Diary of Fragile Heart (Spin of Loving You Too Long)

Flavia was confused. The emotions in her chest were now mixed. Joy, happiness, touched, sadness, doubt, and fear came all at once. Once again, Flavia was unsure of herself. Not because of her feelings of love, as it was clear that those feelings still existed without Gladwin having to try hard to bring them out.

Other thoughts that came in succession made her afraid. Rejection, sharp gazes, the feeling of being isolated. All of that now haunted Flavia’s mind. Especially the fear of not being able to fulfill the desires of her closest people. The fear that she couldn’t make Gladwin happy in the end.

“I can’t, Uncle.”

“I can’t promise that I will always bring you happiness because life is not always about happiness and laughter. I also know that my choice in the future won’t be easily accepted by others. But I won’t give up. It’s not others who will create my happiness; I myself will create it,” replied Gladwin confidently. But once again, Flavia shook her head.

“It’s not that easy, Uncle. I can’t be with you. It’s better to cancel all the intentions and plans in Uncle’s mind. I can’t be with you anytime. I’ve promised to love Eijaz,” she said. Flavia was not lying at all. She had indeed promised herself that she would try to open her heart to Eijaz. And she couldn’t accept Gladwin because she didn’t want to ruin the future of the man she loved.

“I’m tired,” she softly dismissed. “I want to sleep.” Flavia looked at her uncle and cousin alternately. Abigail nodded in understanding. She knew exactly what her friend and cousin wanted. Flavia needed time to be alone; she needed time to think. Abigail pulled Gladwin to stand up, inviting him to leave Flavia’s room and giving the girl some time.

Gladwin understood his niece’s intention. He followed Abigail out, leaving Flavia behind. Hadn’t he already agreed to do everything Abigail’s way?

Flashback:

“Are you sure, Uncle?” Abigail asked shortly after Gladwin stated that he would fight for his relationship with Flavia. “It won’t be easy to influence Flavia because, despite her gentle nature, she is a person with strong principles. And she has made a decision to give up on her feelings for Uncle. And that happened five years ago.”

Gladwin could only look at his niece with a furrowed brow and great curiosity. He wanted Abigail to explain why Flavia eventually decided to give up. But he got no answer. His niece remained silent even though Gladwin had given her enough time.

“If Uncle is indeed sure of his feelings and is determined to fight for Flavia and never give up, I will help Uncle. With two conditions.”

“What?”

“Uncle must not give up halfway. Because if Uncle decides to give up, Flavia will be shattered. For the first condition, I will give Uncle time to think. Meanwhile, for the second condition, Uncle must follow all my words. Follow all the lines I create. Because here, only I know what’s in Flavia’s heart and mind.”

Gladwin looked at her, searching for certainty in Abigail’s expression. He finally decided to nod his head.

“Start by expressing Uncle’s true feelings. Don’t give up just because of one rejection sentence. Because I assure you, Flavia has many sentences as reasons for her rejection.”

Flashback Off:

“Start by expressing Uncle’s true feelings.”

That’s what Abigail said, and indeed, as she predicted, Flavia rejected him, mumbling reasons that seemed well-crafted in her mind.

They descended to the first floor. Apparently, without them realizing it, people had started to leave. Adaline and Altezza were nowhere to be seen. His siblings were not there either. Only the homeowners, Antony and Claire, remained. Antony’s parents, Sir Arthur and Mrs. Brianna Quirino. Julie Hampton, Penelope, and Phoebe were there.

“You took so long,” his mother said with an annoyed expression towards Gladwin. “Phoebe is dizzy, tired, and wants to go home.”

“Why not ask Antony’s driver to take her?” Abigail asked, her eyes glancing sharply at Phoebe without hiding it.

“It’s already late. How can we ask Antony’s driver to take Phoebe? The driver also needs to rest,” Julie replied again.

“Doesn’t Uncle need rest? Oh, I forgot. Recently, Uncle has changed professions to become a personal driver,” Abigail sarcastically teased. “Come on, Uncle, I’m also tired. Let’s drop them off so we can go home quickly.” Abigail pulled Gladwin’s arm, bidding farewell to Flavia’s grandparents before waving her hand to Antony.

“You’re coming home too? Weren’t you planning to stay here?” Claire asked when it was Abigail’s turn to hug her.

“Not tonight. Tomorrow, I have a photo shoot scheduled. My assistant will pick me up at the apartment.” She replied. “After the shoot tomorrow, I’ll come here again. I didn’t have a chance to meet the baby earlier.”

Claire nodded, and afterward, Abigail walked to the backyard where Gladwin’s car was parked. Everyone must have thought that Abigail would go home driving her own car, but they were wrong. Abigail was already leaning casually by the driver’s side door, waiting for her uncle, aunt, and the two pampered guests invited by her grandmother who wanted to make Gladwin her personal driver.

“Why haven’t you gone home yet?” Julie Hampton asked in confusion.

“Of course, I’m waiting for Uncle.” Abigail replied casually. Gladwin pressed the automatic key button, and without many words, Abigail entered the front passenger seat, clearly not giving Phoebe a chance to get close to her uncle.

Abigail could see the sulking faces of the mother and daughter when their intentions didn’t go smoothly. Phoebe’s mother gave in, and finally, they sat side by side. Nonchalantly, Gladwin started his car and left Antony’s house. The car moved in silence. Abigail chose to turn on the radio at a low volume, even though she actually wanted to turn the volume up to the maximum. Five minutes later, they had arrived in front of Abigail’s family home because their house and Antony’s family house were in the same housing complex. Julie Hampton then got off after chatting briefly with Phoebe’s mother. Then, Gladwin drove his car towards Phoebe’s residence.

The song “Sedang Sayang-sayangnya” by Mawar De Jongh played as Gladwin drove his car. Abigail, who didn’t want to start a conversation, glanced at Phoebe through the side mirror when the woman spoke.

“The song is sad, huh?” Abigail raised an eyebrow. “Being left when you’re in love.”

She continued as if answering Abigail’s silent question. “Why, Aunty? Personal experience?” Abigail asked casually. The woman frowned in surprise. “Sorry if it’s impolite. I’m just curious, because Aunty commented earlier. Well, consider it as sharing experiences. So, did Aunty ever get left by a guy when you were in love?”

Phoebe snorted. There was arrogance in her demeanor. “My daughter is not the type to be left but to leave.” That was Phoebe’s response.

“Yeah, like that. How about you, Aunty? Any personal experiences?” Abigail had now turned half her body to look at the middle-aged woman behind her. “Aunty Phoebe is amazing. The female version of Don Juan or Casanova.”

“Well, of course. A girl should have self-respect. Girls should be chased, not chasing. If the guy is not worth it, why bother chasing him?” Continued Penelope with the Red Lipstick. Abigail smiled mockingly at her words.

“Is that so, Aunty’s Mom? Abigail should learn from Aunty’s Mom’s way. Don’t you think so, Uncle?” Abigail turned to her uncle. Her uncle just glanced at her silently. “So, Aunty Phoebe was the one who left her husband back then, right?” Abigail baited her again.

“Well, yes. My son should not be left behind.” Abigail saw Phoebe gripping her mother’s arm, asking her mother to stop talking silently. “Let me tell you this. If a guy is no longer reliable, leave him.”

“Even when you’re in love, Grandma?”Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

“Well, yes. Life is realistic. I’ve lived longer than you guys. I’ve tasted the ups and downs of life. Life is not just about love and affection. Everything has to be realistic. Going to the local shop, getting pampered at the salon, wanting to eat well and fulfilling the lifestyle, it’s not about love and affection. Do you understand what I mean?” Penelope answered passionately.

Abigail nodded. “Yes, Aunty’s Mom is right. I work hard so I can pamper myself at the salon, so I can go clubbing. You never know, in places like that, there are many wealthy people. Who knows, maybe I can find one. Right, Aunty’s Mom?”

“That’s it. You’re smart.” Penelope praised Abigail. Abigail glanced at Phoebe through the mirror. The woman stared back at her with a sharp and hostile gaze. Abigail just smirked mockingly.

Gladwin, who had been listening, finally understood the conversation between Abigail and the middle-aged woman.