A Graduation Gift

Rufus had hardly entered the room when Amanda suddenly threw herself against his chest, too impatient to wait.

"You're finally here, Rufus!" she exclaimed while hugging Rufus tightly, her eyes closed and mouth curled into a happy smile.

Her face was scarlet all over.

"What's wrong with you? Are you okay? Hold on, I'm calling a doctor for you!" Rufus added his eyebrows furrowed in concern.

He managed to grab Amanda's arms and pushed away a bit.

He noticed that there was something wrong with her, but couldn't find out exactly what.

As far as he observed, Amanda was standing right in front of him, alive and kicking, which was weird that she didn't feel very well at the same time.

"Rufus, my heart is hurting…it's broken…" Amanda murmured.

Her eyes started to tear up as she looked at him pleadingly.

Her heart was in pain as if a sword stabbed it, when she saw how Cassandra and Rufus looked at each other's eyes so lovingly moments ago.

"Stop this, Amanda. I love Cassandra and she loves me. We'll get married soon," Rufus patiently explained.

The finality in his voice only added more pain to Amanda's wounded heart. She gasped to catch her breath.

"Why not me, Rufus? I don't see what's so special about her! It should've been me!"

Amanda refused to back down and accept his explanation. Tears were streaming down her cheeks at this point.

"She's so special to me, Amanda. You're a great girl, but I love her now and I just can't see a life without her. Don't you understand?"

Rufus knew that he needed to end this now, and if he showed the slightest note of hesitation, it would only make matters worse. Amanda had to accept the truth, that Rufus had no spare love for any other woman, only Cassandra.

"Rufus, I can't bring myself to listen to you right now. You know I'm ailing right now. Can't you at least pretend to make me feel better?"

Amanda raised her head a little to look into Rufus's eyes. Her mouth forced a sad smile.

"No, Amanda. This ends now. I won't lie to you even if you're sick,"

Rufus responded harshly. Deep in his heart, he was reluctant to admit the truth to her now, since she wasn't all that well; however his mind told him that he'd better end her expectations for her to move forward.

At that same moment, along the corridor, Cassandra was walking towards the room where Rufus and Amanda were in, which was at the end of the hallway. The soft carpet on the floor absorbed the sounds of her footsteps.

She passed one room after another.

After a few minutes, the room was finally in front of her. She could hear a conversation on the other side.

Two people were talking, one was Rufus and the other was apparently Amanda.

you doing this? You're hurting me!

wracked with sobs as she said the words, which was enough for Cassandra to shiver.

you'll

calm a girl, especially if

you so close together. It's killing me softly. How could you be so

voice came through the crack of the slightly

where Cassandra was standing,

within her

of her was suddenly a blur, and all she could hear was a constant ringing in her

my girlfriend and I need to take care of her! That's what a boyfriend does. Since she's with me, I won't let her down!" Rufus tried hard to talk Amanda out of her obsession with

unruly

what about me? Don't I mean anything at all to you?"

her eyes bloodshot from the tears, waiting with bated breath for his

he thought hard about what to say

was the best

happy and regrettable for everyone.

him through the difficult trainings at

most young people, their relationship burned bright, but didn't last long. Rufus hoped that what he said could bring closure to Amanda. So whenever she thought of her first

She retreated

that the time he spent with Amanda was the best of his

talent, and she was even as

a woman like this would be perfect

just a responsibility that

think that she couldn't live without him. Cassandra held her chin high, but was unable to smile for

autopilot until she reached the hotel exit. Walking out to let the fresh air hit her, Cassandra woke up from her daze

for the rest of your life, Cassandra? Can't you see that he's alternating between two women?' she asked herself in her

sure that he can give you want you want? Do you

were disturbed by the crisp and cold voice of

expected Rufus would play piano in front of everyone

beside her. She had no idea why she was there or if she was waiting for her.

touched the keys of the piano. He learned how

a sidelong glance to see how Cassandra would react while she herself was apparently lost in her memories with her

guess that the older you are, the more you miss the youthful days. Being the first love is like being on top of a unclimbable hill that

on Cassandra, waiting for

Cassandra was emotionless. Her eyes were empty

then cracked a faint smile that seemed to

even taught him how to

never really got to know Rufus, which

first love is the best thing that could happen to anyone. It's engraved on people's hearts; no matter how deeply you love later in your life, it can never

The air was cold and brought fresh air to her lungs. She got a grip

Rufus and I are truly different, and I'll leave him before things get way

the rumors around her, endure the Tang