Unspoken Feelings

As Helen turned to look at the man, her consciousness was almost thrown away to another dimension because of shock. She immediately turned her back. The corner of her cheeks and mouth twitched uncontrollably upon seeing a familiar face.

He was really it, the man who was the reason why she became an old maid. The man that she loved for 25 long years. Memories from her own past came rushing to her.

It was 25 years ago, when they first met in Kray Academy. She was 15 years old then when Francis Rey transferred. His parents were assigned in the academy for a research project. She can still remember as she grabbed him in the wrist to ask her to be their teammate.

But before she could say anything their eyes met and for the first time in her life, time stood still. After almost 15 seconds, he looked at her hands grabbing his wrist. His skin was so soft and warm that Helen could not pull her hands away. She felt as if she wanted to burry herself in the ground with shame.

"Uhm, would you like to be our teammate for our science project" Helen asked trying to smile sweetly.

Francis Ray stood still and answered her with a nod.

Her smile became wider. It was then that she let go of his wrist. She was really cursing herself as she bid him goodbye.

"What was I doing huh? First I grabbed his wrist, then I spaced out, but instead of releasing his hand I continued to hold it? That man must really think that I have a thing for him darn it." Helen kept mumbling to herself.

She checked her heart if she has a crush with the guy but to her relief she had none. Time passed by and they became friends. They were 6 in the group and their friends often teased them. But they remained friends for a very long time.

She eventually fell madly in love with him, but her pride prevented her from confessing her feelings. There was no problem with them having a relationship, their parents were pushing them to get married, or to enter a relationship, their elders and relatives of younger generation was in favor of their relationship as well.

But, Francis Ray was a wood block, nerd, geek, unfeeling, insensitive, blind specie until the end. She can feel his concern and love, but he never admitted it. Or perhaps it was just her wishful thinking.

"Nope, I would not die as an old maid again. Helen, you cannot fall for the same man ever again." She told herself as she tightened her grip to her blanket.

Henry stood up to greet the man. He introduced himself, and Madel and thanked him for saving their lives. She stayed with Helen and told her to rest for a while and try to process everything slowly. Henry did the same for the man. He told him to get some rest first and they went out.