April
Oh my gosh! This is it, my favorite scene. It's time to hear the most heartwarming line in the world. I hugged my giant teddy bear so tight as I tried my best to keep calm and refrain from screaming.
Everybody thinks I'm weird because I watch the same movies again and again and even if I already know what will happen, I'd still feel the same excitement and giddiness I felt the first time I watched the film.
Letters to Juliet is one of my favorites. And this is the part where I always end up losing myself.
"because the truth is, Sophie, I am madly, truly, deeply, passio-"
"What the?!" I turned to my right and there I saw Ella, the best friend any girl could ever wish for.
Reuela Gwyneth Alonzo is my soul sister. We've been together for as long as I can remember. We live next door and we were classmates from grade school to high school. People say we can pass as twin sisters. I beg to differ. I actually find it amazing that Ella and I get along so well even if we are like chalk and cheese.
Ella is the living proof that beauty and brains can coexist. Her brown eyes perfectly match her shoulder-length brown hair. Her nose has a prominent bridge and her lips are naturally red, no need for lipstick. Spell GORGEOUS. She's also an academic achiever and I am just so proud of her.
Ella and I practically grew up together. We've always been inseparable. I am an only child. Ella, on the other hand, has three big brothers. We simply found a sister in each other.
She has always been there for me. Helping me with my Math homework, encouraging me when I have stopped believing in myself and cheering me up when I'm sad. I call her my best friend but she's more like family.
My father died when I was 7. His death has affected my mother so much that she preferred to be alone. She shut everybody out, including me.
I grew up wondering what it feels like to have someone I can call Daddy; someone who'd protect me or scold me when it's already late and I'm not yet home. I grew up imagining what it feels like to have a mom; someone I can share my secrets with. I grew up jealous of all the other kids with a complete family.
Thank God, I have my best friend. I don't feel alone when I'm with her. I'll always be grateful for our friendship but as much as I love Ella, there are also times when I couldn't help but get pissed at her.
"Ella, why on earth did you turn off the TV?," I asked, glaring at her, hands on my hips.
She smirked at me before answering, "Oh come on, April. You've watched that a hundred times already."
"You, of all people know it's my favorite. And it's the balcony scene!" I crossed my arms in exasperation.
"You're unbelievable.," she said shaking her head. "You already know what will happen. You've even memorized the lines!"
I looked away. She then nudged me before saying, "Look, I'm sorry I had to make your happy little bubble burst. Let's just watch it tomorrow night."
I tried to ignore her but I felt ecstatic when I heard her say, "Let's watch Letters to Juliet, A Walk to Remember, The Notebook and Serendipity."
"Really? A movie marathon? You can sleep over!" I was about to embrace her when I noticed she was trying her best not to giggle.
"What's so funny?"
"Nothing. I'm just glad you're no longer mad at me." This girl sure knows how to make me forget I was upset.
"Why are you here anyway? Is there something wrong?," I asked her worriedly.
"I knew it. You've completely forgotten about the soiree so I'm here to let you remember.,"she sighed.
"Soiree is today? Oh my goodness, Ella! I totally forgot. I'm sorry."
"It's okay. We still have two hours to prepare. Migs will pick us up at 7. Laters, bessy." And she left before I can answer back.
Her words echoed in my head. 'Migs will pick us up at 7.'
Justin Miguel Buenaventura is our guy best friend. Ella and I met him in fourth grade at our school's annual camping trip. He helped us put up our tent. He's very nice and the three of us clicked right away. We've been the best of friends. Until our high school graduation day.
After the graduation rites, Ella dragged me into an empty classroom where Migs was waiting. There he was in the center of the room, looking so damn perfect.
Migs is such an eye candy. He is tall and muscular. He has curly black hair which he hates so much but I honestly think it's sexy. And more importantly, he has the smile of an angel.
I thought he was just going to congratulate us for graduating on top our class. Ella was our valedictorian and I was the salutatorian. I was about to tell them it's time for a group hug when I realized Ella left us.
I suddenly tensed up when I noticed the bouquet of white roses Migs was holding.
White roses are my favorite, simply because they mean eternal love. I've always been the incurable romantic one and I remember telling them white roses really get to my heart. Migs gave me the flowers and I froze when he started professing his love.
"I don't know how you're gonna take this. I held back all these years because I value our friendship more than anything else in the world. I still do but I can no longer let another minute pass without letting you know how much I love you."
"Migs."
"Shhh, please hear me out first. It's the truth, April. I'm in love with y-"
"Stop! I don't wanna hear what else you have to say."
"April, if you would just give me a cha-"
"What do you think you're doing? Please stop this, Migs. You're a good guy, caring and a perfect gentleman, not to mention very handsome but you're also my guy best friend." I said the last two words with emphasis.
"You're like the big brother I never had." With that I saw sadness in his eyes.
I took a deep breath before saying," I love you too, Migs. But not the way you want me to. I'm sorry. Friendship is all I can offer."
Tears started to run down my face as I reminisce the events of that day. Migs and I tried to forget what happened but no matter how hard we try, things never really went back to normal.
I wonder how things will be, had I fallen in love with him too. I dismissed the thought. I just miss him. I miss how we were back then. If only he didn't fall for me.
I glanced at the clock and jumped in surprise. It's already 5:30! I didn't know I've been in a pensive mood for half an hour. I better hurry up. I should be all dressed and dolled up before Ella shows up again. Otherwise, I'll never hear the end of it. That girl sometimes has a machine gun mouth.
End of Chapter 1
HI sweethearts! :) What do you think? Did April make the right decision of choosing friendship over love? Has Migs accepted the fact that they can never be more than friends? Or will he keep trying to win April's heart? I wanna know what you guys have to say. :)
I'm on twitter. - @nightingayL
Fb- Gayl Berces Latigay
