I would react because I was just thinking about him a few moments ago.

He sat beside me when he reached the shed, occupying the other side of the bench as he pulled down his hood. He then smiled. “It’s been a long time.”

I tried to smile back, I wasn’t even sure if I succeeded because I suddenly began feeling uneasy with my hands shaking and all. I was actually surprised that he easily recognized me. I just stared at him in response, studying his features and comparing them with the face that kept running inside my head for the past few years. He didn’t change a lot, his dark brown hair was just longer, his voice was deeper that it even sounds a bit husky, he became taller, and…undeniably much more handsome.

“You’re here,” he spoke again, snapping me out of my thoughts as he gazed at me straight into my eyes.

I looked away. “I-I was just stranded. What a coincidence.” I tried to let out a chuckle at the end of my sentence.

He laughed quietly. “I guess not.”

“When did you come back?” I asked, trying to change the topic to something else.

“I landed just this morning. So how are you?” I came to notice that his usual British accent slightly changed, perhaps he already got used to speaking with Americans.

“I’m great,” I was glad that I managed to answer. I then immediately thought of another question just so this conversation wouldn’t be more awkward than it already was. “Uh…how’s your band? Did you already get a record deal or something?” I interrogated in an upbeat tone. Honestly, that was the last news that I’ve learned about him through a social networking site wherein I was never an active user. He joined a band as a bassist and they already have a small fan base. They are close to being known, which was actually a bit scary for me, because once he’s known, I know that I wouldn’t be able to reach him whenever I want to…but what’s worse is that he might not remember me anymore…as a friend, or even as the girl he loved. However, he’s now right beside me…does this mean that – no, no – perhaps it was just a coincidence. It’s been five years. It’s impossible that he still feels the same.

“I’m surprised you know about that.” He chortled.

“Why wouldn’t I know about it? You’re already getting famous,” I playfully rolled my eyes at him.

He laughed again. “Hmm…gladly, everything’s going well. We’ve been submitting demos to some music labels but unfortunately, we’re not signed yet. It seems like we must be more patient. It’s awesome playing gigs in small areas though.” He beamed at my direction; it was a smile that only a person en route to living his dreams could give. “Anyway, enough about me…” he trailed off and then placed his hand under his chin as if he was in deep thought. “You’re here,” he muttered again.

I looked down at my hands, knowing where this conversation was going. “I told you I was stranded. I was walking on my way home but it suddenly rained like mad,” I uttered in one breath.

“Really, huh?” From the corner of my eye, I then saw him smirking. “Do you know what date it is today?”

“Yeah. And so?” I raised my eyebrows at him.

“You still remember, don’t you?”

“Jace.” I heaved a sigh, glancing at him but avoiding his eyes.

“Avrilaigne.” He suddenly lifted my chin with his hand and then tucked a few strands of my caramel-coloured hair behind my ear, not allowing it to cover my face. “Please don’t lie to me.”

Yes, I remembered that “deal” that we had way back five years ago. But why is he opening this up now? My stomach suddenly churned as if an earthquake had occurred in there, I didn’t really know what to do now.

He grinned again, unknowingly mesmerizing me. Perhaps he will never have any idea of what his simple smile does to my insides. “You love me,” he said, catching me off guard. “Don’t you?”

I gulped inwardly. I knew I was already cornered that I felt like I wanted to be swallowed by the ground right this very moment. It was weird…why is he asking this to me right now? I’m pretty sure his feelings for me wouldn’t remain after five years of being away from me. It was way too embarrassing…how can I tell him that I have feelings for him now if I know that he doesn’t feel the same way anymore? I just continued enfolding my arms around myself as the wind blew on our direction. Tears began to well up in my eyes. The prisoners that I had been trying to keep imprisoned were now trying to escape from my tear ducts.

“Here.” Jace then placed his hoodie around my shivering body; I didn’t even notice that he removed it. “Oh, Av! A-are you crying?” He then pulled me closer to him, embracing me and making me feel comfortable.

As I buried my face onto his chest, I reminisced. I could remember it clearly, how firm I was with my words to him the last time we’ve seen each other…

“If you really love me that much, then prove it. Only time can prove love. After exactly five years, go back to this place and inform me that you came. Can you do that?” I challenged, with my chin up and my hands on my hips.

He let out a snicker. “Are you serious? I’ll take that challenge. On July 14, 2010, I’ll go back here. But how about you? Hmm...” His nose scrunched up as if he was in deep thought. His face then loosened up after a few seconds. “How about if you eventually realize that you feel the same way towards me, contact me in any way possible or meet me here on July 14, 2010 as well?” He dared back with a grin plastered on his face.

I gulped, and then turned my back. I was so sure to myself that he wouldn’t be able to wait that long, but now he’s challenging me that I would fall for him as well? Ridic…boys will be boys, they won’t be able to wait for a girl that they “love”. Once they’re rejected, they’ll move on to search for another girl.

“Oh, and you forgot one thing, Av,” he suddenly called out. “Aside from time, I’ll show you that distance can also prove love.”

I didn’t look back, instead, I ran. My graduation gown was becoming wet due to the growing amount of drizzle falling from the sky.

After that day, all I knew was that he flew to California to continue studying college there. Oh, you’re asking if he contacted me afterwards? Well, he didn’t…at all.

I pulled away. My green eyes finally met his hazel ones. “Why are you even here?” I asked, my voice came out a few pitches higher than the normal.

“Av…”

“I’m asking you.”

“Av, you know why I’m here.”

“Are you kidding me? You can’t tell me you still love me!”

“Of course, I still do. W-why are you angry?” His forehead creased in confusion.

Why was I even angry? Perhaps it’s because I didn’t want to assume that I’m still loved by the person whom I’ve come to love the moment he was away from me, realizing that I should have loved him when he was still around. I was an idiot, I know. I came to realize the truth of the saying “You will only understand the worth of a person when he’s already gone”. But wait, did I hear that right? He still loves me? Impossible!

“Avrilaigne, did you hear me?” He held both of my shoulders and then gently shook me as if saying “Wake up, you idiot” to my face. “I said I still love you. I promised you that I would come back here on this exact day if I still feel the same right? Don’t you believe me?” As he said his words, I could sense that he was feeling a tinge of frustration at the moment.

Tears still trickled down my cheeks no matter how many times I wiped them with the back of my hand. I couldn’t believe what I am hearing right now. My heart suddenly leaped as if it was rejoicing, but knowing myself, I wouldn’t believe that easily. I have always been doubtful with boys; that was why I didn’t easily fell for Jace when he first courted me before. “If you love me, then why didn’t you contact me the whole time you were in Cali? Because of that, I have come to convince myself that you don’t love me like you used to tell me anymore…or…or you didn't even love me at all!” I complained.

Jace sighed and then scratched the back of his head. I was pretty much being childish now but I didn’t care. I have always been like this, but Jace was the only one who has been able to handle my attitude well. “Look, I’m sorry. I-I know I wasn’t able to contact you or anything, but it was because things became tough in school, and then the band came into my life. There was also a big possibility that you won’t respond to me or even see my posts and whatnot because you were never socially active over the internet. But despite those, believe me, Av, you were always on my mind.” He let out a sigh again, grasping my hand in the process, causing me to feel some sort of electricity with his simple touch. “I even wanted to go back to London just after my first week in the US, but since I was already bounded with responsibilities and all, I couldn’t…even though I badly wanted to.”He looked as if he would be crying after saying his speech. “Do you believe me now?”

I wasn’t able to respond, instead, I thought about what he had just told me. Jace is the kind of guy who knows his priorities. I couldn’t blame him for setting me aside the whole time he was away.

“Do you want me to scream out loud that I love you in the middle of this street?” He asked out of the blue with a touch of amusement now prominent on his face. And then, without even letting me answer, he pulled himself off the bench and then darted towards the centre of the huge park despite the fact that it was raining hard.

“Jace!” I called out to him after gasping due to what he had done and what he was planning to do. “Jacen Andrews! Come back here!”

From afar, I saw him stuck his tongue out at me like a five year old kid. “Avrilaigne Marie McCallister!” He then began shouting, causing my eyes to widen. Few people who were passing by the park shot weird glances at him now. “I love you massively! I’ve waited this long for you to finally know how much I really love you! Will you please believe me now?” He asked out loud as he gazed at me intently; with this, I was literally gobsmacked.

To be honest, my insides were rejoicing like mad at the moment. I didn’t expect him to do this. He was sincere. Why did I even doubt him in the first place? It was my fault, I wasted five long years…I was dumb, wasn’t I? Without thinking of anything else anymore, I stood and then ran to where Jace was, neglecting the coldness that the pouring rain was giving me.

Jace welcomed me with open arms, but I immediately pulled away. “Jace…” I started, though I wasn’t so sure of what I would tell him yet.

“Av, I’m really, really sorry if I haven’t tried contacting you while I was away. It doesn’t mean that I forgot about you or my feelings for you. I’m very, very so-”

“Sssh…” I cut him off by putting my point finger on his lips. “You don’t have to be sorry, Jace. I…I should be the one apologizing.” Confusion was written all over his face when I said this, but he seemed to feel relieved the moment I smiled at him. “Sorry for it was late when I came around,” I continued.

He then beamed back and once again embraced me.

After a few moments, I heard him chuckle to himself; hence, I pulled away and glanced at him. “What’s so funny? Don’t tell me this is just a prank, Jace, or I’m going to rip your head off.” I narrowed my eyes at him.

He shook his head, still giggling. “I knew all along that you would come.”

“And how sure were you all these times, sir?” I began to challenge, raising an eyebrow in the process.

“Well, I don’t know. I just felt it, Ma’am.” He grinned.

I then pushed him away as I let out a subtle laugh. “You’re still overconfident as before.”

“And you’re still tough.” He then laughed with me.

After a moment, my laughter came to a halt as a thought came across my mind. “I’m just wondering…” I trailed off and then heaved a sigh. “There are a lot of girls in Cali…uh…haven’t you fallen in love with any of them?” I then came to realize how awkward it was to ask that, but still, I wanted to know.

Unexpectedly, he laughed harder and then answered when he finally regained his composure, “You know what, Av? Katy Perry’s right, California girls are unforgettable and undeniable, but my heart doesn’t belong to them, love.” He then suddenly moved closer to me, his face was now mere inches away from mine. “My heart belongs to you…all these times,” he continued as he poked the tip of my nose.

I only came to smile in response. It seemed like butterflies were now having a feast inside my stomach. I felt weird. I didn’t really expect that Jace could and would wait this long for me. He loved me and I knew he meant that, but I don’t know why it was late when I came to realize that I feel the same way. Dang it, Avrilaigne Marie…you wasted five long years that could have been fruitful and enjoyable with him. There’s no point of hiding what I feel towards him now. I didn’t want to waste another precious moment. And I didn’t care that we were now soaking wet because of the rain, I must tell Jace that I really love him…now. “Uhmm…Jace?”

“Yes, love?”

“I’m so sorry because I’ve been an idiot. I put five long years to waste. I kept on pushing you away despite the fact that you really love me. I’m very sorry, if only I could turn back ti-”

“Sssh…Just say it,” He suddenly cut me off with his lips twisted to a smirk as his eyes remained fixed on mine.

I gulped inwardly and then let out a sigh of nervousness. “J-jacen Andrews…I wish I have told you this the moment I first felt it…I-I love you.” I finally blurted out.

He then smiled. Pure happiness was prominent on his eyes. “You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting to hear that from you, Av. I love you so much.” He draped his arms around my waist as I placed mine around his neck. Then, he gently pressed his lips against mine whilst the rain continued sheeting down on us.

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*** Lines from the songs “When It Rains” by Paramore and “I Should Have Kissed You” by One Direction were used in the story. All credits go to the artists. No copyright infringement intended.