Chapter 197: Preference
I finished my righteous rant and slammed the phone down without a second thought.
Took me a sec to notice Mindy giving me this weird look.
"What, you got a crush on me now?" I joked, pulling the blanket over my head and eyeing her like she was a creeper.
Mindy just shook her head, muttering, "Man, the lucky ones really don't give a damn. Is Brad blind or something? How'd he end up liking you?"
"You're the blind one. Catch this!" I chucked a stuffed toy at her, nailing her right on the butt.
After I killed the lights and got comfy, my phone buzzed with a message from Brad.
[I'll pick u up 4 bfast tmrw.]
I grinned like a cat that got the cream and tossed my phone aside, ready to crash.
Yeah, I was lucky, and I didn't give a damn.
Next morning, Brad was right on time to scoop me up for breakfast. Somehow, we ended up talking about Daniel. Brad said Hugh and Emma found out he was faking his illness. Hugh was so pissed he slapped him twice, and Emma gave him an earful.
Daniel just sat there, silent, still refusing to admit he was wrong. In the end, Hugh and Emma decided to take him back to Sunhaven for a bit to chill before he came back to hit the books.
"Isn't he already better? Why take him back to Sunhaven?" I asked, scratching my head.
First and second years of grad school are no joke, with all the research projects and stuff. A lot of students start their own businesses during this time. If Daniel took a break, he'd fall behind. There were tons of smart kids in grad school, and catching up would be tough. How could Daniel let himself fall behind?
"My folks think he's got some psychological issues and want to take him back to see a shrink, to stop him from doing anything crazy in the future."
If that was the case, it made sense. Psychological issues could mess with someone’s whole life. Daniel's craziness and irrationality did suggest some mental problems. I mean, a normal person wouldn't pull the stunts he did.
Even though I didn't love him, I still hoped the guy who walked with me for eighteen years stayed pure and innocent at heart.
"Tell Hugh if they need money for medical bills, I got it. He got hurt saving me, so I should cover the costs."
Brad tapped my nose and kissed the tip of it, teasing, "You talk big. Don't worry, with me around, you won't need to spend a dime."
I buried my blushing face in my porridge, giving him a playful side-eye, "Who wants you as a husband? Quit talking nonsense."
Brad was getting more and more shameless.
"Jane, Daniel wants to see you one more time before he leaves. You up for it?"
Could I say no if I didn't want to?
I had no classes in the morning, so Brad, knowing my schedule, dropped me off at the corridor.
Daniel was already there, rocking his usual black outfit, his hair freshly trimmed, giving him this rebellious yet neat vibe.
"Go on, I'll be over there," Brad nudged me and pointed to a bench outside the corridor.
"Jane, you made it," Daniel turned around.
I nodded, keeping it cool, "Brad said you wanted to talk. What's up?"
Daniel hesitated, glancing at Brad on the bench, a mix of self-mockery and gloom in his eyes. "Jane, why did you fall for Brad?"
"No real reason, love just happens. It's like how you fell for Zoe at first sight. Same deal. I guess I was dumb, having a gem right next to me but reaching for the moon. I was a fool back then." I chuckled softly.
"Yeah, I was a fool too. Couldn't see my own heart, always thinking I was right, only to regret it later. If I hadn't been so rebellious and hurt you, maybe today, it wouldn't be Brad with you."
Here we go again.
I couldn't get why Daniel kept bringing this up. What was he thinking? What did he want?
Since I started grad school at National Capital University, he'd had this talk with me at least three times, always the same topic.
"I don't believe in 'if,' because 'if' is the most BS thing in the world. I only know the person who's been by my side, taking care of me and loving me without any regrets, is Brad. That's enough. Daniel, I don't have time for this. If you have something to say, say it. If not, I'm out."
Daniel's face went through a bunch of emotions, his head hanging low like he was deep in thought.
After a bit, he finally looked up, his eyes kinda moist but shining. "Jane, is there really no chance for us?"
I rubbed my forehead, frustrated. Hadn't I made myself clear?
"Right, no chance. Let me spell it out: if there ever comes a day when I can't be with Brad, I'd rather become a nun than be with you."
He seemed to expect that answer and wasn't too shocked. He just went silent again, so long my feet started to ache. Finally, he spoke in a muffled voice, "Can we at least be friends?"
"Yeah." Being friends was already me pushing myself.
"But I got hurt saving you. Don't you think you should repay me with your body?"
"Who told you saving someone's life means you gotta repay them with your body?"
"You did. Don't deny it. You said it yourself, and I heard it with my own ears."
Suddenly, I remembered that morning when I was being all lovey-dovey with Brad in his room. My face got a bit hot.
Repaying a life-saver with your body was indeed the best way, but it depended on who the savior was. If it wasn't someone I wanted, I'd rather repay with my life.
Daniel must've been plotting this from that day. His mind was sharp enough.
"So what?" I asked him, annoyed.
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