Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"I've changed over the last four years, but you know what they say, 'You can take the girl out of the small town but not the small town out of the girl.' Deep down, I'm still the same."

Sherilyn leaned back in her seat, her smile faint, "You used to despise me so much, I doubt you've grown to like me all that much now."

Their recent interactions had proved as much.

He had feelings for her, sure, but not enough to make her forget the past, let alone to build a future on.

Gilbert felt a turmoil inside, but managed a sardonic smile, "You think you know my feelings better than I do?"

"Hmm." Sherilyn raised an eyebrow. "Ever heard of 'love is blind"?"

She looked straight into his handsome face, serious now.

"I'm simply your backup plan, nothing more. Four years ago, I was naive and it cost me dearly. What would make you believe I'd make the same mistake again? Merely because you find my company slightly less insufferable now?" Hearing this, his eyes darkened.

Sherilyn took a deep breath, "I do appreciate you stepping up for Jenna, taking responsibility. You're not entirely without redeeming qualities."

"But, we don't have to force ourselves to be together for Jenna's sake. Loving her separately is enough."

With that, she closed her eyes, leaning back, clearly done with the conversation.

"Sherilyn..."

his words, and drove on in silence, the corners of his mouth turning down

up in front of her apartment

to open the door, only to find it locked, "Gilbert, could

instead, he took out a piece of gum from the glove compartment, popping it

puzzled, "I want to

she leaned over in a hurry

wrapped his arms around her, causing Sherilyn to look up in

"Sherilyn."

"After all this time together, do you

trying to wriggle free, but despite his seemingly

flustered tone, "Like you? After you

for Jenna,

with someone

me?"

took the opportunity to push him away and turned to exit the car. "Sherilyn!" Suddenly, he leaned in, wrapping his arms around her

do? I didn't like you before treated you poorly! Butl can't o back in time. Tell

never could have

what