@Khairro 6 July 2021 edited

"The Day She Said Goodnight"

The heat of the sun hits my face as I heard the grass and the leaves of trees swayed by the wind. I am currently sitting on a bench near the park while waiting for my girl bestfriend to finish her class today. **"Where is that annoying chubby cheeks? She is taking her time so well huh."** I said to myself while roaming my eyes on the front gate of their school. I looked at my watch just to notice that it's already 5:30 in the afternoon then my face turn to the cup of ice cream I'm holding, and realized that I almost ate 6 cups of medium size ice cream that I bought on Blizzard earlier.

Image Source: Pinterest I groaned on boredom and frustration I'm feeling while making circles on my heavy stomach. **"I am so full. *Brpppppp*"** I laughed when a loud burp escaped my lips. I chose to wait for 10 more minutes before I decided to stand up on the bench I was sitting and go directly to the front of their school gate. I was about to shout her name when I saw her exiting the gate. **"You little chipmunk! Where have you—"** I suddenly stopped when I noticed that her eyes are red like she just came from crying. She is about to walked passed on me when I hold her arms and make her looked at me. **"Wait Raine! Why are you crying!? Did someone bully you!? Did someone hurt you!? I will go teach them a lesson if they did something on you!"** I asked her frantically. She just continue to sob like there is no tomorrow. My fist balled and my jaw tightened, I can feel the anger rising on my body. With a clue on what's happening, I asked her. **"Is that because of Jerome? Your boyfriend? What-did-he-do huh!?** I questioned her slowly but dangerously low and with that, she looks at me with fright on her almond eyes. My gaze suddenly becomes soft, regretting the tone I gave her. **"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you Rere..."** I apologized to her for my sudden outburst. "Rere" is my nickname I gave on her when we became best of friends. I'm calling her that when I want her to forgive me on the mistake I've done or if I want her to do something for me. **"I-it's okay"** She shortly replied. Her voice cracked because of the crying. **"I just don't want to talk about it today Charles. I am really exhausted and tired. Can you just drive me home?"** She asked me wanted to divert the main topic. I am tensed, I can feel that but I chose to understand her because I know that she will share her problem to me soon. I deep sigh came out on my mouth. **"Okay, I understand, but I just want to let you know that I'm just here to listen to you when you need someone to talk to. I can be your knight to protect you and I can be your handkerchief to wipe those tears coming from you. You know that I love you right? On the day we became best of friends, I treated you as my own little sister and I am your big brother. I am just here so don't push me away because I want to get your pain."** I replied to her. With that, we go to my car and I start the engine to drove home. On our ride, she chose to be quiet. It's like she is in her deep thought. I cleared my throat when we arrived at the front of her house making her stumble on the sit. **"We're here Raine. Rest now and think the things I said to you earlier."** I told her. **"Thank you Cheche...I know that you are worried for me but let me think of this first alone. Drive home safe."** She said and quickly made her way on their home. I wait for her to go inside the house before I drive my car on the next street where do I live. **"I just hope that she will tell me what happen to her, soon. I don't want her to feel the excruciating pain alone."** I told myself on my mind while I drive.

Several days had passed... I am extremely worried because it's been 4 days when I last saw my Rere. I wanted to see her so bad. I want to hug her and whisper comforting words just like what she did on me when I was the one suffering. I tried to call her on her phone but it just keep ringing. I tried to visit their house but her mother said that she wants to be alone for the meantime. I even waited for her on my car in front of their house thinking that she will have a heart to let me in but...no avail. I am getting frustrated every day. My temper is slowly fading and my anger is totally rising. I am just thankful that I was able to beat up her boyfriend on the pulp until he can't open her eyes anymore. I realized that Raine's boyfriend cheated on her even if they are already on their 5 years relationship. I've never thought that he can do that to my bestfriend. I want to beat him up again but I reigned my emotions. **"I am going on their house tonight. With her permission or not."** I told myself with confidence.

Raine's Residence

Image Source: Pinterest I drove at their home at exactly 8 o'clock in the evening. I saw that the lights on their house is limited making me realize that she is the only one at home. When I look up to her room on the balcony, I saw her... My bestfriend is holding one of the rails while her hair is being blowned by the wind. I can clearly see the sadness on her eyes despite of the distance we are in. She then decided to go back on her room without closing the door. I take it as a cue to climb on their balcony to surprise her and to badly asked her if she's okay. As the time I reached their balcony, I entered her room. I saw her combing her long brown hair while facing the mirror. I cleared my throat that makes her jump on her sit. **"Charles!? You scared me to death! And what are you doing on my room?"** I just stared at her face. The stains of her tears are still prominent. And the sadness on her eyes are still present. With my remaining strength, I asked her the questions that are lingering on my mind when she decided not to show up. She sighed and keep quiet for a while but tells me the true story from the start. ***Fast forward...*** **"That's what actually happened... I am tired now Charles, I want to rest for the day. I answered all of your questions so please can you leave me alone for tonight? I promise I will be fine tomorrow."** She said dismissively. I can't help myself but to agree because I know thay she is really tired from all of this. With a last glance I bid my goodnight on her. **"Goodnight Charles...I am very thankful that I met a wonderful man like you. I love you, always remember that, I do.** I kissed her forehead and i tucked her on the bed. I whispered my love on her on that night waiting for her to fall asleep before I get up. I can't help but to feel nervous for tomorrow, I hope that she will be now okay.

***Present Time...*** I am crying so hard today because it's her death anniversary. I remember again that day, wherein I bid my goodbye on my bestfriend not thinking that it will be the last time that we will be able to see each other again. I pulled my hair and shout. I wasn't able to save her from pain, from suffering and from grief. That morning after we talk on that night shattered my whole life because I learned that she committed suicide with the baby on her womb. I regretted the day ***"when she said goodnight."***

Author's note: Good day readers! Here I am today to ask if you enjoyed the article/story? I hope that you enjoyed reading it because I, myself enjoyed writing this one. I just want to say my deep gratitude to all of you for the time you spent on this story. Feel free to comment down your thoughts, feedbacks, recommendations and suggestions. I am always open for constructive criticism. The name of the characters, places and the plot itself is all on my wide imagination. Disclaimer: The following photos on the article is NOT mine. Credits are rightfully given to the owners. Lead Image was originally captured by ME and not on other platforms. Character List: Raine (Rere) Charles (Cheche) Jerome (Raine's Boyfriend) Mother of Raine ________________________ You can always find me on: noise.cash: @Khairro read.cash: @Khairro Telegram: @Khairro_alstr If you like the story, don't be shy to like and subscribe. It is all appreciated! Again thank you for spending your time on reading this!