All For You

Young Love

In my elementary years, studying in an almost all-girls school where the ratio for boys and girls is 1:4, I believed that caring too much and having crushes on girls is a normal thing.

That's where I met my best friend whom I share fond memories with. We love hanging out, playing around, and talking a lot. Seeing her was one of the reasons why I love going to school every day.

One summer, I said goodbye to her casually because it has been a family tradition for us to spend it in the province with all of our relatives. I didn't know that it would be the last time that I'll ever see her.

A cellphone wasn't a thing back then so the only way I could ever contact my friends in Manila is through a landline. But obviously, long-distance calls are quite expensive then.

But I was having a lot of fun during my summer break that I didn't bother contacting them. Being too clingy with your friends during the summer break isn't a thing back then. Because we try to gather as much experience as we can so we can talk about it the whole school year. Imagine the fun of sharing to them the joys of going to the beach every day, hiking on the nearest mountain and wandering to every place possible in our province. Eating fresh seafood, fruits and local delicacies. Enjoying the majestic view of the sunrise and sunsets. Thinking about my best friend, wishing we could spend these great moments together.

I started writing poems about her, planning to give it to her when we see each other again. I was so inspired that my creativity lead me into playing a few notes on my guitar and writing a cheesy-corny song, just for her. Yeah, just for her.

One day, I asked my parents why we are still in the province when most of our cousins already went back to Manila. I told them I missed my classmates and I don't want to miss the first day of school. I was worried that I haven't got my student's handbook because it's my only indication that I am already enrolled.

I panicked and cried when they broke the news that we are staying there because pop is opening a business there and so we need to enrol to a local school.

At a young age, that was my biggest heartbreak. Not going back to Manila means I'm won't be able to pursue my dream of becoming a volleyball player, not going back to Manila means, I will miss my school, teachers and classmates, but most of all, not going back to Manila means I'm not seeing my best friend again.

Imagine the pain in your chest, the tears that kept on flowing, and the regrets of the things that I may not have done before we part ways.

I was too young to be heard and my voice didn't matter. I was stuck in a place I used to love because of the wonderful summer breaks.

I asked if I could call my friends to even just say goodbye and tell them that I won't be seeing them this school year, but I was only allowed to do one single call. So I didn't think twice, I dialled my best friend's number and hope that she'll answer my call.

"Hello," She said. Suddenly my heart leaps for joy. The familiar voice that I miss that I really wanted to hear.

"Hey!" I replied.

"Ghab?" She asked.

"Yeah!" I confirmed.

"I missed you! I can't wait to see you next week. I'm sure we'll be classmates again." She happily announced.

Tears were already flowing because I know it won't happen.

"Are you crying?" She asked when I didn't respond.

I tried to act tough and wiped my tears.

"I miss you too..." I uttered.

"Hey cheer up! We'll see each other soon! I learned a few things like baking cookies and bread, I'm sure you'll love it!" She was trying to make me feel better.