Chapter 29 Thank You vs Goodbye

With every beat of her heart, Stefani became more confused. The music from the outside became melodic and low, slowly bringing back memories from the past Stefani once kept in a box and never opened it since, afraid of the heartache she knew she would not be able to take.

As the music continued to make loud beats outside, Stefani's heart made louder music and all the fears she had inside came back. Though just a simple glance over the person beside her, all her fears seemed to leave.

That night, Stefani continued to listen to her own beats, the kinds of which that were in sync to the heart of the man lying beside her saying he could not be touched for he was already engaged.

The kind of emotion Stefani forgot sheーtheyーalready had from a long time ago.

The kind of emotion both knew they, Jonathan and Stefani, treasured once upon a time.

. . .

The next morning.

"Will you really be fine? What if I ask my husband to go with you and Jonathan?" Mrs. Hill asked in worry after handing out a lunchbox full of different dishes.

"Ah, Mrs. Hill, how can you treat us like kids? We're grown-ups, grown-ups!" Stefani said, giving a shy laugh to the kind family.

"Okay, I understand. It's just that I'm worried you might encounter troubles along the road..."

"Mrs. Hill, stop worrying about us. We'll take care of ourselves, okay?" Stefani gave the old woman a reassuring smile.

Mrs. Hill looked at Stefani then sighed, "Okay, I understand... Ah! I think I forgot to add the side dishes and the pickle jam I did last night. Wait here I'll just put it in another container," Mrs. Hill said.

"Mrs. Hill, you don't really have to..." Stefani tried to protest but the older woman had already quickly gone back inside their house.

The truck of Mr. Ten was currently being filled with fresh-packed vegetables to be transported in the small town about three hours from the old village. Jonathan, along with other men, was helping the old man carry the said raw food to the truck.

"Big sister, you're going to visit us again, right?" Emerald said, pouting at Stefani.

Stefani patted the little girl's head, "Of course, Emerald. I'll make sure to visit here again soon. And I'll bring you lots of chocolates."

Emerald and Jade's eyes sparkled in excitement, "Really?" Then Emerald frowned, "But you don't have money, big sister. Can you really buy chocolates for me?"

"Of course I can. I'll give you a bag full of sweets, not just chocolates, but all kinds of sweets in the world!" Stefani said, grinning.

"You're going back to the city and all you can talk about now are chocolates. Are you a kid?" Ruby said in her sassy tone as usual.

"Big sister!" Stefani called. During their stay, Ruby taught Stefani a lot more than her daily life did to Stefani. For a sheltered girl like Stefani, Ruby was like a living legend. For Stefani's eyes, theyーJonathan and Rubyーwere really amazing like gods for they could almost do everything. Compared to Jonathan though, Stefani thought Ruby deserved to be respected more. Where she was basing respect from was really weird.

Stefani was genuinely thankful for Ruby. So this time, she didn't hold back and went to hug her mentor.

"Hey, are you crazy? Get off," Ruby exclaimed but didn't move as Stefani hugged her.

"Big sister, thank you for everything," Stefani said, the words probably the earnest words she had ever said to another person.

"Aish, you're such a kid, really," Ruby muttered under her breath then quietly said, "Don't give your husband a hard time and do your chores right. If there are things you find difficult to do, just focus on small things first and slowly do them. Understand?"

Stefani nodded, smiling as she soon waved to the family goodbye.

Jonathan was the last one to bid his goodbye as he bowed politely to the Hill Family, showing his sincere gratitude to the people who treated them like no stranger despite his little trust at the beginning. He was one to accept his mistake and apologize to the people of this village for misjudging them.

"Sigh, there's no need for that. You've really helped us during your stay. My husband really likes you and my kids get along with Stefani well, ah, it's like I have two grown-up daughter and son for the past two weeks," Mrs. Hill stated, eyes a bit teary as she glanced over the couple with care and love.

Jonathan gave them a gentle smile before bowing for the last time. He wasn't really the emotional type, thus, he avoided anybody's contact. As much as he was thankful, Jonathan was still just being himself when he turned around and got in the truck with a bit teary-eyed Stefani following after him.

The vehicle had started moving when one of the villagers shouted.

"Don't forget to visit us again sometime!"

Stefani popped her head out of the window, "Yes! Don't worry, we'll be back!"

Jonathan frowned then used his hand to pull Stefani's head back inside the truck. "Don't do that. There are branches of trees everywhere."

Stefani rolled her eyes and just glared at Jonathan, then was about to pop her head out again when Jonathan gave her a death glare as a warning.

"You're being too much, don't you know that?" Stefani muttered as she stared hard at Jonathan which the latter just ignored, eyes now faced in front.

"Sigh, I can't believe you two are married but still fight a lot. But that makes marriage a fun thing, isn't it?" Mr. Ten commented upon noticing the fighting couple beside him.

Both Jonathan and Stefani went silent after that, quietly they fought inside their heads instead.

Who was the one who said they were married? When do they act like one and when do they don't? Was there even anyone who noticed that it was all just acting? Do they really look like a couple?

Both frowned as they started picturing themselves together.

Somehow, the image made their heartbeat louder and faster.

Somehow, the image made their frowns disappear, and slowly, as the truck continued to move fast forward, memories of their silly scenarios together came and a smile made its way to their lips.

The days we had together, the times we spent struggling together. It wasn't like they would disappear, wouldn't they?

The air was becoming colder and the sun was setting. As the days we spent together came to an end, I listened to the sound of your breathing beside me.

My memories of us, no matter how lonely, irritating, and upsetting they are, I will treasure them forever. Your smiles, your angry face under the sun, your worried eyes that always look out for me, I will always keep them with me from now on.