My Childhood Sweetheart

Chapter One

There is this town called Arnia, it has a wonderful lake sitting at the bottom of the two valleys; surrounded by wonderful wild flowers and enchanting woods. My favorite... those ones covered with Spanish moss that hangs along the branches; decorating a huge tree,  just barely touching the rim of the lake. They say this place is magical and mysterious; I think it's true. Every time I come here during the summer to visit my grandfather, the place seems to be more alive. The sun would shine from the East and the whole place lights up; even the lake turns luminous. There comes a time, I feel like as if someone is watching over me, but then when I look to see who it is, nobody is there.

Ever since my parents divorced, I was going back and forth between places. I never really like it very much. For me, it was exhausting. No one ever asks me if I like the idea of being passed around; I guessed, my parents just assumed I'm okay with it. The only thing I can say is that I love being at the lake. When I'm there, I can think and forget about my problems and troubles. 

I'm glad summer is here again. As always, I will be staying with my dad at my grandfather's house. I can't wait to see my friend, Julius. He's two years older than me. At eight years old, we get along fine. We may argue at times, but the next day, we are good friends again. We often use a slingshot when we are by the lake;  competing who can shoot the pebbles farthest and watches at its makes it big splashed at the lake. But lately, Julius has been busy with his sports during summer. 

But just like before, it did not take long for me to realized that even with the gap between my parents, couldn't solve their conflict...

I was busy looking through some pages of my comics when I heard my dad arguing on the phone; it was mom on the other line. I got up from the chair and tried to listened. From the sound of it, seems like something about my mom moving to another State. Hearing it made me upset; so, I went out to see what my grandfather is up to. He was busy cutting the grass in the front yard. The sound of the mower is loud enough to mask what was going on inside the house; so, I waved my hand to him. 

"Pop, can we go by the lake?"

"Hmm... How about Julius?" Replied his grandfather while clearing his hats off with debris.

I stumped my foot on the grass not eyeing grandpa.

"Ah, I see. You're bored?"

"No, not really. It's just that mom and dad are arguing on the phone again."

"Is that so?" Spoken by his grandfather, glancing towards the house; then tucks both of his hands inside his jean's pockets. "Well, why don't you run along the lake. I will follow. I just need to put the mower back in the tool shed. Does that sound good to you?"

"Dad will be furious if I go there by myself."

"Will keep this both as our secret. Plus, your father is busy arguing with your mother on the phone. Let him; I don't want to be part of it. Go right along."

"Are you sure pop?"

"Yes, Go! Before I change my mind." 

So, I ran along towards the lake, feeling the breeze of fresh air on my face. When I finally got there, I was gasping for air, exhausted. I had to coughed up to clear my throat. I noticed some dandelions and decided to play with it. Across the lake, I saw someone sitting by the rock. The sun was shining bright towards the lake. I just couldn't make out who it is; So, I got up and walked slowly. As I get closer, I noticed a girl. She had the most beautiful hair I have ever seen. It had a tinge of sunlight. She must have heard my footsteps because she stood up. My heart started to race. I did not know what to say or do. So, I walked just a little closer but she turned around to faced me. It was that moment, I thought... I got hit by a lightning. She had the most amazing eyes, they were like emeralds, blooming with its radiance . And her lips, red as an apple. I tried to shake my head, decided to look at her again. Her sheath gleaming from the sunlight and although without outspoken words; I felt my heart skipped its beat as she walked towards me. I can see her more definite now with freckles on her cheeks. She smiled. My mind went blank, but my mouth did not.

"H-hi."

She smiled again.

"I'm Phillip. What's your---?"

She bit her lip and looked around. I thought she had lost something while she was walking towards me. So, I started to look for it, too. Although it is obvious, I have no clue what we are looking for. She started to make this faces, as if she was laughing but there was no sound in her laugh; I find it very odd. 

Finally, she found a stick. She wrote something on the dirt and I read.

"Anaka."

She nodded her head.

"Is that your name?... Ankara?" She replied it with a nod again. Then she shook my hand. As if, I hit the jackpot. She got excite d and it made me laughed. 

Suddenly, I heard my grandfather calling me.  I turned to him right away. I wanted to let him know what had just happened, but the moment I looked back at Anaka, she was no longer around.

"Pop, did you see her?"

"Who?" 

"The girl who's standing in-front of me just a moment ago."

"A girl, huh?"

"She was just here."

"Nope. I did not see anyone. Are you sure?"

"I am sure."

Unaware that the girl was hiding somewhere where it can be noticed. She watched both as they walked along the lake, talking. At that moment, Anaka felt something.