Prologue
Everyone has fallen in love. Either it realized or not, or indeed just a one-sided feeling like a secret admirer. We may feel love at different times, but almost all of them experienced their first love in high school.
Classic love stories such as falling in love with a basketball captain or a troublemaker. Almost everything appears with an unexpected encounter or an embarrassing accident. An unexpected scene that makes hearts flutter. And my story is no other ...
***
My name is Luna, now I am almost 30 years old and I work in a book publishing company as an editor. Since childhood, I always dreamed of becoming a novelist, that's why I truly love my job. Even though I can't write books and put my name on the cover of novels, I really enjoy doing work related to novels.
Even yet I am almost 30 years old, but until now, I am still single. When someone asked me the reason, I would always reply that I was too busy and didn't have time to date. But the fact is, I don't have the confidence to fall in love. And that’s makes me close my heart.
Actually, I've fallen in love, like other people I've given up in love with someone with all my heart. It happened when I just set foot in high school. As a child who had just let go of childhood and entered adolescence, I was excited and curious about new things. But I've always been a pretty girl who knows nothing when it's about loved.
I never liked anyone before until I met Mike. He's a senior brother one year above me. He's a student council president, basketball captain, and even ranked first in school. He is very handsome and perfection is his nickname.
All girls felt it, and so do I. I fell in love with him after he helped me pick up the books that were scattered on the floor when I fell. That brief encounter was enough to make me fall in love with him. Without realizing it, I always pay attention to him and follow him wherever he goes when we are at school.
I was totally in love because it was my first time falling in love. But my love must end without being able to tell him because everybody knows he already has a girlfriend who is perfect and fits right side by side with him.
I thought I had forgotten about it, but when we met at the reunion, I realized I hadn't forgotten. I yet like him, indeed when he is not perfect anymore and everyone opposes me saying I should forget about him. Still, my heart can't let it go I wish to manifest my love, indeed when everybody is against it ... I wish to create a perfect world with him.
Storyline
Everyone has fallen in love. Either it materialized or not, or even just a one-sided feeling like a secret admirer. We may feel love at different times, but almost all of them experienced their first love in high school.
Classic love stories such as falling in love with a basketball captain, first place or a troublemaker. Almost everything starts with an accidental meeting or an embarrassing crash. An unexpected scene that makes hearts flutter. And my story is no different ...
***
When I was a kid people often asked me what my dreams were when I was a kid and I, who was still innocent immediately answered that I wanted to be like a mother because I admired her. I'm sure every kid is too, their first idol must be their parents. Then when I started formal education and went to school, I was awed by one teacher and I also got a new dream which is to become a teacher.
Then I stepped into middle and high school, my dreams often fluctuated until I was confused about how I would organize my future later. I know nothing, I'm not a smart person, so I don't have the confidence to pursue sky-high ideals and I'm also not a beautiful girl who can become a model or celebrity.
I lived my time in doubt and didn't know where to go. The day passed and look at me now. I'm 29 years old, only a few months left before I turn 30 and yet single until now. But I always get excited every morning to work and finish some novels that are even piled on my desk before the publishing process begins.
I ever start the morning excited, but when I see the pile of novels on my desk makes me sigh and my energy disappears. I sat in my chair and read the novels one by one that had to be edited.
Yes, I manage as an editor in a publishing company and novels are my thing. I like this job because every hour I spend reading a novel and editing it, during that time I can be whoever I want to be in the world of fictions. I'm always immersed in the novel I'm reading every moment I work that's why I constantly don't realize how much time has passed every moment I work
When I was engrossed in the novel was on my desk, the sound of footsteps that sounded slowly became clearer and closer. The voice of footsteps was familiar to me, then I looked away, and I saw the editor-in-chief was walking towards me. I also took my hand off the keyboard, then sat down with a thin smile.
"How is the development of the novel?" Mrs Linda asked me, and I said that this novel was ending.
"Then, can you replace Mary on the novel Happy Together? She had taken time off as soon as she was because of giving birth. You also know this is our flagship novel because Red S agreed to sign a contract with our company. Other novels could be postponed but the director wanted this novel to be finished before this winter. You can handle it, right? " Asked Mrs Linda and of course I nodded my head because Red S is a very famous writer, and I am one of his fans.
Knowing I would work on a novel project of my idol novelist made me very happy. It feels like my energy is getting full, I'm so excited that I'm going on editing some novels fast. Yep, this is my best day.
After work Grace, my friend from high school picked me up because we were going to a high school homecoming. One of the best things about the homecoming is being able to recall the memories of our high school days. It's always nice to look at our current personalities and then compare back with our old personalities. Like Grace, who has now turned into an orthopaedic doctor, my friends did not expect to see me turn into a novel editor, whereas in the former I was a school announcer and dreamed of becoming a broadcaster.
It feels like this is the happiest day for me before I got a big project and now I can gather with my classmates again. But the thing that I can't avoid when hanging out with them is talking about my first love. Yes, I've been in love before. He is Mike, a handsome, smart and athletic man. He is someone who is perfect and has a kind heart.
When we talked about it, unexpected things happened that made us pause. Mike came to the reunion with a beautiful lady beside him. Although I didn't mean to eavesdrop from his conversation with his friends, that girl is his fiancé.
I thought I had forgotten it but I found myself sad when I heard that and without realizing it I kept staring at him from a distance. I can feel my heart still beating when I see his face. Grace who saw me whispered to me, saying that I had to give up and had to move on.
"Yes, I think you should forget about it and meet another man. If you can't find another boy, I will help you. How can you beat such a perfect girl?!" said Grace as she glanced at Mike's fiancé.
I can only lower my head and start sipping the drink is on the table. Even though I didn't intend to drink, but I couldn't stand drinking and kept pouring a drink into my glass. I don't know why I can't get drunk, even still I've drunk so much drink. Even though I never drank before, but now I can't indeed quit drinking.
Then when I want another drink, a hand holds my hand and says I have to quit. I lifted my head and found that Mike was holding my hand. I was surprised and wanted to hide my face, which turned red when I saw it. I also realized that there were only a few people around us.
"That's enough, come on, I'll take you home." Said Mike with his concern. I know he is a very sympathetic and caring person, but still, I was touched by his friendly attitude to me.
I who was very ashamed brushed his hand that held me and told me I could go alone. I proudly tried to go on my own, but after just a few steps I lost my balance and fell, injuring my ankle. Mike still had to carry me. I know I shouldn't feel this way, but I was so happy that it felt like my heart was going to explode when Mike brought me on his back. I also said sorry for bothering him and thank you for being willing to take me home, he even carried me on his back. But Mike just replied that he was okay because he couldn't let a girl go home at night alone. After all, it's so dangerous.
"Then, how about your fiancé? Is it okay for you to walk me and leave her there alone?" I asked and Mike smiled and chuckled
"Cheryl has been home for a long time. How much did you drink that you didn't even notice? Almost everyone has gone home. " His words embarrassed me.
I also buried my face in his back to hide my blushing face. Along the way, we fill with stories about the past. Reminiscing about the high school days we spent just passing each other when we passed, at least that was what he remembered. Mike didn't realize it, but it always fills my memory with delightful versions of the two of us. Beautiful memories that make me flutter when remembering it.
Several days have left and I still can't get over the memories of that night when Mike carried me on his back, and we talked about many things. I know I can't be like this but I can't forget it, especially since he treated my sprained leg. I realize this is wrong, but I can't stop remembering it.
During lunchtime, I met Grace and told her about everything I thought. I was so confused about what to do because even after so many years, I still couldn't get over my feelings for him. If this was just ordinary first love, I shouldn't have thought this long. Looks like my love for Mike doesn't have an expiration date.
Then Grace told me something really surprising. She said that yesterday Mike had an accident and was hospitalized. I was very surprised to ask her to take me to meet Mike. I kept pushing until Grace wanted to take me.
We were in Mike's ward. From the window, I could see Mike's back moving up and down and the room looked very messy as if someone had gone berserk. Grace grabbed my back and told that right now Mike couldn't be bothered. He was not well so conscious and found that his leg was paralyzed because of the injury from the accident. Grace also suggested that I should forget about Mike right now because someone with a disability won't be able to take care of me.
I could only look at from the outside and couldn't go inside to see him. I started to have doubts about my feelings. Some days I spent secretly looking at Mike and wondering if I still love him the way before. I feel so guilty because I started to doubt my feelings when I saw him sitting in a wheelchair.
Until one day I saw things I shouldn't have seen. I watched Cheryl cruelly cut off her relationship with Mike just because Mike was in a wheelchair. She even viciously said she could not spend her life keeping a crippled person right in front of Mike when even at this point Mike was devastated thinking of his paralyzed leg.
I became so furious that I couldn't stop myself from opening the door and standing in front of Cheryl. I was so angry that I told her not to worry because from now on I will take care of Mike. I even threw her out and it wasn't until Cheryl left that I realized.
I also glanced at Mike, I wanted to say that I'm sorry because I intervened but seeing Mike who was smiling bitterly tried to hide his sadness with tears that filled his eyelids made me speechless. I think it's the right thing to do.
"Since when did you know I was treated here?" Mike asked, his voice hoarse and trembling to hold back his sadness
"I know for a few days, but I don't dare to enter. I can only peek at you from the window, sorry. "
"How do I look? I must be looking pathetic sitting in this wheelchair. " Mike said with a look that I can't bear to see.
I couldn't bear to see his eyes which looked so sad. I could see him struggling to hold back his tears. He was so devastated and I couldn't afford to let him continue to fall. I hugged him tightly and said that he could cry and didn't have to hold it in. Even if other people leave him, I promise I'll always be by his side.
I could feel his arms hugging me tightly and his shoulders shaking violently. I can feel my warm shoulder soaked by his tears. My heart broke along with the tears flowing from his eyes. This is the first time I've seen Mike so devastated.
Since that day I have decided to stay by his side, I was sure that I love Mike. Even if he's no longer perfect, I want to stay by his side and take care of him. After all, shouldn't love to be like this? No matter what the circumstances, I will accept him as himself is and loves him with all my heart.
Every day I will visit him and bring the food I cooked for him. I also accompanied him on a walk in the hospital garden while pushing his wheelchair. I had thought that this might be difficult to live with but in fact, I didn't find it difficult at all instead I felt delighted.
I love every time I spend with him. Every day I am very excited to think of a new menu that I will cook for him. Every step and every gust of wind I walk with Mike feels precious and it makes me feel happy. Even though we don't have any relationship but I have put myself as his girlfriend.
And when he could go home, I visited him. I love it when I push his wheelchair and help him into the car. Mike still looks uncomfortable with the attention I'm giving him. Whatever I do, he will say thank you indeed though I always tell he doesn't have to.
When we walked into his apartment Mike looked very surprised to see that his apartment was neat and tidy. Even if I said nothing Mike already knew it was me who did it. He stared at me with a gaze as if he was uncomfortable with what I did for him. But I don't care and just smile because I like what I do and it makes me happy.
"You must be hungry, wait a moment I'll cook something for you."
"Luna, you don't have to do all this for me. I can order food outside. " Mike replied trying to stop me but I ignored him
"It's okay, I want to do this," I said.
I started cooking and served it on the table. I could see Mike's face feeling uncomfortable with me, and I knew it was because he felt like he was burdening me. But that's not true, I want to make things clear. I need to say how I feel about him and make certainty in our relationship.
"Mike, I love you. I have loved you since we were in high school. " I said while clenching my hand and gathering courage.
"Luna, you have to think more logically. Look at me, see at my condition now. I won't be able to take care of you, I can't make you happy. I will only be your burden. " Mike said and I shook my head
"Instead, I'm happiest when I'm with you. You are not a burden to me, you are the source of my happiness. " I replied, looking deep into his eyes so that Mike could see how much I loved him
"I can't change your mind, can I?" replied Mike, and I smiled as he said
"Yes because I've fallen in love with you."
From that day on, we started our relationship as lovers. We turn to a new chapter in our lives and write it down with our story. We decided to live together and spend a lot of time together.
I felt so happy that it seemed like my heart was filled with flowers in bloom. It feels as if I can fly to the sky. I also decided to tell Grace everything because she's my best friend and always hears my complaints. I want to share my happiness with her.
I invited her to meet at the café we meet. I've been waiting for 30 minutes, but Grace hasn't come yet. I think something happened at the hospital, so I keep waiting diligently. Grace arrived, still wearing her white robe.
"You must have been in such a hurry you didn't have time to take off your doctor's robe," I said.
"Something happened at the hospital. I know I've been keeping you waiting, so I ran over here right away. So, what are you asking to meet today? What good news do you want to tell me? " Said Grace then asked
"Mike and I are dating!" I said excitedly but Grace didn't seem happy for me instead she looked worried about me.
" Really?" asked Grace, and I nodded my head
" Are you sure? Luna, have you thought about this? I know you've liked Mike since high school, but ... "said Grace could not finish her words, but I know what she wanted to say.
I know that Grace cares about me. She must have been very worried when she heard I was dating Mike because of Mike's current situation. She doesn't want to be rude, she's just worried about me and I don't blame her for that. I also held her hand and tried to convince her that my decision was correct.
"Grace, I know you care for me, but I've never been this sure before. You still know I've liked Mike since we were in high school. I can't like anyone other than him and I'm happy with all the time I spend with him. I want you to be happy for me too. " I said as I looked into her eyes and Grace sighed
"Yes, as long as you are happy," Grace said, and I smiled.
I hugged Grace because I was so glad. She is the best friend who can understand me. I'm very grateful to have a friend like Grace who is constantly there for me.
My days go by working in the office and doing housework while taking care of Mike. Every day I felt very happy and never for a second I felt tired. Spending time with Mike always makes me felt happy. I was drowning in my happiness until I didn't realize the condition of my body.
I was delighted because the big project I was carrying out on was finished and got 2 days off before taking on another novel project. I went home with a big smile and hugged Mike from behind. Mike also stroked my hand around his neck. He smiled too when he saw me smiling.
"Did something good happen? What makes you so happy? " Asked Mike
"The novel project I am taking on has been completed and I get 2 days off. Let's go on vacation, I already had 2 plane tickets to Paris. " I said excitedly, showing the 2 tickets that I had bought
"Don't you just want to rest? You've worked hard all this time, I don't want you to push yourself and become tired." Mike said, and I tightened my arms and shook my head
" I want to make more cheerful memories with you. I want to see the night light in Paris with you. " I said
Seeing me who was so adamant about leaving made Mike give up and agree to go. We packed up and went to the airport. I was very happy, if only I had known what was going to happen I would never have forced to leave. I should have followed Mike's word and stayed home. But I'm so stupid and just want to make as many memories as possible.
Once in Paris, we rented a hotel room and enjoyed our lunch. I was very excited and invited Mike to take a walk outside and look at the sights of Paris in the afternoon. This is my first vacation out of town, and I am with Mike, my first lover who is now my boyfriend because of that I am delighted and enthusiastic.
I invited Mike to take a walk without thinking about my tired body condition. I love to see the streets of Paris while pushing Mike, who is sitting in his wheelchair. Every path we passed was so beautiful that even the fallen leaves looked so lovely to me.
Then we arrived at a crossroads, I pressed the button to cross. Slowly, I also felt something strange in my body. It seemed like my strength disappeared and my head felt very heavy. It was so hard for me to stand up I grabbed onto Mike's wheelchair handle.
I could hear Mike saying that we could cross, but I couldn't answer. Without realizing it, I lost my balance and fell forward. At that moment I caught Mike's panicked face and tried to grab my hand, I tried to grab his hand but I couldn't and I just saw darkness.
I lost consciousness; I don't know how much time I spent while I was unconscious. When I woke up, I was in the hospital and Grace was with me. I decided to look around myself, but I couldn't see Mike. I also held my head, which still ached.
" What happened? Why am I here? " I asked
"You passed out for 2 days from exhaustion. Why did you push yourself and forget to rest until you passed out in Paris? I can't believe I have to go to Paris to accompany you. " Grace said scolding me but I did not care about it, there were other things that filled my mind
"Where's Mike?" Grace sighed when I asked Mike. It felt strange seeing Grace lower her head when I asked Mike and it made me feel uncomfortable.
"Mike asked me to give you this letter when you carried out." Said Grace gave me a piece of paper.
I took it and read the contents of the letter word for word. It hurts so much to me the more I read it. I never imagined I would receive a letter from Mike said ...
'Luna, I know it will be very painful for you to read this letter when you just carried out., it feels pleased when I'm with you. You are the best woman who ever appeared in my world. I will never meet a girl as beautiful and kind as you. Thank you for choosing to love me and give happiness to my life. If it weren't for you, I might have given up on my life. Thank you for choosing to welcome me when other people stay away from me. I love you and I thought that would never change. But when you passed out and I couldn't hold your hand, it made me realize that I couldn't take care of you at all. You did everything for me until you passed out from exhaustion, but I can't even take your hand. I realized how useless I was as a man. I should have taken care of you, but I can't do that. I can only cry and look at you who are being treated. I was afraid that I would lose you, but I realized that if this relationship continues, then I will only burden you with my helplessness that's why we have to end it all. I'm sorry, but I beg you to be happy. I want you to know that I love you forever. 'It felt like my world collapsed instantly. It's hard for me to believe that this relationship ended like this. Without realizing it, it filled my eyes with tears which flowed and wet my cheeks. My chest feels tight and I wish this was a dream, but everything seems so true.
My heart ached so hard I wished to deny it, but when I saw Grace it was all clear. This is true and I can't deny it. Mike says he loves me so much, but why should he leave me?
I wanted so badly to run and ask him why our relationship had to end when we loved each other. If we love each other, why should we be apart? Why is fate so cruel to me? I removed the IV stuck to my hand and wanted to go after him, but Grace held me back. He told me to calm down and think about my health.
"How can I be calm? Mike left, he left me! I had to go after him and ask him why he had to go. I have to go after him now!" I said with tears in his eyes.
Grace also hugged me, no matter how hard I pushed her, Grace didn't let me go. I can only cry out loud. I just focus on the pain I'm suffering and spill it all out.
After being discharged from the hospital, I went straight to the hotel room, we rented and packed my things. I still realized that Mike brought all the photos and things we bought together as if he wanted to get rid of his traces. The only thing that remains is the photo which I took with my cellphone.
It seemed like my world became empty and a big hole filled my heart. I felt very down and Grace accompanied me. It's hard to believe how everything we went through together was like a dream that never happened. He left carrying all the traces as if he didn't want me to remember it and just left a farewell letter for me.
Time is running out and I keep trying to call him every day, even though every time his number can't be reached. I'm still holding on to the hope that he will contact me, or we will meet again accidentally.
I was always focused on my feelings and never thought about Mike when he made this decision. How does he get when I do all and drive him to depend on me? He must have been very sad when he saw me trying so hard and pushing myself to carry out things seem good for us.
I see all as peace of mind, but maybe it looks different from him. Seeing me continue to fend for our pleasure must make him see very guilty. Even though I didn't mean to do it, I did.
Now I can only try to trace our memories together hoping time will bring me back to him. Hope we can get back simultaneously and carry out things right.
The wound may yet make an impression but at least we can start it all over again. Because we love each other and I'm sure even now we yet love each other. I want to find over because I just love him and I believe we were created to be together. Now I can only hope that fate will allow us to get back together..
About the Author
Adepoju Olaoluwa Itunu is a young athlete who has passion for sports, swimming and weightlifting to be precise. In complimenting to all these interests, the young prince is also the CEO of OLAEDUCONSULT; a company that helps potential students to secure admission alongside with scholarships to various universities around the world.
He is also the CEO of FITNESS EMPEROR, a company helping willing people to stay fit regardless of their age. Not forgetting to mention that he is also a model, an author, as well as a python programmer and he is currently pursuing another bachelor’s degree in Computer Science & Engineering in one of India’s most prestigious universities.
Other books by this author
• The Endless Relation of Love- This book is a true-life story inspired by the real feeling and emotions created by love. It was created also on hurts and damages caused by love thereby causing a big emotional void in someone’s heart.
The Endless Relation of Love is a love inspired novel that reveals the secrets of love.
Bringing together-the romance, the pleasure, the pain and the hatred, author Adepoju OlaoluwaItunu has given a whole new experience of love and all the other emotions involved with it, with this wonderful piece of words. Engrossed in the writer’s heart, his longing for the foundation which he lacks, affects his personal life. Do you think someone with so much pain can survive?
• COULD THIS BE LOVE (#1) - The first part of a duo logy is up with a very promising start. The story and characters have very good potential and this book leaves a lot of plot and expectations open for the next one.
COULD THIS BE LOVE? is a true life love story of Alex and precious, a true-life story which explains the fantasy of love. Author, Adepoju Olaoluwa Itunu gives us this steamy romance novel which has a succeeding part to it and the audience was very happy about it.
• A Love Called Hatred- This book is a true life story of the complications and misunderstandings caused when one mistakes love for hatred. The title relates to the plotin every way possible and every aspect of the book is perfect.
The book, A Love Called Hatred, shows that how love can be wicked but also irresistible. The author, Adepoju Olaoluwa Itunu, has written the book in such a way that each chapter of the story holds a good amount of love and hatred between the two which makes us smile at how confusing it can be. It is a good recommendation for those who are looking to go in some light and beautiful journey of love.
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