Chapter 95 GOING BACK TO CANADA
"Today was so much fun!" Ixora jumped, giggling like a child.
Blake chuckled at her childish nature.
The night had been endless fun for them, and they were both enjoying themselves. From visiting the amusement park to the cinema, ice cream shop, they even sang karaoke together.
Right now, they were walking down the silent bridge while licking an ice cream.
"Thanks for tonight," Ixora said in her uttermost sincerity.
She was feeling bored and had no idea where Drexton was. She thought about calling him, but changed her mind. He might be busy.
"It's nothing, I also enjoyed it."
Silence enveloped them as the steps echoed softly. They were both staring down at their shadows, both having a lot to say to each other.
"I..." they said together and laughed.
"You go first," Ixora said.
Blake shook his head. "You first."
"But—"
"Ladies first."
Ixora exhaled. "Fine. I'm sorry about your mum. I blame myself for whatever happened to you. I knew about it and hid it away from you. I made you feel used, and I'm deeply sorry."
"No, it's fine. I'm sure something made you hide it from me."
"It's not. You are my best friend, and regardless of the reason, I should have told you. Friends shouldn't keep secrets away from each other," she mumbled the last part, lowering her gaze.
"Apology accepted. We won't keep secrets away from each other again." He gave her a warm smile.
"I also have to apologize for acting like a jerk. I shouldn't have said what I said to Drexton. I felt I had lost him, and... the feud is between both of us. I shouldn't have involved his parents."
"Don't worry, he has forgotten about it. He holds no grudge against you."
Blake nodded.
"Also, I have gotten the chance to apologize for how I behaved towards you. Kissing you forcefully was not right for me. I should have understood the heart chooses who it wants to, and I should have respected your decision. Sorry," he muttered, locking their gazes.
"It's all in the past now, and I've forgiven you. Let's not bring anything up about the past again. You are my best friend, and no one will ever take that place in my heart." She licked her ice cream as they smiled at each other, continuing their step.
"Do you feel Nelly is okay? She left without a proper reason, and her phone is not reachable," Ixora said.
"Maybe it's something personal. She will come around."
"I don't know, I just feel as if she's hiding something away from us," she mumbled.
"Don't think too much about it." He patted her head. "She will be fine."
They both rested their hands on the bridge, staring down at the water. The cold breeze hit their skin, and they felt the cool nature within them.
"In three days, I will be going back to Canada." Blake broke the news.
Ixora turned to him with a sharp look. "Why?" she asked almost in a whisper.
Blake sighed, dragging his hand along his hair. "It's for my own good. You know I love you a lot, and if I keep staying here, I won't be able to get over you. I have tried killing my feelings for you, but I keep falling deeper. I didn't plan on staying here for long, and I know it's time for me to leave."
Ixora looked away, blinking the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes.
Blake held her shoulder and locked their gazes. "It's not easy for me as well. I have started enjoying my stay here, but emotionally, I am unbalanced. A lot has happened these past few months, and it's affected my mental health."
"I didn't say you shouldn't leave. I understand," she muttered. "How long do you plan on staying?"
Blake's hand dropped from her shoulder. "I don't think I'll ever be coming back. I want to start a new life there, and maybe focus on my career. I will come back if I move on from you."
"And if you don't—"
"Know that I will never come back," he said, hiding the sadness behind his voice.
It wasn't easy for him to leave the little memories he had made here.
Ixora felt her heart ripping apart.
It hurts so much, and she knew why.
Blake was and has always been in her life, even before Drexton. They weren't really close because of the distance between them, but their friendship has a lot of meaning.
"So, today is like a farewell outing."
"I guess so," he said with a heavy voice. "I wish you the best in your life. I will cherish every moment together, and if we ever see each other again, then know that I've moved on with my life."
He couldn't contain the emotions within him, so he pulled her into a deep hug.
Ixora sniffled, wrapping her arms tightly around him.
They were both crying, and it's understandable.
"Do you really have to go?" she asked, breaking the hug.
"I'm afraid so." He held her, looking at her face one last time.
As they stared at each other, memories of their friendship replayed in their minds. Both the good and bad times. The first day, they met at Green Lake Park. The times they stood by each other. Everything.
Blake looked at the sky. "This is it, Ixora."
Ixora's tears fell as a lump formed in her throat.
"I-I will miss you." She cried.
"More than you would." He leaned in and pressed his lips on her forehead.
"Goodbye," he whispered and began taking backward steps.
Ixora stared at him, the smile on his face despite his teary eyes.
As he left, she felt the emptiness within her. It feels as if everybody is slowly leaving her.
First, Aunt Maria, Hazel, then her parents, whom she had no idea where they were, Nelly, and now Blake and Audrey, too.
Every person who contributed to who she is today is leaving her.
Her life revolves around them, and now, they are all gone.
She didn't bother wiping the tears. She left them to fall; maybe they might return to her.
\[BLAKE'S HOUSE\]
"Blake." Joanna crawled on her knees and held his legs.
His eyes were still red, and he didn't return home when he left Ixora. He cried his eyes out before coming home.
"Please forgive me, Blake. I'm sorry for abandoning you. Sorry for lying to you. I want to make things right again. I can't change what happened, but I can make up for it. Please give me another chance." She cried, holding his legs.
Blake wiped the tears from his eyes, and didn't say a word for some seconds.
"If Ixora could forgive me for the ones I did, why can't I do the same to you?"
She slowly raised her head to meet his face. He was smiling at her.
"Y... You've forgiven me?" she asked, shocked.
Blake nodded. "I have. Everyone makes mistakes; it's part of life. What makes us human is how we realize them and own up to them. You didn't try to shift the blame; rather, you held yourself accountable for your actions. I understand that back then, you had no choice, and I wasn't really mad at you. I was only hurt because you tricked us and made us feel useless. Aside from that, you are forgiven."
"Really?"
She stood to her feet.
"I want to make things right from now on, so, yes, mum." He engulfed her in a hug, and she passionately wrapped her arms around him.
He had forgiven her, and she couldn't ask for more. Audrey is hot-headed, and she's ready to do anything to make Audrey see she's changed for good. She'd earn Audrey's forgiveness even if it was the last thing she'd do.
She broke the hug and showered kisses on his face.
"I miss you so much, my Blakie. There isn't a single day that I haven't thought about you two. I came back to take you both with me, but heard you both weren't there anymore. I didn't know where to find you both until I watched your first concert, and I knew you were my son."
"How did you know it was me back then? I was all grown up."
"I can recognize my kids no matter how old they are," she said, and they shared a laugh.
They heard a noise on the stairs to see Audrey coming down. Skye stood on the stairs watching the mother and son reunion.
She wanted to leave the house when Blake called after her.
"Where are you going?"
Audrey rolled her eyes. "I need to get some fresh air," she replied, not glancing in Joanna's direction.
Blake sighed and walked towards her. "I know you are still mad, and I won't force you to change your decision. Take your time. I want to fix everything before we leave."
Audrey raised her brow, giving him a questionable look.
"Leaving? Where are we going?"
"We're going back to Canada."