Just Another Girl To You

Twenty Two

"Could you come with me?" I asked Patricia Te.

"Okay, where?" She eagerly replied.

"To the mall or something, I've gotta buy a gift for Jaz!"

"It's his birthday tomorrow?" She asked confused.

"No, his birthday's August seventeen, it's our 9th month friendship anniversary tomorrow, September twelve..." I explained shyly.

"Oh, okay, let's go then!"

We went to a bookstore first, and I purchased a card for "friends". The poem on it was really good, so I thought it'd be a good idea to buy it, then I'd just write on it as well.

I honestly didn't know what to give him, since he wasn't even aware of the so-called "event". And besides, what do you give a person who has everything?!

Me and Patricia were discussing it when I finally settled on buying food, since he loved food,

We got a giant cookie, and other food, and I think I got him something else, but I can't recall.

Te suggested I get it gift wrapped and I agreed.

I brought it to the gift wrapping counter, purchased a box to put all the items in, and selected blue wrapping paper, a blue ribbon, and a blue gift card.

As the lady at the counter was finishing off the wrapping, I pondered what to write on the gift card.

I know it isn't a legitimate event yet, but I still decided to get you something. Hope you like it! I wrote.

I paid for it, and we headed back, and halfway to the school service, it started raining hard.

Gods, why?

We ran, but we got soaked nonetheless. When we got to the service, everyone was waiting for us, and we were scolded for being late.

"Didn't know buying gifts could be such a challenge." Pat said not unkindly.

"Yeah, it was kinda fun though."

I hid the gift in my bag, wishing the ribbon wouldn't get squashed. Hope no one at home decides to open my bag; there'd be so much questions!

***

I arrived in school the next day, excited to give it to him, although I didn't know how, for I was still a bit shy about it.

I waited, and waited, and waited, and waited. Damn, where was he?! He hasn't been late yet, maybe he was absent, then? I hope not.

Then I realized it was their recollection today, and that they'd be in the sixth floor, reflecting and trying to be nice, and whatnot.

How would I give it to him?!

Snacks passed, and it was almost the end of our lunch break, and I still haven't given it to him.

How?

Then I saw Yce Navarro, still hanging with his girlfriend Alexi.

Perfect! Yce and Jaz were classmates!

"Mom, want me to call him?" Annika asked.

"But, isn't that so pathetic?" I said unsure.

"Yceee!" Annika hollered before I could stop her.

He approached us, and Annika asked him to hand it to Jaz, when he agreed, I grabbed the gift and card, and thanked him.

He ran up the stairs, already fifteen minutes late, and I hoped Jaz wouldn't find the gift annoying.