10 Days

It was at the start of second semester when I noticed that she took the same train
as me.

Train one heading to San Andreas will board in a few minutes. Please watch for the
closing doors.

WAIT!

She came rushing through the door and barely made it. Her hair was bouncing
cheerfully in her head and I swear, it smelled like strawberries.

All I know about her is that she is in the next room beside mine and that she likes
music. I noticed she doesnt take her earphones off. Seeing her from a distance, I
couldnt help but marvel how someone can be so beautiful without even trying.

It only took me 10 days to get to know her.

10 days to get enough courage and ask her name.

Only 10 days to fall in love.

Day 1: The Scent of Strawberries

She is the most beautiful girl I've ever seen in my life. Shes prettier than most
girls who acts like theyre goddesses in our school. Shes prettier than those
celebrities you often see on runway. Shes so beautiful youd look more than twice
just to know if shes real or not.

I wait for her every time I go to school without her knowing. It seems almost all
too coincidental if you ask me, but if that happens every day I swear Ill look
like a bloody stalker. It didnt bother me though, since it never bothered her
either. She doesnt even notice it.

As usual I waited near the yellow line far closer to it than anybody else in there,
and every time that I try to tap my feet on the ground pretending that I am waiting
for the train, I am secretly trying to look for her. That familiar beautiful face
whose name I dont even know.

And then I saw the familiar brown streaks that I memorized quite for some time now.
I love the way how perfectly it falls down her shoulders. I love the way she brush
it off her face every once in a while. I love the fact that I love the smell of her
hair even if I hate strawberries.

The train came, people are pushing pass me just to rush in and grab a seat. And
just like every day that I wait for her, I let her pass by me too. Her soft skin
touched mine gently and Im quite surprised that she never felt my sudden jerking
movements as if I am being electrocuted.

It was a routine really. The waiting. The passing by. The accidental touch of our
skin. And her sitting just across from where I stood. I often wonder how I just
look at her everyday and not getting tired looking at her face. Who would? It was
as I am always seeing her for the first time.

It's like everyday I see something different. She's always been a mystery to me.

Her face is angled to the window and I watch her watch the surroundings pass by
her. I wonder what shes listening too. I wonder how her voice sounds like. I
wonder what she looks like when she smiles.

How can I not know her name?

We reached our stop and just like always I walked a little slower just so she can
walk pass by me again. I love watching her walk. I love how her hair bounces on her
shoulder as if in sync with the music playing in her earphones. I love how her
fingers occasionally move as if she were playing the piano. I love how the wind
carries her scent as if teasing me to come closer and just walk by her side.

She probably dont know me. She probably doesnt have the slightest idea of my
existence. But that would be impossible since I am quite popular really. She
probably hates my guts. It kills me to know that. But it even kills me that despite
of my fame status in school I cant still find that courage to ask her name.

We reached for the front gate and regretted how much far behind I was when she
swiped her ID at the entrance gate. I couldve seen her first name if I was closer.

She stops by her locker everyday. But thats how our morning ends really, because
any minute now.

Aiden! My man! You missed practice again!

Kyle said casually raising his hand up in the air as if not so subtly asking for a
high five.

Tons of assignments. I answered when in fact it wasnt school works that makes me
skip practice. It is the girl obviously who is standing alone by her locker with
brown streaks in her hair.

When did you ever care about school?

Now." I stopped, trying to think of a clever response yet all that ever came to my
mind was, "Scholarship.

Who am I kidding? Schools will be begging me to enroll at their institution

anytime. Im not even worried in paying my tuition. But it was a good excuse. I can
never let Kyle know that Ive been crushing on someone whose voice I only heard
once.

The bell rang and we hurriedly went inside our classroom. Kyle is seated just
beside mine, hes constantly talking about basketball but Im not listening. Just a
few minutes not being able to see her face made me uncomfortable. I got to have one
good glimpse of her. One good glimpse to last for a day.

I've never been the teachers pet, so the whole class was surprised when I
volunteered to get the chalkbox that Mrs. Stockenhan left in the faculty room.

But it is the only way that I can walk pass by her room. When I did, the usual
buzzing whenever I pass started. I can hear them. Girls mostly.

Aiden Wayland is looking for someone again.

Aiden Wayland is passing by again.

Aiden Wayland is so handsome.

I can hear them. Though many times Id try to stop by and ask someone the name of
the girl whose head is always tilted outside looking vaguely at the sky with her
earphones on. How can you be able to ask that? Or should I say, how can someone not
be able to ask that?

I walked pass by her room again, this time her head is bent down and she is
writing. I wonder how her penmanship looks like. When she raised her head she
looked straight outside the door and exactly at me. our eyes met and for that one
brief moment I swear everyone else just stopped breathing and the world stood
still.

I stood there frozen, I was still looking. Still looking at those eyes. I didnt
even had the chance to know what color they were. I couldve stood there and just
look at her eyes for the rest of my life when Mr. Travis, her teacher, noticed me.

Do you have something to ask Mr. Wayland.

Yes I do. Whats her name Mr. Travis? But I didnt have the courage to ask, or to
speak for that matter. I shook my head and continued walking instead.

It was a long day, yet time seems to slow down a little bit when I see her walking
somewhere around campus. Shes never alone though, shes always with someone. So it
gets hard to ask her when shes with someone else.
I convinced myself to ask her after school when were riding the same train Ill
sit beside her and just ask her. I convinced myself. Yes. I am ready to ask her.

The last bell rang and I ducked almost too suddenly just so Kyle cannot pester me
about skipping basketball practice again. And just like always I saw her waiting
for the same bus ride home, as mine.

When we entered, the empty seat beside her seems like fate urging me just to ask
her anything. The fast and loud thumping of my heart made it impossible just to
even sit beside her and not talk. I was closer to her than before though.

Closer than I ever was before.

Closer that I now know the color of her eyes.

Brown.

Same as the color of the streaks in her hair.

Tomorrow.
I told myself.

Tomorrow Im going to ask her name.

Day 2: Her Voice

I wait for her every day during lunch break. Every day I wait for her even if I
know that she will never come, since their class is always dismissed earlier than
ours. Still I always leave her boxes of strawberries in front of her locker. And
every day I wonder when will be the time that I will be the one giving it
personally to her.

I was about to leave when suddenly I recognized from afar the familiar brown
streaks, that I noticed only now, shines lighter when it is reflected under the
sun.

I froze from where I stood and thought about the strawberries that are waiting for
her in her locker. If I grab the strawberries and run, shell think that Im the
one who is giving it to her or worst she might think that I stole it.

I tried my hardest to act cool I tried to disguise my edginess by acting angry and
pissed so she wouldnt suspect anything. I fumbled for my phone and pretended that
I am talking to someone on the other line.

Yes. I said trying my hardest to keep my voice calm and steady.

Her locker is just 3 lockers away from mine so when she moved closer I pretended
not to notice.

Okay. Ill call you later. I closed my locker and pretended not to know a thing
and started walking away.

Hey. I heard her say. Im certain that its her even if I only heard her voice
once. I can tell in her distinct tone and softness, it was as if she is singing
rather than talking.

My heart started to beat loudly on my chest that I pretended to breathed out

loudly, afraid that when I inched closer shell hear how my heart beats so fast
like a beating drum right in front of us.

I turned around and looked at her curiously. Fudge! I hope Im not blushing. I hope
my expressions wouldnt give her any clue that Im dead nervous just by looking at
her.

Do you know who left these here? she asked while waving the boxes of strawberries
in front of me. I shook my head in response.

Someone just keeps on leaving these here. She continued talking to no one in
particular, but since only the two of us are standing there in the corridor, I
guess those words were meant for me.

Maybe that someone really wants to give it to you. She pouted. Ask her name
Aiden! Now is your chance! May

It would be nice if that someone will give it to me personally. I want to thank

him." she stopped and then hesitated but added, "or her, thanks though. She
gathered all four boxes when the bell rang, and she ran towards the cafeteria
mumbling about not having the chance to eat lunch and leaving her report there. She
ran without waiting for my reply.

I wanted to tell her that she just said thanks to that someone who is leaving her
strawberries. I had the urge to shout Youre welcome. But the words seem stuck in
my throat that all I ever did was to cough it out.

I've never been in a situation where words have become my problem. But seeing her
makes my brain fuzzy and vocabulary seems so far out from my reach. How can one
person have that certain effect, that one certain effect, that just by merely
looking in her eyes and talking to her makes me think that we were the only ones
there even if were surrounded by students buzzing in and out of their classrooms.

How did you get here so fast? came a voice that shattered all the glamour from
what happened earlier. She spoke to me. We talked. It was this first time that we
shared a conversation, even if its only a few exchange of sentences.
Are you ok? You look flushed. Mr. Saintclaire isnt attending Financial Studies so
you need not to worry. We have the whole afternoon for practice. Kyle drag me
before I can even answer. He knows Im skipping a whole lot of practice now a days
and since hes captain hes stern and he is going to cut you out off the team even
if you are his best friend.

Aiden Wayland is playing.

Aiden and Kyle are so handsome.
Why isnt Wayland captain?

I dont see the reason why girls like to look at us practicing, seriously theyre
just looking at some basketball guys who are dorks when it comes to basketball.
Plus the awful sweat that makes us look worst isnt something that girls should
sightsee.

We were playing for a good 30 minutes when I saw her. Shes wearing the usual PE
uniform for girls, her hair twisted into a knot at the top of her head. It was my
first time seeing her like that. The only time I see her was when shes riding the
bus to and from school, and in some occasional moments when I pass her classroom.

Wayland what are you looking at?! Focus on the ball! the coach yelled and I heard
everybody whos watching murmur.

Whos he looking at?

The new girl I think.

I knew shes new. I wouldve noticed her years ago if she wasnt. Sorry coach I
just had a sudden longing for water.

Take five then!

I thought he was looking at her. I mean why would we think that since we know
clearly she isnt his type.

I pretended not to hear them, but I almost laughed at both of them sarcastically
had Kyle not threw me his bottle of Gatorade.

Nice play Wayland.

It was getting dark. I learned from that day that PE was her last subject. It was
almost 30 minutes after they were dismissed. I was happy I didnt miss basketball
since I almost always catch a glimpse of her playing volleyball.

She really doesnt know how. But her beauty just made it up for her lack of sport
skills.

It was nearing 6 in the evening when coach realized that we are merely humans who
get tired and send us off in the showers. Whats the point in rushing; I said to
myself, she wont be there when I get to the stop.

When I reached the stop I didnt even bother to find her. She had taken the train
an hour ago, theres no chance that I might see her there.

I count the hours up to 7 in the morning, 13 hours and I havent even had the
luxury of time to look at her for 20 minutes since thats how long we both ride the
train. She gets off first.

I squeezed through the doors and barely made it through since its jam-packed with
people who had just gotten off work. I didnt have to look who is just in front of
me; the strong scent of strawberry had been all too familiar that even if with eyes
close I can recognize her.

Why is she still here? By any chance did she wait for me? Yeah right Wayland, a
girl who doesnt even knew your existence up to this afternoon, and someone who
just addressed you as Hey is waiting for you. Yes. You have every right to dream
on.

Shes just standing right in front of me her head about 3 inches away from my
shoulders. I didnt know shes that short. I towered over her and I swear the very
tip of her head doesnt even touch my shoulders.

I inched back from her afraid that she might feel my heartbeat banging loudly on my
chest, but then a few people got in by the next stop and I am squeezed almost
touching her back. Smelling her I wonder why I ever hated strawberries. How can I
hate something that smelled so sweet?

And then I noticed she is humming, humming while her fingers tap the long pole
where my hand is just above hers. She is tapping her fingers almost as if the pole
is a piano. Her humming became the only thing I heard and its the sweetest sound
there is.

She hums so sweetly it was as if I am hearing piano playing on the background

instead of her voice. I tried to remember it and record it in my head, store it
there and play it in my mind every time I sleep.

Her sweet humming will be my lullaby tonight without her knowing.

When I went home I went straight to my moms room where her picture is sitting
comfortably in her bed. She died years ago but I tell her everything.

I think I like someone mom. I said looking at her face, She has beautiful voice
that matches her face.

And then I traced the smile forming her face and felt the cold frame touch my
fingertips,
Tomorrow I promise Ill ask her name.

Day 3: Stolen Pictures

Saturday and Sunday has always been a routine for me. Unlike those who enjoyed
weekends just to party all night, I wait for the day to pass and count the hours
until Monday, the day when I will see her again.

I promised my mom that Ill ask her name today, having totally forgotten that I
will not see her. If only mom was here, she wouldve told me the exact same words
on how dad made his move and asked her out. She would have loved telling her
stories to me. But God took her away from me when I was just 9 years old and
nothing has been the same ever since.

I remember the soft humming of her voice, I didnt recognize the melody. I tried
hard to find it on the internet but who in their right minds would answer properly
a question stated such as this:

Quote
Hey just want to ask the title of this song. Hmmmm. Hmmm.

No one.

Its 10 am in the morning and all I ever did is to prowl in my bed waiting for the
sun to rise. It already did. When I went down the kitchen I saw the familiar note
pinned at the door of the fridge. Dad is never home, when he is I barely see him.
But that didnt mean that hes been a bad dad to me. Ironically, hes been the best
invisible dad anyone could ever have. If only I had a brother or a sister.

I opened the fridge and saw nothing, just a box of milk that seems to be there
almost a month now. I didnt dare to open and smell it. I opened all the kitchen
cabinets and drawers but
theres nothing left. When I read the note pinned on the fridges door I sighed.
GROCERY TIME.

I wonder what shes doing now. Has she woken up? Is there food in her fridge? Has
she eaten? It would be nice if I knew where she lives. Whenever we both walk out
that train she almost always vanish that I couldnt trace where she had gone.

Plus it didnt come to my mind, not until now to follow her home. Thats considered
stalking. And I dont want to creep her out.

I grab my car keys but hesitated. Ill go to the market in a while, Ill first go
out like I always do on a Saturday morning. I locked the house and made my way to
my bicycle. I usually just cruise around the neighborhood. But the cold breeze of
the wind and the light touches of the sun made it nice to explore once in a while.
I probably would have pedaled pass her had I not memorized that streaks in her
hair. I was just pedaling really, not minding where my bike will take me, only to
find out that Ill see her here.

Her hair isnt straightened as always when shes in school. No. Now, soft curls
fall down her face perfectly its as if she's been prettier than she was before,
like that is ever possible.

Shes wearing a dress that suits her perfectly. The color accentuated her eyes.
When did I ever notice that? How is it possible that I notice almost everything
about this girl. I wasnt this much appreciative before.

I was so deep in my thoughts when all of a sudden the papers shes been holding and
reading when I first saw her just suddenly fell out from her grasp and flew to my
direction. I was about to leave when I noticed that one page is staring at me just
below my feet.

Do You (Yiruma). It has notes all over it. I bent over and took it when I stood
back up shes now right in front of me.

Thanks. She said. Shes just about to run for it but I stopped her. I was shocked
about what I did too, but dropping her hand all of a sudden will be too awkward.

Where are you going? Nice Wayland. You only want to know one thing, her name. And
you ask her where shes going?!

Im sorry but I really have to go. Im late for my recital. Her hands quickly
fell from my grasp and she ran away and hailed a cab. I was about to go after her
when a familiar voice came.

Wayland! What are you doing here?

Kyle! I was just cruising.

He smiled widely as if he just caught his prey, Great. We have practice today.

But

No buts Aiden Wayland. Im team captain, youve been skipping practice since last
week. That was so not you!

I almost laughed. True I had been practicing nonstop with Kyle and the rest of the
team, since I dont have a life then. I still dont have a life now, its just that
I wanted to get to know her more.

I have no choice but to follow Kyle. Since its already impossible to track down
the taxi that she hailed. It would have been nice though, to see her play.

Practice wasnt easy, Kyle has been strict than ever. His obsession about winning
has gotten worse, especially now that Luis Sandrov is our next opponent. Luis is a
badas$ sh1t who thinks that hes a gift of gods to girls. He walks as if hes
walking on air. I hate that guys guts. I hate the fact that he is breathing my
air!

When all our energy has been drained out its nearing evening. 5:45 to be exact. I
was halfway to the train station when I realized I had ridden my bike all the way
to the gym, but its getting dark and I still have to take a quick stop at the
grocery store. I'll just get it back tomorrow.

I hurried out to the grocery store and immediately ran back in when I noticed I
havent bought the strawberries that I give her everyday. It took me 20 minutes
just to pay 4 boxes of strawberries. When I reached the station theres almost no
one there.

When the train arrived I immediately rushed in and then I saw her. Her head is
leaned against the seat, her eyes closed. Shes sleeping so serenely that I had the
urge to plead the lady beside her to move aside so I can sit beside her.

Shes now wearing a petticoat that covers her dress awhile back. Her hair is
already tied at the back of her head but small amounts of tendrils falls perfectly
in her face. How is that possible, I asked myself. How is it ever possible that one
can look so perfect even when asleep?

I took out my phone and did the very first thing Id done in my existence, I took
her picture secretly. The train then stopped and the voice just announced Last
stop, San Andreas. All passengers please check all your belongings before you leave
the train. Thank you.

I was about to move forward and wake her up since shes still sleeping. But a
familiar tall guy made it there first and I stood there frozen as I watched Luis
Sandrov touch the girls shoulders and wake her up.

When I reached home I immediately dialed for pizza delivery and went straight to my
room to search for Yirumas Do You.

It is a sweet song really but the thought of Luis Sandrov waking her up and having
to see her beautiful brown eyes angered me. I feel hot all over and all I want to
do is shove Luis Sandrovs face (if he has one) straight down to his as$. Or just
flush him in the toilet whole.

But theres nothing to be worried about. I convinced myself, because when someone
touched her, she suddenly jerked upright and ran and as usual she vanished again.

I clicked repeat and tried to listen to the notes and when I did. I grabbed the
violin sitting above my book shelf with dust already covering the strings. It will
be the first time that I will play it again ever since my mom died.
When I played the first verse I felt relieved that after all these years I can
still play. And all of a sudden, an unfamiliar rush of possessiveness seeped
through my veins and into my heart.

I looked at her picture and swore that I will never let any other guy, especially
Luis Sandrov, come near her again.
Day 4: Her Smile

Youll probably think Im crazy but Id rather see her smile first than know her
name. Ive seen her a lot of times now, its been three days that I try to notice
everything about her but I havent seen her smile since.

I wonder how she looks like when she smiles.

Its Monday but I didnt see her ride the train, I waited for her until I am about
5 minutes late for my first subject but she didn't come. I wonder why. Did she
arrive here early and took the earlier train? Did I arrive here late? Or has she
noticed that Im always there wherever she is that shes trying to avoid me? I
hoped against all hope that it isnt the latter.

The train ride to school has been the longest train ride Ive ever been in ever
since I met her. And I wonder how time can slip so fast when Im with her and how
it can slow whenever shes not here. I look at the vacant seat where she usually
sits. It was as if its made only for her.

I imagined her long black hair with brown highlights, how it flows gently down her
face. I imagined the detail of her face, her big and round eyes the deepest brown
Ive ever laid eyes on. Her perfectly shaped nose and her thin lips. How can one
look as if she were perfectly molded by an artist?

I decided to take the long route to my classroom, the route where I can pass her
classroom but like the seat on the train her chair (fourth row besides the window)
is empty as well.

Seeing those two empty spaces where I usually see her made me feel uneasy. Why
isnt she here? Where is she? I waited for four long hours till lunch period but
she still isnt there. I let Kyle have the strawberries, telling him that some girl
gave it to me not admitting that it is the other way around.

I just dont get how I can not tell my best friend about her. Maybe if I did, hell
even help me to know her name. But I have been a coward. I never once admitted to
Kyle that I like, as in LIKE, someone. Probably because I only dated those who
showed their interest on me first.

Not seeing her open her locker feels like something is missing from my everyday
routine. Not having to secretly place the strawberries in front of her locker feels
like a big part of me has gone some place far and I can only have it back when I
see her.
Aiden! I slapped myself mentally. She is just a girl. No more, no less. You just
find her pretty. You just find her interesting. You just find her unbelievable
beyond words. But that doesnt mean that you wont have a life when shes not
around. Get a grip, Aiden! Find a life! Or at least restore your old one.

I can hear my brain screaming those words while my heart tells otherwise. I had
this urge of screaming just to make them stop but if I did students will have to
put me on a straightjacket afterwards.

Where is she?

Who?

All of a sudden Kyle appear in front of me his face just a few inches from mine.
The F Dude!

He laughed, If you continue acting like that Wayland Ill suspect youre already
falling for someone. And falling hard man.

I ignored him and then started walking.

You know I aint your best friend for nothing.

I've been through this conversation with Kyle Fritzburg and believe me when I tell
you that it isn't easy to think of a brilliant solution to duck your way out of his
inquisitive eyes.

Spill Wayland.

Oh look Samantha Reese is waving at you!

His neck reflexes are as fast as lightning and I ran as fast as I could. When he
turned around he yelled, Youre not going to get away with this Wayland. Ill bust
you!

I know he will. But I hope it wont be soon. The bell rang signaling us to go
straight to our next class, but Im not feeling on sitting in Chemistry class for
an hour and a half so I decided to skip.

I went straight to the music room not knowing why on earth would I go there. It is
my first time that I entered the room empty. Rows and rows of seats are arranged as
uniformly where rows are elevated at the back. The grand piano is situated near the
center of the stage and some musical instruments just lay around the stage as if
waiting to be played.
The long walk to the stage was surprisingly long, thinking that it seems like it is
only any other room in our class. When I reached the stage I grabbed the violin and
played the song Ive been practicing since last night.

And then I remember her, her face as crystal clear as Id ever imagined. Her long
hair that smelled of strawberries. She is standing there by the door, smiling. Her
face just lit up when I started playing. She seemed real, I can even smell her. How
can she look so perfect even in my imagination?

And then she moved, I stopped playing and shes still there. Her smile beginning to
fade.

I didn't know you can play violin Aiden Wayland.

And before I can even digest her presence, before I can even ask her name, before I
can even say thank you. She left with the door swinging ajar letting me know that
it isnt just my imagination playing tricks on me.

She's been there...

and the best part....

She knows my name.

Day 5: Confessions

I battled all pros and cons into telling Kyle. True weve been best friends for
over 98098324 years, but my telling of a girl that I like is a first for both of
us. Sure we talked about girls, the pretty ones, the sexy ones, the ones you want
to date for some time, the ones you dont want to date even for a day but not the
ones who have potential, not the ones who might be the one youd want to spend the
rest of your life with.

I know Im acting strange and almost lovey-dovey but when I think of the girl I
want to spend all my time and efforts on, I cant help but envision our future
together. Call me old school but thats how I feel about her. I THINK.

Yes I know its absurd too that Im seeing her in my future when I dont even know
her name. Believe me I tried too many times to ask her. Too many times to approach
her. Too many times just to say hi to her. But how can you possibly talk to that
one person youve searched your whole life to?

If you are in my position Id tell surely enough that you feel the same fear as I
do. Who wouldnt? The girl you never knew youll meet just suddenly pops out right
in front of your life as if fate pushed her right in front of your eyes. Waving her
in front of your face with fate almost shouting "Come and get me!"

I looked at Kyle who just drank his whole bottle of Gatorade with just one gulp.
Should I tell him? Maybe hell knock some sense into me when I did. Fudge! Im like
a lunatic! Im becoming a lunatic.

If I tell you this will you promise not to laugh?

HEY! Kyle stood up waving his hand to the rest of the team, Practice is over! Go
home!

I looked at him quizzically and then I stood up and reached for my towel when he
threw the ball in my face.

Whats your problem?! I said outraged, after ignoring me he tops it up with

dilapidating my face.

I thought youre about to say something.

I narrowed my eyes, I thought you said practice is over?

O great Wayland now youre dumb too. Great. Just great.

I've never felt so lost in my whole life.

Dude I told them to go home since youll tell me your deepest darkest secret. You
dont want the whole team to hear your love story right?

I sighed in relief. What am I thinking? What have I become? With just one girl my
whole identity changed I cant even think straight!

You promise not to laugh?

Dude, laughing is an involuntary emotion, I can try not to but it will definitely
reflect in my face if I force myself not to let it out.

Hes right. Many times I promised not to laugh when hes about to tell me something
embarrassing but I always fail to do so.

So theres this girl.

Yes Wayland I figure that out. I had the urge of slamming my towel in his face
but doing that will not help me unburden my girl problems so I fight the urge
instead.

I cant stop thinking about her. Shes so perfectly made. I look at her and wonder
how can someone look that beautiful and the rest of the world couldnt even
compare. I wait for her everyday but I havent even have one long conversation with
her. I stopped, Kyle is looking at me intently I thought he was about to laugh but
he didnt.

Whats her name?

I sighed, That I do not know.

He slammed the ball in my head so strong it seems like it just got dislocated from
my neck. WHATS THAT FOR!!

I know we have the same type Aiden Wayland, but trust me when I say I have enough
decency in my being that I will never steal her away from you. Plus I wouldnt even
try, youre Aiden Wayland.!

He stopped and then eyed me suspiciously, Is she Samantha Reese?

After saying that his face contorted into a nasty frown his fists ready to fight
with all his might. The same anger I felt when Luis Sandrov touched her. What I
feel for the girl, she also feels for Samantha Reese.

No. I told you I dont know her name! he breathe a sigh of relief and smiled once
again.

My heart stopped for a moment there I thought it was Samantha. Does she go here?

Yes. She just transferred I think. I saw her riding the same train as mine a few
days ago. Five days to be exact.

Move man, move before someone gets to see how awesome she is and all of a sudden
he takes her away from you and she's gone. The first girl you ever liked, gone,
without even knowing her name.
I smirked, When youre able to get Samanthas number I swear Ill march up to her
and ask her name.

He smiled. Deal.

I walked to the train station, my conversation with Kyle plastered clearly in my

mind. I hope he doesnt have to ask Samanthas number soon.

When I reached the station, shes there. Waiting a few steps back at the yellow
line. When the train arrived I did the usual, and the sudden brush of her hair in
my skin electrified me.

She leaned her head back in her seat and within seconds she is asleep. It was on
the fifth day that I breathe all of earths courage and sat beside her in the
train. I waved my hand in front of her face, theres no response. Only the weird
looks that people are darting in my direction. I didn't care.

I placed her head on my shoulders and I suddenly have this certain feeling that she
belongs with me. That our hands when intertwined will be perfectly fitted. For that
one crazy moment I swore I felt that she is made just for me.

When the train is nearing our stop I placed her head carefully back to where she
first leaned it. so carefully she wouldnt even suspect a thing. I stood up and
went back to where I stand. The usual place where I can just peacefully look at
her. When the train stopped she didnt even noticed when she bumped at me.

I didnt stop there, instead I let the doors close and I sit where she was seated
awhile back. I relieved that moment when her head is peacefully resting on my
shoulders.

It was perfect.

It was, if not the happiest, the best 10 minutes of my life.

Day 6: A Day in Chains

I didnt have the chance to sleep that night. All I ever did was to recall
everything, the scent of her hair, the touch of her head on my shoulders. It was a
perfect set up. Only she hadnt had a clue onto what was going on.

Today is our College Day. I seriously dont get why we need to put up to all of
this crap when we already experienced every bits of it during highschool,
foundation day. I try to recall foundation day and no matter which sides I look it
still sucked like sh1t. Forgive my barbaric choice of words. But it sucked.
Seriously.

I got chained up with my highschool crush then but youre not supposed to talk to
them! You are not supposed to talk to them in your 30 minutes of being chained up!
WHAT IS THAT?! And oh, I got married too.

It isnt a regular school day so it surprised me that when I reached the stop shes
already there. Sitting with her hair tied up in a messy ponytail. She is wearing a
gray shirt that tells on how much she loves her section. I tried to step back to
see if her name is written on the back. It wasnt. But her class number is 10. Same
as mine.

When the train arrived she didnt move, so I decided to walk pass her. She didnt
seem to notice.

Youre not going? I asked more to myself, but Im desperately hoping she heard
it.

She looked at me and blink twice, Oh no. Go ahead Im waiting for someone.

I hesitated but it will look really weird if I get to wait for someone too when Im
obviously about to board the train. Think Aiden! This isnt Algebra.

You better hurry the doors will close soon. I felt a huge stab in my heart. Like
a samurai just sliced open my chest and someone took my heart and threw it several
times on the ground. How can she say that? It was as if shes trying to shoo me
away.

Youre being exaggerated Aiden! Listen to yourself! You sound like a frickin
teenage girl who keeps on complaining that shes fat when shes as thin as paper.
That doesnt make any sense.

I rode the train though. I didnt think of a better comeback for that. When the
doors closed I saw Luis Sandrov arrive, the girl motioned for the train but it
already left. By any chance was she waiting for Luis Sandrov?

It wasnt anybodys fault but mine. Why Luis got to date her first before me even
if I know I knew her longer. It was because I was too scared to ask her name. It
was because I have been contented with merely stares instead of urging myself to
sit beside her and talk. Because really if I havent been that stupid I think I
might have a chance with her. Too late though.

When I reached school I saw Kyle waiting for me by the gates. He probably can tell
that I am gloomy.

Whats with the long face?

Oh nothing. Its just that the girl I like might be seeing Luis Sandrov.

How can you just let that happen?

I know. Ive asked that a million of times on my way here. But I always end up with
my answer. It was because Im too slow!

Im working on the chains department man! You?

Wedding dept. Who does this sh1t?

He laughed. You did Aiden. Once. Senior year. You were married to a girl who has
more braces than teeth and you even kissed her.

I cringe in that memory. Not that shes ugly, shes pretty really. All girls are.
Its just that the way she looks at me as if shes going to eat me is just plain
weird.

Yes Kyle. Like Id like to remember that.

He just laughed and patted my back. When I see Luis Sandrov with your girl Ill
make sure he ends up in the jail booth and she ends up chained with you.

Like that will ever happen. We parted ways. I headed to my assigned department and
had a total flashback about our highschools foundation day. It was fun. And Im
hoping that it will be fun here too.

People are now starting to gather and the distant echo of the Dedication Department
is sending shivers on my spine. How can someone pluck that courage and let the
whole world know how much one likes the other? Where did all my courage go?

I was about to sit down and sulk when Megan, our head pulled me towards the chain
department.

Whats the matter with you?!

Shut up Wayland. Your popularity is widely known and youre helping us raise
money. She smiled and handed me to Kyle.

He smiled widely at me and mouthed not to look. What the heck is the worlds
problem?!

When I turned around I am now chained with her. And Luis Sandrov is inside the
jailbooth.
Hey! I dont even go here! Im not even wearing black! How did I end up here?!

I know youre not wearing anything black SANDROV! Im not blind. But your soul is!
Shut up! One more word or youll stay there for an hour. Kyle turned back to me
his angry scowl now replaced with a grin.

So, 30 minutes it is. No talking. ABSOLUTELY NO TALKING or the money you paid for
this will completely be put to waste.

Our school has been doing this annually; we dont talk while chained up because we
honor those kids who cannot speak. Those who are traumatized to even start
speaking, those who are born mute and those who just suddenly stopped.

Kyle shooed us off and when no ones looking he gave me a thumbs up.

She gestured that we sit by the benches and we did. She picked up a twig and wrote
something on the ground. (They're not talking. They're just writing on the ground.
))

Im sorry. I didnt know why I ended up being chained with you. I didnt pay for
it. I know you didnt too. After writing it she waited 3 seconds for me to read it
and she erased it with her foot.

Kyle does that randomly sometimes. I wrote back. I cursed my sloppy handwriting.

Can we just sit here and wait till its over?

Sure. It is better this way. Rather than aimlessly walking around campus.

So you were waiting for Luis Sandrov huh?

She looked at me and smiled. Her eyes crinkled a little, it was as if she saw
jealousy written all over my penmanship.

How can I wait for him? Hes our schools rival. She said and then gestured on
shooting a ball.

How can someone be so cute and animated at the same time?

I know Im smiling like an idiot now but who cares? This is the best day of my life
even if were not talking.

And then all of a sudden Coldplays Yellow started playing from the dedication
department. We looked at each other as if on cue and pointed at the same time at
the dedication booth.

Thats my favorite song! she scribbled fast.

Me too. I wrote back. And some weird thought just popped randomly in my mind.

Want to dance?

She looked at me, her face all lit up. It was as if I am asking her to prom rather
than asking her to dance right in the middle of the campus with students walking
here and there talking why Aiden Wayland is chained up with the new girl.

People are talking though. She wrote back.

I grabbed the stick from her and threw it. I placed my hand on my cheeks and turned
back to the Chain Department so they wouldnt see me move my lips.

Who cares. I mouthed.

I stood up and reach for her hand. She grabbed it and stood up as well. I placed my
other hand on her hips while she places hers on my shoulders.

We danced until the song finished. People are talking but we didnt care. We just
swayed pointlessly under the raging sun, with coldplay as our background song. We
laughed like idiots and twirled until our wrists hurt.

The song ended. Our 30 minutes did too. When our chains were unlocked she smiled at
me and said. I had fun Aiden.

Me too. And then she left.

I have a pretty good reason why I didnt ask her name today. It isnt because I am
shy or scared. No its not that. And perhaps Kyle already asked who she was right?
So I better not ask this time.

Because if I did. Once I open my mouth and ask her name, Im sure it will lose all
the magic we had for the past 30 minutes.

I dont want that.

I want this day to be perfect.
Day 7: The Right Moment

Yesterdays event in the chain booth became so popular that girls who paid hundreds
just to get chained with me expected that I dance to each and one of them under the
raging sun. My wrists, both left and right, are all red from all the chains that
are being placed on me nonstop after the dancing incident.

Often times she passed by me and smile. She did once, when I was chained with a
girl who talks mostly about hair and nails. She smiled, and pointed on the girl
chained to me, she raised her hand and gestured that the one chained on me is
talkative. I couldnt agree more. When we both pass by with each other we just
smile, it was as if we are sharing some secret jokes.

When I am already chain free, I ran towards Kyles jailbooth and begged him to let
me and my poor wrist take a rest.

I dont get you man. He said shaking his head, as if I did something really bad.
I chained you with her, you didnt ask her name. And now many girls are already
piling in front of you and you still look at her and smile.

Supposed youre in my position, for some weird circumstances Samantha Reese got
chained to you, and somehow you felt that certain connection. Youve seen her all
the time and never got the chance to know her name. and you talk to her as if
youve known each other forever and then at one certain moment you ask her name all
of a sudden. What will you think might happen next?

Kyle looked at me and raised his eyebrows, the thing he always does when
concentrating on something. Ok I got your point. But how can you not research
something about her. Coz dude really, a name is such a basic thing.

I know. Ill find a way. Just then, Lauren, our batchs governor walked straight
to the booth with Samantha Reese.

Kyle looked at me, his eyes displaying some vague expression that I could almost
associate with hurt and betrayal.

Sorry Kyle but I think Aiden will be the one here in the jailbooth for a while.
Lauren snapped the chains in Kyles wrists too hard that he yelped in pain.

Watch it Sinclaire. He said, red with embarrassment.

No talking Fitzburg, you know the rules. And oh. Lauren then looked at me, well
not really since her gaze isnt focused really on my eyes. I just want to warn you
that I will be chained to you after 30 minutes. She stopped and then played with
her hands, Nothing to w-worry about really. I- I mean my friends knew I had a
huge stops and fidgets, You know, crush

I laughed. Wow seriously? Lauren Sinclaire? This is the very first time Ive ever
seen you fidget and stutter!

She slapped me hard on the arm and I pretended to be hurt. She just smiled. I
just you know want to tell you that. She looked at me one last time then left.

I laughed, I cant believe Lauren Sinclaire has a crush on me. Seriously all I ever
thought is that her love will always be Math. I gazed at Samantha and Kyle who are
now just a few meters away from me.

I try hard not to laugh all by myself really, more often than not they walk to the
opposite direction and all of a sudden the chain comes yanking them both back
together making them scratch their heads and (you wouldnt believe this) smile.

And then I saw her. Shes chained with Luis Sandrov, but you know what I dont
mind. Well, a little I guess. But nothing really terrifying unlike before. I saw
him offering her a hand and gesturing her to dance. She shook her head in reply.

Luis sat down furiously and started to write something on the ground. This guy
doesnt really have a sense of originality. She must be really interested in me,
you know, we wrote short conversations on the ground, we laughed together as if
were actually talking, we even danced.

Maybe she just doesnt want to associate with the enemy and its just a nice thing
to do to be polite to people, especially, me.

I sighed. Thirty minutes had passed and Kyle almost rushed towards me, his hands
extended in front of him. It took me a few minutes to realize that he wants me to
look at it. Written on his arm is Samanthas name, under it, her number.

WOW DUDE! I said and offered him a high five.

He just smiled there foolishly without even talking. This mustve been the happiest
day of his life.

Lauren was chained to me after that. This time, we texted. Lauren is one of the few
girls whom I respect. She beautiful, nice and smart so it has always been a mystery
to me why we never dated. When I was chained to her thats when I realized the
answer, Lauren was too shy to even start a conversation with me.

Sorry. She texted, I looked at her and her face is almost apologetic.

No biggie Lauren. Were friends you know that. It took her about 2 minutes to
read that.

I noticed youre always staring at the new girl.

You know her name?

No. Sorry. You know Im not always friendly. I laughed.

Well, yeah, but Im having a hard time confronting her.

Why would you be? Its obvious that she likes you too.

I sighed. You think?

Im a girl Aiden. I know when one of my specie has a crush on another different
species.

Thirty minutes seem to pass by so quickly with Lauren, all we ever did was talk
about the new girl, joke about the students and laughed about almost everything. I
tried to compare the time being with Lauren and the time with her. Both have been
fun, but theres something about Lauren that makes everything felt platonic.

The long ride to the train stop seems to move particularly slowly. When I reached
the stop the train doors are almost closing. Fortunately I made my way in.

Ive been thinking too much about what Lauren had said when our thirty minutes are
over.

You should ask her name Aiden, you should tell her how you feel before someone
else did. There was one time when I didnt tell someone I like him and now hes
crushing on to someone else. I often wonder what if I came first before her, but
you know the saddest thing about what ifs? They will never happen no matter how
much you try.

When I reached my stop I felt a hand on my arm.

It was her.

Hey Aiden. Have a safe trip on your way home.

She waved at me and almost left, Laurens voice echoing in my head.

Wait.
She stopped and looked at me.

You too.

Fvck! Wayland!!!! Why are you acting like this!! Ask her name!!!

Take care.

I slapped myself strongly in my head that it almost felt real. She just nodded and
walked away. I was silently cursing when all of a sudden she turned back to me
again, almost hesitant to even speak.

Its Lian by the way

she stopped and looked way past me.

Lian Greene. In case you dont know.

Day 8: The Twist

Waking up the next day, seeing my same old airplanes hanging on the ceiling, it
feels like everything that happened yesterday was just from last nights dream.
Usually Id wake up just 30 minutes before school starts, but I feel like waking up
an hour and a half thinking that in just an hour or so Ill see Lian Greene again.

I went down the kitchen and to my surprise my dad is still there. He took his
coffee and sat at one of the stools in the kitchen counter. His eyes looked like he
didnt sleep for a year.
He smiled though, that reassuring Im-not-tired-at-all-no-need-to-worry smile that
says . Hows school Aiden? he asked while spreading butter in his toast.

Fine. I answered filling my glass with juice. Dont work too hard for your case
dad. I can almost drag your eyes out from your socket.

You are unbelievably early today. He said ignoring my nagging. Its funny how
things can turn upside down once in a while in our home. One minute dads being all
stern about bringing friends over and the next Im the one nagging him for not
taking care of himself.

Stop changing the subject Dad. I said gulping my orange juice and pretended to be
in a hurry.

Come on Aiden; give your old man a break. And I should be the one asking questions
around here. We both laughed.

Dad I started but rather hesitant to talk to him about Lian. I played with my
glass for awhile trying to weigh the pros and cons into asking him some advice.

Girl problem? Great. So the father instinct is as strong as that of moms.

Well not really. The problem is Im too shy when it comes to her. I get tongue-
tied. Shes just too beautiful. Too perfect. I said seriously but then he laughed.
Great. I shouldve kept my mouth shut.

Nice Dad! I said pissed. But he just sits there and continued laughing. When I
stood up and ready to bail he stopped me.

No one is too perfect Aiden. But you know what? I felt the same way about your
mother. She was even the one who marched straight to me and asked my name. I have
been looking and admiring her from a distance for five years Aiden, and one day she
just walked straight to me. Told me she waited for me five years long that she felt
the need to do it herself.

Its true what they say then, even love stories can be genetic. Will I have to wait
for five years? Will I follow dads storyline as well? Or will I create my own
movie?

But you know what son. I wouldve been the one who walked straight to her. I
wouldve been the one who marched up in front of her, if it had been that way, I
wouldve spent five more years with her. Five supposedly amazing years lost because
I didnt even have the courage to ask her name.

Breakfast ended there, we didnt notice we were talking so much that it almost made
my dad spill coffee all over his shirt. I walked to the train station with at least
45 minutes to spare. I have to think, to gather the courage in case I see her
there.
She wasnt though. I looked at the boxes of strawberries in my hands, time to give
it in person I convinced myself. She isnt there in her locker when I arrived.

I didnt risk the chance of my gathered courage just by looking at her. No! Its
not advisable! Seeing her means losing courage again.

Time seems to past by so fast I didnt realized it is already lunch time. I took
the strawberries out my bag and breathe deeply. You can do it Aiden! Youve talked
to her twice, youve already been exchanging smiles with her, heck, you even asked
her to dance. Chill! Chill Aiden!

Just then someone stole the boxes out from my grasp and just when Kyle is about to
open it.

KYLE STOP! the corridor was silent for awhile. Everybody just stopped walking and
started looking at me, confusion written all over their faces. Seriously,
Westville University students, are all of you named Kyle Fitzburg?

They started walking when they realized that there isnt anything to worry about.

Whore they from? he said smirking.

Im the one giving them ok!

AHAH! So you lied! You do have a mushy side!

Just move ok man? I have to do this alone.

He patted my back and just gave my shoulders a nudge, I know how it feels man.
Just go get her, ok? Make me proud WAYLAND!

When I reached her locker she isnt there, I waited for about 10 minutes but she
didnt come. I walked straight to her classroom but her seat by the window is empty
as well. When a girl went out I suddenly grabbed her hand just to stop her.

Hey, have you seen Lian Greene? I asked.

Her face crimson red when she realized that Im holding her arm, I decided to let
go.
She transferred to another school.

Thats all she said.

Transferred.
One insignificant word

that changes everything.

Transferred Wayland!

Perfect timing.
Day 9: Could Have Been

They were wrong when they said that the two saddest words in the English Language
are what ifs. No. There are three. And although it seems to me that they are
somewhat related it still hits every nerve ending in my body and it just hurts. It
is the could have beens that hurt the most, the supposedly aftermath of what ifs.

I didnt feel the need to go to school. There is this certain feeling in my heart
that seems to build up and clouds every part of it that it just ceased to beat. My
chest ached so much that I can feel it, that it almost seemed to me that I have a
heart condition.

So what do guys do during this brokenhearted phase? I know girls can cry their
hearts out. But what do guys do? Especially those allergic to anything with
alcohol.

How could I just let her pass by without even trying my best? I tried calling every
school just to know if Iris Greene enrolled in their school, most of them answered
none, and the rest told me that they cannot give information of student enrollees
to strangers.

Strangers. Not even friends. Not even colleagues. How can she move so fast? She
just transferred. Why did she have to leave so soon.

Is this a test? A lesson? Something that happened just so I can learn something?
Was she the person that Ill have to know and forget to know because the heavens
only sent her as my teacher? How can fate be so cruel?

So many things couldve happened. So many things instead of leaving without a

trace. Why this? Why now?

I remember that very first day I saw her, her scent, her voice, her face. All of it
I memorized with one single glance. I couldve moved right beside her and say that
shes familiar, and shell answer that we go to the same school. In that very first
day I couldve asked her name, couldve gotten her number, couldve walked her
home.

But I depended too much on tomorrows that I completely forgot about my todays.
There were plenty of times when I couldve just marched in front of her and ask her
out. Im Aiden Wayland for crying out loud. But the feeling of 'first time' built
up this huge wall of fear, clear as glass. That when things turned out otherwise
the pieces would just shatter and cut right into my ego.

It did shatter. But it didnt tear my ego in halves; instead it punctured every
part of my heart. Yes, even the arteries.

Wayland! I almost fell out from my bed when I heard Kyle call from what I
suspect, just right above my bedroom. I heard his loud footsteps towards my room.

He opened my door with a bang.

Oh sheez! You look awful! he said sitting across my bed and pulling the blanket
off me.

Yeah right. As if he doesn't look as awful as me, even with his uniform on.

Arent you supposed to be in school? I raised my eyebrows in puzzlement. He is

wearing our uniform, and the last time I check this isnt Westville University.

And you get to ask? Why are you not in school? he said removing his shoe and
rests his feet on my bed while slouching in my bean bag. A posture I knew ever
since I met him.

I dont feel like going. I answered back while looking at the moving airplanes
about me.

Same. He answered then sighed. Your airplanes are awesome Wayland, I never
appreciated it until now.

Thanks. I dont really feel like talking. There is this some huge cloud stuck in
my throat descending down my lungs each time I speak.
So she just left? it oftentimes scares me how Kyle can know me inside and out.
He knows me more than I know myself.

Yeah. I replied silently.

I got ditched too. He is now playing catch on his own, throwing the ball up and
catching it with a baseball gloved hand.

Sucks. I said, not really knowing whether Im saying it to him or to myself.

I know. He threw the ball up again knocking one of my planes then he bolted
upright without catching the ball creating a loud thud that almost sounded as an
explosion.

And you know the fvck-est part? She ditched me and then dated Luis Sandrov.
Sandrov of all people! he lied back again and then took off the glove in his hand.

Maybe love life isnt our thing.

Well fvck love! I dont want it anymore.

Same with me.

I really dont get it.

What?

People always say that theres this someone out there for you. How come when I
found mine turns out I am not the one for her? It just sucks!

I smiled. Not the happy smile. Not the letting go and moving on smile (because
seriously that will be premature). The sad one.

Theyre all liars, I get that.

Well you know what Im going to do? Ill go straight to all authors,
scriptwriters, songwriters and movie makers who blinded us with such bullsh1t and
yell right in their eardrums that there is no one out there for them until they go
deaf!

It was only James Blunt who told the truth. Only lucky people find who theyre
looking for.

Fvck them! Let them live somewhere else! It sounds racist to me!

We ran out of swear words that day. Ran out of spiteful words to say to those who
made us believe that in time well find someone only to have our hearts broken the
next day. It sounds childish and high school-ish but I guess everyone have been
through that.
I tried summing up my feelings into one word. But I cant. Stranded is too storm-
ish. Betrayal is too deep. Hurt is too light. Broken is too clich. So I ended up
with this:

There is this girl who left, and nothing has ever been the same.
Day 10: The Goodbyes

It was on the tenth day when I saw her again, her familiar brown streaks flowing
freely with the wind. And it pains me seeing her smiling when all I ever did was
sulk when she left.

It just happened really; I just talked to Kyle and promised that Ill attend school
come Monday. It wont be good to have many absences especially for a graduating
Architecture student such myself. It was a random action really, when all of a
sudden I realized I was pedaling my way out of town and towards the place where I
once saw Lian.

Maybe it was fate that brought me there or maybe it was just mere coincidence. Some
weird instances that the gods want to throw at me just because theyre bored.

I recognized from afar that she cut her hair just a few inches below her shoulder
blades. She still looks pretty no matter the hair length. I missed her really. I
pulled out the pencil and a piece of paper that I usually take with me. I dont
know why I easily forget things so it helps to jot them down.

From afar I tried drawing her face but even without her sitting there I can still
picture perfectly the face Ive memorized at least about 10 days ago. Ive never
drew a face before, it has always been landscapes. So I tried to draw every detail
around her, every single that radiated because shes there.

When I finished I walked straight to her. This is it Wayland. Nows your chance.
You wouldnt have a second chance after this. You already ran out of chances
without even giving your all.

I leaned my bike at the bike rack and started walking towards her, my drawing
clenched tightly in my hands. I loosened my hold a little bit afraid that I might
crumple the paper even before reaching her.

I sat beside her without talking, well not beside her literally just at the edge of
the bench. I relaxed my back and breathed out. Inhaling the air, inhaling her
presence.
Youre supposed to be in school Aiden Wayland. She is not looking at me rather
she is looking down at her hands. I tried to record and save that one sentence
where she mentioned my whole name. I like how she says my name, too bad this will
be the last time.

Arent you supposed to be in school too? Fvck Wayland! And you pretend you dont
know that she quit school??! Thats just sad!

I stopped. She answered.

I know.

I was about to tell her about the strawberries when all of a sudden she stood up
and stopped a guy, I saw a while ago sitting under the sycamore tree. Talking. Yes
he was talking to a grave.

Excuse me, was she your girlfriend?

Is she curious about this guy right now? Sure hes handsome and all but seriously
no I cant think of a better way to ridicule a guy who just lost a girlfriend.

She still is. He said.

Lian looked at him in admiration, smiled and gave him a pat on the shoulders, Ann
Llanza, I read her name once while walking pass by. Shes lucky.

The guy just smiled at her though his eyes showed how much sadness her girlfriends
death gave him. No." he paused and then continued, "I was.

He left. Lian sat back at the bench and looked at me. You know, there was never a
single day that he doesnt come by and talk to her. She said looking at a grave
under a sycamore tree. I dont think its ever possible to surpass a love like
that.

Speaking of declarations of love I handed her my drawing. She looked at me confused

but I her reaction after she looked at it is undeniably breathtaking.

Its beautiful. Thank you.

So where did you transferred?

She looked at me and smiled, as if her transferring is something to smile about,

How did you know that?
Well heres the thing Lian here it goes, I was the one leaving you boxes of
strawberries. One confession and the rest has been said.

I know.

She said as another smile played at her lips. Thats how I knew your name. I just
saw you place them there and then started sprinting. I actually thought youd
confess when I asked you that one time I saw you near my locker.

It was the first time we ever talked. We both said at the same time. We looked at
each other and laughed.

Can you believe it were talking about something that happened just a few days
ago? It felt like years to be honest. Like I've known you all my life.

Funny really.

There was really nothing to say, I think that even if I dont tell her, she already
knows that I like her.

You probably didnt know this but when I knew that we both ride the same train to
and from school I secretly adjusted my time so Ill see you there everytime. I even
waited for you once after your basketball practice.

Her confession was simple, she just sits there, talking as if what shes saying is
just something girls talk about all the time.

I know its funny why Im saying this to you now. but seeing that guy visit her
girlfriend everyday without fail I just realized how life can be so short and how
some things can just happen that can change the course of your fate forever.

She looks at me and smiled, Not that I want you dead.

Heres the funny thing Lian. I came here to tell you the same thing.

She looked at me puzzled.

You came all the way here just to tell me that life is short?

That I like you.

She then edged closer beside me and placed her hand on top of mine. We sat like
that for a while.

Im leaving Aiden and I dont know if Im ever coming back.

Every story has an end. But in life every end is just a new beginning. -unknown

The closing door of the train has been all too familiar that it pains me to see it
close every time. When will she ever come through that door again?

I tried to live my life normally when she left. Passed my grades, studied hard and
graduated. Oftentimes I go extra early to the subway just to realize that I will
never see her again. Oftentimes I pedal by the park just to see a familiar girl
with brown streaks on her hair, only to be sad and disappointed that no ones
really there.

10 seconds. 10 minutes. 10 hours. 10 days. 10 months had passed and I'm still here
waiting. Waiting for uncertainty. As if being 'torpe' isn't enough as a bad trait.

Train one heading to San Andreas will board in a few minutes. Please watch for the
closing doors.

WAIT!

Great! Just great! Just when I am trying to forget. When she passed by she
accidentally bumped my arm sending my resume all over the train.

Can this day get any worse?

I bent down to reach them, and all of a sudden, an all too familiar scent breezed
through with the air.

Lian Greene is right in front of me.

I touched her face just to make sure.
She smiled.

"Hi, I'm Aiden Wayland. Have we met before?"

We both stood up staring at each other as if the world has just stopped spinning,
people stopped moving and every living and non living thing ceased from making
noise.

"I thought you'd never ask."

Seeing her familiar face, her sweet smile, and her strawberry scented hair I
realized; it didn't take me 10 days to get to know her and fall in love. No. It
didn't take me that long. There is this magical force (that people often say isn't
real) that happened. And yes, it is love at first sight.

That the very first time I saw her pass through that train door, I knew.
I just knew.

That her hands will be the hands I'll hold forever.

~End~

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