First to Fall

by Farrah F. Polestico

  Begrudgingly, Mariz had nodded and said, "This better be the best apology, Atkins, or I swear I'm going to break your nose. Georgie deserves nothing less than your best apology."

  I'd nodded my head solemnly, taking her threat of breaking my nose seriously.

  I was thankful that I had friends who had my back. Lukas knew a lot of influential people and with only a single call he got in touch with the Times Square Alliance who gladly helped me with my plan. Zang designed the banner that would be put up on one of the gigantic screens on Times Square. Clyde got the huge bouquet of flowers from the florist.

  I could feel my palms sweating beneath my gloves. It was a cool February night, the wind blew gently, carrying with it the little flecks of snow. The snowfall was light, barely there. I ducked into the media tent where numerous little screens were mounted on a table. The screens showed various areas around the Square. The Alliance's technical crew were busy manning the cameras and communicating with the crew members on the streets, making sure the mob on the streets were now in position.

  One of the screens on the far right showed Mariz and Georgie walking down 7th Avenue, arms linked together. Lukas, Clyde and Zang were behind me, quietly observing the people who helped me organized this very important moment of my life.

  There was no telling how the night would go but I could only hope it would go well.

  "I see them," I announced, and pointed at the screen.

  One of the crew manning the cameras nodded and said to his walkie-talkie, "The mark is in sight. Is everything at the ready?" He paused, waiting for the response on the other line. After a few seconds later he said, "Alright, show time in three, two, one..."

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Georgina

  Mariz kept tugging me, demanding that I hurry walking.

  "Alright, alright," I huffed. She asked me to come with her to an antique shop. She said she spotted a cute vintage couch that would look very good in my apartment. I wasn't even interested in buying a new furniture but she was so adamant in going that I finally relented, if only to get her off my back.

  We waited when the pedestrian light turned green before we crossed the street. We walked a few blocks down 7th Avenue and we entered a squat little shop. It was filled from floor to ceiling with vintage stuff, most of them were furniture but there were little baubles as well. A middle aged man with receding hairline and a bright smile on his face greeted us.

  Mariz approached the man and said, "Hi, I'm Mariz and—" Mariz didn't get to finish what she was going to say because a blond girl in marching band costume burst into the shop. A hat with white plume sat atop her head, in one of her hand was a baton. Her smile was so dazzling, it was almost blinding.

  "Hi Georgina!" she greeted. I was surprised she knew my name. I wracked my brain if we had met before but I came up with no memories of her. "I'm Anne," she introduced herself. "Can I ask you to step outside?"

  She must've sensed my unease because she added, "Don't worry it'll be just for a bit."

  I turned to look at Mariz, expecting her to mirror my confused expression but she only grinned at me and gently pushed me to the door. Anne was already opening it, expecting me to follow her.

  "What's this about?" I asked no one in particular. My question went unanswered.

  Outside the shop a whole band was waiting for us, complete with cheery and colorful costumes. They were playing an equally cheery tune in their various instruments. Anne was now holding a microphone. She approached me and said into the microphone, "Do you like surprises, Georgie? Because you're in for one tonight."

  She thrust the mic under my chin and I only managed to croak, "W-what do you mean?"

  "Just wait and see, or better yet follow the music!" she announced with a flourish of her hand. With that she walked over to where the other baton twirlers were. She disappeared behind the crush of girls with plumed hats. The music grew louder, cheerier and the band started moving.

  "What's going on?" I asked Mariz.

  "You heard Anne, let's follow the band." She tugged me on the hand, urging me to follow the marching band. As confused as I was, I let her guide me through the crowd.

  This was a flash mob. It wasn't uncommon in New York, much less in Times Square. A lot of performers did flash mobs in busy areas like the Square but I'd never seen one as lavish as this. And I certainly never expected I'd be in the middle of one.

  We trudged down 7th Avenue, the band's music was all around us. Up ahead I could see circus tents flanking the part of West 42nd Street where the pedestrian plaza was. A ringmaster stood on a raised platform, under an arc painted with the letters "Welcome to Times Square, Georgie". He was wearing a glittering red topcoat with gold trim and a tall hat. On his both sides were jugglers in colorful outfit, fire performers spitting fire and contortionists bending their bodies in impossible positions. Smoke billowed out from the smoke machine just as the two fire breathers spit fire in perfect synchrony.

  Without warning the music stopped and all the lights dimmed, even the giant screens on the side of the towering buildings. Everything fell in a hush. Just then another kind of music played, it was ethereal and sweet to the ears. Everything was still dark but a blinding spotlight shone on us, illuminating a crush of ballerinas moving gracefully to the sway of the music. They made a perfectly synchronized pirouette before landing on their feet. They continued their hypnotizing moves, all the while parting in the middle to make way for me and Mariz. The ballerinas danced to the beat of the music as they, and the spotlight, followed us.

  I didn't even notice we arrived at Duffy Square, the northern part of Times Square, until I spotted Chaplain Francis Duffy's statue standing proudly at the center of it.

  The spotlight moved from us to a dark silhouette standing on a raised dais in Duffy Square. My heart lurched at the sight of Atkins standing there, amidst the crowd, the beautiful cityscape and the center of the spotlight. Despite the grand event and superfluous outfits of the performers here tonight, Atkins still remained himself in his usual outfit of blue jeans and plaid button down shirt. In his hand was a microphone. His eyes were only on me. There was uncertainty in them, but also joy.

  The ringleader from the flash mob helped me up the platform. My legs were shaking so badly and I prayed not to trip. Along the way I was so engrossed in the show that it didn't occur to me who was waiting at the end of the parade. I was happy and definitely surprised to see him, but also unsure. What could happen tonight?

  The performers gathered below the platform, eagerly waiting for whatever Atkins was going to say. I was eager to know what he was going to say.

  "Thank you for coming here tonight, Georgie," he said onto the mic. "Well, we didn't give you much choice."

  The crowd chuckled.

  "Georgie, I am a foolish man, in every way a man in love is foolish, and I'm in love with you."

  Our audience let out a collective sigh.

  "But I also made a stupid thing— I hurt you and I let you down. I assumed the worst without talking to you first. I said a lot of painful things to you. And my mistakes have been haunting me since that day. I am a foolish and stupid man, indeed." He kneeled in front of me and shot me his sincerest apologetic look. His eyes were boring into me, conveying all the regret and remorse he was feeling.

  Around us, the giant screens shone to life, and instead of the usual commercials, they all blared the same message: "I was such an idiot and I'm sorry. Will you forgive me, Georgie?"

  "You are such a beautiful, intelligent and extraordinary woman, the most remarkable person I know. I love you and I don't think I deserve you but I will spend the rest of my life trying to prove to you that I do. Will you give me another chance and forgive me?"

  Should I? I thought being with Atkins so soon after my previous relationship blew up in my face was wrong. I thought I was rushing things, jumping from one thing to another to cover the pain. But if I was being honest with myself, I was happy, truly happy with him. He made me feel it was okay to b
e me, he helped me up when I was down. He was always there for me. Just when I thought no one was going to love me as much as Matt did, he showed me he could.

  I wasn't a brave person, the truth was that I was a coward and I was afraid to be hurt again, afraid to burn and bleed. But also, I was afraid of losing him again. I almost lost him once, would I let him go now that he was here again?

  Should I take a chance with him? But then, how could I not? Maybe a chance was all it took to not be afraid anymore.

  "Atkins, I was afraid. I was afraid of loving again but you showed me how it felt to have someone care for you, fight for you. I still am afraid, but I can't bear to think not taking a chance, taking a leap of faith, with you. I love you too, and I forgive you."

  The crush of people cheered around us. All the lights that shone and made the night brighter. Confetti rained down on us. Atkins stood and hugged me so tightly and I hugged him back. I didn't notice a single tear of happiness wetting my cheek until he wiped it away with his thumb.

  "Why are you crying?" he asked, his face full of hope and love, but also concern.

  "I'm just happy," I chuckled, and he embraced me again.

  Behind him stood Lukas, Mariz, Clyde and Zang— my friends. No doubt they helped make all of this a possibility. I beamed at them, conveying my deep gratitude with a smile and unspoken words. It was a perfect night, the kind that I thought only happened in fairy tales.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Epilogue

  Five Months Later

  I didn't know what woke me up but try as I might, I couldn't go back to sleep. So I gave up on trying and settled with watching Georgie sleep peacefully instead. She was nestled against my chest, my arm as her pillow. My fingers played with the soft and silky strands of her hair, twirling them.

  The past months allowed me to get to know her more, the little things and quirks that made her unique. I found out that it was her habit to drink a glass of water first before putting any kind of food in her mouth. Or that she liked her fries with vinegar instead of ketchup. And she hated to be tickled.

  I asked her to move in to my studio apartment a month ago but she refused. Georgie wanted to enjoy being independent first and prove to herself that she could stand on her own. I didn't mind that she said no, I understood her decision. Besides, there was no rush. We always saw each other at work anyway, and spent every weekends together. Usually we just stay in and cuddle.

  My love for her grew stronger with each passing day. Each morning I'd think I couldn't love her any more than I already did. I would go to sleep with her by my side, and look forward to the morning, knowing that she would be the person I'd wake up to. I wouldn't mind doing this for the rest of our lives.

  The End

  ACKNOWLEDGMENT

  For a long time this was just a dream. And now it's a reality. The journey to getting this book in the hands of readers has been a great one. I have nothing but thanks to all the people who supported me.

  First, to the amazing Anvil team for giving this book a chance. I'm lucky to have you as my publisher.

  I knew Cyrell Ochua was a true friend when she had tears in her eyes when I shared the good news that my manuscript was chosen. You've been there from the very start, cheering me on. Now go write your own book so I can unapologetically fangirl about it.

  The Crazy Trio wouldn't be complete without Jennifer Taladro, the mother figure of the group. A true friend who's always there to help me in my times of panic.

  To all my friends who promised to be the first one to grab a copy of my book, thank you. You are the best!

  Without the awesome community at #romanceclass and the guidance and advice of Mina V. Esguerra I wouldn't find the courage to do this. You are the best support system. Thank you for the love and support and the kind words.

  My family never fully understood my deep affinity for books but they supported me anyway. They let me read tons of books and never questioned why I checked out so many books from the library. To Darrell, my brother whose way of showing love was to tease me and piss me off until I see red. I treasure the moments when we talk about our mutual love for DC comics and weird shit. My little Prince, my adorable little brother, thank you for bringing a smile to my face with your cute antics. And of course to you, dear reader. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. After Georgie broke up with Matt, she refused to talk or have any contact with him, yet Matt never gave up on making Georgie hear his side of the story. Lukas and Mariz advised Georgie to face Matt once and for all, to have closure and to finally move on with their lives. How do you think closure can help a person in forgiving, healing and moving on?

  2. For a time Georgie was terrified of entrusting her heart to another person, even lost her hope in ever finding love again. Have you felt the same hopelessness and fear of loving before? Why?

  3. The people around Georgie are her support system and they have helped her get through heartbreak. How do you think a strong support system help you in going through heartbreak?

  4. After Georgie found out that Matt cheated on her, Georgie moved to an apartment of her own, cut any communication between them and tried to heal on her own as best she could. If you were her, would you have given him a second chance? Do you believe in second chances?

  5. A huge misunderstand ultimately unraveled Atkins and Georgie’s budding romance just because of something Atkins assumed without getting all the facts first. Are you the type of person who takes things at face value or do you get all the facts first before making a judgment?

  6. In First to Fall, Atkins went through extreme lengths just to prove himself to Georgie and earn her forgiveness. How far are you willing to go to earn someone’s forgiveness?

  About the Author

  Farrah F. Polestico wanted to be a lot of things in life— an engineer, a nurse, an astrophysicist. But it wasn’t until she was thirteen when she knew for sure she was going to be a published writer. And now she is. When she’s not up all night writing her next book, you can find her reading anything and everything from a Charles Dickens novel to old grocery receipts.

  Stay updated on the latest news about Farrah’s new releases by subscribing to the newsletter at eepurl.com/by3w01 or following her on Twitter @bookskeepmesane

  Reviews and recommendations help books get noticed. Please take the time to tell your friends about the book and to write an honest review in one of the online ebook stores. Thank you!

  Copyright 2017 Farrah Mae F. Polestico

  All rights reserved.

  Cosmos Books

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher and copyright owner, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.