Chapter: 1301
"Not yet. I want to wait until Joey gets clearance from the doctor.
If all turns out well, I'm going to book the tickets later tonight,"
Rachel answered.
"Let me know once you book your tickets. I'll check my schedule.”
Rachel nodded. She thought that he just wanted to see them off at the airport. Putting her hands into her coat's pockets, she pursed her lips. She wanted to say something to him but was hesitant for a moment. Finally, she said, “Roger.”
"Rachel!"
The two of them spoke in unison.
There was confusion in Rachel's eyes as she looked at him.
"Go ahead," she insisted.
"No. You go first," Roger said in a gentle voice.
"I'm sorry. I've thought about what you said and I really did some careful consideration regarding our relationship," Rachel said.
The beating of Roger's heart was outrageous. He couldn't believe what
Rachel just said. He was afraid that he might have put a wrong interpretation on her words. He wanted to ask her what she meant but instead, he let her finish what she was saying.
"Joey adores you. Lila also constantly talks about you. It seems that everyone likes you very much. I know that I said that friendship is all I could offer to you. But I have to be honest with you. At some point, I thought that maybe, I should give you a chance. If Joey was not abducted, I probably would not even think about leaving Apliaria.
Perhaps, I would accept you one day in the future." Rachel took a deep breath and continued, "However, I can't let myself be blinded by my what-ifs. I am not willing to put Joey's safety on the line. I also can't let you wait for me when I am not certain if I am ever going to accept you."
"Rachel..." It all felt surreal. Roger was afraid that he would wake up from this very beautiful dream if he got too excited. He could no longer bear the suspense.
“Are you telling the truth?" he asked, his voice trembling.
"I'm sorry," Rachel apologized.
The moment she finished her words, Rachel saw a smile on Roger's lips.
"Rachel, you have no idea how happy I am that you said all those things. Joy is an understatement for what I'm feeling right now. I'm glad to hear that you even thought about accepting my love. Do you know how long I've been waiting to hear you say that?"
Roger wanted so badly to hold her hands. However, he was afraid that his sudden action would frighten Rachel. It took everything in him to restrain himself.
“I've been waiting for this moment since high school." There was affection in his eyes as he gazed at Rachel.
"I don't regret a single thing. I will wait for you. I don't care how long it takes.”
He had been waiting for her for twelve years.
And the pain of losing her four years ago was unbearable.