Falling in Love with You

Gertrude Pov... Jessica and I cherish our regular bonding activities, which include shopping and enjoying delectable meals wherever we go. These moments are our way of handling stress and warding off depression. Thankfully, despite our indulgences, we never seem to gain weight and consistently maintain our attractive, flawless figures. Our enviable physiques and the strength of our friendship both draw admiration from others. "Oh god, Gertrude! Victoria's Secret has a fifty percent discount today; I almost forgot!" she exclaimed, her excitement palpable. One of our shared weaknesses is collecting Victoria's Secret lingerie or bold lipstick from any brand. She dashed towards the Victoria's Secret shop without waiting for my response. I couldn't help but laugh as I hurried to catch up with her, our shared enthusiasm making the moment all the more fun. We were busy shopping for lingerie when her phone rang unexpectedly. She was ecstatic, jumping and giggling in front of me before answering the call. After taking a moment to calm herself, she spoke with an excited yet composed demeanor. "Hi!" She greeted, trying to contain her excitement and flattery. I bit my lip as I watched her, feeling a rush of emotions at the sight of her. "Okay! As in now? " She asked, seeking confirmation. Her eyes widened with surprise and excitement, reflecting her eagerness to grasp the reality. The spontaneity of the situation had caught her off guard, yet she felt a rush of anticipation to respond. "Okay! I'm with my best friend now, but I can ask her to come. " She responded, still trying to suppress her giggles while biting her lower lip. I mouthed, "Just go and don't mind me," but she shook her head. After the call, we promptly asked the sales clerk to wrap up our orders and hurried to the plaza where she had been asked to go. I trailed behind her silently, unable to share her excitement as I had no idea what it was about. All I knew was that I had to support my best friend. As I neared the designated spot, a small gathering came into view, making my heart race. My breath grew shallow, and my legs began to shake with nervousness. Why was I feeling this sudden unease? What was it about this crowd that unsettled me so much? These questions echoed in my mind as I struggled to compose myself. I was supposed to take Jessica's hand, but instead, I stood back, silently observing as a group of couples serenaded her, each presenting her with roses as she passed by. When they stop singing, another sexy baritone voice sings a song by Bruno Mars: Just the Way You Are! When I see your face There's not a thing that I would change 'Cause you're amazing Just the way you are And when you smile The whole world stops and stares for a while 'Cause girl, you're amazing Just the way you are Yeah As I focused on the voice, I instantly recognized him. My heart sank, a heavyweight pressing down on me as I watched him tenderly serenade her with a flawless song. A wave of anguish washed over me, my heart slowly tearing apart in my chest. Why? How? These questions formed on my lips, whispered as I stood there, silently watching them together. Witnessing this is excruciating for me. Tears stream down my cheeks as I try to stifle my sobs with my trembling hand. I'm deeply in love with him and have always stood by his side, but why did he choose Jessica? After serenading her with the entire song, he handed her a large bouquet and proposed. Jessica glanced at me, where I was smiling, before giving her answer. I nodded, despite feeling my heart shatter into pieces. "I have no idea how to court a woman, but one thing I know for sure is that I like you!" he began. His words pierced through me like a knife, the pain almost unbearable as I listened and watched from a few meters away. I couldn't believe what I was witnessing. I had thought Jonathan felt the same way about me, judging by everything he said and done. What had just happened? I muttered softly, trying to hold back my tears. Jonathan retrieved a small box from his pocket and opened it with a lovely smile. She was teary-eyed looking at him. "Jessica, will you be my girlfriend?" Jonathan asked. Jessica couldn't contain her happiness. "Yes, I will, Jonathan!" She exclaimed, her face lit up with excitement as she accepted the necklace and covered her mouth in delight. Jonathan carefully fastened the exquisite piece around her neck, his eyes mirroring her happiness. Tears flowed down my cheeks as I turned away from the lively crowd. My heart was heavy, irreparably broken. The burden of sadness was nearly overwhelming. Just as I was nearing home, my phone vibrated in my pocket. With a wry smile, I answered her call. "Hi, Jessica!" I pretended to be calm, even though my heart pounded so fiercely it felt like it might burst from my chest. "Oh my gosh, Gertrude! I just said yes! You won't believe who asked me to be his girlfriend today! " She exclaimed, her excitement overflowing. In the background, I could still hear the crowd cheering for them. I don't need to know as I saw everything! I wanted to utter it, yet I chose to shut up. "Congratulations Jess!" I beamed happily, masking my pain while my tears fell again uncontrollably. " Where are you? I want to introduce you to him! You should have stayed. " Jessica complained. " Why, Jessica? To rub salt on my wounds! " I muttered to myself, my fists clenched. She knows how much I like Jonathan, and now he’s with her! I loved Jonathan and helped him all the way, but what happened? I thought he liked me as I received his notes saying he was excited to meet me and was grateful for all my efforts. My face was drenched with tears as I recalled his notes and my excitement about meeting him. With graduation just around the corner this month, I feel a strong urge to embrace my dreams and move forward. Leaving is a bittersweet experience, but I’m committed to becoming the best designer I could be for our company. Jonathan had held me back from going abroad and pursuing opportunities at the company, but now it’s time to release that hesitation. I’ve also heard that Jessica will be assisting her parents with managing their school. "I'm almost home, Jessica. Mom called! You can introduce him another time. Just have a good time tonight, okay? " I chuckled while turning off my phone, fully aware that she wouldn't stop raving about him. With a sigh, I navigated through the familiar streets of our village, eager to unwind at home at last. "Good evening!" I said as I greeted the guard before fully entering the subdivision. I drove home carefully, trying not to wake my parents. Earlier, I had told them that Jessica and I were having a sleepover at her house, but now I was coming back with puffy eyes. As I walked up to the door without grabbing my belongings, it suddenly swung open, and I gasped in shock at the sight of my older brother standing there. "Oh my gosh, Gideon! When did you get here? " I exclaimed, taken aback. I completely forgot about Jessica and Jonathan. "Hello, my gorgeous little sister!" he exclaimed, wrapping me in a tight, bone-crushing hug. "I've missed you so much!" I cried, embracing him in return. He’s the one person I know will never hurt me and always stand by my side, just like my father. " I miss you too. I came to get you! " he declared. I released our embrace and looked at him, questioning his sincerity. "Are you being serious?" I asked, feeling uncertain. "I am, Gertrude! They've doubled the offer, and I mentioned that you’re graduating this month! Gertrude, seize this opportunity. It’s only four to five years and then, you'll have the freedom to chart your chosen course! " He insisted. I nodded, not hesitating to decline his offer. He was taken aback, staring at me in surprise at my quick response. It's not like me to be so decisive. I usually have reasons to stay, but maybe this is just what I need to grow.