Chapter 3 LONGING BEYOND

I watched the crazy Jude lying quietly on the bed. He nearly traumatized me the day before.

I picked up my school bag and notebook ready; to depart. Jude's voice roared. "Wait, I will drop you off at school."

I stared at him surprised, "Why would you do that?" I questioned not understanding why he was suddenly nice.

"I have some business within your school area... so dropping you wouldn't be a bad idea" he said, dressing up.

I couldn't afford his favor, so I rejected his help immediately but that provoked him.

"You don't get to say no to me," he said and picked up his keys.

I had no choice but to comply.

He put on his helmet and gave me one. I held onto his waist and we drove off.

In five minutes we arrived.

He drove away, not even giving me the chance to say a thank you.

I didn't overthink it; he was an asshole. I didn't want anything more to do with him. Was that even possible? I wondered what his mission in my life was.

I walked into the hall.

After school, I arrived home just like usual. He wasn't around. There was peace and quiet just the way I loved it. No interference, no Jude. Just me and me alone.

I wondered how good my life would have been without him. But yet, I still couldn't imagine living without him.

I feared him, but he gave me a sense of security.

I sat down there watching the TV, hoping for his return but Jude never returned.

The day passed by then another day. It was a week.

I still hoped and waited for his return. But Jude never came back.

I was already used to living with him, 'A Stranger I grew fond of.'

My life continued as usual but it was never the same.

Even when walking on the street, I hoped to see his face. Sometimes I hoped the scene where we met could happen again.

It's crazy right? but I couldn't help it. He left with a part of me. I missed him, his presence and his constant teasing.

My life continued just like that, only Gracias no more Jude or a strange suspicious man.

Going through my books, I saw a drawing.

A picture of me tagged A002. A smile creased my face. "He drew this?" I asked but no one was there to answer me.

It bothered me, I couldn't hear from him. I hoped he was still alive so we could meet another day.

I spent most of my day drawing and writing to him. Letters that were never sent.

Only I knew the content, I filled them with memories and events that might seem silly but they were what made us.

Days passed, weeks passed and months, Jude didn't return. I guessed it was over. It pained me that I could never see his dangerous handsome face.

If there was ever a chance to meet again, I hoped to have a taste of his lips. I don't know but I wanted to kiss his lips, it looked so good. Even if I had to steal it, I wanted it.

I was gradually forgetting what my days without Jude was like. Even the tiniest moment alone felt suffocating.

He was really dangerous for me. I needed to forget him.

Lucy noticed my change in moods and speeches, she assumed I was in love but if I told her the story of how I met Jude, and what he was like. She'd absolutely help look for solutions to forget him.

I didn't tell her I refused to tell her.

I walked back that day.

At the alley, I saw a figure.

"Jude?" I called and he turned his back. It wasn't Jude but who was he? Jude never smiled like that. Then who was he if not Jude?