Broken String Of Fate

First Love

*Jayme's POV*

From the moment I first saw him , I knew it was love at first sight. He was the most beautiful boy I've ever met. I could feel butterflies in my stomach everytime I see him or even think about him. I know what you're probably thinking. Kinda cliche huh? Yeah , I agree. I couldn't help it though. Whenever I see him, my heart would skip a beat. Sounds cringy too.

Let's call him Zack. I was only five years old back then. Yeah , that was how young I was when I found my first love. And he was actually three years older than me which makes him eight years old. A five-year-old with an eight-year-old. Well, who wouldn't have thought right?

You see, his family were good friends with my family. Both of our families gathered at a park one day and that was how I first met him. He was a shy boy since he kept clinging onto his mother's leg when we both were introduced to each other. His mother then convinced him to play with me at a nearby playground. I, too, was really shy but a part of me really wanted to know him better. So I made the first move, I greeted him then grabbed his wrist and ran away. From that day on, Zack turned out to be my childhood crush. We then became close friends.

What a good-looking boy he was. Don't get me wrong, what really attracted me as well was his personality. Smart, goofy, friendly, caring .. you name it. Whenever we got the chance to see each other, we would play together, sing together, laugh together and even fight physically but not too violent of course. It's just our way of showing our care for each other. Eventually, I badly wanted to tell him how I feel but I didn't know how. I was so young. I just liked him so much that I couldn't bear to know that we are nothing more than just friends. But at the same time, I didn't want to make it awkward for the both of us if he knew. That is why I planned to stay quiet about it, treasuring our friendship was more worth it.

That continued until my parents announced our move to another country permanently soon. It shattered me completely at first. Does that mean I will never get to see Zack again? Wrong. This was not those typical stories where childhood friends get separated forever and never meet each other again. Because for my case, good news was that Zack got to come along too. His family planned to move to the same country we were going to live in but they moved months later than us which I didn't mind. As long as I can see Zack, I'll be happy.

I turned eight when we first moved which makes him eleven years old. Guess what? Our parents made us study into the same school. I was so excited I thought we will be best of friends forever.

It turned out to be quite the opposite. Because of our 'grade gap', he focus more on his new-found friends than me and girls fell head over heels for him. I could see it during recess times since that's the only period we have in common. Couldn't blame them. He's amazing but I did felt a slight jealousy. Though I was grateful that he didn't push me away from his life. He would smile and wave at me if he spotted me. At times he would actually talk to me but most of the times, we just smile. Guess that was one thing I got to accept now.

I do have my own world too. I made new friends as well and we became fast of friends. In fact, what I didn't mention was that my childhood girl best friend also studies in this school and coincidentally she became my classmate. Let's call her Gem. I mostly just stick with her in school. That was one of the reason why my family moved here. Her family was also close with mine. In the end, Zack and Gem got to know each other too.

And that crushed me for life. Little did I know that these two had a crush on each other after first meet. Both told me and not each other. I admit, Gem does have this beautiful silky black hair with a smile that can catch any boy's attention. Her dimples were even a bonus.

What was I suppose to do now? Cry? Forget? Yeah. But I just get along with it too. Gem likes Zack and Zack likes Gem. What can I do? I sacrificed my own feelings for them. I didn't want to interfere and it really became my first love triangle.

What was shocking was that, both didn't get together. Because they didn't confess! It's been many months already. And soon, it became years and we became high schoolers. Throughout those years, the closeness among the three of us gradually decreases. We each have our own businesses to handle. We are still friends. Just not as close. They say that your childhood friends are your lifetime friends. I have to agree on that. I cared for them deeply.

But like I said, I didn't want to be part of their 'relationship' and they understood that I didn't want to talk about it. I didn't tell them the reason though but I thought it was for the best. Not long after, Zack finally graduated high school. It hurt me to see Zack leaving for overseas to study but I support him all the way.

However, I still felt like there were reasons that prevented them to be together. Many questions were still in my mind and none were answered. Last time, Zack would always come to me instead and I would notice that we both were actually alone. No Gem at all. Same goes for Gem. Gem stick up with me without Zack around. Did they want their relationship to be low-key? Whatever it was, it's not my business.

Gem and I were at a nearby park sitting on swings one day. We were already reaching the adulthood, you could guess we were about 18 years old. Out of nowhere, Gem spoke this.

"Jayme, I know this is quite sudden but .. have you liked Zack before?"

My eyes widened instantly. I looked at her, not knowing what to say. I was tongue-tied. The reaction I got was a smile.

"Thought so. It's okay Jayme, you didn't have to hide it from me though I appreciate if you just trust me more," she said. I just looked at her, not understanding where this was coming from.

So I chuckled and let it out. "I did. He was my first love. I admired him truly for everything he did for me and for us. I'm sorry I didn't tell you. You should probably know why I hide it," I explained. She actually just giggled.

"Oh Jayme. Remind me again how lucky I am to have a friend like you but now, it's time to be true to yourself. You should have told me you liked him and I would stay away," she replied calmy. I questioned her.

"Because he liked you Jayme. He never stopped. He liked me for a little while and well, so did I. We were better off as friends,"

My heart stopped. What?

"I wanted to tell you but I knew how much you didn't want to talk about us so I assume you secretly like him too but I thought it was best if he told you himself until he planned to study overseas. Do forgive me. That is why I brought you out today, to talk to you about it," she apologised sincerely.

I hadn't noticed that I got tears in my eyes. He liked me.. I couldn't believe it. All these years .. I finally got an answer.

So they did confess. They just don't say it to me because they are doing it for me. Part of me wanted to listen to his side story too. What I get may not be complete but it was enough. Gem walked up to me and hugged me. I wasn't angry at all but I forgave her anyway. She wanted me to call him but I refused. He might already have a companion there. We could had the chance but I guess things happen for a reason. I will forever wish him the best. It's true what they say.

There is always a special place in your heart for your first love.