by Daniel Olas
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Sophia came in with another two guys. These guys are to take over and run the pub till the next morning. This announcement made Tyler’s nerves to cool—and of course, it has been boiling since morning! After all, he’s going to be out of such disgusting environment where everything about him is confined.
Tyler and Vanessa left the pub at the same time and head for the beach though with the aim of going separate ways. As they were parting without even a word to each other, Tyler remembered his role as the Mr Superman. He had to rescue Vanessa. He could see it himself now—not that sure though, looking at the smiling attitude of Vanessa this morning. Things have changed however, this newly graduated high school girl needs help, and she needs someone to talk to. With that thought, he turned back and ran after Vanessa.
“Hey Vanessa!” Tyler called out after coming close to her.
Turning back—
“What’s up?” Vanessa said still holding her magazine.
“Em… won’t you mind if we can talk down there the beach?” Tyler asked holding his guitar against his back.
“No way! What would Sophia say and I’m late already… I should be a’ home by now…” Tyler cuts her short.
“But that isn’t the way to your house!” Tyler said pointing to the direction where Vanessa was heading to.
“Okay! Just ten minutes!” Vanessa said and heading towards the direction Tyler had requested.
“Deal! Ten minutes!” Tyler said sighing and also turning towards the direction.
As they walk on, Tyler for his first time got the courage to speak out without restriction—guess he now realizes his mission as the Mr Superman. Without doubt, Tyler still love Vanessa and it seems Vanessa still do also or maybe her own is just a sheer jealousy…
“You see Vanessa, you seem not to understand that there’s nothing between Sophia and I. In fact, we are not even friends…”
“How come you guys held your hands for such a long time” Vanessa cut in.
“That’s Sophia for you! She’s just as friendly as if we are neighbours or she’s my sister… sort of. Anyways, I don’t expect you to trust me any longer” he paused and then he continues—“But I can feel what you’re feeling. Vanessa, you’re hurting yourself with silence!” Tyler said with passion—passion to get her back. Tyler must after all, be a witty dude.
“Is that why you called me here?” Vanessa asked solemnly looking at Tyler straight in the eyes—she’s desperately in need of answer.
“Not really. But our discussion won’t work with your silence!” Tyler said gently and they continue walking again.
“Okay! What is it that you want me to say?” Vanessa asked calmly.
“Good! Vanessa, I can help you if you are ready to talk to me” Tyler said and holding Vanessa’s hand. This time, they’ve stopped and facing each other. Eye brow to eye brow!
“Let go of the past. The past obstruct your view of the future…”
“How do I let go of the past when I don’t even understand it. It’s been hard letting the past slip off. All I got are memories…”
“Where’s Glen?” Tyler cuts in—seizing the opportunity to confirm Mavis’ info.
“That’s one of my past you want me to get rid of!” Vanessa said almost shedding tears.
“A broken heart with pick-able and mend-able fragments. Will you allow me to come in to your life again just as a friend?—if Tyler had knew, he would have substituted that word with lover!—beyond flattering, I’d sacrifice all to get you back to yourself and overcome your past. What do you think?” Tyler asked looking at Vanessa.
This time, they’re already sitting down on the sand and facing the ocean together. Vanessa sense some truth in Tyler’s word and decided to give Tyler a second chance—and she’s giving herself a second chance also—not as a lover but as a friend. She wished Tyler didn’t say friend but…
“I would give an arm to get back to myself and rid off all memories and past that haunts and traumatizes me.” Vanessa said breaking down in tears and burying her head on Tyler’s chest.
“It’s okay. You just believe and give me a finger-length of trust and I will be the best friend of Vanessa again.”
“Thank you!” Vanessa said still sobering but enjoying the comfort she’s receiving from her ex.
Still burying her head in Tyler’s bosom and after several minutes of silence as both watches the roars, rise and fall of the ocean; Tyler unzipped his guitar with Vanessa’s head now resting on Tyler’s shoulder—he became the Superman of Mavis’ love lecture.
The past roars like an ocean
Its effect plenty as the sea sand
Getting entangled unknowingly
And coming out becoming a war…
But with the right person
Holding your hand,
You’re going to soar above the past
You’re going to surf through the waves…
Just hold my hand
And let fly above the mountains
You’ve got me by your side—side
