Best Friends
My family just arrived from Canada . We visited my grandmother who is living there. But, when we came home, we were surprised to know that our house was destroyed by a typhoon. My parents decided to transfer to Dimmsdale because it is near their office. Obviously, my brother and I needed to transfer to a new school. The school is fine. The people there were all good to us. I even made lots of friends. It didn’t take a week when I made a new best friend. Her name is Genesis. She introduced me to lots of people. And certainly, I became a part of their gang. Genesis and I, always go with each other. She would always come with me to the restroom, the cafeteria, the library and just anywhere. We would talk about anything under the sun. Every time we would see each other, we would laugh for no reason!! Just like what the crazy people do. Later on, we decided to join the volleyball varsity team. Fortunately, Denise, Airah, Genesis and I, were all accepted in the team. I think there would be nothing greater than to spend your school days with your friends. Yah, I guess so…
Well, because I’m a transfer student, I must undergo remedial classes. Every afternoon, I attend the remedial classes for chemistry and I feel really lonely. Then, a guy asked me for my name. “Uhm… My name is Charlene… how about you?” I said. Then, “My name’s Dustin. Are you new here?” he replied. I said I am new here and I was surprised to know that he is also a transferee. We got along really well. And, YES!!! He’s cute, handsome, tall, friendly and lovable. No doubt I easily fell in love with him. Then we became good “friends”…
We became really good friends. Well, actually, we became best friends.
We always hang-out with each other. He is also in the varsity team, but he is in basketball. Every time Genesis and the gang had something else to do, Dustin and I would always talk with each other. Most of the time, we eat lunch, do our projects, assignments and researches together. I’ve even told him that I am in love with his best friend Mark. Unfortunately, he took it seriously. He didn’t think that I am actually in love with him. I really wanted to tell him that I love him but, I just couldn’t!!! I am not brave enough to accept his answer. I guess there’ll be another time for my confession. And I guess it’ll have to wait…
Everything is so sweet between the two of us. He calls me every night, texts me everyday and emails me every time. We also go out for friendly dates. It was all so sweet. How I wish that everything we did were true. I wished that someday, we can really go out “officially” as lovers, but we’re just friends. And I don’t want to be “just friends” with him forever. I want to be his girlfriend, but I don’t know how. He treats me as if I am his “best friend”. I don’t want to stay like that forever. Ever!!!…
In our varsity team, I met a girl who is totally digging Dustin. Her name is Krishna . She asked me if I had feelings for Dustin. “Of course!” those were the words that I couldn’t tell her. So I just said no! Then she asked me if I could introduce her to Dustin. I said okay. Then, later that afternoon, I introduced her to Dustin. But Dustin asked me why I am introducing him to that girl. I told him that she just wanted to be friends with him. I guess he didn’t like the idea for he is holding my hand and he had a crooked look on the face the whole time…
Since then, Krishna talked to Dustin every time. And what’s worse is that she won’t let Dustin and I talk to each other. Even if I sat beside Dustin during our remedial classes, she would excuse Dustin from the class and he won’t come back. He doesn’t even call, text or email me!! So I guess they’re getting “closer” to each other. And I guess this is the end of our “friendship”…
Then one night, I was surprised when Dustin called me. He asked me why I wasn’t calling him anymore, why I wasn’t even texting or sending him emails. I told him that he and I were too distant. We don’t even talk to each other even though were so close. He told me that he really really really missed me. I said I missed him too. He promised that nothing will ever come between the two of us. Not even his friends, Krishna , nor his studies. He said that he will always make time for me. I don’t know why he told me such things but I’m really flattered. Maybe someday, we can be together as lovers, I hope so…
Everything came back to normal; we eat together, call, text and email each other every now and then. I’m really happy. But then, a trouble was brewing. One day, while I was fixing my things in my locker, a note came falling down from my locker. It was more of a love letter than just a note. I was really flattered with what the note said. I really thought it was Dustin who sent me the letter, but, when I asked him if he knew who gave the letter, he said he had no idea. I was really puzzled. Who could ever give that letter to me? Hmmm… Who knows? …
That night, Mark called me. He admitted that he was the one who sent me the letter. He told me that he really loves me. From the very first time he saw me, he said he fell in love with me. Of course I couldn’t tell him that I am actually in love with, his best friend, Dustin. I am so puzzled because he really loves me yet I love Dustin but Dustin doesn’t love me. So I just said “Before, I was in love with you… But now, things have changed and I am not in love with you anymore…” Then he hanged up on me…
The next day I told Dustin what had happened the night before. He apologized because he told Mark that I was in love with him. Well, of course I forgave him. I told him how much it hurt when Mark hanged up on me. I even shared how hard it is to decide because I am not yet ready for that kind of serious relationship. He gave me advices and shared to me some stories in which he was in my situation. I can’t help but notice his naughty grin. Was it because I turned down Mark’s request? Or was it because he wanted us to end up together? Who knows? …
The following day, Mark ate lunch with me, did his assignments with me and texted me every now and then. He even holds my hand even if we’re with Dustin. I don’t know why Mark does all those gestures especially when we’re with Dustin. He did that for the rest of the month. Is it one of his schemes to ruin my relationship with Dustin? I really don’t know why…
The following month came and it is the time for our acquaintance party. The acquaintance party is yearly celebrated for the new students and the freshmen. In the night of the acquaintance party, Mark fetched me from home. He escorted me to the venue of the party. He was my first dance. Then I danced with the other guys there. When the party is almost over, the MC announced that this will be our last dance. So I went looking Dustin but Dustin found me instead. He said “May I have this dance?” Of course I said “Yes!” Then we talked about the things we missed about each other. I told him I wasn’t happy with how Mark treats me. He said he wasn’t happy either. Then he walked me home. He told me that I was beautiful that night; I said he was handsome and we laughed out real loud. What a wonderful night it was! Really!!! …
Then next week, he came to school with all sorts of bruises all over his body. I asked him about what happened and why he had all those bruises. He said it was just because of a really bad fall. I pretended I believed him but deep inside, I know he wouldn’t fall that hard. So I just put bandages on his bruises. But I couldn’t help but ask him if the whole thing was just about a really bad fall so I asked him “Did you really had a bad fall?” he answered “Nah! I know you wouldn’t believe me.” So I asked him what really happened but he refused to answer, instead he just smiled and nodded his head. I was really getting puzzled. I said “Does this have something to do with Mark?” he didn’t answer. Then I just said “Why don’t want to tell me about it? I’m you’re friend remember? Why can’t you just open up?” Then he replied “It’s because I don’t want you to get sad and lonely again! I don’t want to see you crying again! I’ve caused you much trouble and I don’t want you to worry about me anymore! I just want you to be happy. That’s all.” Then I just smiled…
Everything came back to normal since then. We eat together again and do our daily “friendly” routines together again. Well, Christmas is fast approaching and I still don’t have any idea of what gift to give him. Genesis and the gang came with me to shop in our favorite mall. Everyone of them bought gifts for their special someone. And I was the only one who still doesn’t have a gift. I had already bought gifts for the gang but I haven’t figured out what to give Dustin, I asked the girls for their opinion but they said they had no idea. Oh please!!! I really need to give Dustin a gift!!! But I don’t know what!!!…
Since I don’t know what to give Dustin, I just baked him some cookies. It was our Christmas ball, when I decided to give him the cookies. I don’t know how to give it to him. I don’t know if I’d just leave it on his locker or to give it straightly to him. I decided not to leave it in his locker because he might not notice it. So I just gave it to him personally. I don’t know if he will like it but I have no choice because it’s the last day of classes and I don’t have enough time to buy him a new gift. So I just ended up giving him the cookies myself. I was so nervous about the way he’d react after receiving the cookies. Then I told him “Merry Christmas! I’m sorry this is just my gift. I really don’t know what to give you so I just made you some of my favorite delicacies. I hope you like it!” “You shouldn’t have bothered!” he said. I asked him how it tasted; he said that it was really delicious. Well, I’m happy he liked my gift. Because we are in the committee assigned for the Christmas ball, we are asked to clean up. It was 2 in the morning when we finished cleaning up for the Christmas ball. Since our house was just a few blocks away from the venue, I decided to walk home. Then Dustin asked me if he could accompany me while walking home. He said it was too dangerous for a girl like me to walk home alone in that time of the morning. Of course I agreed. Then while walking home, he held my hand and gave me a present. It was in a small colorful box with a white ribbon. He asked me to open it right away. When I opened it, there was a cute silver necklace inside. He put it on me, and then asked if I liked his present. “Yes!” I said. And I gave him a kiss on the cheeks. Yes, a kiss on the cheeks. What! A kiss on the cheeks? What have I done! I was really overwhelmed with his gift that I didn’t know that I gave him a kiss on his cheeks. He became speechless for the moment. I saw him blushing. I immediately said sorry. He didn’t say a word and he kissed me too. Then we continued walking. When we reached the gate of our house, I said goodbye. “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Take Care! I will really miss you! And, oh by the way, thanks for the kiss!” he said. I wasn’t able to thank him because he ran away. Well that event surely made my vacation meaningful. I’m never going to forget that fateful day! Remember: December 20!!!….
After a few weeks, our classes had resumed. And the remedial classes were over. It’s a good thing that we are in the same class. It was the month of January and it was the month long celebration of the 50th Foundation Day of our school. The school is pretty old for it was founded 50 years ago. As part of the committee assigned for the Foundation Day activities, Dustin and I were always together. We organized the competitions together and did the preparations together. It was really nice because both of us can spend more time with each other because we always get pulled out from class for the Foundation Day celebration. And we talked a lot during breaks. Could this get any better? I hope so…
It was in the Month of February, the month of hearts, and our school will be celebrating the Valentine’s Day. As part of the celebration, there will be lots of activities including jail booths, Sticker photo booths and lots more. There is even a booth wherein you can send anonymous love letters to anyone you like. And there is another booth wherein you can give anonymous greetings to your special someone over the pager. Dustin and I received lots of notes and greetings. We just laughed our socks off and even joked about the people who might be responsible for the notes and greetings. And yes, I am guilty for one of the love notes. And I even sent him a box of home made chocolates anonymously. When faith suddenly lent a hand, we were caught in one of the jail booths. We just talked while inside the booth. Then suddenly, he brought out a box of chocolates and a bouquet of roses and gave it to me. I was really flattered. I still don’t know why he gave me chocolates and a bouquet of roses. But one thing’s for sure, I am indeed a special person for him…
After all of our experiences together, we didn’t notice that it was the month of March. March!!! The time wherein we will be separated. How I wish March didn’t came! And it was already March yet he still doesn’t like me. I guess we really wont end up together. After all those moments we had, we couldn’t end up together. It’s really sad but I can’t do anything. I can’t force him to like me. So I just acted as if there was nothing bothering me. But I guess he knows me that well, for he asked me what was wrong. I didn’t know if I was that obvious or if he could read my mind but all I knew is that he cares for me…
It was two weeks before the vacation. I know everyone is excited. Well, I guess everyone except me. I really feared that this moment will come. I know that I should be excited because it’s our vacation in two weeks but, I just can’t. Just thought of being separated from Dustin makes me want to cry. And it’s almost the end of classes yet, I haven’t told him that I love him. I really wanted to ask him the question but, my heart is way too scared of the answer. And things had gone worse; Krishna confessed his love for Dustin. She told him how much she loves him. And Dustin even asked me what to do. Of course I can’t tell him to punch Krishna , so I just told him that he should follow what his heart says. Well, if the two of them end up together I know exactly who to blame; this stupid heart of mine. Why didn’t I just tell him what I really felt? But still, I guess I’m really lucky. Dustin turned down Krishna . Good for me because Krishna is indeed a popular and gorgeous girl, and, I know for sure that any guy that she’ll ever like will love her in return yet, Dustin turned her down. I really can’t believe this. Every girl in school surely knows that what Krishna wants, Krishna gets. I’m really puzzled that’s why I asked him. I told him “Well, I know that Krishna is indeed a gorgeous girl but why did you turn her down? Is there something wrong with her?” “No, no, there’s nothing wrong with her. She’s nice, gorgeous and kind but there’s just one thing she’ll never be.” He said. “What do you mean? She’ll never be what?” I curiously asked. Then we were quiet for a moment. Then after a moment of silence. He softly whispered “She can never replace you in my life”…
Now, the day I hated the most came. The day when we will be separated has come. I know it’s too late for the two of us. Especially for me. Too late for words, too late for actions and worst, too late for love. I know that this day will come yet, I haven’t prepared myself for this. I have thought about telling him what I really felt but I don’t have the courage. But when will I have that courage. When we’re already separated? When he had found the one who’ll hold his heart forever? Or when he had decided to leave me? When? I still don’t know…
Before our classes officially ended, before we said our last goodbyes and after we shed some tears, he gave me a pendant. The pendant was really beautiful and when I opened it, I saw a picture of the two of us. I’m really shy because I wasn’t able to prepare for a gift. I just gave him a letter because I was really busy for the requirements. Then before he left, he held my hand and told me “I’ll miss you so much, please take care of your self while I’m not with you.” “Of course I will. Anyway, where have you learned to be so dramatic? You know, you don’t really have to worry about me. I’ll be fine. Besides it’s our vacation, so just enjoy it and stop worrying about me. And, why worry? I’ll never forget to keep in touch” Then he said goodbye and gave me a kiss in the forehead and quickly ran away. Well, I haven’t told him that he’s not going to see me next school year. I’m really sad. But I know that what we had shared with each other will always be in my heart, even if we’re far away. Then the vacation started…
Well, it was three weeks before the first day of classes and this is my last week in Dimmsdale. My family decided to have a farewell party. My brother and I invited our closest friends. Of course Dustin was there. But he didn’t know what the party is all about until he arrived in our house. I know deep inside all the smiles and laughs he had, he wasn’t happy. Anyone could feel it. If ever they were there. Well, I’m really sad and I can’t hide it anymore. So I just sat in a corner of the house. I know that I should be happy because it’s a party, my party rather. But even if how hard I tried to smile and to have fun, it was nothing compared to the sadness I felt in my heart. Then suddenly, Dustin sat beside me. “Why didn’t you told me all about this transfer? Why didn’t you told me earlier?” he said. “Even if I told you earlier, you can’t stop me from doing this.” “But I should have prepared myself. I shouldn’t have been hurt this bad if you told me earlier.” “But I was afraid that you’ll worry so much. I don’t want to see you worrying about me.” “But you lied. I thought you were my best friend?” “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just did what I thought was right.” I said with tears in my eyes. “But, but, but why must we be this dramatic? I mean, can’t we just say goodbye to each other without being so dramatic? He said while wiping my tears. Then we started laughing. We were really like mentally challenged people laughing with tears in our eyes. Then he became serious. “I have to tell you something that I really wanted to tell you before.” He said. “Uhm… Okay! I’ll listen carefully.” “Well, the first time I saw you, I thought you were a nice girl…” “What? So you mean I’m not nice?” “Not really. Then when we got along, I discovered you were much better. Better than what I thought you were…” “And then?” “And then my life has changed. You made it more meaningful. Before I remembered that I was alone and how boring my life was. But you came and made it interesting. Before I wasn’t sure about what I felt, but now I am really sure about my feelings. And I want you to know that…” then he stopped talking, held my hand and looked me in the eye. “I, I, I love you. I don’t care how you will accept it but I want you to know that I’m glad to have you in my life and I love you.” He said. I was really shocked and overwhelmed with what he said. I never thought that he also loves me. Then we had an eye contact. “So, Uhm, slap me! Do whatever you want to do. Kick me, punch me! As long as you know how much I love you. I’m willing to pay the price.” “Uhm, don’t worry. I’m not angry or mad at all. I was just shocked. I never thought that you’d love me.” “Actually, I was also happy because I met you. I’m happy because you showed me friendship. And, I guess after all the times we’ve been together, I had this strange feeling. It’s as if my day is not complete without you. You know, I really wanted to tell you what I felt before but, my heart was way too scared of the answer. And know, I’m sure of it. Now, I have the courage to say this… I love you too.” Then we strolled around the subdivision and had fun. Well, after all it was a happy ending, though we didn’t end up together. This school year I’m not going to study in Dimmsdale. My family is returning to Heatherville and I’m going to continue my studies there. It’s too bad that when finally had the courage we needed, it was too late. And now we’re going to be separated from each other. I’m sad and at the same time happy but more of sad. The moment has arrived. The plane is going to depart in a few moments and what is left for the two of us are suspended moments in time. I was crying and really sad. He lent me his handkerchief to wipe my tears. He said “Don’t worry. Everything will be alright. Don’t be sad. We’ll see each other soon. I promise.” Well, I still can’t help but cry. Then… We’re in Heatherville…
I’m still sad about what happened. But, life’s like that and I must move on. I know that someday we’ll see each other. Well, I guess that’ll have to wait. I know we’ll be separated for long. I know it’s sad but I can’t do anything about it. So I just tried to move on. Well, at first it’s real hard but I know I’ll get used to it. So, this is it. Our first day in classes came. I means a time for a new school, new people and new friends. Everything is new. I barely remember the faces that I see. Yes, they all greet me “Welcome back Charlene!” but I don’t know who they are. Maybe I don’t know everyone but my best friend. I guess she’s the only one I remember. So I sat beside her.
Everyone looks so strange. It’s as if I went in another dimension. Well, all I know is that I’m going to undergo remedial classes; <<tnatmad na coh mgxUlAht eh…
