Part One: My Other Half [COMPLETED]

F I F T E E N

U G L Y  D U C K L I N G

BRIAN CHRISTIAN HARVARD

"I used to be a different person back then, I'm the type of guy who wouldn't speak unless spoken to, I sat on the very back of the room with no friends with me. I gave short replies to any questions, I'm always alone with my toys. In short, I was a loner. My mother used to worry about my anti-socialism."

"1st Grade was worst, I became the subject of bullying. Guys accuse me of being gay, a momma's boy, even girls called me ugly a lot." I snickered, I could recall the past like it happened yesterday, my voice came out as spite.

"No way! You? Being called ugly? Impossible!" Arya stared at me with her mouth agape like she couldn't believe a word I said. I don't blame her. I'm not the same person as I was before.

"Yes, it's funny to think that the tables have turned so much throughout all this years. Those girls who used to bully me back then, are now drooling over me and throwing themselves on me. I despise every single one of them." I laughed at the thought sarcastically.

"2nd Grade was much better, there was this new girl in the class. She was very beautiful, smart, and very friendly. She's different from the girls who used to bully me. One recess time, as I was eating my cheese sandwich at this very same spot, some guys bullied me and threw my sandwich away. They were about to punch me and I thought it was the end for me, but someone stood up for me and bravely stopped them from hurting me." I smiled thoughtfully at the memory.

"Was that girl Claudette?" Arya blurted out.

"Yes, she was the beautiful newbie I'm talking about. She was so popular back then, but despite that, she still chose to become my one and only Friend even if it means risking her popularity status. After that, I called her my Wonder Woman." I chuckled.

ARYA SAVIER

Brian couldn't hide the happiness in his eyes every time he thinks of Claudette. I didn't know why, but every time I see him like that, I couldn't also deny the painful tug in my heart. Am I possibly jealous?

"Ever since that event, Claudette and I were inseparable. She became my best friend, and sadly, my first Love. I know it was hard to fall in love with your best friend. I was so afraid to tell her since my feelings could have ruin our friendship. So I went on secretly loving her for the many years we were together." Brian had a distant look again. He was probably reminiscing good memories. 

I gazed into his eyes. So we were in the same situation for many years after all. "Oh, Brian. Why didn't I just met you a bit sooner?" I whispered to myself.

"What? Did you just said something?" Brian asked.

"N-no! Of c-course I didn't! Continue with the story will you?!" I scowled to hide my embarrassment. I hope he didn't heard what I said.

"Mark Nerickson, Claudette's current boyfriend, came in the picture a bit later." Brian had a sad smile at the mention of that guy's name.

"What happened?" I curiously asked.

"Mark entered this campus during 5th Grade. He was a tall, handsome man that all the girls would ogle at. I often teased Claudette back then that maybe, she had a secret crush with that Mark. She would always have this indignant face and tell me I was stupid." Brian shrugged.

"So, how about Cristie and Claudette?  How did they become so close?" I also started to swing now. Thinking about the things that Brian said, slowly registering them in my mind.

"Claudette and I were so close, to the point that my family considered her as a part of the family too. Cristie had also gone so accustomed to her that Cristie treats Claudette as an older sister. Since Cristie was the only girl, she always longed for a sister. I remember Cristie teasing us often. She says that Claudette and I look good together, I would scold Cristie but Claudette would just blush and say to Cristie that she should stop teasing us." Brian explained.