It Feels Good To Love You

It was evident from the corner of his eyes that he wasn't thrilled with her reaction.

He had asked for the third time. They say the third time's a charm, but perhaps not.

Leo and his girlfriend have been together for five years. They first met in college and have been together ever since.

They were in their final year of college two years into their relationship, but he felt it was the appropriate thing to do, so he asked her to marry him. Of course, she answered no, citing the fact that they were still in college and not fully independent. He'd agreed. And had decided to try again the next year, which was their fourth year of dating, when they were out of college, had a secure job, and were living independently. Leo was understanding even though her answer remained NO. And, anyway, even much he desperately wanted to, it was impossible to force someone to marry you. He made the decision to give her more time.

And today, another year into their relationship, he decided to try again, and her response was still NO.

Heartbroken Leo sat quiet, holding his breath, his eyes closed as he slowly exhaled.
Why? Why?? Why???

"At the very least, give me a proper reason," he urged calmly.

Liliana gave a sheepish grin.

She looked down, still humbly smiling.

She laughed dryly. She couldn't think of anything to say.

She wasn't ready to marry.

Plus, he didn't seem like the ideal person for her to settle down with.

"Is there something I'm missing?
Or am I mistaken in wanting to settle down with you, whom I adore?"

Leo inquired.

"No, it's not that Leo," Liliana clarified.

"What's with the constant refusal, is there anything wrong with me?"

"There is nothing wrong with you, Leo; I simply..."

"Or you just don't want to marry me?"

Liliana groaned.

She fixed her focus on Leo.

"Why don't we talk about it another time, I'm stressed out," Liliana said as she stood up and adjusted her purse on her shoulders.

"I'll call you.Leo." She added as she moved away.

His phone suddenly rang.

It was his mother.

He groaned before answering

"mom?" He responded.

"Oh, my dear. How did it go, and are we celebrating?"

Her ecstatic voice rang out.

Leo was even more devastated.

Her feelings for Liliana were limitless.

"I'm sorry, Mom."

He replied solemnly.

"Aww, what are you sorry for? It's all right; she must have reasons for saying no the.Third time."

Leo gave a nod.

Probably. Or she simply does not want to marry him.

He exhaled a sigh.

"Instead of trying every year, Leo. Why don't you both have a serious discussion? And ask her why she has been declining your proposal."

"Okay, mom. That seems like a good plan.
I'll talk to her about it. And I'll keep you posted on how it goes ".

"Okay, kid. Bye . Keep yourself safe."

She hung up.

Leo exhaled a sigh.

His mother was correct. There was no reason to skirt the issue.

Every year he tried to ask her out, she refused his marriage proposal without giving a legitimate reason. It was best to have a serious discussion about it.

Now that he gives it some thought.

Their relationship had not been that deep in the three years since he had asked for her hand in marriage. She seemed to be moving further away from him, but he refused to say anything. He was always frightened of hurting her, of arguing with her, perhaps because she was his first girlfriend and he hoped it would be the last and their narrative would finish in a happy marriage. But maybe not.


Unlike other kids in high school at the time, Leo was not popular or particularly attractive, and he was never in the spotlight.

He had a crush on a blondie back then, but she got pregnant before they graduated high school.

Leo made the decision to live on his own. Instead of breaking his heart by giving it to the wrong person. That was the one thing he was frightened of.

But, for the first time, he let his guard down when he entered college, which led to where he is now.

The first year of their relationship was everything he could have hoped for.

Despite their hectic schedules, they always made time for each other and made it a point to spend their weekends together. Leo was concerned he didn't love her as much as she did him because her love for him was always evident and genuine.

She had always wanted to spend time with him, but now it's the inverse.

When he asks her to spend the weekend with him, she always has an excuse.


Leo rose up, sighed, and went away.

Leo's mother sighed as she sat in front of a young lady.

Mrs. Levine was well aware of what was in store for her son.

It was obvious to her, but she worried if Leo felt the same way or if he would even be able to withstand the pain. Liliana has always been the lone woman in his son's life. What will become of Leo?

"Don't tell me she said no again, mom."

Mira, Leo's younger sister, inquired.

She had always been wary of Liliana, fearing that she would shatter Leo's heart, and that moment seemed to be getting closer than ever.

Mrs. Levine sighed once again. Then he responded

"It remains the same. She must have a good reason."

Mira smiled "We both know the truth, Mom. I'm certain you do, admit it. My brother will be heartbroken in the end. I forewarned you about Liliana!! ".

"What were we expected to do, Leo was so taken with her, it was best to simply let them be," Mrs. Levine said hurriedly.

Mira sighed deeply.

"That idiot Lilian!" Mira spat out.

"Hey!!!". Mrs Levine stopped her.

"That Liliana girl is truly evil, mom, She is purposefully tying down Leo. I'm very confident she already has someone she wants to marry ".

"If she's going to end her relationship with Leo, that's it. You cannot compel someone to be in a relationship with you, no matter how much you adore that person "Mrs. Levine stated

Mira sighed loudly once more.

"That's exactly my point, mom. She had no intention of accepting Leo's marriage proposal from the start. He is not the one she wants to marry, but why hold him down, why is she still in a relationship with him, why can't she just come clean so my brother can start over?"

"Do you believe it's that simple?"

"I know, but isn't it better to be heartbroken and start over than to be in a relationship with someone with whom you can never have a happy life?"

Mira continued.

Mrs. Levine shut her eyes.

"Putting Leo's case aside. What exactly are you doing here?
"Are the divorce paperwork prepared?"
She inquired.

Mira sighed and rolled her eyes.

She returned home to get her mind off of it.

"I'm worried about it!"

"Did someone ask you to marry so young?" I'm not sure which is worse, yours or Leo's. "I'm going to take a nap."

Mrs Levine rose to her feet and entered her chamber.

Mrs Levine rose to her feet and entered her chamber.

She was 52 years old and radiant.

In a blue indigo outfit, she wore her blonde hair in a pun and her silky smooth white complexion.

Mira sighed deeply.

Her mother was correct; who on earth asked her to marry so young?

Their marriage hasn't even been a year, and the divorce papers are almost ready.

She sighed once more.

When morning arrived and Leo was still in bed, he startled awake. He grabbed his phone and texted Liliana

"Let's meet tonight in the cafe.Please".

Sent. He sighed and dropped the phone.

Leo's Physique was masterfully crafted.

He had the stature of someone who should be admired.

As he walked to the bathroom, he considered what his day would be like until evening, when he would meet up with Liliana.

He had no available jobs because he primarily worked from home.

A man in black suits entered a lecture room full of boisterous students. The entire class fell silent.

"Okay. Let's get started! ".

His deep voice dominated the room.

"I shall begin with attendance." He continued.

The pupils sighed.

"I stated previously that I will not be lenient toward anyone who is late for my lesson. You must be self-conscious in this college ". He went on.

The students grumbled once again.

"Has Jamal not arrived yet?"

A female student inquired of a male classmate.

He jerked his head. His gaze was fixated on the doorway.

They both had a concerned expression on their faces.

"I'm not sure why he has to work part-time at such an early hour.

"He can't keep missing classes" Tara expressed her concern.

Darnell agreed with a nod.

Jamal is often reprimanded for being late to classes. It must come to an end.

Mr Brown begins to summon others.

Darnell breathed deeply.

"Jamal Garcia?"

Mr. Brown called

Tara and Darnell exchanged stares.

Jamal walked in and said, "Present!"

"Well, well, well. Look who's arrived. Jamal?"

Jamal was panting and looking over at Tara and Darnell, both of whom were scared and irritated.

He gave a small smile.

"I apologize, Mr. Brown." He stated calmly.

"That's something you usually say.

So, young fellow, take your seat."

Mr Brown stated as he turned away from Jamal and faced the class.

"Thank you, sir," Jamal murmured as he took his seat. Tara and Darnell were both staring at him. He made a small hand wave.

"There's no need for it. After this lesson, you must wait " Mr. Brown took note.

Jamal nodded, a small smile on his face.


Following the lecture

Tara, Darnell, and Jamal walked out together, as they always did as best friends.
Smiles on their faces.

"We'll be in the cafeteria," Tara stated. She and Darnell walked away.

Jamal exhaled a sigh.

"Hello, Mr. Garcia." As Jamal entered, Mr Brown yelled out from his seat.

"Have your seat," he said, motioning to a seat.

"I didn't want to get involved because, of course, it's none of my business, but you keep being late to my classes, so I need to know," Mr Brown explained.

Jamal did nothing except nod.

He could see where this was going.

It would most likely begin with the number of part-time jobs he currently holds.

"Okay. Jamal? What number of part-time jobs do you have?" Mr Brown inquired, his face flushed.

Jamal gave a small giggle.

"21," he said hastily.

Mr. Brown was taken aback.

He exhaled a sigh.

"You are free to leave." He stated.

Jamal remained motionless for a few seconds.

"Is that all?" He inquired.

Mr Brown gave a nod. I believe I know everything I need to know.

"Okay."

Jamal rose up and walked out of the office.

Tara and Darnell waved from their seats in the cafeteria.

"And?" As he sat down with them, they inquired anxiously.

"He only asked about the number od part-time jobs I had," Jamal explained.

Both of them sighed.

"He's really thoughtful," Darnell added.

Tara smiled.

"Can't you stop the early morning part-time work, Jamal?" Tara inquired.

Jamal raised his head.

"It's fine.

It's quite great "Jamal pretended to smile.

They were all sighing.

"What about Mary?"

Darnell inquired. Tara agreed with a tiny nod.

Jamal pretended to smile.

"We're fine."

He sounded disheartened.

"Wooow...so, does she know you know?"
Darnell inquired.

He was mentioning how Jamal paid a surprise visit to his girlfriend's apartment.

He knew the lock code, so he went in, only to find her in bed with a popular college senior.

He had silently exited.

It's been a month, and he has been silent about it.

Tara exhaled a sigh.

"She's going to break up with you, so why waste time?"

"I'm still waiting for her to apologize!"

Jamal's phone screen suddenly lit up with a text message.

From mary.

Tara and Darnell exchanged worried glances.

"Its Mary, and she wants to meet at our usual cafe tonight."


He sat still. It was Mary who waved at him from outside. He smiled and waved back.

"I apologize for taking so long."

As she sat down, she said.

"No problem, I just arrived."

Jamal stated.

"So?" Mary moaned.

Jamal raised his head.

"Have you considered it? Will I be staying?".
Mary inquired.

"I don't think that's fair to you, Mary.
I'm sorry I have to do this "Jamal stated calmly.

Mary's eyes were fuzzy as she cried.

She instantly cleared them away.

"What's wrong with me?" she asked, seeming to chuckle.

"Mary?" Jamal called calmly.

"Jamal, I'm fine. It will take some time, but I will be fine "With a nod, she assured.

Jamal also nodded.

"Are Tara and Darnell aware...that you're gay?"

Mary inquired.

Jamal slowly shook his head.

"Mary, I'm terrified. I'm not sure how they'll react ".

Mary grinned. "It's not like you to be afraid...the sooner the better. If they truly are your best friend, they will not object "She stated.

Jamal grinned.

Mary, too, grinned.

"I have to go then," she said as she stood up.

They kissed each other on the cheek and waved goodbye.


The narrative of Mary being in bed with a senior was all a fiction Mary made up to help with their split and to conceal his secret from his best buddies.
He has no choice but to tell them sooner than later.

He looked outside through the glass wall; it was already dark.

Just then, Leo and Liliana entered.

They sat down right away.

"Let's split up," Liliana said bluntly.

Jamal was surprised in his seat. He could obviously hear what they were saying. He exhaled a sigh.

What an evening!

On the other hand, Leo. Was deafeningly silent. His mind had gone completely blank. He wasn't surprised; he just wasn't prepared yet.

"I'm sorry it had to be this way. Best wishes" Liliana elaborated

She stood up and walked away.


Jamal sighed in his seat.
What a jerk she is.


Jamal rose to go.

Instead, he stood outside, staring at Leo, who was still completely blank.

A waitress approached Leo.

"May I get you something?" He inquired.

Leo remained deafeningly silent.

"Sir?". The waiter called once again.

Slowly, Leo turned to face him.

" Is there anything I can get you, sir?" The waiter inquired once more.

"Um...beer," he said.

"Ok. One beer bottle"

The waitress took notes.

"No, five bottles," Leo replied.

"What!?" The waitress was taken aback.

Jamal was even more surprised when he seen the waiter drop the five bottles of beer for Leo.

He took two steps ahead before coming to a halt.

"What does it matter to you?"
He reflected to himself.

Jamal resolved to mind his own business and leave, but he couldn't.

He turned to face Leo once more. He was most likely going to be quite inebriated.

A stranger he has never met but cares deeply about.

He sighed and sat on the bench outside.

To Leo.
Why?... He didn't expect it to end this quickly or in this manner.
This was unjust.
He sobbed while drinking a bottle of beer.

It was 9:30 p.m. when Leo stormed out.

Jamal noticed him and sat up.

He could tell Leo was completely inebriated since his face was flushed and his eyes were half-closed.

Leo made another stride before collapsing.

Jamal laughed.

He sighed as he looked about.

Leo awoke. He yawned and felt so at ease. He opened his eyes and was absolutely taken aback.


What happened to him?

Where was this location?


He jerked himself out of bed.


He had a stunned expression on his face.

He looked around and asked, "Where am I?"


When he looked down, he realized he was only wearing boxers.


At sea, he half-yelled.


His clothing were all strewn on the floor.


He took a look around.


What happened to him?


Is it a hotel?


"What happened?"


"How did he end up here?"


Many thoughts raced through his mind.


On the bedside table, he noticed a white piece of paper with something scribbled on it.


As he accepted it, he took another leisurely glance around.


"I'm Jamal, and you were splayed out drunk in front of the