Glancing over his shoulder, I caught Caleb and Tess moving with the rhythm of the music. Love and adoration shone in their eyes as they whispered and laughed, lost in their own world.

Some unsought memories again crawled back into my mind.

I moved away from his grasp, making him narrow his eyes.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“I need to use the washroom,” I mumbled, already walking away, not waiting for his response. He didn’t follow, but his gaze did until I was out of sight.

Dodging the strolling people and rushing kids, I kept moving. I didn’t know where I was going. But I didn’t want to be near him anymore.

Why do I always forget what pain he can cause me again? His unintentional act occurred irreparable damage to my heart.

No, I can’t live through another heartbreak.

Gulping the pressure in my throat as I turned the corner, a hand grabbed my elbow, turning me around.

“Stop running away from him, Em. You’re hurting yourself by doing so.”

I shook my head. “I’m protecting myself, Cassie. If I don’t run away, I will definitely get hurt. And this time, I don’t know if I can handle it.”

When I turned to leave, she stopped me again.“You can’t know what’ll happen until you give it a chance. And for that, you’ll have to stay. Stay and see where your heart takes you this time,” she said, her amber eyes were serious.

“I can’t!” I snapped. Why didn’t she understand my point? Didn’t she know how much I suffered?

“Yes, you can. Just because something bad happened in the past doesn’t mean it will happen again. You don’t even know the whole truth of what exactly happened that night and why. You’re having this doubt that something is missing here, don’t you? Then why all of this?” She exhaled a long breath, her features softening. “Look, Em. You know very well what your heart desires. Even after all these years, you couldn’t move on from him. And now that your life is giving you another chance, don’t let it go.”

I clutched the bracelet and blinked away the tears that threatened to well up.

She placed a hand on my shoulder. “He already took his steps towards you. It’s your turn now. Don’t let your fears steal the one thing that will be worth it in the future.”

I looked at her. “When did you become so sensible?”

The side of the lips twitched as she lifted her shoulders, her honey blonde locks bouncing along. “I was born sensible. Now don’t change the subject. You’re getting what I’m trying to say?”

I sighed. “I don’t know what to do, Cassie. I’m confused.”