Long Distance Love... by Divine Ricarte
We have known each other since we were a kid. Maybe at that time nothing matters to us than to be well fed and play to our hearts content. We regularly see each other faces but never really bother to get to know well. We are merely an acquaintance. You know, I never really imagined we end up this way. You and I, something in between. But that magical summer changed everything. You admit, you never treated me as your friend. Even hated me for posting some nasty photos which you don’t happen to like. All the while, I thought we were friends. I like your honesty. Yes, I was hurt a little bit but that’s much better than lying right?
What I remembered most of you then was when you sang “Grow old with you” even you are out of tune. (Ha-ha-ha I never told you that). I can still remember vividly when we were in high school we always sit right beside the windowpane. We did not talk that much. We just sit there and kill the time. I never really thought that you had a crush on me then. I’m flattered. J Now it made sense.
That summer when I went home for a two weeks’ vacation. It never crossed my mind that we’ll meet again. The last time I saw you was our graduation ceremonyover two years ago. And I’m not a fan of texting so I never heard from you. I happen to organize our yearly batch reunion. Our friend, gave your number to me so you could join the fun. I texted you if you could come. I never expected for a reply. Yet you did, eventually. We agreed upon meeting with our classmates so I could collect the contribution for our summer outing. I was thirty minutes late, you were calling me while I’m on my way. I hardly recognized your voice. I just hurriedly went off so I could see everyone. I was awed when I saw you. You seemed taller than the last time I saw you. I was not at my best that time. (Ha-ha-ha) My eyes are quite swollen because of that goddamn infection. And I never really bother to dress up because I would be super late if I did. I was upset to know that only two of our classmates showed up. So we ended up eating and talking. I was glad to see you. Yeah, I surely did.
I only planned on staying there for only two weeks. I said to myself, it would be enough. My sister needs me. So I only had three days hanging out with our friends and then I get my way head back to Manila. But I don’t know what exactly I am feeling then but I resented that I only had three days spending it with you. Well, yeah! I had a crush on you then. I was attracted with your kindness and with that unique eyebrows you possessed.That was my own little secret way back in high school.
I never really planned on getting attached to you or to anyone. I was hurt before and I don’t want that to happen again. I want to be on the safe side. We keep on communicating for almost two months through texts, call and chat, to get to know each other well. From that point it seems I knew you deeply. I know it sounds absurd. You tried telling me you had plans on courting me. I tried asking myself, am I ready? Emotionally? Well yes, I am attracted to you but that is just the starting point.
One night while we were talking on the phone. Due to out of topic, you randomly asked questions. Then you suddenly talk about courting me, then you were practicing the lines “Can you be my girlfriend?” Then our call suddenly hanged up. You tried calling me once again. When I answered your call, out of the blue I said “Yes!” You were shocked. You can’t even believe I said yes because I told you last time that I don’t like flirting over the phone or texts, that it was not my type. But then my plans never turned out that well. Sometimes we plan things but it never really turned out what we expected. I am just like any other dreamy girls who likes to be wooed through hearts and flowers. Instead you serenade me through phone and tell me sweet things. Damn! You were too good to be true.Three o’clock in the morning, 13th of June our relationship went official. I know even if we are miles apart we’re still happy.
We may not see each other always but I know we can make this work. Let’s fulfill our own dreams first before our own plans for each other. So that someday, we can face our parents with pride that even through hardships we made it through the end. I love you hon! Happy Monthsary. I am sorry for sharing our story, I know you’re quite coy about this. Before you told me that when your teacher told your class about “long-distance-relationships-won’t-last and those-who-started-with-texts thing” you were hurt. But it really doesn’t matter to me. You can court me forever if you want to. I’m really excited on seeing you soon, hold hands with you and cuddle you. Thank you for the love and joy you bring in my life hon. We may not see what the future hold but I know deep in my heart I wanna share my future with you, only with you.