Chapter 23: Will You be My Date?

I touched my head, merely opening my eyes. My head keeps on throbbing and it hurts. I was about to sit down when someone stopped me, so I immediately opened my eyes and saw Cath.

"Hey, don't move. You're in the clinic. You should rest." She smiled and helped me to lay down again. I looked around; they were all here. Even Isaac. Cath covered me with a comforter.

"I'm sorry, 'Thea." It was Lydia, she walked closer to me and held my hand. "Don't think too much. We're sorry we put a lot of pressure on you earlier." She sounded so apologetic. I turned to Kurt and Kristian who were the same.

I smiled. "It's okay. It's no big deal--"

"It is." I was silent when Isaac spoke. "The doctor said, you're not sleeping properly, and you haven't eaten yet. Do you want to die?" He was annoyed when he said that. I averted my eyes. Maybe that's the reason why I faint. I closed my eyes and thought about what happened a while ago.

I opened my eyes and looked at them. They're not okay and I can feel it. I also noticed that they're not confronting Isaac now. Did they settle everything after I passed out? I know they're angry and it's my fault they fought.

"This is all my fault." I tried to sit again and looked at them. If I only knew I'll ruin this group, I shouldn't have gotten here.

"It's not, Althea. We understand." Lydia smiled and caressed my shoulder. "Don't worry. We're not angry anymore. Isaac explained everything and he apologized."

I looked at Isaac. We've been avoiding each other, and he probably hates me by now, but he's still here.

"Get well. We will be back tomorrow, you are supposed to be here until tonight, and you'll be discharged tomorrow," Kurt explained. They bid goodbye to me and went out one by one. Until only Isaac was left.

"I don't want to talk--" I couldn't continue what I was about to say when he put down a black envelope in front of me. It has golden letters embossed in it in a calligraphy style. I picked it up and read:

You are invited to Magical University's Grand Magical Ball.

I frowned and looked at him. "What am I supposed to do with this?" He did not answer me. He remained silent. "Answer me."

"You said you don't want to talk," he shrugged, half-joking. I looked at him then he rolled his eyes. "It's an annual event on Magical University. Our group is invited. We are required to attend."

I handed it back to him. "I can't. I mean what I said earlier. I'm going back to my old life without you."

He was silent, so was I. For a minute, I wanted to hurt myself because of what I said. I've been too hard for him.

He bit his lip. "Just tell me if you don't want to be my date. You don't have to use it as an excuse for your departure." I know he's pissed, but I mean it.

"Isaac, isn't it obvious? I'm pushing you away--" He cut me off.

"Okay." He raised his hand as if he was giving up on forcing me. "I just don't know why did you have to kiss me back and act like you didn't want it? But I felt it, Althea. And I know you're lying." He turned his back on me and walked away.

I closed my eyes, everything that we did that night, is true. It is. But I'm scared.

I removed the dextrose that was attached to me and ran to stop him. "Isaac!" I called out his name.

He stopped walking and turned to me. I don't know why I'm doing this, but I only want one thing now, for him to know the truth.

"I don't know anything about love or what makes you say you're in love. But I want you to know that what we had that night, it's true. And I kissed you back because I wanted to. I liked it so much, and..." I closed my eyes again. I put aside all the fear I was feeling at that time. Whatever the cost of this, I will deal with it. "...if you're going to allow me and give me some time, I'll figure out what I truly feel for you."

He smiled, a genuine one that made my heart skip its beat. He has that effect on me.

"I'll be by your side as you figure out what you feel for me, Althea." He handed me the envelope again which I immediately took. "Will you be my date?"

I bit my lip so hard and looked at him straight in the eye. Maybe before, I could not look at him because I was scared. But now, I can feel comfortable when he's around. I haven't felt that before in my entire life, and I like that feeling. It felt like home.

"Yes." I nodded and smiled. This one is a sure smile, and I know it's because of him. "I'll be your date, Isaac."

He left immediately after we talked, it's already late and I needed to rest.

I was about to sleep when someone knocked on the door of the clinic. It opened and Hunter showed up. I sat down and looked at him, what is he doing here?

"Hey, are you okay now?" he asked, worriedly. I nodded in response. He sat on the edge of the bed and adjusted my comforter.

"Why are you here?" I asked in astonishment. Maybe Cath also told him that I was brought here. His lip e up, forming a half-smile.

"I was about to ask you if you can be my date, but I guess someone came first." He looked at the envelope on the bedside table.

"Isaac asked me," I replied. Silence and the weight of the wind enveloped us. "W-We can dance. Isaac is my date, but no one said I can't dance with anyone, right?"

He looked me straight in the eye and a smile spread across his lips, but this time it was a genuine smile.

"Thank you. It's my honor." He took my hand and kissed the back of it.

"Oh, what a gentleman," I said jokingly, and we laughed.

He stayed for a little time and left when it's already ten in the evening. I looked up at the ceiling of the clinic as I thought of everything.

What Mr. Hawkins told me, all of that was right and they think it would be good for Isaac. But I can't see that he's happy anymore.

He's hurt. Is it still right to be hurt just to be right? That's why I made my decision. Mr. Hawkins is right; I should do the right thing.

And the right thing to do is stay by Isaac's side as he fights through his battles. I can't let him fight them alone. I'm not a coward.

I took the envelope that Isaac had given me, and I couldn’t help but smile. "I guess he's my date, huh?"

My first date will be Isaac Villanueva and I'm looking forward to it.