Love at First Smile

Just like When We First Met

After Matt and I broke up, I focused on my job. I poured myself into it, all the efforts that I have. If there's something that should be done right away, I do it immediately. I even take overtime just to be drowned with thoughts at work and not on what happened for the past months. I did my best in everything I did. 

I went out with my friends from time to time. I visit Mom and Dad. I even went to my sister just to get myself off from thinking what had happened. I let myself be drowned with other things and I tried to ignore every date being pushed to me like a platter of food served to me. 

I never noticed how time flew so fast that I realize it's already been a year since I was single, happy anniversary to me. I just feel so free being unattached to anyone and quiet lonely at the same time. 

I was walking at the park one afternoon when the tie on my dress got loose. I tried to tie it back but when I am about to tidy up my dress, it keeps going up and I have to straighten it most of the time. I got lost on my thoughts and on that dress that I never noticed the guy staring at me, having that crooked smile on his face, like he was about to laugh and yet he keeps himself from doing it.  

When I got near to him, I realize he was smiling eclectically that I almost stumbled at the sight of him. How I could forget this face that made me smile every day for the past year? How could I not recognize the man who had always loved me but I never appreciate what he did for me?  

It was Toby. He closed the distance between us. I still can't believe I'm seeing him here. 

"Hey, how are you Trace? He took my hand and took it in his. "I'm good. I'm doing fine. And you? Look at you. You're different, good different. How are you? And you're here too." 

Toby being here in Cebu just surprises me so much. This is just so amazing. 

"My family and I are here for a vacation. Since we're both here, why don't we stroll together? And maybe you could take me to places you've been. I don't know much about Cebu and I know you do." I never knew right until that moment how much I missed him and how I longed to be in his arms, to feel his hands mine, to hear every word he has to say. 

"Sure. It would be my pleasure." 

We went to a lot of places afterwards. I took jim to the most visited tourist spots in Cebu; Magellan's Cross, Sto.Nino Church, Taoist Temple, Lapu-lapu Shrine and a lot more. We talked a lot of things. 

His currently in college, taking up Engineering at TUP and will be having his internship here in Cebu after the semester. 

After a long walk, we had dinner at Zubuchun and I just can't seem to eat everything he ordered. We had coffee at Table and I took him back to where they are staying. 

"Thank you for showing me around. It was really good seeing you here Tracy. I'm glad we've met again." 

"You too. Thanks Toby. For everything." 

I went home. When I arrived at the dormitory, I can't help but sigh. I missed him but there can be no "us" again. I'm just thankful that we're together again and we're back to being friends. I could never have asked for more.