Their Break-up

ANDRIUS AND BEATRICE entered the dim-lit hall of a certain poet’s bar while holding each other hand. They were welcomed by the brightly colored detailed aesthetics which give life to what seemed like an oversized living room. There were board games, magazines, and books everywhere.

A brown-haired guy is reading a poem by Shakespeare on the stage. Some are drinking while listening. Some are reading books and magazines from page to page. Andrius get a glass of wine on the counter while Beatrice, who was a bookworm, picked one book from the shelf.

He followed her fiancé where she was seated, carrying two glasses of wine. The woman put the book away. She dipped her index finger into the wine and licked it. he then just looked at her.

“Andrius…” she suddenly looked in the other direction.

“Is something bothering you, Beatrice?”

“How much do you love me, Andrius?”

He opened his mouth, but he did not answer. Now that he has fallen in love with Sam, it is already hard for him to say if he loves her still or not.

“There were many times that you professed your undying love to me.” Beatrice sighed. “And I believe you. I know how much you love me, Andrius.” She raised her hand and stared at the diamond engagement ring she wears before she looked at him. “You don’t deserve me.”

“What do you mean?” he asked, confused.

The woman removed the ring from her finger and put it in front of him. “I’m sorry, Andrius. I can’t marry you. I fell in love with someone else,” she said.

One day he was dreaming of this end and now he couldn’t believe that Beatrice is the one who was breaking their red string. He admits that he felt sad but miraculously, he was not offended by what she said. He just smiled at her.

“Who is this lucky man?”

“Van. He is an audio engineer in the station I’m working in,” she replied.

He just nodded and it seems like the woman couldn’t believe his sudden reaction. “Aren’t you mad at me?” she asked.

He shook his head, “I want you to be happy, Beatrice.”

Tears fell from the woman’s eyes, but she wiped them immediately. “You’re such a magnificent man I’ve ever met.”

He grasped one of her hands resting on the table. “Let this ring remind you of our good days. I’m setting your heart free, Beatrice. But memory will always stay here in my heart.” He pointed his chest and let out a genuine smile.

Beatrice then caressed his face. “Thank you, Andrius,” she said, seeming like she felt relief.

Andrius nodded slightly to himself. And Beatrice gave him also a feeling of relief. At last, he was free.

ANDRIUS FEELS the loss of Beatrice's presence in his life. He used to be with her for almost everything—parties, private sessions, and the rest where they can spend together… alone. Parting ways would be better for both of them. Now, the guilt that persecutes him has also been reduced. As he set Beatrice free, his heart was also free. And he was now okay to be in love with another woman.

Now, even if he is tempted again by another woman, he will no longer feel the guilt. He is truly free.

He loved Beatrice very much and they shared many good things. Parting doesn’t mean forgetting special places and shared experiences. For him, it’s still an important place where they went when they were young. One is the poet’s café on Brunswick Avenue where one can read poems aloud or silently. In that place, he will not just feel relaxed but can also learn how to be poetic.

Beatrice took him there. Being a writer, she’s fond of that kind of environment getting the vibes she wanted to relax her mind. And he’s also an artist who is already attracted to that place.

One day, while drinking wine and scanning a thick book, he happened to read a poem that reminded him much of Samantha. This is the content of the poem:

‘Midnight Beauty’

‘Darkness bathed her world and gouged out the moon from the space.’

‘Slowly, she wore her mask, setting aside her stoic soul.’

Like the character in the poem, Samantha once lived in a dark club. Her real identity is masked… hidden behind her naked body. Unbeknownst to the audience, the woman was still pure and clean.

He continued to read.

‘Her silhouette slithered in the forlorn alley where friend lurked.’

‘Her invigorating scent was irresistible, and the fiend was trapped.’

He stopped reading. It’s real that demon tries to lure humans… Adan’s earthly counterparts did indeed roam, but it was truly wonderful to be like Samantha who remained untouched. And like a potion, it was something he longed to taste once.

He went on reading.

‘The tinkling of mighty penny popped up her cork, she crazily lay in a bed of sins.’

He closed the book. He doesn’t want to read it further. Money is not the only reason why Samantha worked at the Peregrine Club. Sam is a sensible woman. She’s not like other women who pawn their souls to Satan just to live. This proves the woman’s virginity even though she has been working as a dancer at the club for a long time.

He was shocked when he discovered that matter. It was almost impossible that a woman like Sam had never been touched by any man.

He drank the wine in his glass before he left. As he was walking at the intersection of Brunswick Avenue and Los Feliz Boulevard, he came across the whimpering Chuck.

“Brace yourself, dude!” With great excitement, he almost pushed him. “You won’t believe this. The girls in the neighborhood are all after me.”

“Are you serious?”

“Of course, I am. Now that I have turned a new leaf, these women came to realize what a sex symbol I am,” Chuck said.

He just shook his head and continued walking. His friend accompanied him.

“Shocks! They are pleading… begging,” Chuck said with action. “Granted that these chicks are beautiful, I still have my word.” Chuck breathes deeply. “I don’t like girls anymore.”

He let out a sigh, “Behind a man is always a woman.”

Chuck ignored what he said.

“Why can these chicks leave me alone?” Chuck tapped him on the shoulder. “What am I going to do, dude?”

“Learn to love, Chuck.”

“I know that you’re in love, but you don’t look happy.”

His friend was right. But he will do everything to be happy again… this time, with Samantha. He will make sure that the woman will forgive him. if that happens, he will do anything… everything, just to get the woman’s heart. He was invited by Mr. Johansson for the Silver Dust presentation. And he has been looking forward to that day.

ON THE other side, Samantha gives her time in rehearsing for her performance for the upcoming presentation. She must not disappoint those people who are looking forward to the presentation. She wanted her father to be happy. She didn’t want to put Silver Dust to shame. No matter how busy she is, there are still times that she was unfocused. And her dad knew that.

“You’re thinking deeply again. Are you not feeling well, Samantha?” her father asked.

“Nothing, Dad.” She forced a smile. “I just remembered something.”

“Is it a what or a who?”

“Dad…”

“Maybe we’ve been together for a while, but I almost knew you, sweetie. You’re my daughter. By the look of it, I can conclude that you have a problem. Care to tell me about it?”

How can she lie to his father? He wasn’t an unconcerned father like she had thought when she hadn’t found him. Ever since they met and she moved into his place, they have become very close to each other. He is like a mother to her child who is always behind her and offering help.

The old man laughed and put his arm around her, “Smile, my daughter. In just a few days, you will be the star of Silver Dust,” he said.

“Do you think, Dad, that people will like me?”

“Certainly.”

A shy smile flashed on her face. “You really think so?”

“Yes! You’re beautiful and you have the body. And based on what I’ve watched, I’m sure Silver Dust won’t embarrass those who waited to witness the show.”

“Thanks, Dad,” she replied.