Love Is No One-Sided Affair

Holding her divorce papers, Susan watched Manuel leave without a word. She was displeased by his nonchalant departure. Had they already become strangers?

Ignoring her resentment, she quickly followed him. She soon overtook him, walking purposefully ahead. Manuel glanced back, seeing a blurry figure, and concealed his emotions.

He returned to his car and drove off. Delayed by the rush hour traffic, he saw Susan hailing taxis, unsuccessfully. He hesitated, then drove toward her. He believed his feelings would eventually subside, allowing him to calmly face the world.

He stopped beside her and asked, "Need a ride home?"

Susan stood still, remembering his earlier cold departure. She wasn't easily forgiving.

Manuel's slight smile betrayed his understanding of her rejection. He knew how much she hated him; she'd dumped him. Why would she accept his help now? He simply offered a ride, as they were going the same way. He wouldn't be upset if she refused.

With the window up, Manuel accelerated. Just as the car was pulling away, the door swung open, and Susan got in. She decided she wouldn't punish herself for his mistakes. It was impossible to hail a taxi at this hour. Why be so hard on herself for such a man? She sat with a determined swagger.

Astonished, Manuel started the car.

"Why didn't you drive?" he asked, the question echoing a time before their marriage. He'd always treated her with a lukewarm demeanor; she wouldn't have perceived his affection without his courtship.

"I don't want to," Susan replied slowly, looking out the window. "The accident scarred me."

Manuel nodded, understanding.

"Going home?" he asked.

"Yeah," she added. "I moved out. I live on my own now."

Manuel's grip tightened on the steering wheel.

"I didn't want to live with Dad," Susan explained. "And since we're divorced, I won't interfere with your mother and my father." She meant they could be together freely.

Manuel remained silent, unsure of his mother's feelings.

"Where do you live now?" he asked.

"Jadeite Apartments, South Coast Road."

"Fine."

Silence fell. They had nothing to say.

Suddenly, Susan's phone rang. She answered, "Henry," glancing at Manuel, who showed no reaction.

"Finished?"

"Uh-huh. Just left."

"I'm coming to get you," Henry said immediately.

"No, I'm fine. Thank you."

"Sorry, I promised, but I had some things to do. I'm finished now, and I'll take you home, and we can eat."

"No, Henry, I think I'm fine," she smiled gently. "It's rush hour; don't forget to leave early."

"Hard to get a taxi now, huh?"

"Well, I took Manuel's car."

Henry was stunned, then smiled easily. "Then I'll just prepare dinner and wait."

"Love you, Henry." Susan nodded. "See you later."

"See you."

She hung up. Silence returned. Manuel remained focused on driving.

"I got back together with Henry," Susan said with a slight smirk.

"That's good," Manuel nodded. He'd employed questionable tactics, but thankfully hadn't ruined her happiness. He hadn't failed completely.

"How about you?" Susan asked abruptly. "Looking for a new girlfriend?"

Manuel didn't answer.

"If you weren't so reserved, many women would love you," Susan said sincerely.

Manuel listened silently.

"Despite hating Martina Sawyer, I think she likes you. Considering her background, you should consider her."

"I will."

"Manuel, there's been so much unhappiness between us—our parents, our contrived marriage, our unhappy divorce. I hope it's all over today. I hope all the pain is over. I'll have my happiness, and you can find someone. Don't be alone, Manuel."

Manuel glanced at her, then returned to driving. His voice was grim. "I know how to live my life. I'm fine alone, and I don't mind a woman entering my life. What I want to say is that my solitude isn't your burden. It's not for you, but I won't grab someone just because I'm lonely. If I meet someone, I'll treat her seriously, for life."

Susan pursed her lips. That was his way. He wouldn't settle for anything less than the best. His self-discipline was impressive.

"This way?" Manuel changed the subject, avoiding further discussion of feelings.

"Yeah. Left at the next intersection."

"OK."

They spoke only of directions.

At the apartment gates, a man waited. Susan opened the door, rushed out, and fell into his arms, without a goodbye or thanks to Manuel. Watching them embrace, he saw what love looked like. Being with her was a one-sided wish. Love, however, is not a one-sided affair.