ONE SHOT WRITING CONTEST (Featuring: Feb-ibig)

ENTRY NO.44

TITLE: STILL HIM
Sub-Genre: Drama
Wriiten by: Ysai  

"Here's your order, Ivy," said Amanda. Ivy's a regular at that shop and Amanda was a crew that had grown close to her. "Would you mind joining me for a moment?" Amanda sat in front of her and just waited for her to speak up. "It's been a year since he left me, in this corner," Ivy said. "I know and I can see that it's hard for you. It's two and a half years. You haven't even shed a single tear while you're with him at that time. How are you now?" "I'm good. As long as they keep their promise, I'll be fine." "Really?" "Yup. Look at these." She showed Amanda the photos of her ex-boyfriend and his current lover. "They seem happy. Have you recently met them personally?" Amanda commented. "I haven't since that day." "I'll go back to work now. The boss might notice. Customers keep on coming."

Ivy reminisced at their memories as she browsed further into an album, Sol and I. That contained some of their photos, the most precious ones. "Your boyfriend?" She looked and by her left shoulder, she saw Jude, her first love. "Are you waiting for someone?" he asked. Ivy still couldn't believe the situation. "I guess not." Jude took his seat. He stared at her and smiled. Ivy finally got to her senses and spoke. "Oh, he's my ex now," she casually answered. "I see. Did you just break up?" "No. How have you been?" "Good. You?" "Better." "You look different now. You got more mature but you seem tired today," he said. "School. You know, tons of paper works."

They became silent for a few minutes. Ivy had a sip of her coffee. "I'll go to the washroom," she said. Ivy called Bry. "Hello Bry? Can you fetch me here?" "I can't. We have visitors right now." "Is that so? Okay." "I'll just see you at your house later when they're gone." She ended the call. Jude was left on the table. He noticed the book Ivy was reading. He picked up a tissue paper and wrote something. He inserted it and placed it back to its original position. Minutes passed, Ivy came and sat. "I have to go now. I need to finish some paper works." "Let's go together." "I'm okay. You might want a little more time by yourself." "I've stayed enough." "If that's what you want, then let's go." They went out and rode the jeepney. He paid for two. "You don't have to do that. Here's my fare." He did not accept it. "Sit beside me." "I'm fine here."

"Goodbye Jude." "No. See you again, Ivy. Take care." "You, too." They parted ways. "I'm home." "Aren't you joining us?" Her mom asked while having dinner. "I'm still full. I'll go to my room now." She put her things on her table and laid down. She stared at the ceiling for a while. Her phone rang. She got a message from Amanda. "You left your book here and that guy seemed to have put something." A photo was attached and sent. Hi Ivy. Are you free on Saturday? Feel free to send me a message. P.S. My number never changed. "Thanks for that, Amanda. I'll just pick it up." "Anytime girl." She browsed her phone book and checked if she still had his number. "Too bad. I probably have deleted it." "What's been deleted?" Her younger sister, Danica, entered. "Nothing." "Sis, help me with my assignment. I can't understand it." "Can't you see I also have many to do?" "Fine!" Danica complained.

"Where are you?" "I'm buying some snacks. Just wait there." Ivy was waiting for Bry. After several minutes, he came with sandwiches and drinks in his hands. "Psst! Help me carry these." Ivy stood up and got the food. "I met him. After many years, I saw and even talked to him," she said. "Who? Based on your reaction, I guess it's Jude," Bry, her best friend, replied. She nodded. "Then what's the problem?" Bry continued. They were in a park bench by the bay, waiting for the sun to set. "I'm not sure. I know I've already moved on but something's strange the moment we had the conversation," she answered. "He still have a space there in your heart. He's your first love after all and as they say, first love never dies. What would you do now?" "I don't know either. I'm confused. He asked me if I'm free on Saturday." "Then?" "I thought of giving it a shot but I don't have his number anymore." "There's Facebook. Send him a personal message." And so she did.