Time Warp: The Beginning of the End (Zac)

[Zachary LaRousse]

Zac knew how intimate Stella was with him. Their first meeting back in high school was enough to tell the mimic that Stella lived quite the sheltered life. He knew she was his first in more than one aspect, and out of respect for her, he tried to act like she was his too. He held her in high respect than any girl he’s met before her even before they began dating, but, as unfortunate as it was, his recent lapse in judgment clouded everything. While her outburst did tore through the clouds and let him see what’s really happening now (maybe not physically, but emotionally), he knew how big the damage is already. That no amount of balloon rides, cars and clothes and villas, holidays and cruise trips, or even sunsets can mend it. No, not even this sloppy kiss he’s giving her is enough to bring everything back.

He was really expecting Stella to resist. While she isn’t really one to voice her disagreements out loud (on big things, that is; she does know how to say ‘no’ to small things, like what she has to wear for the day or where they will eat), times are different now. Because of his stupidity, the gloves are now off. Her outburst is proof of that. Which is why her silence in their kiss, despite her stiffness beneath him, was a welcome surprise. Maybe hope isn’t lost after all.

And then the push came. Granted it wasn’t so much of a push as she didn’t really exert much effort into it and Zac wasn’t trying too hard in fear of hurting her more, but it was enough. Zac knew he can’t keep Stella with him much longer, and by the look of things, she’d still leave even if he tried. He was actually expecting a slap to come from her, despite knowing that she isn’t really physical in nature. But then she only spoke. And as she told her things he knew was coming but didn’t really want to entertain, he couldn’t help but wish that she would’ve slapped him instead.

“…I love you, I do, but…”

“No, no, please don’t say that,” he pleaded, eyes teary and still struggling to open. Sensing where she was is a real challenge, given the effort he has to devote in focusing what he hears, but when he heard the word ‘but’, it’s as if his hearing crumbled.

“…This isn’t working, you knew …I’m going Zac….I’m sorry”

No, not those words. He knew he’s been quite a jerk these past few months, too engrossed on the whole lead that he probably ignored Stella more than once, but it can’t be that bad, can it? After all, they’ve been together for two years, surely they can figure something out. Or can they?

“Glowworm,” he muttered, this time with much longing and sadness. He managed to open his eyes just in time to get one last glimpse of Stella as she left the room. Overcome by guilt and sadness, he unconsciously flopped down the floor and just stared at the door, lifeless and blank. He was much too drained to even cry now.

It was just like his mother’s death all over again.

[Event !]

Thank you for your participation, the Time Warp has now ended.