Just Another Girl To You

Eleven

December 12th 2012

That date has been significant to me.

Why? Read below, you'd find out.

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It was the first week of December.

Already? I know right! It seems like June was just yesterday.

There were a few problems with the seating plan, since everyone kept transferring. And in our school, that was considered a huge issue, so they re-placed.

Our main problem? Jaz.

Who they thought could keep him in line?

No other than....

Me. Of course.

Damn.

Was this some wicked scheme of fate? Put him beside me, we'd get close, I'd fall more, he'd treat everything like it's some sort of wicked game.

I'd just have to deal with it. At least it would be an opportunity to know him more.

***

"You okay?"

It was math time, and Jaz wasn't paying attention. And it bothered me so, since he loved math, and damn, he was just great at it. He was usually so participative and was always jovial during math, no matter how bothered he was all day.

He didn't answer, looking as if he was deep in thought.

"Uh, hey? Jaztine? You okay?" I pestered again.

"Huh? Oh, yeah, sure."

It was obvious he wasn't. And I was certain it had something to do with Lei, or some other girl.

I'd find a way, and I would help him. It's the least I could do.

***

Aha! Who knew Facebook could be such a help?

We had a group for our class, and he posted his number there a couple days back, claiming to have changed numbers.

Finally, a means of communication!

Now, what would I say to him?

A cursory search through his profile showed posts of various degrees of annoyance and sulkiness, all related to being love-sick.

Hmm...

I'd send him a text.

Me: Are you okay?

Jaz: Who's this?

Me: Elaine Peralta

After I've made myself known, he didn't reply. And just when I thought he wouldn't, he finally did.

Jaz: Yes.

Me: Are you sure?

Jaz: Stop texting me, I'm on the phone with someone.

Me: Okay, sorry.

Jaz: Quit it.

***

So he was busy on the phone with someone. Who could've it been?

According to what I heard from Kobe and his other friends, he's trying to impress this other girl from a different school. Apparently, he's "given up" on Lei.

I didn't know if I should be happy or not. I mean, at least he isn't chasing after a girl like her; but then again, this new girl could be worse.

***

"Wooh! 60:40!!!" Jaz shouted in class once.

"What?" Almost everyone asked.

"60 percent chance that she'd say yes if I court her!!!"

"Who? Ayson?!" Louie asked.

Louie was his other best friend that apparently liked Anthea Ayson as well. Couldn't blame him, she's really pretty and friendly, but aside from that? Nothing else worth mentioning.

"No! I'm done with her. It's ......" Jaz replied, abashedly.

I didn't hear the last part, but I caught a "J" as the first letter.

I'd find out soon enough, no worries.

***

He was really happy, exalted even, for the days that followed.

But on the 12th of December, things changed.

***

I sent a group message, not really checking who received it, besides I just got the iPhone 5, so I've gotta spread my new number.

Jaz: Who's this?

Me: Oh, hey Jaz! It's me, Elaine, new number.

No reply.

Me: How's it going?

Jaz: Fine enough.

Me: Are you sure? I mean, it seemed like it, but today you were kinda down.

Jaz: Yeah...

Me: ???

And then, BAM!

He sent this über long message about he's been so upset about the new girl, and about Lei as well. He vented out everything, and I felt so bad.

He also said that if he didn't get the girl or Lei, he'd rather be a priest, or he'd be gay. And my world just flipped.

Gayness? Priesthood? That wasn't the life for him. Sure, he was religious, and really good person when you put his cockiness aside, but I just can't see him doing that.

He deserved to love and to be loved unconditionally.

I've given him advice on how to fix things, and tried my best to cheer him up.

And frankly? I wasn't even thinking about myself. No hidden motives, whatsoever.

I wasn't like that. When I love, I love completely. And whenever my beloved is in need, I'd help selflessly.

I didn't mind that I was helping him towards another girl, I didn't even feel pain. Because all I wanted at that time was to help him, and keep him out of misery. I'd rather see him happy with someone else, rather than have him living a sad life.

Was it the right thing to do? Wasn't "handing him over" to other girls the start of many more problems?

I didn't know. And at that time; it's what had to be done. He wanted the girl, so it would happen.

Later that night, just as I was falling asleep, he texted.

Jaz: Thanks for helping me. I did nothing to deserve it, but you were still there. You're the only one who was. Thanks.

If it's a friend he needs, then a friend I would be. I wouldn't let him down the way everyone else did. We were pretty close before that night, but it was never labelled in any way.

And on that day, he considered me the best among his friends. For it was only I who stood with him in his direst times from then on.

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A/N: So, here it goes! Next chapter tomorrow.

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Thank you so, so much to ILoveChange for the amazing cover you made!

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