My Ex is my Bestfriend

I spent my Monday and the rest of the week with Ash and the kids. I engrossed myself in teaching the kids to cover up my loneliness. I feel so alone but I don't know why. When I knew that he's leaving, I immediately felt ecstatic, knowing that he'll never be in my life again. But now, I just feel so sad. Maybe I just miss the feeling of talking to him because he's the only one who understands me. My mood swings, the signs of my impending wrath or frustration, and he just knows how to comfort me, just like I to him. This maybe one of the reasons why I felt that our relationship has gone to waste. We were so good together, we understand each other perfectly that even if we fight, we would always find a compromise. And now... I don't know what to think anymore.

Today is Friday. The whole afternoon is set as playtime for the kids in the community playground. The whole point of the activity is to let them mingle with the common folk. Rich kids these days always develop a superiority complex and that's what we are preventing now. We have to teach the younger generation to appreciate all walks of life to create a brighter future for them.

I sat at one of the benches watching the kids on the side. Ash sits across me, a table separating us.

I rested my face on my right hand, while watching the kids. I noticed Ash in the corner of my eye smiling brightly like the sun while typing on his phone. Apparently, he's texting someone and he's really really loving it. Maybe its his girlfriend or some fling maybe? My eyes grew wide. Oh my god. What is this guy thinking? He was hired here to help me teach and take care of the children and now what? He's openly flirting in front of me in the middle of working hours! Preposterous! So unprofessional!

But at least he's flirting with someone, an inner voice said in my head.

I sighed and lowered my head on the table. My thoughts unexpectedly made a sharp turn. I pity myself for being caged in my first and probably, the greatest love with Ethan. But I can't help it, when you love someone it just bursts through all your defenses, making you weak and helpless. And the only thing that could help you is to be with the one you love. But alas! Fate is playing with me and the world is a cruel place.

I realized that Ethan hasn't contacted me the whole week. The last three conversations we had were all over the phone. The first one was on the day he was packing. He called to ask me to list to him the necessary things for his departure. An old habit of his. The second was on the day he is to depart to Tokyo. He called and informed me that he is about to board the plane. And I said take care to him. An old habit of mine. The last one was when he arrived to Tokyo. He informed me that he arrived safely and was heading to their lodging place.

I said to myself that maybe this is a good thing. Maybe it's seriously the time for me to start anew and put it all behind me. Maybe it's time to acknowledge that I'm free.

My thoughts were abruptly disturbed when I noticed a hand waving annoyingly in front of me.

"Hello? Earth to Cassidy."

I held down Ash's hand and glared at him. "What?!"

"Whoa lady. Calm down. What were you thinking to get you so hyped up now?"

I lowered my head instinctively and looked at my watch. "Nothing. Oh it's almost time to send the kids home. We should get back to the school." I looked up expectantly to Ash who is looking back at me seriously.

"Hmmm. " He lightly stroked his chin while studying me. And as if sensing my impatience, he stood up and shouted, "Kids! It's time to go! Say your goodbyes to your playmates." He looked back at me and a sly smile appeared on his face.

When the last of the kids were sent home, Ash turned to me and said energetically, "Cassidy! I would like you to meet someone."

I raised my brow. Is this the part where I should meet his girlfriend?

Just then I noticed silhouettes of a man and a woman approaching us. When they neared us, I was caught immediately in the man's gazes. I was mesmerized by his honey-brown eyes. I vaguely heard Ash introducing the girl as his girlfriend and the guy in front of me is her cousin. I was so entrapped in his eyes and it appears he has no plans on freeing me.

Just then he smiled, snapping me out of my daze. I quickly took a step back. He extended his hand to mine and said,

"Hi. I'm Minho."