Aly's POV

*alarm goes off*

I opened my eyes slowly as sat up on my bed. It's already one in the afternoon and I can see the sun is beaming as I looked out from my window.

*sigh*

Another unexciting day for me. What's new anyways? my life has been running on the same routine. It's been like this for 5yrs now. I'm not even surprised anymore. I've got nothing interesting going on in my life really. Aside from work I only eat and sleep most of the time.

My name is Alyssa Lyre Creer, a 24 y.o woman who up to this date is still single. Yes, I know what your thinking.. women around my age should probably be married, engaged and successful right? Sad to say I'm not anywhere close to. I live alone at a simple appartment near the rehab center I work in and though I'm a Physical Therapist I only earn enough to make ends meet.

During my teenage years I used to say to myself that only when I reach the age of 23 will I be open with the thought of marriage, that so I could focus more on my career while I can. Well that was the plan, but I guess the universe had other plans for me. I was fully convinced I'd still be in a relationship at my early 20's not to mention I had a great relationship going on back then but as it appeared I'm a bit off schedule now aren't I?

It's not like I actually planned to be single for the last 5yrs, I just haven't met someone for me yet.. but will there be one?

People might think I'm probably jealous with women having happy relationships but strange enough, I don't really care that much about finding love anymore.

Most of my friends and family are tell me to get a boyfriend already while I still can or else I'll miss out all the fun. They worry that I might not get married and grow old as a lonely women. They had even told me to just go have a child with whoever If I still have no one when I reach 27.

Can you imagine?! They're even fine even If I won't marry so long as I wouldn't be lonely in the future!! Like what?! That didn't even cross my mind for crying out loud, not even once!

At least not yet!

I mean..

Yes, I admit being single for too long can get a bit lonely but, in my case it gave me some kind of comfort. In a sense that I'm so used to being independent. And when you get used to that feeling you sometimes forget how warm it feels having someone to take care of you.

It wasn't always like this (plain,bland,boring) you see. I once had a carefree and romantic soul, someone who used to find warmth, comfort and happiness with someones embrace rather than my own. But all of that changed 5yrs ago.

5yrs ago..

*Boat horn blasting*

Alyssa stood up from her cabin and saw the port was closing by. The sun was shining brightly that day, as if it knows something good was about to happen.

*Announcement tone*

"All passengers, we have successfully arrived at our destination. You may now head to the exit. Once again, TY for voyaging with us"

Alyssa felt a rush of excitement after hearing the announcer. She had a big smile placated on her face just by thinking about her plans for today. She hurried to get her things and headed directly to the exit.

Moments later at the waiting area..

"Aly! God I missed you!"

Aly turned her head to where the voice came from and there she saw her best friend Liz wearing the cute plaided dress she gave her last time. She went towards her and bring her into a tight hug.

A: I know right! since when did you not miss me?!

L: Oh you shut up! You're the one who always pester me all the time coz you're bored!

A: Hahaha.. Can't help it, you're too funny when you're annoyed!!

K: Hey yo! who would've thought you'd be coming home out of schedule.. Luke must be a grand price winner to have you come for his b-day"

Both ladies turned to the direction of the man speaking.

A: Ha ha.. I just arrived and you're already teasing me! You and Luke are really buddies. (punches him lightly)

K: What can I say, Luke learns from the best. HAHAHA!!

L: Okay! stop it with the chit-chat. Keith go get her bags, we've still got things to prepare remember??

K/A: Right! Lets drive!

Aly was studying in a university at a different City since college and would only come home for the holidays or breaks but today was rather a special occasion. It's Luke's b-day, Aly's BF. Though they spent most of their years together in a long distance relationship, people around them can't help but admire how they remained loyal and had full trust on each other.

They were indeed a couple worthy of high praises but lately they have been into a few arguments and to make amends Aly decided to make extra efforts this time to surprise him dor his b-day.

.

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Aly's POV

Later that night..

(at the beach resorts bar)

Although I can't see clearly because I had left my glasses in the car, I was sure enough that the person wearing a maroon polo shirt was Luke.

He was chatting with a woman that I somewhat found familiar.

I looked at my wrist watch. It was 11:45pm. I turned around to give Keith and Liz the go signal for them to bring the flying balloons and cake towards Luke.

I took the explosion box I personally made for Like and was on my way to follow them when I saw Keith was running back. He had dropped the confetti by the entrance and went to pick it up in a hurry.

I was supposed to wait for Keith but Liz was already approaching Luke by that time so I decided to follow her, then suddenly I saw Liz was about drop the cake.

With my fast reflex, I ran and reached fast just enough to catch the cake on time. I wasn't going to let the surprise go into ruins!

*pheww.. Liz and her clumsiness almost ruined everything.. T_T

I stood up ready to give Lizzy an earful, but the moment I raised my head..

What I saw only broke heart.

Luke was holding hands while staring intently on the girl he was talking to earlier, they had a good laugh and in a flash of secs the girl grab hold of his head & kissed him right before my eyes.

I felt my cheeks dampen. I didn't even noticed hot tears had started falling from my eyes. All I know is I was in pain like a spear had struck into my heart and bore a hole through it.

*What is happening? What did I just saw?? This can't be real right?

*Pops confetti*

I was brought back to reality. I started to process things when I noticed Liz and Keith was throwing a fit.

K: I'm not too late am I? wait..

What the heck are you doing man?!

Liz: (grabs the cake from Aly and throw it onto his face) You moron! How could you?!!

Luke: (stops kissing and looks at K/L) When did you two get here...? (froze when he saw Alyssa in tears) wait.. what are you..? how come your..?

K: Are you nuts?! (rushing to punch)

You were playing with this bitch all along!?

I stretched my arms trying to stop Keith.

A: Stop, don't do it. (Inhales)

We should at least let him explain. His your best friend after all. (turns to Luke. *keep it in Alyssa!*) Surprise love! didn't thought you'd outdone me this time (smiles faintly)

Luke: Love. I can explain. I..It's not what you think..

*Is this why you wouldn't answer my calls/msgs? Were busy with her that you couldn't make time to drop me a single msg.

Liz: You better explain yourself! I swear to God If you've been playing with this bitch beside you I'll...

A: (takes a deep breath) Let it go Liz, we'll deal with this. You and Keith go ahead.. I'll catch you guys after we talk.

Keith/Liz: But Al.. (looks at Aly's expression) alright we'll leave, but you need promise me that you'll follow us soon.

A: *nods

Keith gave me a pat in the back while Liz held my hands tightly before going. I tried my best to look okay as I went to send them off.

Luke on the other hand excused his friends & the girl earlier whom I now remember was one of Luke's Jr. and if I remember it correctly this girl was the one who had a huge crush on him.

At the beach cottage..

Luke was sweating hard despite the cold evening air. He didn't dare to talk first. He knew very well that my calm demeanor only means I was holding everything in. This kind of events was what he feared the most.

A: (smiles faintly) Have you fallen out of love from me?

L: What!? No! I..It was just a set up. My friends made me do a dare. I was just going to play along but wasn't..

A: (trying to sound calm but choked) Luke Andrew Deguia! you should know better than spat lame excuses to my face. Isn't that the girl who keeps on throwing herself at you despite knowing you already have a girlfriend?

L: Love.. J..just calm down okay?? I was in bad place. You know I had failing grades and I can't tell you how depressed I am. It so happened she was there to keep me company.

A: (confused & hurt) Aren't I suppose to keep you company? I asked you a dozen times Luke but why can't share your problems with me.. I'm I not your GF?

L: You don't get it Al! I'm a guy.. it's not that simple to be compared let alone feel inferior to your lover!

A: How could you say that? I never once in our relationship compared you to me just because we took the same goddamn course!

L: Exactly Al! you haven't, yet I know you can't help but think that I'm pathetic compared to you!

A: You're the only one who's thinking that. You know how much I tried to reach out but I never thought my ways of encouragement and support made you feel inferior & that you're in a constant competition with me.

L: (frustrated) For crying out loud Al! your an ocean away from me, how am I supposed to feel your support and comfort huh?! You could've just transferred but what? instead you..

A: (slaps him hard) You think I wanted this? You of all people should know better than of the lengths I went thru, (voice cracks) but listening to your baseless judgement now. I wonder if you really cared for me at all.

Unable to control both anger and pain, I stood up.

Luke was in shock. It was the first time I ever slapped him. Moments later tears begun to form on his eyes as he spoke.

L: (breathing deeply) Al, I..I didn't mean that. Pls..pls don't do this.

I looked at the man I have loved for more than 4yrs.. overwhelmed with both love and pain, I said to him..

A: (tears uncontrollably falling) If me holding onto you will only cause you to wilt, then I'd rather choose to watch you bloom in someone else's arms.

With that being said. I walked away.

Things that followed after was an absolute mess. I learned to drink and go to parties almost every week.. eventually my grades went down to the point where I needed to transfer to another school. As if it wasn't enough, I even failed my 1st licensure board exam.

That was when I have come to realize that I needed to pull myself together or I will forever be sucked deeper into this black hole.