I stood there, with my body against his, completely speechless. I had no idea what to say or do. On one hand, I had looked forward to hearing him say this for months, on the other hand, it scared me to hear those words. A part of me had dreaded this day, even though it felt impossible.
“Max… What… What are you saying?” I stuttered. This had to be a joke, he can't possibly be in love with me, this is Maxwell Blackwood we are talking about.
“I am serious, Anna. I know I have said horrible things to your face, I acknowledge I said this would never happen but I couldn’t stop it, Anna. This thing I feel for you is love, I know it. I can't help but get lost around you, the thought of you living rent free in my head, you make me feel in a way no one has ever done. I love you, Annabel Joseph,” he whispered as he cupped my face.
I felt my head buzzing, the earth under my feet felt unstable, like I would fall at any time, tears began to form in my eyes. What was I supposed to say now? What was I supposed to do? I had no idea.
“Please say something, Anna. Tell me you love me too, please tell me you feel the same for me.” He said with pleading eyes.
I waved my head slowly, tears rolling down and I slipped off his grasp, turning away to the back of the car. No, this isn’t happening, it is not supposed to be happening.
I heard his footsteps as he walked down to me, he turned me around to face him and slid his hand under my jaw. Slowly, he raised my face to look into his eyes; my brain took an authorized vacation. I could see him bringing his face closer but I couldn’t move a muscle.
His lips came in contact with mine and he kissed me, his tender lips nibbling gentling on mine. I felt all rational thoughts leave my head, I stood there frozen as he gently pulled his lips back, I felt the cold on mine. The taste of caffeine lingering on my lips, my heart racing, my legs shaking.
“No…” I mumbled, “This is wrong.” I said in a whisper as I immediately turned my back to him.
“No, it is not, Anna. It took a lot of courage to admit it but I am in love with you, I want you in my life, Anna. Please come back to me, accept my love for you and lets make things work.”
I shook my head and sniffled back the tears, then I turned to face him. “I am sorry, Max. but I don’t feel the same for you, and I don’t want to be part of your life either. I can't say it is you, but I don’t want any man in my life right now, I just want to be alone and focus on my future. Thank you for expressing your feelings towards me, but that is all I can say to you.”
“Anna...” He tried to speak.
“No,” I halted him with my hand. “I need some space, I will find a cab home,” I mumbled and turned away from him.
He grabbed my arm immediately. “Anna, wait, there is no need for that. I understand if you need space to process it, I will be waiting for when you have a change of mind. For now, come with me, I will take you home.” he offered.
I was tempted to turn down the offer, riding in the same car as him for the next thirty minutes would be hell, but then there was no car in sight. I did as instructed and got into the car.
The drive home was silent, I tried not to look anywhere other than outside the car glass, it was much safer that way. As for the tears, I did my best to hold them back, I don’t know why this had to happen now but I needed to be strong, I needed to keep my feelings away, being with Mr. Blackwood would never end well for me.
We arrived at my house and I hurried off as soon as I got out of the car. He didn’t bother to follow me and I was appreciative of that. I got to the door and knocked, Jennifer opened the door and I rushed in as I had no idea if he was still out there.
I immediately placed my back against the wall, breathing hard in fear while little drops of tears rolled down my eyes.
“Anna, what is wrong? Are you alright?” Jennifer asked, looking confused. She looked outside as I heard the car engine driving off and then she closed the door and turned back to me.
“Is he gone?” I asked amidst tears.
“Who? The Taxi?” she asked as she rushed to me and wiped off the tears on my face.
“Mr. Blackwood,” I replied.
“What? That was Mr. Blackwood? What is he doing in a cab? What is going on.”
“He says he loves me, Jen.” I blurted out suddenly.
“Oh my God! That is great!” Jennifer screamed; excitement audible in her tone. “So why are you crying? Please tell me these are tears of joy!” she uttered.
I shook my head and muffled myself with my palm. “I turned him down, Jen. I said No.” I confessed.
The excitement on her face disappeared immediately. “You did what?”
“I am sorry, I couldn’t.”
“You couldn't do what? It finally happened, he confessed his love for you on his own accord, you didn’t even have to get it out of him. For all we know, he might even be the father of your unborn child, and yet you turn him down? This was the perfect opportunity to get your life back on track, to give your child a father and you throw it away?” Jennifer yelled; the disappointment in her voice was very loud.
“No! He must never find out about this child, remember you promised me.” I reminded her with a serious face.
“Girl, I am never going to understand you. Fine, you do what you want.” She blurted angrily and walked away.
I sat down on the floor and cried. Why won’t he just stay away? Why is he reopening old wounds?
TBC!!