Growing up as a child could be the best memory for everyone except me. I was bullied when I was young. The main reason why I think I grew up as a boring person, afraid to make friends with others, someone who doesn't have self-confidence and is afraid to trust. I remember being slapped on the face by my classmates in the restroom a couple of times.
"You shouldn't be in this school. You look like a witch. Look at your hair, and your eyes! You are different." The exact statements I could hear from a group of girls who kept chasing after me every break time.
I went home many times without my backpack, not knowing where it was. My mom had to come to school many times to ask my teacher what happened to my things. Interestingly, my bag will be back on my desk the next day and so my mom thought I was just forgetful and careless.
I didn't understand why these girls hated me so much. I didn't remember doing anything bad to them. Even though I wanted to fight back, I couldn't. I just cried every time they pick on me, feeling hopeless.
I grew up always alone at home because my mom had to go to work, and my dad? I haven't met him ever since. I don't even know who he is. I asked my mom many times but she just said he is already dead and that is everything I needed to know.
The only thing that makes me smile was my neighbor, Cedrick. He used to live next door and he would come in front of our porch every after dinner to play with me. He was very fat and I think he was also bullied in school because I could see scratches on different parts of his body, especially on his face but every time I asked him what happened, he always said he was careless and he tripped or he bumped into something. I had a secret crush on him at that time and I remember how I was always looking forward to meeting him every night. There were times that we had to pretend we were a married couple and considered my dolls as our children. He would just leave my place when my mom came home from work.
When I graduated from primary school, I and my mom had to move to another city because her company reassigned her to their new branch office. I remember asking my mom for me to just stay in the place, she could just visit me every weekend and that would be fine with me because I didn't want to leave Cedrick. He was the only friend I had and he was the only reason why my childhood was happy.
Saying goodbye to him was the saddest day of my life.
"When can we meet again? Can I visit you? Where will you transfer?" Cedrick said looking so sad.
"Mom said we have to take the airplane for 2 hours and I don't know where that place is. I guess I should be the one to visit you," I replied.
"Will you write me letters? Will you call me?" he asked.
"Of course, I will write letters every day. I will ask mom to send it for me," I said.
"I will miss you so much. You are the only friend I have. I am very happy every time I am with you. Who will I be playing with now?" Cedrick was already crying.
I just hugged him and told him "Me, too. I will miss you a lot."
…
Is it really him? How can I not recognize him?
"Hello, are you still there? It's really me, Jez. I have been waiting for the day I can finally meet you again. How have you been? I want to know everything that happened to you since you left," he said.
I can't believe it is really him. I have written letters to him before but were not able to send them. I kept all the letters waiting that one day I would be able to give them to him personally.
"Jez?"
"I can't believe it is really you. I am speechless. How could you recognize me? You look very different that's why I never thought that it was you." I explained.
"I don't look fat anymore, right? Haha! And more handsome of course. You know I was disappointed at you before. You didn't send me any letters. I was waiting the whole time. I wanted to write you letters but I didn't know where to send them."
"I am sorry. I was busy." I lied.
"That's it? You were busy? I really missed you that time. How could you not send me letters just because you were busy?" He sounds disappointed.
"I am sorry but that was the truth."
"Okay, I can't do anything about that? Anyway, how are you? Are you married now? Boyfriend? Do you have a child? Tell me! I want to know everything that happened to you! Ah no, I want you to tell them to me personally. When can we meet? I will be free tomorrow night? How about I pick you up from your workplace? Where is it anyway?" He seems excited.
"I am not sure about tomorrow. I will send you a message." I still can't believe the fact that I am actually talking to him now. I have waited for a long time to get any news about him. I have always been curious of how he is and what he is doing. And now I am talking to him, and I don't know what to tell him.
"You don't seem happy to meet me? Are you okay? Is there anyone who would be angry if we go out?"
"No. I am happy that I finally met you again. I just can't believe this is happening. And no. No one would be angry if we meet. I would love to meet you."
"I really missed you. You don't have any idea how happy I was when I saw you in the bar. I knew it was you when I first saw you but I needed to be sure so I asked for your name."
"Sorry. I didn't recognize you."
"It is okay. I totally understand. Ah! About my last name, remember my mom's boyfriend before? They got married and he adopted me so I am now using his surname."
"I see."
"If only I don't have a gig tonight, I will definitely visit you, too bad, I have to work. I'm really excited to catch up with you. We missed a lot of activities together. Now, we can do all those things that we imagined before. We can watch movies, travel, eat in restaurants, go to bars and meet each other's friends. What do you think?"
"That sounds nice. I would love to do those things, with you." I finally can say how much I want to be with him and how happy I am now to see him again. "Yeah, I think we can meet tomorrow. I will send you the address of my workplace."
"Good. I am really excited! I will see you tomorrow, Jez. I can't wait."
And the call ended.
…
I went to work the next day very happy. I put powder on my face and use eyeliner for the first time. I also put nude lipstick. I brought some make up essentials to work for me to freshen up before meeting Cedrick or should I say Lance. I still can't believe that this is happening and I am so excited for tonight. Is it our first date? Just thinking of it makes me smile. Oh wait, what if he already has a girlfriend or he is already married. But I am sure he won't ask me out if he is taken. I greeted everyone I meet good morning and I know nothing can ruin my mood today.
I already sent Lance my workplace address first thing this morning and his reply was a sweet "Good morning. I can't wait to see you."
I hope it is already 5 pm!
As I sit down on my desk, Annie came to me immediately.
"Good morning. You look different. Did you put makeup?" She tried to touch my face and look at me closely.
"Just a little," I said. "I don't want to look too pale today."
"What happened? There is something you are not telling me. What is it? Spill it!" Annie insisted.
"Nothing. I just want to be more positive and you know, sometimes we need to change ourselves."
"Okay. If you don't want to tell me, it's fine. I will find out about it anyway." Annie seem a bit disappointed.
"If something happens, you will be the first to know. Don't worry."
"Okay. If you say so."
Time passes so fast and I become more and more anxious. At 4:30 pm, I went to the powder room to apply a little makeup and make sure I don't look tired.
When I went out from the powder room, I could sense some eyes following me and I know they are curious about why I am acting this way, but I don't really care. What I know is I am so happy now.
At exactly 5 pm, I got my bag and was about to go out when Annie cornered me again.
"Where are you going? Date?"
"I will tell you tomorrow. Bye!"
I took the elevator immediately and checked my phone. Lance didn't send me a message. I would just wait for him outside.
While I was going out, I was surprised to see Lance already in the lobby with a bouquet of roses in hand. He is wearing a leather jacket with blue tight jeans. He looks very handsome in his neat haircut and you can see how broad his shoulders are. I couldn't help but admire his looks and be proud of myself for I will be going out with this guy.
"Hi. You look very beautiful." He said.
I just smiled. "Thank you."
"Let's go." Lance guided me to the main entrance.
Not far from the entrance, we come across a black motorcycle. I am not sure what kind of motorcycle it is but it looks expensive.
"Is it okay with you to use this one? I find it cool to use this for our first date."
Did he say date? I tried my best not to show how happy I am to hear that I have to pretend that I didn't hear it.
"Sure. Actually, I haven't tried riding a motorcycle yet. I think there is always a first time."
He helped me put the helmet. He put it gently on my head and buckle the strap.
"Is it too tight?" He asked.
"It's perfect."
He put his helmet on and rode the motorcycle.
"Hop in," he asked.
"Okay. How can I do that?"
"Hold my shoulder. That's it. Then put your leg here. Good. Then ride. Good girl. Hug me okay? And you have to hold tight." He instructed.
I was smiling the whole time I was at his back. He smells really good. I'm sure it will be a good night.
First stop.We went to a Korean restaurant downtown. I haven't been here before, actually, I haven't been to a lot of places since I don't go out that often. We were ushered by a waitress to a vacant table."Do you like Korean food? I chose this place because I think most women like Korean cuisine." Lance explained."I am fine with it. Honestly, I haven't tried any Korean dish yet. I just saw it in dramas and heard about it from my friends.""This is a perfect place then. I am sure you will like the food here."The waitress came back with a portable stove in hand. She laid it on the table and gave us chopsticks."Do you want to use chopsticks? We can ask for spoon and fork." Lance said."I don't know how to use these but I want to learn.""Wait here. I will get everything we need, okay?"Then he left to get our food.The restaurant is quite big with a lot of customers, mostly in groups. On the walls, pictures of t
The RumorI prepared myself to go to work. Putting make up is something I am not used to do but since I am inspired, I want to always look good. I also chose a dress for today since I might meet Lance again tonight. It is only Tuesday but many things have already happened. I can't wait to share them to Annie.In my workplace, most of my colleagues noticed the changes in me. They began complimenting my looks."You should always dress like that.""You look like a real woman now. Why did you do that too late?""You are blooming. Do you have a boyfriend now?"Those are some of the things I heard from them and instead of answering, I just smiled. Sometimes, it is better to keep quiet so they will stop asking more questions.When I reached my table, Annie came to me immediately."So, are you still going to keep a secret from me? I'm starting to feel like we are not friends anymore. Is it too difficult to share? I wo
Waking up beside someone you love can be the most wonderful thing in the world. I realized I missed a lot of things in my life. I wonder how my life would have been if I were more outgoing, and friendlier. Seeing Lance beside me makes me feel so young again, and having these feelings makes me feel safe, that nothing can hurt nor harm me.I watched him sleeping for a few minutes, just staring at his face and how broad his shoulders are. This is the man I want to be with for the rest of my life. I just hope I am not the only one who's taking things seriously.I was not able to tell him all the doubts I had. I was not able to clear things up with his relationship but it doesn't matter. I trust him and I think, that's all that matters.I got up from bed not feeling well. I have muscle pain everywhere, so I decided to call in sick. I usually don't get absent from work since for me, work is my life and that is the only thing that's making me busy.
I woke up the next day not knowing what I feel. I am heartbroken but at the same time, I am more relaxed and determined. Today, everything will change.I spent a longer time preparing to go to work than usual. After having breakfast, I prepared all the things I needed for work. I also spent more time choosing what clothes and shoes to wear. I don't have a lot in my closet, but I think my wardrobe is decent enough. I like shopping during my free time, though I don't normally use the clothes I bought. I just put them in my closet and feel satisfied just looking at them. I think now is the time for me to make use of them. That's the main purpose why people buy clothes anyway.I left home feeling light-hearted. As I took the bus, I could feel some eyes looking at me which made me ask myself. Is my dress too short? Am I showing too much skin?I arrived the office expecting my colleagues would tease me, but this time it will be in a positive way.As I approache
I am still overwhelmed with what's happening with me. It seems surreal and I am not used to it. I asked Mr. Smith to give me some time to think about his offer and I will get back to him as soon as possible.I didn't tell anyone about the offer. I have to think first whether I am ready to level up my responsibilities. I don't have the confidence to handle a team. Anyway, I'll think about it deeply.I was busy thinking about what Mr. Smith said when my phone beeped. Someone sent a message."Hi. This is Gino. Sorry for the late message. I hope you still remember me." End of message.The message made me smile. I don't know why. Maybe it's because it's not common for me to receive messages from other people, especially from a man. I cannot deny that I kind of like it but at the same time, it is also making me feel hesitant. What if he is like Lance? What if he leaves me later, leaving me heartbroken again?I stopped myself thinking more. I am becoming
OMG!Where in the world is my diary?! I remember I have six diary books. I opened the lowest drawer of my bedside table where I put them and to my surprise, they are also gone! I tried to calm myself down, I need to think clearly. Maybe, at some point in the past, I put them somewhere. Maybe, I chose a place where I can put them so no one can accidentally read them. But where?I opened my wardrobe to check whether I put my diaries in there. I removed all the clothes in all wardrobe layers, but I couldn't find my diary! I wrote everything in there since I was 20. All my hopes, my dreams, fantasies, and desires are all there. My diary is like my best friend who knows me from head to foot.The person sending me the gifts, I'm sure that person has my diary. He or she knows what I want exactly. But how would I know who that person is. Lance! He's the only one who came in my place. I'm sure he got my diary and I'm sure he's the one who sent me those presents. How coul
The Unsual ExperienceHow did I become a VIP customer? And how did I have a VIP account? I wanted to ask the clerk these questions, but no words came out from my mouth. I need to calm down and think logically. I know she is just doing her job and it is not her fault why I am in this situation. I left the shop feeling blank. It seems like I'm floating, like my feet don't touch the ground. I never imagined myself to be in this situation, not even in my dreams.I reached my place not knowing how. I couldn't think clearly and as days pass by, I am more and more left in a very confusing situation. I tried to tell myself to let it go and just enjoy the experience. I dreamed of buying anything I want without using my money when I was young and now, I have experienced it so I should just be happy for it.Wait! I remember writing it down in my diary. I remember after college, I started writing entries in my diary. Starting working, I felt so alone, and
"Do you trust me?" The man in a suit asked. I tried to look at his face, but it was too bright. I couldn't see how he looks like, but he is much taller than me, around 6 feet 3 to 5 inches. He was offering his right hand to me. It seems like he wants me to hold it."How can I trust you if I don't even know who you are? Why don't you show yourself to me?""In due time, darling, in due time. But you have to trust me now, okay?""I do trust you." I don't know why I said that. I normally don't trust someone easily unless I know that person well."Thank you, darling. I won't let you down. I will make sure you enjoy everything, and no one can hurt you again." He said with a smile.He came closer to me and held me in my waist. He was about to kiss my lips when I heard a loud noise. I tried to look at the direction where the noise is coming from. It is so bright. I opened my eyes slowly and I am back in the room where I was last night. So, it is not a drea