Pen and Paper

4

4

All of the anahaws around me is absolutely fascinating. It overwhelmed me so much that I kept laughing out loud. Tony laughed with me. That weekend, he drove his car and took me to the Quezon province, and we had some fun with the natives. There were hundreds and hundreds of anahaw in their farms, and I couldn't stop tracing each line on them, admiring every inch, the natives even played a game where I play the princess and I lay on my back as they sheltered me with the leaves and fanned out the heat. I even found out that they also use the anahaws to wrap the brown and delicious tikoys. I had eaten so many I felt like bursting. It was true I had the time of my life, and Tony was really sweet and fun through the whole thing, and I can never thank him enough for giving me this experience. But when we got home, I sneaked back to the school. It was almost night time, so I had to climb the gate because the school guard wouldn't let me in. I reached my classroom. I pulled out my diary and started to scribble.

Dearest Admirer,

I fell in love with the anahaw you gave me. It has the most complicated queues I've ever seen. Much like you really, you are enigmatic, yet your way of caring is touching in every way. The beauty of the anahaw is not similar to mine, really, but it's exquisiteness is the same as your heart's.

Loving,

Marianne

Anyone with a sensible mind would know that it is quite impossible for the writer of the letter to still receive my message. But I believe that he will. Because I feel that our hearts is somehow interconnected with one another. I went home with a large smile on my face.

The next morning, to everyone's surprise, there was another gift on top of my desk. My heart did funny summersaults. And when I got nearer I recognized the yellow mango. Somehow, I didn't feel that much surprised that he received my letter. I almost expected it. I opened the notebook hastily.

Dear Marianne,

Some people never do appreciate the things in life that is most beautiful. But you do. You recognize the true beauty of an anahaw. And for that, I had fallen deeper in love with you. I give you a mango because I cannot call you strange, you are unique. You are one of a kind. And I am lucky to know that you care for me too.

Your greatest love,

Your Admirer.

Tony scoffed behind me. I quickly shut the notebook and hid it behind my back. Tony snickered. "That is the corniest thing I've ever read."

I shook my head in disbelief. "You are so insensitive. Leave us alone will you?"

He crossed his arms and leaned on the wall, "Us? So that's you and him now huh?" I exhaled angrily at him and grabbed the mango before walking away in long strides. He still caught up quickly. I didn't look at him. "If you have nothing nice to say then I don't want to be with you today."

He stopped on his tracks. I stopped too. I don't know what made me say that, and as I faced him, I saw that he was hurt by my statement. I groaned inwardly.

"I...I didn't mean that Tony." I said, walking towards him. I looked him in the eye and he looked away. Dang it. I held his hand and tugged at it until he finally looked at me.

"I'm sorry. I'm really truly sorry. I didn't mean that. You're my bestfriend, and I would always want you with me. You made me say that, you were being so mean." I mock-pinched him at his sides. He smiled weakly, and I knew that I was forgiven.

He got the mango out of my other hand and examined it carefully.

"Do you know what a Philippine yellow mango means?"He asked me. I shrugged but shook my head."It means diversity and unique, but it is the sweetest character. That's why it is called the 'Fruit of the Gods'."He told me. Then he sighed and looked at me. "I wouldn't wonder why you're admirer thinks you are like a mango. Because you are simple and exceptional."