Chapter 5

THE REGRET

Bianca's POV ❤️

After waiting several minutes for my ride to arrive, he finally did and I felt so exhausted. My mind was trying to grasp everything that had happened so far. Everything just happened so fast. This was not how I pictured my day happening at all.

It was a complete disaster.

In my head, it went like this - I was going to have a blast at the protest, and make Charles Bandra listen to my demands and do whatever I asked of him, save the forest, and we all live happily ever after. The end.

But none of that happened, not even one.

Instead, I lost my boyfriend and my respect from people. I guess not everything you wish for happens, that is just how life is.

My head was spinning from all these information, from me trying to fit the pieces together to fit. This was too overwhelming for me. I couldn't believe my own boyfriend could do that to me. I felt betrayed. I tried my best to control my emotions and not go bursting out in tears.

I could sense the driver's gaze were upon me, I raised my head up to look at him from the rearview mirror and when our eyes met, he quickly averted his eyes away from me and focused on the road. Maybe he was looking at me wanting to start a conversation or maybe ask me if I was doing okay. That meant I didn't hide my emotions well. What a pain.

I took out my earplugs and listened to music. I couldn't believe it, he didn't even try to stop me. I get that he's angry but at least...at least, he should have stopped me from leaving or something. Part of this was his fault though, he should have just told me about the protesters but I guess that wasn't going to change anything though. Everything that happened was my doing, from the time I slapped Charles, every single event that happened was birthed from my mistakes.

I closed my eyes, savouring the tune of the music, and it seemed to help me relax and cool off. Even though it was just temporary. I enjoyed and savoured every moment of it. I didn't want to think about it anymore because the more I thought, the more questions I had and no one was there to answer them.

My temporary moment of peace was interrupted when my phone made a 'bleep' sound. It was a text from my best friend, Kumiko.

Kumiko: Hey, girlfriend. Will you soon be here?

Me: I think so.

Kumiko: Are you doing okay though?

Me: Kumiko, we'll talk about it when I get to your house. Okay?

Kumiko: Sure. No problem. Whatever you are okay with.

I smiled for the first time after the incident. I felt really lucky for having such a sweet soul in my life. Really, really lucky.

Kumiko: I made Ramen noodles but if you don't want to eat it, we could order something or I could make something else for you.

Me: I'm fine with whatever you make but I'll have ice cream; strawberry flavored one with lots of chocolate drip, toppings and sprinkles.

Kumiko: Woah, woah, woah. Hold on girlfriend. That's way too much sugar.

I knew what was coming now was a lecture and I wasn't even ready for that. Maybe I was even overreacting about this but for some reason, I felt really numb, blank and only ice cream could help right now. Maybe some movies too.

Me: I'll text you when I get there. Xoxo.

She was typing something when I switched on my airplane mode and continued listening to music. It seemed to be helping, cause I forgot everything that happened. I was intoxicated with the song, I didn't even know when I fell asleep.

I felt an arm tapping me and I was about to punch the person when I realized and remembered I was in a taxi. I have always been on alert and very cautious but I wasn't this time. What happened was taking a toil on me and I didn't like how it affected me. I opened my eyes and realized the music was still playing. I paused it and took off my earplugs. The driver was staring at me in shock and I felt embarrassed. I wasn't feeling like myself.

"You've reached your destination ma'am." He was still startled on how I was about to go all karate kid on him earlier.

"I'm so sorry about that. Uhm... how much?" I asked, trying to change the subject.

"Six dollars ma'am."

I reached out for my purse and counted six dollars and handed it over to him.

I didn't even consider the outrageous amount he charged as the fee, I just wanted to get out of here quickly.

I texted Kumiko and got down from the car, and thanked the driver. I also apologized for startling him earlier and almost hurting him. I just hoped he didn't think I was a crazy person but all he did was just smile, a very heart warming and genuine smile. One that said 'don't worry, I totally understand'. I smiled back at him; he reminded me of my dad.

I was about leaving when I turned back

"Oh and please don't call me ma'am, you're far older than me."

I couldn't help but smile at how he kept on staring at me. He totally reminded me of my dad.

"So what should I call you ma'am...?"

Then he realized and corrected himself

"I meant what should I call you?"

I was about to tell him my name when I heard Kumiko shouting my name and waving at me. I smiled at him and thanked him again, then left.

I ran to meet her and gave her a really tight hug and started tearing up immediately. She pulled me inside and shut the door behind us and hugged me even tighter. This was really soothing.

I felt really happy for having someone like her in my life. I almost immediately forgot my troubles.