VANESSA'S POV
This summer, I just wanted to disappear. An escape. A way to silence the echoes of "Mark" and "Clary" that still haunted my thoughts. Uneventful. Simple. That was the plan: a clean break from the wreckage of the past. But the ghosts of Xi Hai, the events that led to this summer's quiet desperation, refused to stay buried. They clawed their way back into my mind, turning my quest for peace into a relentless chase. The summer was supposed to be a blank page, but the ink of the past kept bleeding through, staining every moment with what I wanted to forget.
I stood frozen, a dam about to burst. Why the hell was I on the verge of tears? This was Clary's doing, the one who shattered everything. So why should I be the one to crumble? "Throw it away," I commanded, the words sharp and decisive, even shocking me. "Just throw it away," I repeated, the air escaping my lungs in a shaky sigh, my hands trembling as I tried to regain control. "Vanessa!" Jason's voice sliced through the sudden silence as I turned to leave. The echo of my footsteps seemed to mock me, my legs heavy, as if I'd left a piece of myself behind—a piece I knew I had to relinquish, even if I wasn't ready. But then again, when is the right time to truly let go? The question hung in the air, unanswered, as I walked away...
The silence of my aimless walk was broken only by the echoing rhythm of footsteps behind me. Footsteps, yes, but also a subtle, tingling sound... the same one that clung to the bracelet. "What are you doing?" I demanded, halting and turning to face Jason, the discarded bracelet still clutched in his hands. "I told you to get rid of that," I spat, my voice laced with a volatile cocktail of anger and something akin to betrayal. He simply stood there, his eyes reflecting a disturbing mix of pity and understanding. "What are you doing?" I repeated, tears pricking at my eyes. "Look, I don't blame you for wanting to break it," he said, his voice softer now. "It was always destined to be broken. If you want to do me a favor, throw it away... please." I turned to leave, then paused, adding over my shoulder, "And don't follow me. I need to be alone." But as I turned, his hand shot out, grabbing mine, stopping me. "What...?" I began, as he stepped in front of me, extending the bracelet. "Do it yourself," he said. "What?" I questioned, my eyebrow arching in disbelief. "You want it gone? Then you do it," he repeated. I glared at him, trying to understand the meaning behind his words... "Look," Jason began, his voice earnest, "I was more than willing to get this fixed because it seemed important to you. But if you're telling me you want it gone, and you keep insisting, then the only reason can be that you want to do it yourself. Wouldn't that be better?" I scoffed, "What are you talking about? Just throw the damn thing away and stop following me." He remained firm, blocking my path. I glared at him, confusion warring with a growing anger. He took my hand, his touch sending a jolt through me, and held it up, startling me. "Do it yourself," he insisted, placing the bracelet in my palm. Our eyes met, and my heart hammered against my ribs. I tried to pull away, but he held firm. "Only then will I stop harping on about fixing it," he added, his voice softening. I sighed, finally giving in to his infuriating stubbornness. "Fine," I conceded, clutching the 3bracelet tightly. "But promise me, after this, you won't follow me." The weight of the bracelet felt heavy in my hand, a physical manifestation of the choices that lay ahead.
I sighed, closing my eyes, and held out my hand, ready to end it. It was a simple act, a release. But as I prepared to let go, Jason's voice cut through my resolve, "Are you sure this is where you want to throw it?" What was his problem? I'd asked him to do it, he'd insisted I do it, and now, as I was about to, he still had something to say. "What are you doing?" I snapped, glaring at him. "Sorry," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice, "it's just...
if you truly want something gone, shouldn't you throw it somewhere you know you can't get it back?" He had a point. This street corner was too accessible. What if I, in a moment of weakness, came back looking for it? Like those who discard things only to search for them later, not ready to truly let go. This street would be an easy find. It's not that I would actively search for it, but what if the part of me that believed I couldn't live without it did? "Why? Do you have a place in mind?" I asked, intrigued despite myself, as a smirk played on his lips. He was a weird one, that was for sure
As we walked, I questioned my own actions. Why was I following him? We were practically strangers, bound only by names and two brief encounters. He could be leading me to my doom, for all I knew. Yet, I kept pace. "How much further?" I asked. "Just a little ways," he replied. "Are you scared?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Telling you I'm a good person won't help my case, but it's true," he added, as if reading my thoughts. I sighed, pushing aside my apprehension, and continued walking. "Do you do this often?" I asked, desperate to fill the growing silence, which was becoming more unsettling than the situation itself. "Do what often?" he countered. "This... taking people to a mysterious place to help them permanently part with something," I clarified. He chuckled softly, turning to meet my gaze. "No, you're my first." "That makes it even weirder, don't you think? You know nothing about me or the bracelet, or why I want it gone. So why are you doing this?" I questioned. "Will you tell me?" he countered, a playful glint in his eyes. I remained silent, a knot of unease tightening in my stomach. "See," he said, "you don't want to talk about it, and I won't force you. Let's just say I'm helping you." I nodded, unsure if that truly answered my question, yet strangely satisfied with the answer.
We finally arrived at the location, and it was... a bridge. Not just any bridge, but one draped in red threads, the air thick with a strange energy. "Here we are," he announced, his voice echoing slightly. "What is this place?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. "The Qingzhen Bridge," he replied, "a place where people come to let go of those they've loved."
"I'm only parting with a bracelet, not a person," I countered, "and I don't even like this bracelet." He explained, "This is the perfect place. Once you cast something over, it's gone for good. You're accepting its absence, letting go." A shiver ran down my spine. "Have you ever thrown something in here?" I asked, the question escaping before I could stop it. "Yes," he replied, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "How else would I have found it?"
I sighed, not wanting to dwell on the past. "I suppose I should do this, then. It's getting late." He nodded, stepping aside. "I don't need to tie a red thread, do I?" I stalled, my fingers tracing the bracelet's cold surface. "You said it wasn't important," he reminded me, "so, no. No need." It all felt so dramatic, so strange. But I hoped, with a deep breath, that it would all end here. I stood at the railing, closed my eyes, and let the bracelet slip from my grasp, watching as it disappeared into the depths below.
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I won't pretend I heard it hit the water, but the moment I released it, my chest felt heavy. The tears I'd held back finally spilled over, and the tighter my chest became, the more I wanted to scream. I slowly sank to the ground, and before I knew it, I was sobbing, the sound echoing in the stillness. It didn't matter what I was letting go of; the pain was the same. The bracelet was a symbol of my friendship with Clary, and now it was gone, just like our relationship. I needed to accept that, to embrace the finality of it all.
The walk back was silent, just the echo of our footsteps. Jason trailed behind, giving me space to collect myself, much like he had before, when he'd stood quietly as I sobbed, then draped his jacket over my shoulders. I stopped, turned to him, gratitude and embarrassment warring within me. "You..." I began, then sighed, "You cannot tell anyone about this." He raised an eyebrow. "About?" he asked, feigning ignorance, or perhaps genuinely confused. "About what happened at the bridge. Everything," I clarified. A smirk played on his lips. "Why would I?" he countered. "I'm just saying... I'd appreciate it if you kept this to yourself," I added as he moved closer. "Okay, I, Jason Wang, promise not to say a word about what happened at the bridge today... and if I do, may I be struck by lightning," he declared dramatically, raising an arm, as a flash of lightning immediately punctuated the moment..."Oh, I guess the heavens agree," he chuckled, and I scoffed. "I think they're warning us about the impending rain... How far is the bus stop?" I asked. "Not far, if we hurry, we'll make it," he replied. I sighed, reaching for the jacket, but he stopped me. "Keep that on," he insisted. I did. "Let's go," he urged, and we quickened our pace... "You know, we could've avoided all this if you'd just tossed the necklace like I asked. No bridge, no missing taxis because it's a Sunday, no bus station," I blurted out, the words tumbling out like a confession. My emotions were a mess. "Sorry... I just want to go home, take a warm shower, and sleep," I added, feeling a pang of guilt as I saw his understanding nod. "I know... Don't worry, we're almost there," he said, his calm voice a soothing balm. It made me feel awful for snapping at him. I was genuinely surprised by his patience.
I know I can be a lot; I've heard it before. It was one of the reasons Mark gave for breaking up with me: "You, Vanessa Han, are a lot... you just have a lot going on, and for some reason, I always get wrapped up in it..." Maybe he was right. Maybe he wasn't. I still didn't know. As we quickened our pace, the first fat drops of rain began to fall. "Oh, great, it's started," I sighed. "We should hurry," Jason said, and the drops quickly escalated into a downpour, soaking us instantly. "Come on!" he yelled over the drumming rain, and without a second thought, he grabbed my hand....My heart hammered against my ribs as he yanked me forward, his grip surprisingly firm. We were a blur of motion, a frantic dance against a canvas of gray and green – the world a watercolor painting in a rainstorm. The absurdity of it all crashed over me, each raindrop, each gust of wind, amplifying the moment. Then, I felt the warmth of his hand, a grounding force in the chaos.
Finally, we stumbled to the bus stop, gasping for air, soaked to the bone. We collapsed against the shelter, and the laughter bubbled up, a strange mix of joy and despair, tears streaming down my face. It was all so ridiculous, and yet, profoundly sad.
The laughter died, replaced by a fresh wave of tears. My emotions were a battlefield that day, and Jason, ever the quiet observer, witnessed it all.
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JASON'S POV
We sat, side-by-side on the bus, seeking warmth in each other's presence, our clothes clinging to us like a second skin. I watched Vanessa, and my heart ached, remembering everything she'd endured that day. She stared out the window, lost in thought, and I, no mind reader, could only guess at the turmoil within. I didn't know how to comfort her, so I simply sat, a silent presence. Was that enough?
As "Blue" by Yung Kai drifted from the radio, I felt the unexpected weight of her head on my shoulder. My heart leaped, palms slick with sweat. A battle raged within: should I let her rest, or subtly shift away? I chose the former. She needed rest, and I, a willing shoulder.
And so, we rode. Two figures, drenched and vulnerable, the only warmth emanating from the points of contact. Vanessa's head nestled against me, the melancholic tune of "Blue" filling the space. That moment, I knew, was destined for the vault of my memory.
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VANESSA'S POV
As we stepped off the bus, the biting wind sent shivers through me, my teeth chattering. My soaked clothes clung uncomfortably to my skin. "Well, I should head in," I said to Jason, who nodded in agreement. "Yes, make sure you have a warm shower and some tea," he replied, his brow furrowed with concern. "I will," I assured him, noticing his jacket draped over my shoulders. "I'll get this cleaned and return it to you," I added.
He smiled and nodded. What stood out most about him today was his patience, how he remained calm and understanding despite everything. "I should get going now... good night," I said, turning to leave. He waved, his smile still in place. But then, I stopped, turning back to face him. He was still standing there. "Thank you for today," I blurted out before quickly turning away, the warmth of his smile still etched in my mind.
Van, is that you?" Granny's voice echoed, pulling me from my thoughts as I slipped off my shoes. "Yes," I answered, my voice barely a whisper as I moved toward the living room, her voice my only guide. "Hey, Granny," I said, my gaze meeting hers. "Hey," she replied, her eyes searching mine. "Did you get caught in the rain?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. I simply nodded, the droplets still clinging to my clothes. "Look at you," she murmured, a hand reaching out to touch my wet sleeve. "Go, take those off and get a warm shower before you catch a chill."
I obeyed, the warmth of the water washing away the day's weight. Later, I stood before the mirror, towel in hand, drying my hair. The day had been a relentless march of emotions, each one leaving its mark. My gaze fell to my wrist, tracing the familiar lines there. With a sigh, I turned on the blow dryer, the noise filling the silence. The truth was, I had no more tears left to shed. Was this the beginning of something new, a quiet turning of the page?
"How is it?" Granny asked after I took a tentative sip of her red date soup. "It's nice," I replied, forcing a smile as I took another spoonful. "That will knock the chill right out of your bones," she said, settling in across from me. "So, how was your first day in Qingzhen?" she questioned, her voice laced with a warmth that felt both comforting and cutting. I sighed, trying to mask the turmoil within. "It was fine," I managed, my voice barely above a whisper. "Clary took me to lunch at this really nice place."
"Of course, she did," Granny chuckled, a knowing glint in her eyes. "How else would she get to see her boyfriend? It must be nice to be young and in love. You cling to each other, never tiring of each other's company, no matter how much time you spend together." I forced a smile, the words echoing the ache in my chest. "Oh, and what was his name again...Mark? Are you two still as adorable as ever?" The question was a sharp blade, and my carefully constructed composure crumbled. Tears welled up, the soup suddenly thick in my throat. "Granny...it's been a long day, and I'm having a bit of a headache. I'll go and get some rest," I said, rising abruptly.
"A headache? It must be a cold coming in. Have some cold medicine before you sleep," she reminded, her voice softening with concern. I nodded, turning to leave. There was no cold, no headache, just a heartache that I had foolishly believed was healing, but it hadn't.
Back in my room, I shut the door, the silence amplifying the chaos within. Sighs escaped my lips, each one a prelude to the tears threatening to spill. I walked to the window, needing air, needing an escape. The room was spacious, but it wasn't enough. As I opened the window, I saw it—the room across the way, Jason's room, as Amy had told me, its windows also wide open. I stared, a sigh escaping my lips, and then, he appeared.
Dancing.
He was dancing, lost in his music, headphones clamped to his ears. Surprise flickered, but it was quickly replaced by a scoff and a chuckle. After a long day, how did he have the energy? It was even sadder knowing he thought no one was watching. The more he danced, the more my laughter bubbled up, a release I hadn't realized I needed. And then, as if sensing my presence, he turned. He saw me. I wiped the smile from my face, but it was too late. His eyes widened in shock. Before I could react, he swiftly drew his curtains, disappearing from view.
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JASON'S POV
Headphones on, I started dancing, a random burst of joy taking over. "Sunroof" blasted through my ears, and I couldn't help but unleash some truly questionable moves. I was basically a crazy person, hoping no one was watching. Lost in the music and the dance, my eyes met someone familiar. I didn't recognize them at first, but they were on the other side, watching. Then it clicked. "Vanessa!" I whispered, my eyes widening. This was the kind of embarrassment I wouldn't recover from. I panicked, drawing the curtains, praying for a quick escape.
Heart racing, the music still echoing in my ears, I ripped off the headphones and sighed deeply. Slowly, I opened the curtains, hoping she'd vanished. But there she was, still standing there. She waved. I chuckled nervously and waved back. This was mortifying.
The silence hung heavy, thick with the remnants of my dance-induced mortification. I fumbled for a way to break it, but the words just wouldn't come. Suddenly, Vanessa's laughter erupted, a bright sound that sliced through the awkwardness. My heart did a strange little flip. Was it the memory of my dance? The sight of my own stunned face? Or... something else? With each peal of her laughter, the tension in my shoulders began to melt away, and before I knew it, I was laughing too.
This whole situation was a disaster, a glorious, mortifying mess. Amidst the laughter, my gaze drifted to her. It was the first time I'd seen her like this, truly smiling, and the sight stole my breath. I found myself lost in the moment, watching the way her eyes crinkled at the corners, the way her cheeks flushed with mirth.
And my heart, that mischievous little thing, decided to race again.
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VANESSA'S POV
The next few days dissolved into a haze. My room became my sanctuary, a fortress against a world that felt too overwhelming. Each time I considered stepping out, a wave of apprehension washed over me, a fear that it would only amplify the chaos already swirling within.
"It's nice to see you out of your room for a change," Granny said, her voice warm as we strolled around the house. "Are you feeling better?" she asked, her eyes searching mine, clearly referencing the cold I'd used as a shield for the past three days. "Yes," I replied, a genuine smile finally breaking through. "I do." I added, gesturing towards her backyard masterpiece. "You've really adorned this place beautifully. When you first showed me your idea back in Xiyan, I couldn't quite envision it, but seeing it now...it's truly an amazing addition."
I paused, taking in the vibrant display of flowers – lilies, violets, roses, sunflowers, and countless others – all meticulously arranged. Wooden seats and a table completed the scene, creating the perfect backyard haven. It was an ideal spot for a barbecue, a casual hangout, or even a peaceful afternoon tea. It struck me how I'd missed appreciating this, lost in my own world..."It's a pity, though," I murmured, watching her expression subtly change. "You're going to be selling the place, aren't you?" I added with a sigh. "Mom told me that's why we're here for the summer – to help you find a buyer."
"That's true," she replied, a gentle smile forming. "But on the brighter side, I get to stay with you and your mom, instead of just seeing you a few days during the holidays."
"I understand," I said, "but will you really be able to let it go? You've held onto this place for so long."
She paused, her gaze steady. "Is this about the house, or something else? Because I feel like you're using the house as a metaphor." I shot her a look. "It's about the house, Granny. You've spent your entire life here. You don't have to give that up for me and Mom."
"I'm not giving up anything," she countered softly. "It's true, I've lived here a long time, and this place holds many memories, but those memories are something I can carry with me, all the way to Xiyan. This backyard, everything else...I can rebuild, I can create this home again. What I truly want right now is to be in the company of my daughter and my beautiful, smart granddaughter. Trust me, I'm ready to sell the house." Her warm smile met mine, and tears welled up in my eyes..."Are you crying?" Her words were a soft challenge, her eyes searching mine as I looked away. "I am not... My emotions have just been all over the place lately," I mumbled. "Oh, sweetie..." she murmured, pulling me into a hug. "You need a pick-me-up. Being cooped up inside is no good. Lucky for you, I have just the thing." I pulled back, intrigued. "What?" "Amy mentioned a summer party. You should go with her." I sighed. "I already told her I wasn't going..." "Why?" she pressed. "I just didn't feel like it," I admitted. "So, your summer plan is to rot in bed and hang out with your grandma?" she chuckled. I nodded, defeated. "Probably..." "No way! This is the time to have fun with friends. Plus, Amy's been looking forward to seeing you since she heard you were here for the summer. Give her a chance to enjoy your company." I started to protest, but she cut me off. "Look, even I can't spend all my time with you. I need to hang out with my friends before I leave." A playful glint sparkled in her eyes. "That's it then. Go find Amy, tell her you're going to that party, and have some fun..." I sighed deeply, knowing I'd lost this battle.
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