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“I’m sorry Becca, I mean for everything. You deserve to be happy… real happy because you have suffered all in the name of love. I can’t believe I have spent so much time of my life trying to be in a competition with you. I wanted to get there first before you, I wanted to be the center of every topic. I was indeed self-centered. I have hurt Cole many times even cheated on him with a male close friend of mine, he found out and wanted to leave but I begged him to stay and promise to do anything he wants. Cole loves me even though he can be bossy sometimes which I never allowed. When I was ready to come home, I knew aside my certificate, there was another thing Dad and Mom will be so proud of which you have no being able to give them, and that is being engaged. I also bought my own engagement ring and force Cole to propose. He had no choice than to do that. He has tolerated a lot of thing from me and I can see he is very tired of the whole relationship. He has tried to leave many time but I won’t let him because I love him. Despite how harden he maybe there is a kind, loving man in him. When I saw Ohio with you, I couldn’t believe you were able to get such a good looking, fine posh man to yourself. I was jealous that you got the best more than me. I began to compare Cole and Ohio and found out that Ohio was so far ahead of Cole. I felt bad and was looking for a way to destroy what you two shared. My jealousy really got the best of me and I refused to let the case rest until I’m declared a winner but it came crashing down on me. I see the way Ohio looks at you, he loves you Becca. Maybe you haven’t realize it yet but I wish Cole will look at me that way. No man will agree to do such thing just for free, playing along and acting as if the whole thing is real. Ohio must have loved you even before you knew it…for him to have agreed to help you out. Ohio is a keeper and you should never let him go. Dad and also Mom are all used to him. Many reasons why I was boiling with envy. I’m sorry for our ageless drama. Since we have gotten it all out, is time to be the sister you have always wanted. To have your back at all time and to love and respect you. I thank God I did not pass out with the heavy punch you gave me. It was so painful Becca, I thought I will go blind. I know that I deserved it, it was long overdue though because I have being a pain in the ass. Hahahaha…

We laughed out together and that moment Cole stepped in.

“I’m sorry, I actually eavesdropped, I heard some part of what you ladies said. I can’t even believe that Melinda can reason this way. I heard her say she loves me but she hardly say that to me when we are together but put up a good public show of our love lives. I wish she knows how much I want our relationship to work, how much I cherished her which was why I tolerated so much with the hope she will change. Mel, i know I have my own lapses, but you know I love you right? If I don’t I would have been far gone. And about the engagement you bought, I later paid you back the money because you won’t let me be until I pay. If truly you won’t go back to your old ways then I will be the happiest man to make you my wife. Aside Becca, you also owe your parents, Ohio and even me an apology…

Melinda smile shyly, she stood up and went to Cole, hugged him while saying that she was sorry for everything. Cole winked at me and muttered a “thank you” and I winked back with a full smile on my face.

We later left the room to join others. Melinda apologies to my parents and also to Ohio.

They were surprised and also happy that we have put our differences aside.

We had that morning and afternoon to catch up from where we stopped last night as we gathered under a coconut tree in a beach open sky house relaxing, talking and laughing with free spirit.

Cole was lively than before, Melinda sat beside him as they talked about their relationship journey, Dad also talked about him and Mom and it was all splendid.

We later went inside to pack our bags. It was time to say good bye to the resort beach.

All through that morning and afternoon I avoid looking over at Ohio but when we were alone in the room, he walked upto me and tries to touch but withdraw back his hand.

He doesn’t really like me I guessed. He was more dedicated to his life and his woman and I’m glad all this is almost over. I will try and get over him.

“Becca, about last night…. I meant every word I sai…

I quickly stopped him from speaking further. I was not in the mood to talk about how I messed up in front of him. I still felt cold anytime I remember that I try undressing him and almost succeeded in going naked just for him to see how much I wanted him. I still feel embarrassed with every of my last night drama. Even though he tries to make me comfortable but I wasn’t. He rejected me out rightly and must have felt I was too cheap for him.

“Please…please Ohio. Let’s not talk about it. I’m not in the right mood. I just want to be left alone. I remember everything about last night, I have heard enough reminder all through the day and will continue to have. But do me a favour…don’t say anything. Let’s pack in peace and leave here so that we can all return to our normal lives. That will make me happy. please don’t say anything at all, I will feel better that way.

Maybe I was too harsh or I spoke so fast at him but as he tries to take my hands and speak again I hushed him to stop and not say anything at all.

Maybe if he keeps his distance from me I will think right and be able to forget what I was feeling but I just can’t bear the thought of him turning me down again.

He frown at my action and took few feet back from me immediately I shouted at him to keep his distance and his hands to himself.

I was suddenly getting all tensed and angry for nothing. Ohio raised his two hands up in a total surrender and moved back to the cushion were his already packed bag was. He was looking at me strangely from there but I did not care.

I packed my bag and was ready to leave.

“Becca…Becca are you alright? Did I do or say anything wrong. I’m sorry? Why are you so walked up all of a sudden? What is my offense…. please tell me. What happened to you…? Becca, I really do lov…

He was talking and walking down to where I was with his bag in hand but I interrupted him again.

“I’m fine Ohio and thank you once again for doing this with me. Is all over now. I’m trying to concentrate on my next agenda after now. Let’s all forget whatever transpired or whatever feeling or emotions we stored. I have already informed my sister that we are just acting all along and nothing serious between us. I see you as an ordinary friend and a boss to me nothing much or less and that is how I want to keep things.