‘Oh-uh,’ I thought as I wiped my nose with a soft tissue. I looked down on the velvet dress I was wearing, hoping that it didn’t fall on the beautiful dress. Vivian wouldn’t be pleased if there was a stain on the beautiful dress after I had begged her to the point of groveling! Mournfully, Vivian took it out from the shopping bag, still with the price tag on it and gave it to me with a warning; should anything happen to that dress, a little tear, a little thread sticking out, even a bread crumb, I would be sure the punishment would be severe.
My tissue was already wet with dark stain. I tilted my head upwards hoping that it would stop the liquid from flowing out.
“Janey?”
My first instinct was to turn to the voice but I was so afraid of Vivian’s threat that I merely turn with my face still facing upwards while my eyes were trying to focus at the source of the sound. I was getting dizzy and my neck was cramming up.
“Yes?” I answered feeling foolish.
“Is there something interesting up there?” asked the voice. I sighed and slowly, very slowly afraid that my nose would bleed again turned my head towards him. My heart nearly stopped. For the past 20 minutes while waiting for him, I had imagined him in all different form and sizes, a bald man with a huge potbelly, a skinny man with rabbit teeth but never this…..He was gorgeous. I swooned, wearing an Armani T-shirt which literally showed off his toned body, his face was tanned with little beard stubs on his chin and his eyes, his beautiful hazel brown eyes which was now looking directly at me. I was speechless as he smiled shyly at me and took a seat.
I looked at him across the table. Was this Luis? Sweet little Luis, with his goofy grin, scruffy hair, big innocent hazel brown eyes and tanned skin showing his Hispanic heritage.
“L-u-i-s?” I croaked. He smiled and he gave a grin that made me smile. It was still there, distant but still there the goofy grin that I loved. My mind wanders off to a place far away from Malaysia to a time when there was no worries in our mind….24 years ago. The image of an eight year old Hispanic boy appeared, wearing a hooded sweater underneath a thick winter jacket, waving in front of the gate.
His voice penetrated the image; I blinked and looked up at him.
“Shall we order?” he asked motioning to the waiter. It was great seeing Luis there. We talked a lot that night. Reminiscing on old times and getting up to date on our current lives. Luis was an Engineer for an oil company; I cocked my head to one side, impressed. Luis saw my expression and gave a big smile.
“I wasn’t the sloppy, book-hater boy that I used to be,” he said still smiling.
I noticed that his teeth were white and straight, there was no trace of the two big goofy front teeth that was once upon a time his trademark. I blushed when he caught me staring at him, but somehow I missed those little things that brought me to those 3 best years that I ever had when my family moved to America. Dad was assigned there to look over some project for his company. My brother and I would walk to Alcott from our apartment at Lake Michigan. I remembered the first time I step foot into the building, I was 5 and ½ that time, it looked so gigantic, the school hall, the office and the corridors stretching endlessly. We were in awe and saucer eyed looking around us until we met the principle Mr. Henry, a tall man, with white beard and white hair. His eyes were kind and they twinkle when he smiled. He looked like a thin version of Santa Claus. Dear kind old Mr. Henry, adored by students and a talented music conductor. Best principle I ever had.
It was summer, when I first step foot at Alcott Elementary School.
“Is it still there?” I asked out loud. As if reading my mind, he nodded.
“Still strong although I doubted our teachers would still be there.”
I had so much fun that night. I had forgotten the advice that Vivian had given me before I left her house. Never laugh out loud, never talk too much, be courteous, elegant and ladylike – anyone who read this should know that I have never been on a date. I was always uncomfortable around men and vice versa. But talking with Luis, I was comfortable to be myself; hyper, cheerful and loud. Luis didn’t seem embarrass, he didn’t glance around nervously to see whether anyone was staring at us, he didn’t leave the table pretending to see an Uncle Sam of his at the next table and just sit there rambling to an old man who didn’t even have a nephew nor did he excused himself to go to the man’s room, only to never be seen again. I prayed that wasn’t his plan, with the amount of food we had eaten I doubted my crumpled up RM 50 would be enough to cover the bill in this high class restaurant.
Drat! I should have played safe and suggested pizza.
“Hello, earth to Janey. What’s wrong? Your frowning,” said Luis waving his hand in front of me to get my attention. I didn’t realize that I was biting my lips. Luis looked at me with his reassuring warm smile, diminishing any ideas I had in my head. Our empty plates were replaced with delicious desserts, warm chocolate cakes, with warm chocolate fudge in the middle and vanilla ice-cream on top. I smiled in delight; he told me that he had not forgotten how I adored chocolate.
Pinch me! I must have choked on my food, died and gone to heaven.
I didn’t want the night to end. Luis paid the bill and sent me home. As he was getting into the car to leave, he pulled out a bouquet of roses. I was speechless as he put the bouquet wrapped in colorful plastic wrappers in my arm.
“23 roses for 23 years,” he said softly and got into the car. I just stared at him still unable to speak. I didn’t say goodbye, I just stood there as he drove off.
Roses…..I had never had roses before well that was a lie; Cousin Anne gave me a rose for my diploma graduation but still what was a rose than a bouquet of them!
Excuse me as I melt on the driveway….
Our meeting didn’t end there. I was quite surprise when I saw Luis in front of my door the next day. It was a Sunday. Surely this man had other things to do then to visit an old friend on his free day? He had a mischievous grin on his face and he was hiding something behind him.
“Hello,’ I said.
“Hello,” he replied, his grin getting wider. Curious I asked him what he had behind him. Like a little boy, he smile shyly and pulled out his hand. Ok, this was the second time that I was speechless, it was a rose. Not only a rose. It was handmade, very identical to the one he had given me on the last day of school. His mother had made it for him to give it to me. The petals were made of red wool threads, soft and warm with a real rosy scent to it. I couldn’t help laughing at Luis, he had the exact expression when he had given me the rose the first time. He was blushing right on both his cheek bones, looking bashfully on the ground with his left leg shuffling from left to right. Without thinking I gave him a quick peck on his right cheek and pulled away quickly, surprise at my boldness. Luis didn’t mind. He took my hand and led me to the car.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“You’ll see,” he replied shortly. I didn’t argue and lay back on the seat looking at the sky as the roof of his BMW convertible automatically folded back. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful start to that beautiful day. I felt like singing ‘Oh What a Beautiful Morning,” but stopped myself, my vocal cord was less than desirable and I didn’t want to thwart heavens above by sending us thunderstorms on this glorious day.
We stopped in front of a playground. It was still early in the morning, the playground was empty. Luis pulled me to the swings. In front of the swings was a stack of newspapers, a bowl of water, a tub of glue, a box of water paint and a row of glass plates. Luis sat on the swings.
“What’s all this?” I asked amazed looking at the items.
“Have you forgotten? Standard 1 you were crying because our class teacher didn’t select you to be in the paper Mache group and I had to comfort you after class. We were sitting at the swings and I promised you that you’ll get your chance someday. Well, today is your lucky day. I’m going to teach you,” said Luis getting off the swing and rolling his shirt. I had forgotten that…uuuuuhhhh.
Luis pulled me down on my knees in front of the item and started shredding the newspapers. We had most of the newspaper glued on ourselves than on the bowls as we playfully threaten each other with the paste. Even the little kids that came to the park with their parents joined and soon we were surrounded by little mischievous children. It was afternoon when we started to pack up. Luis shirt which was originally cream colored was now the color of the rainbow. I had paint on my face and my fingers were cracked with dried glue. We laughed hysterically at each other. I had so much fun that day; I never wanted it to end.
I lay in my bed that night, toying one of the paper Mache bowls that we had made. I missed Luis, his presence gave me a strong reassurance nothing would go wrong. It was a nice warm, comforting feeling to have. I slept hugging the precious masterpiece.
I woke up the next day feeling my pillow wet. Was I crying last night? I sat up drowsily and looked at the pillow. It was soaked with blood. I was so startled. I felt my left nose. It was still dripping with blood. I stared at the thick blood red liquid on my finger. I heard my bedroom door open and saw my little nephew come into the room. He was dragging his worn out teddy bear behind him. He looked at me cheerfully and then when he saw the blood, his facial expression changed to horror. He gave an ear piercing screech.
“Mommy! Aunt Janey’s bleeding!”
I looked at the row of lights above me as I was rolled into the operation room. The doctor’s word rang in my ear, nasal cavity cancer – malignant –surgery needed. I looked confused at the doctor trying to digest his words. Didn’t the doctor tell me not to worry on my first check-up when my nose started to bleed? A cut on the lower septum wall of the nose caused by extensive nose blowing (hey, I have sinus problem) and rubbing of the nose (well it did itch terribly). But as the doctor’s words finally sink in, I felt a cold chill crept all over my body. I looked at the X-ray chart without comprehending what I was looking, as if a dark cloud had covered all senses.
The first thing that I could think of was Luis. I wanted to talk to Luis. I sat on the hospital bed trying to get in touch of Luis before the surgery. I wanted him to make me feel better, that it was just a routine surgery to get out a small pea that I had put into my nostril (even though the size was bigger than that), everything was going to be okay, I wanted his assurance even though I had my whole family there to support me. I tried again and again calling only to get his message box. As the time drew near I realized a feeling of sadness swept all over me. I ushered my family out of the room in the pretense that I wanted to get ready for surgery. As soon as the door closed behind me, I couldn’t stop the tears from falling out. It was like a dam had broken. I couldn’t even stop. I just sat there on my bed and cried like a little girl, that little girl 23 years when she had to leave her school to come back to Malaysia. I cried for that past and I cried for the person that had brought that memory back. It was silly for me to hope for something in a short span of time. He wanted his old friend back one more time and I wanted something more.
After a good fifteen minutes of waterfalls, I washed my face and tried to calm down. I had already gotten into the hospital gown. The nurses came into the room and rolled me to the operation table.
The last image that I saw when I counted backwards and my vision grew hazy, was that little boy standing at the school gate with his goofy grin, one hand in his pocket and the other hand waving goodbye….
Four hours later I woke up surrounded by family members. Everyone shouted in delight as they saw me awake. Everyone started talking at once even though the nurse tried to shush us. There were Vivian, mom, dad, cousin Adam, cousin Beh and the rest of my relatives but there was no Luis…
That was hours ago. Everyone had left to let me rest. The nurse had switched off the light. I lay on my bed facing upwards. I didn’t feel comfortable sleeping that way but my nose was still bandaged. I could feel a sharp pain in my nasal area, probably from the surgery. The doctor had given me a sleeping pill to allow me to sleep. I needed that….I closed my eyes a second time that day…
I opened my eyes suddenly feeling confused at where I was. It took me sometime to remember that I was at the hospital. The room was dark and a little chilly. Probably that was why I woke up. The cold. I pulled the blanket to my chest and relax my head on the pillow. I turned my head to the left to find a comfortable position. I froze; there was something or someone sitting near the window. I could only make out a shape sitting on the plastic chair near my bed. It didn’t move nor did it made any sound. I moved to the edge of my bed to get closer to the shape even though my heart was beating fast. Could it be mom? She had left with the rest of the relatives surely she didn’t turn back to accompany me that night?
Psst….psst I hissed trying to wake the shape. I reached for the flask on the small shelves on top of my bed. Grappling in the dark I had accidentally knocked the flask over and it roll off the shelve…. right on top of my head!
Klank
“Ooouch!!” I wailed. Great, not only my nose was in pain, I had a major headache. I rubbed my head and stopped. The shape had moved.
“Janey?” said a familiar voice.
“Luis?”I asked stupidly. The figure got off the chair and walked to the switch. There was a blaze of bright light, as my eyes adjusted to the sudden brightness I saw Luis standing at the foot of my bed. He moved to the chair and pulled it closer to my bed.
“What are you doing here?” I whispered.
“I just found out. How are you?” asked Luis concerned. He put his hands on my hands. I didn’t know whether to pull away or not. But it felt warm against the chilly temperature of the room. Comforting..
“Better, now. Where were you? I couldn’t find you,” I said pitifully.
“I had some work to do before I leave for the US.” Leaving? I felt my eyes tearing up again. I was right. He did come back for a friend. God, how pathetic was I?
Don’t cry…don’t cry, I told myself. Darn, a tear rolled down my cheek.
Without saying anything Luis took out his handkerchief and wiped it away. I pulled my face away. Luis looked at me with those gentle hazel brown eyes.
“Come with me,” he said gently. I looked at the man in front of me not believing what I had heard. I kept quiet.
“Come with me,” he said again. I didn’t reply and looked at him not understanding why he wanted me to follow him and also not daring to ask. He leaned closer to me, his hands tighter on mine.
“Do you remember the first letter and also our only letter that the whole class wrote to you? In my part, I wrote that you were a special girl and that I would never forget you. I never did forget about you all those years. It was a chance that I found your letter and wrote back to you. You are a special girl,” said Luis softly. I laughed at him although cruel but I needed reassurance that all he said was real and was not that he didn’t want to let go of the past.
“And you felt this all in two days we were together?” He nodded.
“A bit abrupt isn’t it?” He shook his head.
“It’s enough to know that I want to be with you. I always wanted to be with you,” he said. I felt a lump in my throat.
Okay, I’m not the sentimental or romantic type but got, that was a good answer. I flung my arms around him and felt him hold me tightly.
This crying wasn’t good for me. It was soaking my bandage. But I didn’t feel the pain at all, I felt a feeling of warmth enveloping me.
It felt good.
I wonder we could visit the old school and route back our history at Alcott Elementary School.
END
My tissue was already wet with dark stain. I tilted my head upwards hoping that it would stop the liquid from flowing out.
“Janey?”
My first instinct was to turn to the voice but I was so afraid of Vivian’s threat that I merely turn with my face still facing upwards while my eyes were trying to focus at the source of the sound. I was getting dizzy and my neck was cramming up.
“Yes?” I answered feeling foolish.
“Is there something interesting up there?” asked the voice. I sighed and slowly, very slowly afraid that my nose would bleed again turned my head towards him. My heart nearly stopped. For the past 20 minutes while waiting for him, I had imagined him in all different form and sizes, a bald man with a huge potbelly, a skinny man with rabbit teeth but never this…..He was gorgeous. I swooned, wearing an Armani T-shirt which literally showed off his toned body, his face was tanned with little beard stubs on his chin and his eyes, his beautiful hazel brown eyes which was now looking directly at me. I was speechless as he smiled shyly at me and took a seat.
I looked at him across the table. Was this Luis? Sweet little Luis, with his goofy grin, scruffy hair, big innocent hazel brown eyes and tanned skin showing his Hispanic heritage.
“L-u-i-s?” I croaked. He smiled and he gave a grin that made me smile. It was still there, distant but still there the goofy grin that I loved. My mind wanders off to a place far away from Malaysia to a time when there was no worries in our mind….24 years ago. The image of an eight year old Hispanic boy appeared, wearing a hooded sweater underneath a thick winter jacket, waving in front of the gate.
His voice penetrated the image; I blinked and looked up at him.
“Shall we order?” he asked motioning to the waiter. It was great seeing Luis there. We talked a lot that night. Reminiscing on old times and getting up to date on our current lives. Luis was an Engineer for an oil company; I cocked my head to one side, impressed. Luis saw my expression and gave a big smile.
“I wasn’t the sloppy, book-hater boy that I used to be,” he said still smiling.
I noticed that his teeth were white and straight, there was no trace of the two big goofy front teeth that was once upon a time his trademark. I blushed when he caught me staring at him, but somehow I missed those little things that brought me to those 3 best years that I ever had when my family moved to America. Dad was assigned there to look over some project for his company. My brother and I would walk to Alcott from our apartment at Lake Michigan. I remembered the first time I step foot into the building, I was 5 and ½ that time, it looked so gigantic, the school hall, the office and the corridors stretching endlessly. We were in awe and saucer eyed looking around us until we met the principle Mr. Henry, a tall man, with white beard and white hair. His eyes were kind and they twinkle when he smiled. He looked like a thin version of Santa Claus. Dear kind old Mr. Henry, adored by students and a talented music conductor. Best principle I ever had.
It was summer, when I first step foot at Alcott Elementary School.
“Is it still there?” I asked out loud. As if reading my mind, he nodded.
“Still strong although I doubted our teachers would still be there.”
I had so much fun that night. I had forgotten the advice that Vivian had given me before I left her house. Never laugh out loud, never talk too much, be courteous, elegant and ladylike – anyone who read this should know that I have never been on a date. I was always uncomfortable around men and vice versa. But talking with Luis, I was comfortable to be myself; hyper, cheerful and loud. Luis didn’t seem embarrass, he didn’t glance around nervously to see whether anyone was staring at us, he didn’t leave the table pretending to see an Uncle Sam of his at the next table and just sit there rambling to an old man who didn’t even have a nephew nor did he excused himself to go to the man’s room, only to never be seen again. I prayed that wasn’t his plan, with the amount of food we had eaten I doubted my crumpled up RM 50 would be enough to cover the bill in this high class restaurant.
Drat! I should have played safe and suggested pizza.
“Hello, earth to Janey. What’s wrong? Your frowning,” said Luis waving his hand in front of me to get my attention. I didn’t realize that I was biting my lips. Luis looked at me with his reassuring warm smile, diminishing any ideas I had in my head. Our empty plates were replaced with delicious desserts, warm chocolate cakes, with warm chocolate fudge in the middle and vanilla ice-cream on top. I smiled in delight; he told me that he had not forgotten how I adored chocolate.
Pinch me! I must have choked on my food, died and gone to heaven.
I didn’t want the night to end. Luis paid the bill and sent me home. As he was getting into the car to leave, he pulled out a bouquet of roses. I was speechless as he put the bouquet wrapped in colorful plastic wrappers in my arm.
“23 roses for 23 years,” he said softly and got into the car. I just stared at him still unable to speak. I didn’t say goodbye, I just stood there as he drove off.
Roses…..I had never had roses before well that was a lie; Cousin Anne gave me a rose for my diploma graduation but still what was a rose than a bouquet of them!
Excuse me as I melt on the driveway….
Our meeting didn’t end there. I was quite surprise when I saw Luis in front of my door the next day. It was a Sunday. Surely this man had other things to do then to visit an old friend on his free day? He had a mischievous grin on his face and he was hiding something behind him.
“Hello,’ I said.
“Hello,” he replied, his grin getting wider. Curious I asked him what he had behind him. Like a little boy, he smile shyly and pulled out his hand. Ok, this was the second time that I was speechless, it was a rose. Not only a rose. It was handmade, very identical to the one he had given me on the last day of school. His mother had made it for him to give it to me. The petals were made of red wool threads, soft and warm with a real rosy scent to it. I couldn’t help laughing at Luis, he had the exact expression when he had given me the rose the first time. He was blushing right on both his cheek bones, looking bashfully on the ground with his left leg shuffling from left to right. Without thinking I gave him a quick peck on his right cheek and pulled away quickly, surprise at my boldness. Luis didn’t mind. He took my hand and led me to the car.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“You’ll see,” he replied shortly. I didn’t argue and lay back on the seat looking at the sky as the roof of his BMW convertible automatically folded back. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful start to that beautiful day. I felt like singing ‘Oh What a Beautiful Morning,” but stopped myself, my vocal cord was less than desirable and I didn’t want to thwart heavens above by sending us thunderstorms on this glorious day.
We stopped in front of a playground. It was still early in the morning, the playground was empty. Luis pulled me to the swings. In front of the swings was a stack of newspapers, a bowl of water, a tub of glue, a box of water paint and a row of glass plates. Luis sat on the swings.
“What’s all this?” I asked amazed looking at the items.
“Have you forgotten? Standard 1 you were crying because our class teacher didn’t select you to be in the paper Mache group and I had to comfort you after class. We were sitting at the swings and I promised you that you’ll get your chance someday. Well, today is your lucky day. I’m going to teach you,” said Luis getting off the swing and rolling his shirt. I had forgotten that…uuuuuhhhh.
Luis pulled me down on my knees in front of the item and started shredding the newspapers. We had most of the newspaper glued on ourselves than on the bowls as we playfully threaten each other with the paste. Even the little kids that came to the park with their parents joined and soon we were surrounded by little mischievous children. It was afternoon when we started to pack up. Luis shirt which was originally cream colored was now the color of the rainbow. I had paint on my face and my fingers were cracked with dried glue. We laughed hysterically at each other. I had so much fun that day; I never wanted it to end.
I lay in my bed that night, toying one of the paper Mache bowls that we had made. I missed Luis, his presence gave me a strong reassurance nothing would go wrong. It was a nice warm, comforting feeling to have. I slept hugging the precious masterpiece.
I woke up the next day feeling my pillow wet. Was I crying last night? I sat up drowsily and looked at the pillow. It was soaked with blood. I was so startled. I felt my left nose. It was still dripping with blood. I stared at the thick blood red liquid on my finger. I heard my bedroom door open and saw my little nephew come into the room. He was dragging his worn out teddy bear behind him. He looked at me cheerfully and then when he saw the blood, his facial expression changed to horror. He gave an ear piercing screech.
“Mommy! Aunt Janey’s bleeding!”
I looked at the row of lights above me as I was rolled into the operation room. The doctor’s word rang in my ear, nasal cavity cancer – malignant –surgery needed. I looked confused at the doctor trying to digest his words. Didn’t the doctor tell me not to worry on my first check-up when my nose started to bleed? A cut on the lower septum wall of the nose caused by extensive nose blowing (hey, I have sinus problem) and rubbing of the nose (well it did itch terribly). But as the doctor’s words finally sink in, I felt a cold chill crept all over my body. I looked at the X-ray chart without comprehending what I was looking, as if a dark cloud had covered all senses.
The first thing that I could think of was Luis. I wanted to talk to Luis. I sat on the hospital bed trying to get in touch of Luis before the surgery. I wanted him to make me feel better, that it was just a routine surgery to get out a small pea that I had put into my nostril (even though the size was bigger than that), everything was going to be okay, I wanted his assurance even though I had my whole family there to support me. I tried again and again calling only to get his message box. As the time drew near I realized a feeling of sadness swept all over me. I ushered my family out of the room in the pretense that I wanted to get ready for surgery. As soon as the door closed behind me, I couldn’t stop the tears from falling out. It was like a dam had broken. I couldn’t even stop. I just sat there on my bed and cried like a little girl, that little girl 23 years when she had to leave her school to come back to Malaysia. I cried for that past and I cried for the person that had brought that memory back. It was silly for me to hope for something in a short span of time. He wanted his old friend back one more time and I wanted something more.
After a good fifteen minutes of waterfalls, I washed my face and tried to calm down. I had already gotten into the hospital gown. The nurses came into the room and rolled me to the operation table.
The last image that I saw when I counted backwards and my vision grew hazy, was that little boy standing at the school gate with his goofy grin, one hand in his pocket and the other hand waving goodbye….
Four hours later I woke up surrounded by family members. Everyone shouted in delight as they saw me awake. Everyone started talking at once even though the nurse tried to shush us. There were Vivian, mom, dad, cousin Adam, cousin Beh and the rest of my relatives but there was no Luis…
That was hours ago. Everyone had left to let me rest. The nurse had switched off the light. I lay on my bed facing upwards. I didn’t feel comfortable sleeping that way but my nose was still bandaged. I could feel a sharp pain in my nasal area, probably from the surgery. The doctor had given me a sleeping pill to allow me to sleep. I needed that….I closed my eyes a second time that day…
I opened my eyes suddenly feeling confused at where I was. It took me sometime to remember that I was at the hospital. The room was dark and a little chilly. Probably that was why I woke up. The cold. I pulled the blanket to my chest and relax my head on the pillow. I turned my head to the left to find a comfortable position. I froze; there was something or someone sitting near the window. I could only make out a shape sitting on the plastic chair near my bed. It didn’t move nor did it made any sound. I moved to the edge of my bed to get closer to the shape even though my heart was beating fast. Could it be mom? She had left with the rest of the relatives surely she didn’t turn back to accompany me that night?
Psst….psst I hissed trying to wake the shape. I reached for the flask on the small shelves on top of my bed. Grappling in the dark I had accidentally knocked the flask over and it roll off the shelve…. right on top of my head!
Klank
“Ooouch!!” I wailed. Great, not only my nose was in pain, I had a major headache. I rubbed my head and stopped. The shape had moved.
“Janey?” said a familiar voice.
“Luis?”I asked stupidly. The figure got off the chair and walked to the switch. There was a blaze of bright light, as my eyes adjusted to the sudden brightness I saw Luis standing at the foot of my bed. He moved to the chair and pulled it closer to my bed.
“What are you doing here?” I whispered.
“I just found out. How are you?” asked Luis concerned. He put his hands on my hands. I didn’t know whether to pull away or not. But it felt warm against the chilly temperature of the room. Comforting..
“Better, now. Where were you? I couldn’t find you,” I said pitifully.
“I had some work to do before I leave for the US.” Leaving? I felt my eyes tearing up again. I was right. He did come back for a friend. God, how pathetic was I?
Don’t cry…don’t cry, I told myself. Darn, a tear rolled down my cheek.
Without saying anything Luis took out his handkerchief and wiped it away. I pulled my face away. Luis looked at me with those gentle hazel brown eyes.
“Come with me,” he said gently. I looked at the man in front of me not believing what I had heard. I kept quiet.
“Come with me,” he said again. I didn’t reply and looked at him not understanding why he wanted me to follow him and also not daring to ask. He leaned closer to me, his hands tighter on mine.
“Do you remember the first letter and also our only letter that the whole class wrote to you? In my part, I wrote that you were a special girl and that I would never forget you. I never did forget about you all those years. It was a chance that I found your letter and wrote back to you. You are a special girl,” said Luis softly. I laughed at him although cruel but I needed reassurance that all he said was real and was not that he didn’t want to let go of the past.
“And you felt this all in two days we were together?” He nodded.
“A bit abrupt isn’t it?” He shook his head.
“It’s enough to know that I want to be with you. I always wanted to be with you,” he said. I felt a lump in my throat.
Okay, I’m not the sentimental or romantic type but got, that was a good answer. I flung my arms around him and felt him hold me tightly.
This crying wasn’t good for me. It was soaking my bandage. But I didn’t feel the pain at all, I felt a feeling of warmth enveloping me.
It felt good.
I wonder we could visit the old school and route back our history at Alcott Elementary School.
END
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