• -------------CHAPTER I-------------------
    “You never treated me as your wife David! I hate you!..How could you do this to both of us??.” Ruselline scowled at David and let out a cry.
    David, Eumee’s Dad shouted at Ruselline;
    “You don’t understand! Because you never let me explain!..and you always blame me.! When you should be blamed!..”
    Eumee’s tears fell as she heard her Mom and Dad fight in their room. She stayed motionless as she continued eavesdropping upon her parents’ heated discussion through the wall.
    Hearing loud sounds from her parents’ room wasn’t as common as taking her meals and going to school considering the fact that the wall between them is enough to stop voices from going through. But, that day was different. And it was the worst event of her life. And for her, it was so painful that it nearly took away her sanity.
    Eumee leaned her back upon the pale yellow wall that separated her room from her parents’. Her eyes began staring blankly at the ceiling. She wished to have a sibling- an older sister or brother perhaps, . she longed for someone to talk to and to share her sorrows with. But, she never had one, and it was a harsh reality. She cried and cried until her eyes couldn’t take it anymore. She slumped on the floor dragging her back behind her as she cupped her face and leaned unto her flexed knees.
    The afternoon glow casted a strange orange glow upon her room. It was nearing sunset and all the birds are flying in a V-pattern across the sky. Eumee stared unto the big glass window admiring the sunset, reminiscing the times when her Dad would carry her up on his shoulders and race with her Mom towards the lake by their house. She was seven by that time. Their neighbors envied them. They had the perfect house, her Mom had a great career as a movie actress but stayed home to take care of Eumee as her Dad managed a big company. As what their neighbors said, “ The Sandovals has it all”.
    Until one time…..
    It happened on her tenth birthday.
    Eumee sat at the front steps of their porch when her Dad’s car arrived and stopped in front of their house. It was unusual for her Dad not to go directly to the garage as what he often does. And her suspicion grew as she saw her Dad assist a full-grown woman out of the car.
    Her Dad came home with a woman behind him. He introduced her as Zyra. The woman’s body was slim. She looked like a college student judging by the way she looked and dressed. She had her full make-up on and she was wearing a beige summer dress and white stilettos. Her long wavy hair was in a ponytail and cascaded down her back. She was beautiful.
    Eumee’s Mom went out the screened door and stared at the woman dumb-foundedly. She motioned for them to come in and for her to go to her room. After that one, she didn’t knew what happened except for the fact that the woman left and that her Mom and Dad started arguing over small things which led to big fights.
    Oftentimes, she stayed in her room, all locked up until one of their maids would bring food for her upstairs. She’d eat in her room, alone with tears running through her cheeks.
    By the time she graduated grade school, she hurriedly took scholarship tests from universities far from their place and when she got accepted, she immediately told her parents about it. Luckily, her parents allowed her to stay in a dormitory near the university where she’s planning to study for her high-school years.
    For her, it was a relief.
    -------------------------------CHAPTER II------------------------------------
    Eumee enrolled in a prestigious school in Manila. It was a new environment for her , but, at least she was at peace. For the first time in her whole life, she felt free, and independent. And, she hoped that her parents would make up as soon as she went home. It was her birthday wish for 3 years and her Christmas wish for 2 consecutive years.
    She was starting to line in front of the cashier at the campus to pay her enrollment fee when a guy suddenly bumped her. It made her felt uncomfortable since the guy’s hand landed on the butt of her pants. She decided to turn around but she was afraid that the guy would start laughing at her and joke with her. She tried to compose herself and turned around.
    There he was.
    Standing behind her was a cute guy wearing a blue collared shirt, black pants. The guy was staring intently at her face and it made her knees weak.
    The guy had a fluid gaze, a long nose, ebony black hair carelessly fluffed by the wind and the eyes- it looked like chocolate behind long black lashes. His lips was parted in a small smile and it showed a perfect set of white teeth. The guy looked innocent with his almond shaped eyes. He looked young and Eumee estimated his age within 14-15.
    “Anything wrong?”
    The guy’s voice was husky yet soothing in a way that made it cold- like an announcer over the radio.
    Eumee swallowed a lump in her throat as she realized that she was staring in front of the guy for almost five minutes without saying anything.
    “ I’m sorry. .Uhm..I thought I heard somebody call me.”
    Eumee reasoned out as she went back to look in front. Realizing that it was already her turn, she filled up the form in a quick manner and proceeded to hand her cash over. After that, she stepped out of the line and took one immediate gaze at the man.
    It was the biggest mistake that she did.
    The guy also gazed at her.
    And, the same thing happened all over again, ..like a de ja vu
    The guy smiled and she nearly lost her balance.
    She responded with a small smile and looked down. She would have ran away, but, something inside her told her not to. Besides, it wasn’t illegal to look at someone attractive.
    ------------Chapter III----------------------------------
    Andrei took one last look at his watch before going downstairs.
    It was already 7:30 am and he’d be late for school. As usual, the table was laden with a variety of foods and his older sister and brother were already sitting in front of the table with his Mama.
    Andrei sat on the chair after giving a quick kiss on her Mama’s cheek. Her Mama smiled and said,
    “As usual, Drei, you’re late and the school bus just passed.”
    “ Yeah, I thought it might be better if Kuya would drive me to school, with Ate of course.”
    His Kuya Armand smiled a silly smile as Andrei’s Ate Andrea gave off a shocked look and dropped her bread knife. Andrei shrugged and pretended not to hear all her older sister’s whining.
    “Nooo..I’m in college and I’m planning to drive the car alone. Please Mama…Andrei will just ruin my day. And besides, Kuya’s going to work..
    “I’m not going to work unless Andrei goes to school safe and sound.”
    The two boys gave off a high five which irritated Andrea. It was their lifelong habit to annoy their only sister. Not because she whines all over again but because they love seeing her turn red and pink all over. Their Mama would leave them alone and their Papa? Well, nobody knows where he is. It had been seven years since he left them.
    His Mama recovered from that traumatic experience and learned to live without a man in her life as much as they learned to live without a father.
    “ Andrei, we should be going. Andrea, are you going to come with us?”
    His college sister rolled her eyes and played with the slice of ham on her plate.
    “I’m not coming..”
    “You’ll be late Andreeea…and you’re nearly failing”
    “As if I care. “
    Their Mama continued to laugh silently while watching them pester one another. And when the two boys kissed her cheek after saying goodbye, she stood up and hugged them both.

    -----------CHAPTER IV-----------------
    Eumee slammed the alarm clock beside her bedside table and yawned.
    The birds outside her pad fluttered all around, chirped and pecked on her glass window. She’s now currently staying in a dormitory just inside the school and it was a great advantage that she’ll need only 30 minutes to get herself ready.
    She opened a box of glazed Corn flakes, poured fresh milk all over it and ate. She took a lukewarm shower and dressed up.
    Wearing her uniform which composed of a white collared blouse, dark blue long pleated skirt and a pair of black school shoes, she face the mirror, combed her hair, grabbed her baby blue backpack , her mobile phone and went out he room.
    It was a bright day for her when she walked across the paved road towards her first class. She kicked on a lone rock as she hummed a tune she personally made up. She was in the middle of humming when a male voice startled her from behind.
    “Hey, can I walk with you.”
    The guy had a cheerful disposition. He was taller than her and of an athletic body build. His eyes were dark brown and it was small. His smile widened when he saw her and exposed dark blue braces. He was wearing the same kind of uniform in the male version and his hair was cut in a formal way. He was holding a black backpack and wallet.
    “Yeah sure!”
    “I’m Roland Roxas. Call me Lance.”
    Eumee slowed down her pace so that Lance can catch up.
    “I’m Mayumi Sandoval..call me Eumee for short. It’s really my nickname.”
    “Are you a freshman..coz, if you are, maybe we’re classmates!..” Lance beamed up.
    “Uhuh..Yep..they’re placing me in the first section”
    “ Me too!..great!.where are you living?”
    “I’m staying in a dormitory inside this school..but I’m from Cagayan and I came here to study.”
    “Yes!.I’m staying in the blue dormitory also. Actually, I just moved in this place to study coz we’re staying in England.”
    “Oh really?..But, you’re a pure Filipino?”
    “Yup..it’s just that my Mom worked there..and my Dad also. That’s why we found it convenient to stay in the same place.”
    “But, don’t you miss them Lance? You’re miles away from them..”
    “I do..I miss them, terribly,but I got a scholarship from this school and I don’t want to miss the opportunity.”
    “We do have something in common..I’m a scholar too..”
    They both reached the classroom and agreed to sit beside each other.
    Eumee felt good to have known someone she can relate to. And, Lance was a blessing in disguise.
    Lance felt the same way too. And, it was not friendship because in the very first place, he got attracted to Mayumi Sandoval.
    The bell rung and a flood of students crashed into each other as they entered their first class. Lucky for both Lance and Eumee, they were settled when the class started.
    The class adviser introduced herself in front of the class. Eumee listened intently to the teacher but got distracted when someone from the front door said;
    “Good Morning..I’m sorry I’m late.May I come in?”
    Eumee stared at the guy at the door. Her face turned hot when she realized that she was staring..at..
    …the guy from enrollment day.
    -------------CHAPTER V-----------
    Andrei stared at the girl looking at her. He didn’t know her, not in any way.
    The girls diamond shaped face looked pale when he saw her. Her eyes were wide from shock and her lips were slightly open- from shock also. Her dark brown wavy hair was fixed in a loose ponytail and the whole length cascaded upon her shoulders. Her features were far younger than the other girls in the class. Honestly, he found her attractive.
    Lance broke the silence between them when he called Mayumi;
    “Hey, what’s the problem?”
    Eumee turned too him and blinked twice.
    “Huh?what?..uhmm..I don’t know..”
    Lance leaned further and looked at Eumee in the eye.
    “You seemed to be shocked when you saw that guy..Did he do something bad to you?
    “No..uhmm.maybe I thought I recognize him through his voice..hehe”
    Lance looked past Eumee and stared at the guy at the door. Eumee patted Lance’s shoulder as she said;
    “I’m really fine ..Lance..and thanks for the concern.”
    Both Eumee and Lance looked at Andrei as he was being entertained by the teacher. Lance looked back and proceeded to take a sneak peak on his mobile phone while Eumee continued staring at the late comer.
    Their teacher motioned him to sit beside her-on her left side. She felt being sandwiched by the first two entities she encountered in the campus. As the guy sat beside her, she looked at her front an pretended to copy notes.
    The class already started and she felt uncomfortable in her own place.
    Ok..Eumee, beside you is a cute guy..you hardly know him. Concentrate on the discussion..Ok, you love science so focus!
    She tried scribbling notes but her attention always goes back to the guy beside her.
    ------CHAPTER VI---------
    Andrei took glances as the girl beside him jotted down notes. He was doing the same, five minutes before but got bored and decided to get to know the environment.
    And at last, his focus landed upon the girl beside her. She looked simple and beautiful but so mysterious. He wanted to talk to her.
    “Hey..hi..I’m Andrei Orofano..”
    The girl gave off a sweet smile as he replied,
    “I’m Mayumi Sandoval..Eumee for short, And he’s Lance..”
    Lance turned to him and gave off a bare nod.
    Then the discussion was cut off by a shrill sound from the PA system. All heads turned to face towards the hall monitor and watched as their principal announced something.
    The Principal announced over the PA system that after classes, clubs are going to be opened and
    The whole class made their way to the campus gym. Some groups were talking and obviously, they’re talking about the upcoming opening of clubs. While the whole world were too busy and preoccupied, Eumee stayed silent. Lance, who stayed in her right side remained so quiet as if he didn’t exist and Andrei contented himself by looking at the tip of his shoe as he walked.
    Silence ensued upon them as they walked towards the gym.
    Lance thought of starting a conversation but was too shy .
    Talk, idiot..talk to Eumee before Andrei does..Ask her about the club thing..Go
    Still doubting what to say, Lance sighed and placed his hands in his pockets. Eumee turned to him and asked,
    “Hey, something wrong?”
    “Nothin’, I was just thinking about something..”
    “Hmm..Do you wanna tell me?”
    “It isn’t really that big, ya know..”
    “Spare me the thrill Lance, just ask me.”
    Lance stared at Eumee staring at him. Her eyes looked lighter as the sun’s light striked it. Her irises looked like caramel under the serene glow.
    “Uhm.. I was just going to ask if you made your decision about the club thing..”
    “Oh!that one..uhmmm..Maybe I’ll try auditioning at the Escritor Club. I really love writing.”
    “How about the second club?..”
    “Students Catholic Action..probably..how bout you?”
    “Escritor and Theater..at least we’ll be in the same club this month..Too bad can’t join SCA..”
    “Why not?..its still your decision..”
    “We’re Sabbadists and we are not allowed to do so..I wish I wasn’t converted in the first place.”
    “Oh..I see..”
    Eumee poised herself to sit on the chair in the gym and Lance followed him. Andrei, who was still as silent as he is when they left their classroom, sat on Eumee’s right side while Lance sat on Eumee’s left. Then, a shrill sound came from the speakers inside the huge gymnasium as their principal, Mr. Cerdano tapped the small microphone on front of him and announced.
    “Good morning everyone..Welcome to your first day in this university….
    Mr. Cerdano’s speech continued on as Lance and Eumee continued talking about clubs, until their conversation drifted to their hobbies, interests and dislikes. Lance and Eumee were glad to know that they share the same interests like literature, music, and video games.
    Andrei listened to Eumee as she conversed with Lance. Her voice sounded like music to his ears. It sounded like piano keys stroked together to form a chord.
    Eumee on the other hand, wished for Andrei to join their conversation. Using her peripheral vision and while she was chatting with Lance, she glanced at Andrei who was sitting back as formal and as proper a businessman could manifest. It was a bit ironic though because Andrei’s physical appearance wouldn’t pass as someone in the business industry. He never looked serious in any way except for the way he remained silent.
    Andrei was apparently aware that Eumee glanced at him. He turned to face her.
    Their eyes met. The whole world stopped. Even the sound from the surround system of the school seemed like muffled voices under a huge feather pillow. It seemed as if they were the only ones who existed.
    Eumee silently gasped.
    Andrei ducked his head to stare at something on the floor even though there was none.
    Eumee bit her nails and composed herself. She began talking to Andrei to appear unaffected.
    “Hey, Andrei..”
    “Yes?”
    “What club will you join?”
    “I haven’t thought of it yet..but for sure, I’ll join the Knights of the Altar..”
    “Uh..any options for the other one?”
    Eumee stared at Andrei and Andrei looked at her. They both smiled. Andrei shuffled his hair using his right hand. Eumee retreated back to lean her back on the chair. Andrei started talking’
    “Arts Club, probably..”
    “That’s nice..”
    Their conversation was interrupted when their principal officially announced the opening of the clubs. A lot of students scampered on to the clubs they have chosen. The three freshmen students remained sitting on their chairs.
    Andrei was the first one to stand up. Eumee followed and Lance stood up. They bid goodbye and took separate ways.
    The gym was full of students until dismissal time came. Lots of noises came from different booths. It was by 4 pm that the crowd started dispersing and by 5 pm, only the maintenance personnel were present in the gym.
    -----------CHAPTER VII------------------
    Andrei sat on his study table with his left palm dugged-in his hair. He was leaning on the table slightly. A blue notepad was in front of him. His right hand held a ballpoint pen.
    A swarm of ideas filled his head. He couldn’t even find the perfect blend of words to write on the pad.
    Think Drei..
    Andrei’s head hurt.
    Finally, he scribbled something on the pad.
    “Sometimes, when you least expect it, someone will come into your life and turn it upside down.”
    He looked at the window and thought of Eumee- her voice, her sweet smile. He watched the night wind rattle the leaves of the trees in their backyard. A soft breeze came in and goose bumps filled his skin.
    He added something to the note’
    “I never thought it would be you..”
    He left the note unsigned.
    ------------------------------------------------
    Eumee buried herself deep in her green sheets and watched at the stars in the sky. Her mind kept coming back to Andrei. The way he smiled when they talked, his voice, his straight forward opinion on things.
    She stood up and looked for her mobile phone when she heard it beep.
    ‘Lance’
    “Hey..still up? I’m in the playground near the swings..”
    She thought of something and pushed the ‘reply’ button. She needed something to distract her and make her stop thinking about Andrei, his sly smile and his voice.
    “Yuh..sure…in a minute.”
    She changed to her navy blue tank top and wore a white hooded jacket over it. She slipped in her black ankle length tights and put on her white slip-ons after wearing foot socks.
    She fixed her hair unto a high ponytail , grabbed her phone and went downstairs.
    After five minutes of walking, she reached the playground and saw Lance on the swings. She sat on the swing next to him and asked.
    “Hey..its late…why are you still here?”
    “I just felt so lonely..i thought you slept already..”
    “Nah..i couldn’t..”
    “Lance..”
    “Yes?”
    “Am I too young?”
    “Hmm…for starters, yep but age doesn’t count.its in the way you handle things.”
    “Thanks..”
    “For what?”
    “For making my life..less lonely”
    “No problem…I should have thanked you first”
    “Why?”
    “’Coz, I..”
    “You?”
    “Nevermind..”
    -------------------------------------------
    Andrei folded the note into half and slipped it into the secret pocket of his bag.
    Ok..i’m gonna put this note into her locker…
    --------------------------------------------
    It had been 30 minutes since Lance said goodbye to her. Tucked under her sheets, her mind still kept going back to Andrei.
    -------------------------------------------
    Lance recalled the time when Eumee hugged him as he said his goodnight. It brought a new sensation to his existence. It made him fall for her deeper.

    ----------CHAPTER VIII----------------
    Eumee stared at the ceiling already dressed in her school uniform. She didn’t want to go to school. She didn’t want to see Andrei nor sit beside him. For twenty minutes, she debated with the idea that Andrei’s presence is not worth the absence.
    She finally decided to enter her classes.
    Lance walked with her that morning but their ways separated when Eumee went to the girls’ locker room to get her books.
    A blue piece of paper fell on the floor when she opened the locker door. She opened the note carefully and to her surprise, the note was really addressed to her. It read;
    “ Mayumi,
    Sometimes, when you least expect it, someone will come into your life and turn it upside down .I never thought it would be you..”
    The note was left unsigned and the cursive penmanship seemed unfamiliar. The note was written in green ink.
    She shoved the note into the pocket of her uniform when Lance came.
    “What’s it you have in there?”
    “Nuthin..a scrap of paper…I was just about to throw it.”
    “Let me see..”
    “No..uhmm ..it’ll just waste our time..”
    Eumee threw the crumpled note on the trash bin and walked after Lance.
    Andrei saw it all. Up to the very part when Eumee threw the note.
    ---------------CHAPTER IX---------------
    Andrei came in late.
    Eumee looked at him but Andrei pretended to shrug it off..
    Obviously, Andrei wasn’t in a good mood.
    They remained silent . Eumee excused herself and got out of the room.
    Eumee made fast paces towards the locker room and wrote a note in a pink stick-on pad;
    “Who are you?!”
    She rolled the note and slpped it onto the crevice of her locker’s door. After that, she went back into the room.
    The class ended,Eumee and Lance went home while Andrei sneaked into the girls’ locker room. he slipped another note into Eumee’s locker. He noticed that another rolled note was in the crevice. He drew it out and read it.
    “Who are you!?”
    Andrei smiled a faint smile and placed the pink note on his coat pocket.
    -----------------
    That night, Eumee turned her phone off, turned her lights off and buried herself in her sheets. She thought about the note…the words in the note..and who the owner is..
    A stalker perhaps? But, she’s a new comer and she isn’t too famous for men to drool over her and write notes. It wasn’t a woman, of course..
    But, the note stirred something inside her. Like a dream that just came true..
    Her eyes took the strain and her brain demanded an overload. It was tired. And she was too tired also.
    -----------------
    Andrei wrote another note;
    “When I convinced myself that you were just as impossible as possible you are right now, I said to myself, you’re here..and that’s enough proof that you’re indeed real.”
    ----------------
    Eumee was too eager to see another note in her locker that day. Immediately, she drew it out and without reading it, she placed it into her pocket.
    The class started and Andrei came in, late again but minus the frown he had the previous day.
    “Hey Andrei, seemed as if you got up in the wrong side of your bed..”
    “Yeah..”
    Its that melting smile again. Eumee immediately turned to face the front and smiled. Lance was so engrossed over the discussion that he never noticed that Andrei just came in. Besides, he doesn’t give a damn.
    Eumee loved smiling just because Andrei is. As shallow as the reason sounded, Eumee was contented with the fact that Andrei’s happy.
    --------------
    Eumee read the note as soon as she reached her room.
    “When I convinced myself that you were just as impossible as possible you are right now, I said to myself, you’re here..and that’s enough proof that you’re indeed real.”
    Eumee smiled foolishly. She liked the note, and whoever that person is, she hoped to know him soon. She scribbled another note into a pink pad.
    “I am indeed real..and I’m flattered to know someone who saw me as someone different from what I see myself right now”
    -------------------------------------
    The following days, Andrei came in to school happy and smiling. Eumee kept all the notes she got from the “mysterious writer” she had.
    For months, they kept exchanging notes.
    Andrei kept his identity a secret despite Eumee’s requests.
    Eumee on the other hand kept on writing back notes to the man who called himself as “Stranger”. Eumee never knew or doubted that Andrei was behind all those things. And when one day when she received no note from her “stranger”, she felt gloomy. The notes brightened up her day.
    Her secret feelings for Andrei remained. Her secret friend knew about it but thought that Eumee referred to Lance.
    It was Eumee’s 13th note that made him assume that one.
    “I could still remember the day I met him, stranger. And I never thought he’d smile at me. Here I am, a plain school girl without anything extraordinary but he noticed me. And even though we exchanged very few words, I felt as if I mattered. And, when we became friends, it was the happiest day of my life. Never had I imagined that it would lead to something like this.”
    Andrei presumed that the boy was Lance.
    He was wrong. Eumee referred to the guy she met at the enrollment day. Andrei forgot the enrollment day incident and never did he thought that Eumee was the girl she bumped into.
    -----------------------------------
    September came and both Eumee and Andrei were invited to join the SCANE. It was a requirement for them to be officers of the club they joined.
    Andrei didn’t join SCA but the club he’s in belongs to the Campus Ministry and they shared general officers. Both Eumee and Andrei were nominated as officers in their respective clubs and they should attend the SCANE.
    They were in the middle of sharing their life experiences when Eumee cried. She cried upon hearing a tune from the piano. It was a tune her Mom and Dad would repeatedly sing when she couldn’t sleep. It was a reminder of her happy childhood years when she still had a peaceful family.
    She ran to the garden and slumped on the grassy area under the big mango tree..
    Eumee buried her face in her cupped palms and cried.
    Andrei hugged her. Her face leaned unto Andrei’s right shoulder.
    “Shh..it’s okay Eumee..cry”
    “I ..m.miss them..Ayy..I w..wish..th..they’d mm..make.up”
    “Shh…don’t talk yet..you’re sobbing Eumee..”
    “Don..Don’t go..o..please”
    “I’ll stay here Eumee…as long as you want me too”
    Eumee’s words were drowned in by her stammer and sobs. She remained in a helpless position as Andrei hugged her tighter.
    He buried his right hand into the depth of Eumee’s hair and urged her to sleep on his shoulder. Eumee gave in to the strain her eyes had when she cried. She slept.
    Andrei placed his jacket around Eumee’s back since it was getting cold. He leaned unto the tree trunk for support. He never let go of her and placed his nose on top of Eumee’s head.
    They both slept under the tree. Dew formed on the grass and it was getting colder but they remained.
    ----------------------------------------------------
    The chirping birds woke Andrei up.
    Eumee was still asleep. Andrei stared at the face of the girl she loved. They might be too young but he loved her- no matter what.
    Eumee woke up and saw him staring at her. She stood up immediately and said;
    “Sorry..I shouldn’t have dragged you here..Uhmm…”
    “Its fine..really..”
    Eumee’ s face turned red as she face Andrei.
    “You were tired. And you cried.”
    “Oh.that one…I just missed them.missed the thought of what we were before..”
    “Why? What’s wrong?”
    “Nothin really..Thanks, Andrei”
    Eumee started walking towards the building when Andrei grabbed her elbows.
    “I have to tell you something”
    “What?”
    Andrei drew in a large amount of air.
    Go on..talk to her..tell her the truth
    “Eumee, the notes..in your locker.. I’m stranger..well its nothing really..notes..uhmmm..they meant nothing..”
    Eumee stared at him- shocked. Her eyes began to water and a tear fell on her cheek.
    “You lied”
    “No..I planned to tell the truth but Lance keeps interrupting”
    “You still lied”
    Andrei cupped the face of Eumee and said;
    “I’m sorry..I just couldn’t directly tell you the truth…”
    Then, when Andrei was about to hug her, she aimed on taking a punch on his face.
    “I couldn’t punch you Drei..I can’t”
    Eumee’s arms hung hopelessly on her sides, hands still clenched into a fist.
    Eumee turned around- back facing Andrei.
    “You made me believe that you loved me. You fooled me.”
    Andrei hugged her from behind.
    Eumee shrugged off and ran, leaving Andrei behind.
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Eumee returned to the campus and locked herself in her room. Andrei tried calling but she rejected all his calls. She was crying too hard when she heard a tap on her window. She turned around and saw Lance.
    “How did you get in here?”
    “I used the fire exit”
    “Oh”
    “Hey..what’s wrong. Our classmate told me you ran away …Hey..you’re crying..what’s wrong?”
    Lance came in through the window and hugged Eumee.
    Eumee hugged back and cried out loud.
    “Hey cheer up! Don’t cry..”
    Still sobbing, Eumee playfully punched Lance’s left arm.
    “Ouch!that hurts..Okay..you asked for this one”
    Lance tickled Eumee and held her captive for minutes until she screamed in defeat. They lied on Eumee’s bed with their ankles dangling on the sides.
    “Eumee, I really want to tell you something.”
    “What?”
    “From the first day I saw you down the road towards our room, you caught my heart.”
    “Haha..Funny “
    Eumee said while she stared back at the ceiling.
    “I’m serious Eumee..really..”
    Eumee stood up and sat on the bed in an Indian squat position.
    “Fine…”
    “I love you Eumee..and I will always..”
    “Why?”
    “I don’t know.”
    Silence took its place for a while.
    Eumee broke the silence.
    “Lance, you’re more than my friend..but I cant give you back the love you want me to give you”
    “I know.You love Andrei”
    “Huh?.How did you know?”
    “I don’t know..instincts maybe..”
    Lance let out a soft chuckle. Eumee turned to him and asked.
    “What?”
    “Its funny to hear myself talking about love when I couldn’t even define geometry or physics..Well..at least I told you my feelings..”
    “Thanks for being honest Lance..It really meant a thing..”
    “Hmmm”
    “I hate liars..I don’t wanna hate you just because you lied..”
    Lance stood up and said;
    “I would never lie to you Eumee…”
    “Thanks..You should go home Lance..it would be really bad if our landlady would find out that you’re here.”
    “Yuh..i figured that out….and, before I forget..”
    Lance handed out a small box wrapped in orange paper.
    “What’s this?”
    “Open”
    A candle carving of an angel was inside the box.
    “Thanks Lance..!You made this??”
    “Yeah..I did..for you..”
    “Its nice…I really like it”
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    For months, Eumee and Andrei didn’t talk..
    Notes were unanswered..
    Even club meetings were as morbid as funeral ceremonies
    -------------------------------------------------------------------
    Eumee’s friendship with Lance grew deeper and deeper .When they’re together, they looked like a couple. Andrei tried to make up with Eumee but Eumee never talked to him.
    January came.
    Andrei bought a big blue stuffed toy for Eumee’s birthday with a note that said ‘I’m sorry’.
    When he entered their classroom that day, he was shocked to find out that Lance bought the same gift for Eumee’s birthday.
    Eumee glanced at Andrei then to his stuffed toy.
    Their eyes met.
    Their gaze meant something.
    Eumee wanted peace.
    Andrei mumbled out a slow I – am – sorry but Eumee was already looking at Lance by the time he said that.
    When they’d see each other at the corridors, Eumee would pretend as if she didn’t saw him.
    Andrei tried talking to her but she didn’t look back nor listen to him call her name.
    By summer, Lance left for England to fix his papers and said he’d be staying there for good. Eumee’s heart cried especially because her bestfriend will not come back anymore.
    Lance never called. Andrei did but she never answered his calls.
    ----------------
    Two school years passed and still they didn’t talk to each other. .
    Its not because she’s holding a lifelong grudge at Andrei. She did want to have closure.
    Eumee stared at the ceiling with her knees flexed and her feet on the bed. She turned to face the window and gazed at the rain that tip-tapped on the leaves.
    It was Saturday and she didn’t have anything to do. She stared at the window and admired the rainbow which was slowly forming on the horizon. She contented herself by listening to the rain’s music as it hit the solid window glass. She was startled to hear a beep from her phone.
    Without any idea who the message was, she read it.
    “When you looked my way, I was hopeful that you’d forgive me..but all my hopes crumbled out as soon as you gave off a frown of uncertainty.”
    She deleted the message and slept the whole afternoon.
    -------------
    Valentines was approaching and still, Eumee didn’t talk to Andrei.
    The whole campus was decorated with red hearts, cupids with their love arrows. Their bulletin board all filled with love letters.
    Eumee came to pass by the bulletin and saw a letter addressed to her. She removed the pin that attached it to the corkboard and read it out silently.
    “Like sunshine, you entered into my life. But right now, it seemed as if being dead is better. You took away my life when you made me feel as if I didn’t exist. For what wrong have I done? I just loved you with a love that’s willing to take risks. I lied to you ….”
    The note was unsigned but she knew from who it was.
    She didn’t continue reading the note for someone behind her was reading the note..She didn’t need to turn around and to see who it was for she knew who owned the voice..
    “….because I was afraid that I’d be hurt if I confessed my feelings. I admit that I acted like a coward and I don’t care because I said, I am willing to take risks…for you. “
    A tear fell down her cheek upon hearing Andrei whisper those words behind her. She wanted to face him but her pride didn’t allowed her to.
    “But now, I realize that taking risks isn’t just what counts. I learned that loving someone entails honesty. And I lied, I broke your trust. But, if you permit me too, I’m willing to make it whole again. And I’d do everything for you..”
    The last words came out louder than a whisper. And she couldn’t take it but weep out loud.
    Andrei uttered the last words with much feeling that made Eumee melt.
    “Because I love you Eumee..Happy Valentines”
    Eumee turned to Andrei. Andrei was holding a large bouquet of white roses with a lone red rose in the middle.
    With a tear-streaked face, she said;
    “I’m sorry if I acted to immaturely. I forgive you..But,I’m sorry..I can’t love you the way you wanted me too..
    She lied.
    Eumee ran after saying those words leaving Andrei behind.
    -------------------------------------
    It was Prom Night and all the ladies were clad in their ball gowns.
    Eumee sat on a round table with her lady classmates beside her. She wore an azure halter- top ball gown which showed shimmering rhinestones on the neckline and the whole chest area. She wore a pair of diamond earrings. Her hair was pulled up into a big loose bun on her head. Tendrils of hair ringlets fall and framed her diamond-shaped face.
    She looked so divine
    Eumee sat impatiently, clutching her silver purse I her right hand, she placed her left cheek upon her left palm and sighed.
    Ranna, her best girlfriend tapped her back.
    “Hey, anything wrong?”
    “D’ya see Lance?”
    “Nope..but hey…can I leave you for a moment?”
    “Sure..enjoy yourself..”
    She glanced at her watch and realized that he’s seven minutes late. She sipped some wine when a guy tapped his back and asked;
    “Can I have this dance?”
    Realizing that a slow tune had already played, he looked around and saw Lance who was grinning.
    Eumee smiled and punched his shoulder.
    “Hey..you’re late!..Hmmm…”
    “Yuh..Yuh…I know..I’d have to treat you tomorrow..But, hey, you look so beautiful Eumee..”
    “Thanks..”
    Lance was wearing a gray suit which looked too formal and a black silk tie. His hair was brushed into a way that it made his brown eyes lighter.
    Eumee stood up as soon as Lance held out his hand and they swayed unto the beat of the slow music.
    “I thought you’re not going to come back Lance..”
    “I wouldn’t leave you, I promised.”
    “But, how’s your Dad?”
    “He’s fine.”
    While they were dancing, Andrei watched them. By the time the final tune played, he approached the dancing pair and grabbed Eumee by her elbow. Eumee was shocked. Lance tried to separate them but Eumee asked him to calm down.
    Lance wore a white suit complete with a striped gray and black tie. His hair grew long that it almost touched his ears and his collar.
    “What do you think you’re doing Andrei?!”
    “Dancing with you..”
    Andrei replied with a sheepish grin.
    “Stop it .”
    “Listen, Eumee, Do you like Lance?”
    Andrei’s face turned serious but his grip remained calm.
    “No…Why are you asking personal questions?!”
    “I still love you Eumee, can’t you see that?!”
    “I don’t care Andrei..Let go of me!”
    Andrei released her but before doing that, he leaned his head and kissed Eumee..
    Eumee slapped him and ran outside..the long train of her gown dragging behind her.
    “Don’t follow me Lance..please”
    ---------------------------FINALE-------------------------
    It was raining outside and the ground was soaking wet. There were no cabs or vehicles to be seen.
    Eumee ran but tripped on a rock and stumbled on the ground. Before she reached the ground, someone caught her.
    “Andrei, leave me alone!”
    Andrei took all her protests and helped her stand up.
    “I’m sorry Eumee..I couldn’t bear it when I see you with Lance.”
    Eumee’s hair was damaged by the running she did and her make-up was all smudged up on her face. Her dress was soaked with water and she stood there hugging herself, shivering.
    Andrei hugged her from behind and took his suit to cover the bare back of the girl in front of her.
    Eumee started stammering.
    “I hate you Andrei..I hate you because you made me believe in fairy tales. You made me believe that everything is real. Please don’t try to make up another story and end up breaking my heart! I know you didn’t love me and that you just made me feel as if you do..”
    Andrei leaned over Eumee and kissed her, again..
    Under the heavy rain. Standing in the middle of a dark road.
    “I love you Eumee..believe me..”
    “But, I love you too, Andrei. .And, I don’t care if you’re lyin..As long as you’ll make me believe that you are indeed in love with me..its enough”
    Eumee’s last sounds came out muffled as she fell unconscious on Andrei’s arms.