Chương 2: ~2~

"Why do we have to break up, Mina?" He asked, his face showing no signs of anger or resentment.

"Do you have the slightest idea how hard it has been for me?" She scoffed.

"You don't talk to me; how was I to know? If it has been that hard for you, why didn't you tell me?" He frowned. "I tell you every time. Every time, I remind you of my situation. And what do you usually tell me?"

"That I was okay. I would stay by your side. But, this is different—"

"How is this different? I didn't lie to you. It's not like you found out about it today."

"I had to convince myself all those years that one day, you would have something to offer. No matter how long it takes, ten or twenty years. It will not change a thing you'd still have nothing or less to offer," she said, putting much emphasis on the last sentence.

"Ah," he laughed—a dry and cynical laugh. Cyrus was well aware of how poor he was. What did she expect him to do? What else could he have done besides teaching? He was not born into a prosperous family. He didn't know anything else other than teaching high school kids. What did she expect?

"We are still young. Things may change for us or me in the future. And you knew my situation before."

"I am sorry, but I am tired. I don't want your kids to be my burden," she shouted as she was frustrated and exasperated.

"Do not bring them into this, Mina! My siblings are not the cause of us breaking up. What did you expect? You expected me to give them for adoption, only so I could enjoy my life. Is that it?" He yelled back. "They are my only family. They are my younger brothers and sister. It isn't just you and me."

"It's great that you are thinking of others. You and I are different."

"Yes, we are different, but we love each other. I love you. You love me, do you not?" He asked. Mina liked him. Love? Did she love him? "You've already made your decision. I can't force you to stay. I wasn't born into a wealthy family. I am not going to be able to give you the life you so desire. It is who I am. It is a fact that will never change. I am sorry and—thank you for the years you have spent with me."

She should have apologized to him, but why was he the one apologizing? He was perfect. He didn't deserve that.

Mina convinced herself that she wouldn't regret her decision no matter what would have happened in the future.

"For you," he said, handing her a gift bag. Inside was a Channel purse—the one she had been eyeing for some time.

"How long..."

"Don't worry about it."

"Thanks," she smiled. "I have to go."

"Let me walk you out," he offered.

"It's all right."

"Mina, I don't resent you. Don't force yourself. I wouldn't want you to pretend to be happy," he said. "Goodbye! Be happy!"

~~~

The proposal, forgotten. Cyrus had one more surprise for Mina that evening, but her news left him shocked. He sat there for three hours, figuring out what had happened. The job, yes, he had been offered a full-time position at the Institution. If he had told her about it, would she have stayed? He wondered. Resentments—he didn't resent her; he felt ashamed and powerless. If only—

~~~

"Why did you date him?" Kate asked; no matter how many times she tried to figure it out, she couldn't understand her friend's twisted mind.

"He is handsome, and he was good in bed," she laughed, "And I liked him."

"Kate, Je pars. Pourquoi m'as tu invitee ici? Merde, don't waste my time listening to nonsense like this," Louise said. (Kate, I am leaving. Why did you invite me here?). She was bored and annoyed, listening to Mina.

She never met Cyrus, but Mina always talked about how good he was. He was that good; why did she leave him?

"Desole."

"La prochaine fois—" (Next time) Louise gave her a warning glare.

"Je sais. Je sais," Kate quickly said. (I know. I know).

"You!" Mina grabbed Louise's hand. "You don't like me very much." Louise turned around as she stared at her with an unreadable expression. 'I could have liked you.'

"Take your hands off!" Louise finally said, and Mina quickly removed her hand.

'So arrogant!'

"I will call you," Kate yelled behind her friend.

~~~

"Why did you end it, then?" Kate asked Mina after Louise left.

"I want to marry. It's time for me to have a family."

"You could have married him."

"Not him; he wouldn't be able to give me the life I want," Mina said. "He is a teacher; what can he do with that allowance?" She added.

"No one will love you as Cyrus did. He's one of the few. He is a hard-working man. Think this through Mina. He has good manners and a decent job. He raised three kids by himself at such a young age too, and they are well-behaved teens. He also respected you a lot, Min."

"He is so good; why don't you take him?" Mina said, emptying her cup filled of vodka.

"I am a married woman. No women out there wouldn't want a man like him, despite his financial status. But—forget it," Kate sighed. "You are my friend, Mina, and I love you. But are you sure you will not regret your decision?"

"I won't!" Mina said firmly.