Till we meet again
To Sam;
Please come to my wedding on Sunday, 3 o’clock pm.
Thank You.
-Liaa
I’ve worked with Liaa for four years in a newspaper publishing company in where we were both Editorial writers. We got started in almost the same time; she a fresh graduate from College and I was a year older and been seeking for a job for one year. Don’t ask me how she looked back then, because I can barely remember her face. All I can still think of her was that she was very pretty. She loved everything Japanese and said she wanted to go to Japan someday, if possible. I also know that she loved photography.
We lost track of each other since her 20th birthday six years ago. Months before that, we went to Baguio for a Seminar which was a part of our job. We slept in the same room for three days and I found interesting facts about her. She was OC (obsessive-compulsive) and she won’t be able to sleep if her bed wasn’t fairly fixed. I told her it was odd of her and she said she was like that since she was seven. Soon after that trip we would be seen together during lunch breaks and when we were not rushing for a deadline. I loved being with her and soon I realized that I was falling in love with her. I kept telling myself that all I have for her is purely platonic love but I proved myself wrong the night she went to my house crying. I asked her what’s wrong and she said that her boyfriend toyed with her. I was full of anger and felt the need to give the guy what he deserved. But she said that I didn’t have to so I just did my best to comfort her. I cannot count those awkward moments wherein the thought of kissing her came into my mind. But I really had to stop myself for fear that anyone who would see us will judge her right away. It really was hard for me, thinking that what I felt for her was completely and utterly wrong.
It was the day of her birthday.
I dressed my best and came to her house extra-early. I was very excited to give her the gift that I bought; a silver necklace with a heart shaped pendant. Her mother knew me already and led me to her room. She looked very pretty and her dress was quite perfect for her. Her mother left us and I thought it was the perfect time to give her my gift. She opened it and smiled when she saw the necklace. “It’s very beautiful” was all she managed to say. Then we started at each other for a long time. Then I decided that with no one around, it was the right time to tell her my feelings. I conquered the spaces between us and confessed how I love her. I said I knew how wrong it was but I just can’t stop myself from loving her. I knew she was shocked but she gave me a warm smile and then we kissed. I didn’t know how it happened but I thought that it was the prettiest thing that ever happened to me. Then suddenly, her mother came into the room without our knowledge and everything was ruined. I was told to go home and since then we had no communication. I desperately tried to move on by going from one place to another. And I thought I was successful. Not until now that I received her invitation. I didn’t care how she got my address. All I happened to do was cry. She’s getting married and I’m still stuck with the love that I never thought would ever make me miserable. All my life, I dreamed of marrying and have kids and die with somebody. And all that was lost.
The day of her wedding came and I wore the best thing I thought is suited for a wedding. I decided I shall arrive only on the reception for fear that I might cause some unwanted gossiping inside the church. I have no idea if anybody else except her parents knew what happened six years ago but either way, I didn’t care.
The place was marvelous. I walked as silently as possible but again, just like that night that we kissed, her mother was suddenly there in front of me without me knowing it.
“Hello Sam.”
“Hello,” God, I didn’t know what to call her, so”ma’am.”
“Oh, I think Liaa would be happy to see you.” Then she took my hand and led me to the newly wed couple.
Then I was dumbstruck. She was very pretty but unlike before I didn’t feel anything for her, frisson or whatever. I just stood there looking at her.
For some time I realized I was gaping so I lend my hand for a handshake and said a simple congrats.
“Liaa, it’s time for the traditional bouquet throwing.” The emcee said.
And so they gathered all of the single young ladies in front to form a circle. I was there in the middle. Then she threw the bouquet and before I knew it, I catch the bouquet.
And for the first time in my life since the moment I stupidly fell in love with Liaa, I realized that all these things that happened to me for the past years, were all insane. I realized that love is not always the right thing to feel, especially if we give it to the wrong person and love, however sweet it may look, if forbidden would stay taboo forever.
I don’t know how long I stood there in the middle of everyone but when I came to my senses, I gave Liaa a nice smile and said,
“I hope you also come to my wedding”
And with that I said goodbye to Liaa and her family and they all called me by my real name: Samantha. And I think I like it better.
Memeha->
