Adrienne's face contorted with anger. Perhaps it was in her wildest imagination that I would say something like that.
Without getting my response after a long time, she put on an expression which invoked sympa-thy from others.
But I was aware of her true colors. There was a devil behind her facade!
With this in thought, I sneered mockingly, "Haven’t I made my point clear to you? What’s up? Can’t you even understand English?"
Adrienne had been proud. Especially after we got into college and I confessed my love to her, she had been acting all mighty and high in front of me. She was convinced I wouldn’t be upset with her no matter what she did.
Facing my defiant demeanor, she couldn’t stop trembling and her face drained of color due to fury.
"James, remember what you said. Even if you beg for my forgiveness, I won't have a change of heart," she seethed.
Begging for forgiveness?
I laughed out loud as if I had heard a big joke.
Now that I had my life to do over, I was dying to cut her off.
After saying this, Adrienne stormed off without looking back.
The onlookers also dispersed.
Only I and several of my good friends were left in the classroom.
Brandan Evans, one of my close friends, approached me with a bewildered look and touched my forehead with his hand.
"You’re not burning up. What has gotten into you?" he asked.
I didn't say anything. I just silently picked up my textbook on the floor and immersed myself in it.
"James, I get men value their pride. But sometimes you have to throw it away when you pursue a girl. You should really apologize to Adrienne. You’ll regret it when it’s too late," he continued.
But I dismissed it as if I hand’t heard anything, my face devoid of any emotions.
My silence left them more baffled.
"James, haven't you been wooing Adrienne all the time? What the hell is going on? Acting rashly might get you into trouble."
In the past, I would always simmer when others talked about Adrienne. But now the mention of her name only reminded me of my miserable ending in my past life.
I calmly spoke. "I’ve realized that if she doesn’t feel the same way, our relationship won’t last even if we get together. I’ve given up on her.""
My friends fell silent, regarding me with puzzled eyes.
I understood why they reacted like that.
After all, in their eyes, I had been smitten with Adrienne and would do anything I could to make her happy.