HOW CAN I FORGET YOU

Chapter 6

Edith Pov...

I understand Margaret's predicament and anger towards me. If I could turn back time, I would still do the same. I am not naive, not to understand her words that day. She was my friend. I know if it was real or it wasn't at all. I just miss the old times when we could go shopping, camping, traveling together. She was indeed a friend everyone wanted. I envy her beautiful heart and how she sees everything perfectly perfect while we can only picture diversely. She was an ace, but now I guess I am a villain she loathed the most.

I'm just hoping someday you will forgive me Margaret, and understand the reason why I did all of that, but I know it will take time to get what I wanted. I'm not in a rush though.

I smiled pitifully, looking away. I bought this place to come over when I am lonely, stressed and overboard. This place takes away my fear and burdens just looking at the perfect silhouette of the sky and the ocean. The cold breeze helps me cool my nerves where I can start to function perfectly. This hideout is just for me. The first person I want to bring her is my best friend, who loathes me so much. I lay down on the veranda looking at the clear beautiful sky, watching the twinkling stars. I wish things would go back the way they were. I muttered, looking intently at the brightest star. My tears began to fall as I recall our moments together.

"Hey Edith! Would you come with us this summer?" Margaret asked excitedly, jumping on the sand.

" I would love too, but you know mom and dad can't let me this coming summer. My little sister needs me while our parents are on a business trip." I replied, a bit sad. The company where they worked always sends them on a trip when t'was supposed to be for our family. They could only spare them if it is related to our school or if it is an important family gathering. Nevertheless, they don't mind. Dad works as the company branch manager while mom is a sales associate expert.

"Hey! Don't be sad, if you can't come, I'll bring you some souvenirs you like and, oh, let's visit on our sem break." She suggested. Their family owned a Trading Company famous in our city for export and import. Auntie Delilah and uncle Lenard manage their business while Ethan had just started his own computer shop and own brand of clothing merchandise. Some of the shirts they sell were modeled by us.

"Deal!" I agreed, laughing with her as we played with the sand castle and everything on the sand. We just stop when it's time for us to eat or to sleep. That's how their family takes good care of me. Likewise, my family adores her so much, we even deal with marrying each of our brothers. Our brother just laughs how silly we are, implying things will change when we grow up and marrying isn't just a word to utter at, but a responsibility. They were right! When we started our university days, we met cool guys just like our senior Stefano, who was a varsity player back then.

These memories were the ones keeping me sane to forgive myself for doing such things. I wipe my tears, glancing one more time at the beautiful scenery before entering, when my phone beeps.

"Hi Stefano!" I answered.

"Edith, please! I need you here right now." He pleaded, frustrated. I furrowed my eyebrows what is wrong again with him.

"Okay! I'll be there, but it will take 2 hours since I'm out of the city." I cried.

"That will be fine. Just, please come over." He still pleaded.

I rushed to pick up my stuff, running towards my car to leave immediately. Sometimes, Stefano does terrible things when frustrated and furious. He started becoming like this when he woke up not remembering things and it became worse when some of his memories came back and he believed Margaret left her on their wedding day unwanted. All I did was to help him cope with things until he was calm and organized.

His parents think I can calm him down in emergencies. That's why they forced me to work with their company as their sales associate like my mom. Mom helps me cope with this work put in my hands. I hate sales, but I love travelling and documenting things. It has helped me cope with my depression and anxiety these previous 6 years. Now that Margaret came back, my anxiety started to disturb me again.

Maybe I should start to tell Margaret everything, but how can I ask her when she refuses to meet even for just a couple of minutes? But still nothing is lost when I will give my best to try to reach her.

"Margaret, this Edith. Can you spare a few minutes of your time to talk." I think this text isn't pushy to her. Please Margaret! I pleaded while sending a message to her. Gosh! Waiting for her reply is nerve - wracking. Since I can't get a hold of her. I contacted Ethan, she would never neglect her brother. Ethan is one of her precious gems that can't be touched by just someone else. I know how much she loves him.

I waited for her at the nearest coffee shop before meeting Stefano. After a few minutes, I saw her entering the shop. Her face turns bitter looking at me. I smiled, waving at her. One thing that she poses, not starting to create any unwanted ruckus to ruin her. She works towards me, holding her temper and annoyance.

"Hi!" I greeted her but she cut me off.

"I am not here to exchange greetings with you. Cut the chase while I can still tolerate you." She declared. She's not the Margaret I used to know. She became bold and fierce.

"I'm sorry Margaret. I swear, I am really sorry." I started, but she chuckled, sneering at me.

"Please, Edith. I used to believe you but things have already changed. If your apology could heal the wounds, then I would accept, but it wasn't. You are just rubbing salt on the wounds. Is this the way you want to mock how perfect your plan was?" She spat mockingly.

"What are you talking about? What happened to you in those 6 years?" I ask, unbelievably.

"When you left that day without a word and never returned. My world is not just terrified of what is happening, but then all of a sudden you are in the news, running away with my fiance. The pain that you both inflicted in my heart is still here!" She uttered, pointing into her heart.

"I will never believe whatever you say. Crafting a lie is already your new hobby when you betrayed our friendship, Edith. I am still not over that pain. So please, don't dare talk to me or ask my family to help. You already have Stefano now! Why bother my life starting for a new." She implied before leaving me speechless.

It's not what you think, Margaret. If you could give us a chance to tell you, this pain would perish. I mumbled, staring at her retreating body. My tears fell with their own.

I still care for you and do it again just to protect you.