Cohen Laurien Lee

One

"Cohen!"

I fastened my pace, hoping he wouldn't be able to catch me. Eventhough he didn't really have to, because I'm already caught in his trap. I just want him to set me free.

"Cohen Laurien Lee!" I heard him panting, his pace quickened and so did mine.

"Stop! You run too fast, I can't keep up." He spoke in an annoyed tone. His phone suddenly rang with a caller ID symbolizing a heart. "Let's play tag again later. She called, see ya."

He walked away, going down the hallway of our school. The spot where he stood was now empty. And I'm standing here, alone.

I'd never thought I'd end up so emotional over his presence.

He was always a friend. But I guess things can't always be concluded in past tense. The boy I once saw as an annoying little kid was now my heartbreaker. The boy who broke my heart without intending to.

I'll always be the friend anyway. It's always been that way eversince he got together with the girl I consider as my other half. The girl whose shadow I've always been hiding behind.

Venice. Venice Bamphey Eres.

She's pretty, well-liked, popular, outspoken; Everything I'm not.

A Year Later.

"Bami, why.." He sobbed in between his words. "How can you do this to me? to us?"

I was caught in the middle. Of two people I love the most.

"Babe, I swear! I-It's not true!" She was stuttering and tears were forming at the corner of her eyes, projecting a sense of panic. It was as if she knew she was losing something important.

"What you saw was j-just..." She was looking for the words to say when he interrupted her.

"Just what? An accident?" He laughed bitterly. Pain was evident in his red eyes from crying. "Fvck! Is that the only excuse you have? You were sitting on his lap and making out with him." He shouted, she bowed her head in shame. I stood there, completely bewildered and in silence. Not knowing what I should do or believe in.

"If I didn't catch you in the act, you and that scumbag would be fvcking in his car Venice!"

" A-a, I-I can explain!" She started mumbling a bunch of utter crap and started saying things about me which made me furious. "D-Didn't you know Cohen set us up? I-It's because she likes you a-and she's jealous of me, so-"

I slapped her. No matter what, I've never done anything to show my love for the boy who couldn't reciprocate it. I knew being next to him was always going to be enough. I was mad; It was an understatement. Because all my life, I've considered her as my best friend. Everything that came out of her mouth just proved that I should never have considered her as one. I couldn't bring myself to say anything, who could do so in my situation?

"Get out of my face." He said with eyes closed, pointing at the end of the hallway while intensely glaring at Venice. "Don't ever, come and show your face again."

"But-!"

"Go spat your bvllshit somewhere else. We're done. I don't give a fvck about anything you're gonna say."

She left the hallway, leaving a trail of sobs as she left.

The most distinct feeling I had at that time was that I wanted to comfort him, embrace him and tell him that it was gonna be alright. I felt his tears streaming down my shoulders as I wrapped him in my arms and engulfed him into a hug.

It was only then when I realized that nothing will ever replace this platonic relationship I have with him. It was then when I knew, I would always be his friend.

8 months later

He was doing better. He smiled a lot more, but the scar she left him was still there. His eyes weren't as happy as when they were together.

I still remember the last words he said before he completely broke down on my shoulder as I hugged him.

I wish I've forgotten how to love.

"Don't worry. I'll always be here, right by your side, as your best friend." Was all I said cause I know that he'll never fall for me.

"Cohen!" He called out to me which made me wake up from my day dream.

"Yeah?" I said without looking at him as I read a book at hand.

"Thank you for always being there. I'm really grateful to you." He smiled. "I love you, my best friend." He said as he ruffled my hair.

I smiled back at him. Knowing that his I love you and mine were completely carrying different meanings.

"I love you too, Jax."

No matter what, I'd always prefer being your bestfriend. Because that's all I can be to you. It's the only way I can stay by your side.

Cheers to all the one sided lovers out there.
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