Taste of Life

Epilogue (1)

Eli's POV

I don't remember much about childhood but I remember the first time I saw him that way. Of course I have a huge crush on him since we were kids. I even remember shouting that I love him in front of the whole campus but he didn't hear it because he's wearing his new headphones. I got dibs on him at a very early age.

We were 10 years old that time, I'm wearing whatever Troye is wearing. Boy shorts and a lose shirt. I like copying his clothes for some reason. I was afraid of spiders, my classmates are teasing me na bibigay nila sakin yon but Troye had to step up and hugged me. He pulled me close and held my face on his chest para hindi ko makita saan dinadala ng friends namin yung spider. He's laughing but he was also pushing them away from me. That's when I know I love him.

We were not allowed to play games that needs a lot of energy so we are just inside their house, playing video games. At first, I found it boring but I eventually liked it as well.

We were High School when he told me he has a crush on this girl. Anak ng friend ni Tito Thirdy. Schoolmate rin namin. Of course I have to investigate. The girl's cute but younger than us. She knows that I'm in love with Troye, actually, everyone knows. Si Troye lang hindi.

I was really insecure. The girl is chinita, not sure if they are Chinese but Annie called her older sister, Atsi. And one day, Troye started calling Ate Iza that too. I think that was my first heartbreak. Ang babaw.

We were teased a lot and I never heard him say something bad against me. You know when someone you don't like was being paired with you, you tend to be defensive and pushed the thought away but Troye just shrugged and smile at them. Sometimes he'll lean his head to my shoulder pa kapag inaasar kami. Gusto lang niyang sakyan trip ng mga tao.

He's kind, protective and thoughtful. Akala ko eventually, mawawala rin. Puppy love lang naman that's what my yaya said. I was raised by my yaya so I didn't experience much parental love. So Troye always made sure that Tito Thirdy and Tita Bea treats me as their own. Even them, I know, were rooting for us.

Fast forward to graduation, Troye uncrushed Annie. He told me he hates it when people started to become awkward with him so he promised himself he'll never have crushes. I was happy when he told me that. Not realizing, it'll crush me even more.

All my college friends knew that I'm in love with someone. They've been nothing but supportive. Akala ko mahihirapan ako since sanay akong nandyan si Troye. But actually, it trained me to be someone brave. I was the block's baby girl. Kapag naiyak ako after retdem, pag gusto kong uminom, kapag gutom ako, everyone's there to accompany me.

Leon, my college seatmate, is gay. Pero alam kong lagi siyang pinagseselosan ni Troye. Funny to him but nakakakilig for me.

I never saw Troye so jealous. It actually made me think na something can happen. That maybe all my prayers will be answered soon. But God has a different plan.

When he entered the seminary, I am actually confident I'll be okay. At least, my first ever love, gave me my first kiss. That was a very good ending of a love story. That was what I thought.

That kiss? I craved for that every single of everyday. I had suitors, they're okay, most of them are handsome and kind but they're not Troye.

He deactivated all of his socials, which is actually good for me. I can't stalk, wala akong balita at all. I still eat lunch at the Ravena's during Sundays. I am actually Margarette's godmother. She calls me Ninang Doc.

They never bring up Troye. Which I truly appreciate.

I am third year now. Currently, sleepy in the ER. Patapos na rin naman ang duty. Me and my classmates are all ready for uwian.