Suddenly the typing room was filled with darkness. Someone has turned the lights off. To my surprise, I saw Joseph.
Angrily, he held my arms and shouted," Why can't you understand me? You're very hardheaded. Could you please listen to me?". I was speechless. I wasn't able to talk in that the scene happened quickly. All I could feel at that time was my arms aching. Joseph held them very tight.
The guard on duty went upstairs to see what happened. After he knew that it was Joseph (the son of the director) who shouted, he went downstairs. On the other hand, I was firmed with my decision of the break up. However, Joseph didn't listen to my reasons. So, I was forced to say bad words against him; as if I didn't respect him.
Joseph was shocked. He couldn't believe that I said those bad words. Immediately, he told me," Well, if that's really your decision. Okay...from now on, you're free. I also don't want to wake up one day headless. I'm afraid you'll do something bad against me if we fight...like, you might cut my head as I sleep. Besides, I can't believe that in a minute you forget that I'm much older than you...don't worry, I'll no longer disturb you...and don't worry because I'll love Agnes more than I love you.. I'll take care care of her more than I take care of you...you'll see it tomorrow....thank you so much for everything. You know how much I love you."
For the second time around, I was speechless. What Joseph has told me struck my heart. I felt bad against myself. I thought I was selfish at that time. I didn't listen to his explanations. I didn't give him a time to prove himself. Knowing the fact that we have agreed already for the wedding, that he has loved me much and he has fought for me, I felt guilty.
Nonetheless, I was hardheaded so I tried to ignore what has just happened. I picked up my things, then I went downstairs. I left Joseph in the room.
Immediately, Joseph followed me. He got his motorbike and rode beside me. I was just walking at that time, so he directed me to ride on his motorbike; but I didn't listen to him.
He stopped the bike, then he grabbed my hand and commanded, " Ride on!" I could feel that he was extremely angry. So, I rode on his bike. While I was holding his waist, I suddenly missed the times when we went for a ride, the moments when we talked in the mini-forest, the days when we studied together in the study table and the times when we laughed & teased each other.
Nevertheless, I didn't change my mind. I was very egoistic at that time. I've never changed the decision that I already made. Minutes later, we arrived in my boardinghouse. I went directly to my room while he went home.
I laid on my bed speechless. I stared on the ceiling thinking of what has just happened. I've realized that I didn't want him to go. However, I've already did it; so, I calmed myself down. I took a deep breath then I cried silently. Hours later, I closed my eyes and went to sleep.
Joseph apologized for everything that happened. On the other hand, he wanted to pursue our wedding plan. However, I was not interested anymore in that I wanted to prioritize my studies first.
Moreover, I told Joseph that I wanted to quit from the relationship; but, he didn't agree with me. I begged him to agree, yet he was very firm with his decision of not allowing me to quit.
He still visited me in my boardinghouse although I avoided him. Weeks past, I got irritated because he followed me everywhere. When I went to school, he was there. When I went to church, he would sit beside me.
A teacher of our school told me that her cousin, Agnes, was planning to get Joseph away from me. Agnes heard the news that I kept distance with him. [ As a recap, Agnes was Joseph's student who courted him.]
Though that news hurt me a little because of pride and love, I still felt happy. I knew that it would help me escape from Joseph. Especially that a friend of mine told me that she saw Agnes following Joseph in the church.
One Sunday morning, I decided to go to church with a hope that I could witness Joseph and Agnes on the same seat. It would serve as a ground for break-up. I brought with me a letter of break-up so that I could give it to him immediately.
Fortunately, I saw both of them inside the church. However, they didn't sit down on the same seat. So, I waited for them to go out. My plan was to hand the letter to Joseph once I saw them chitchatting after the mass.
Right after the mass, I followed Joseph secretly. Luckily, I saw Agnes walking towards Joseph. She smiled at him and said," Hi, Sir!". Joseph replied, " Hello!". Then, he tapped her shoulder.
Immediately, I appeared in front of them with an angry face. Without uttering any words, I handed the break-up letter to Joseph. Then, I walked out. I didn't turn back because I didn't want to see their reactions. I was kinda hurt with what I saw and with my decision, but I was determined enough to quit from the relationship.
When I arrived in my boardinghouse, I decided to go home. I knew Joseph would visit me to explain everything that I saw in the church; and, I didn't want it to happen. Days, weeks, and months past, I continued keeping distance from him.
One Friday night, I decided to go to school to do some projects inside the typing room. It was already 11pm but the guard on duty allowed me to enter the school and used the typing room. The night was so peaceful. The surrounding of the school was so quiet.
Suddenly, the typing room was filled with darkness.
Shockingly, my room was in chaos as I entered. I knew someone has entered my room when I was in the beach.
While I was arranging everything, I saw my wallet on the floor. My money was still there but Joseph's photo was misplaced.
Immediately, I got the idea that Mrs. Honor might have gotten inside my room. So, I tried to find out if some things were gone. Then, I noticed that our papers for the wedding were gone. Who got the papers? Why did someone get them?
Without delay, I told Joseph what had happened. He got mad and he suspected his mother. He confronted her. Unfortunately, she denied. But, she told Joseph that getting married early wasn't a good idea. And, she suggested to have the wedding after I graduated college.
With what happened, I decided to go back to my boardinghouse on the following day. Mrs. Honor was right. Getting married was not the right thing to do at that time.
So, I informed Joseph's family that I would go back in my boardinghouse. At first, they didn't want me to go; however, I was able to convince them hours later. On the other hand, Joseph didn't agree with my decision. He wanted me to stay. Yet, things got complicated so I was really determined to move.
Finally, I went back to my boardinghouse on the following day. And, I was happy with my decision because I felt I was free.
In the evening, Joseph came to visit me. He brought red roses and chocolates. Minutes later, I brought him to the yard. We sat on the lawn chairs under the rose apple tree. After we sat down, he...
When I went downstairs, I was supposed to ask an apology to Joseph's parents and to inform them that I would go back to my boardinghouse but something different happened. Mrs. Honor pretended that nothing bad happened that night. Instead, she told me that we would go to the beach on the following day to celebrate Kenneth's success. Kenneth received many awards when she graduated Elementary on the previous day. Most especially, she graduated as valedictorian.
The morning of the following day, we went to the beach. We brought lots of food and drink. We ate and drank while we were talking funnily and seriously. On the other hand, we swam to the fullest extent and we played volleyball, scrabble, chess etc. In short, we really had much fun that day.
Five hours later, Mrs. Honor told us, " Eugene, Josephine, Joel and I will go ahead because we still have important things to do at home. So, Lota, Kenneth and Joseph please remain here. You have to watch over Joel's kids. Three hours later, Joel will pick you up..okay?". Because we still wanted to swim and play in the beach so we nodded.
When they left, we continued swimming. Although we watched over the small kids but we still had fun. While Kenneth and the kids were playing ball games, Joseph and I spent time with each other. We talked seriously about what happened on the previous night. He asked apology for what his parents did unto me. Moreover, he assured me that he would protect me. Lastly, we talked about the wedding.
Three hours later, Joel came to pick us up. As we arrived home, I went directly to the bathroom; afterward, I went to my room. Surprisingly, my room...
I was deafened by what I heard. I was speechless. I couldn't answer Joseph's question. I felt I was being cheated. Not knowing what to do and how to react properly, I walked out teary-eyed. On the other hand, Joseph didn't follow me. He probably understood that I needed space.
As I arrived home, I went straight to my room. I was so emotional. I cried for many hours thinking of Joseph's shocking revelation. It was not easy for me, especially that honesty is one of my primary requirements in a relationship.
At that moment, I felt like quitting from the relationship. Yes, I knew that his marriage to Linda was already annulled, so he was free to love or marry again; but, that wasn't the issue. What hurt me the most was, he was being dishonest to me not just once but twice. Remember that he didn't tell me about Agnes.
How could I trust him again ? How would I know that he was being honest to his feelings towards me when he kept many secrets from me? I was scared to continue loving him because he failed to follow the most important rule in our relationship - to be honest and not to keep secrets from each other.
Since then, I doubted his love for me. My respect for him lessened. I started to feel uninterested in continuing our relationship. I became wild and stubborn; in fact, it took time for him to please me because I didn't listen to him anymore.
Furthermore, Joseph tried to regain my trust towards him. He suffered much because I neglected him. Moreover, I kept on writing on our notebook this line," I need space. Please set me free."; while, he kept on replying to my message, " No. I will never let you go. I'm willing to suffer and I'm willing to wait for the time when you forgive me."
Unable to find the right stroke in winning me back, he wrote something surprising to me -
" Dear Luv,
Let's get married. You'll turn 18 three days from now, so we'll go to Tagbilaran City next week to file for a marriage license.
Anyway, I'll do something very important tomorrow. Thanks for reminding me about my room. Now, I know why I'm disturbed. I have to settle this first before our wedding.
Luv u so, Joseph "
" Oh my, God! We'll get married? What the?", I uttered quietly. On the other hand, I was puzzled on the last paragraph of the letter. I was clueless.
As I stared the photo of the dead baby boy, the door was suddenly closed. Someone slammed the door. I stood up to see who did it, but I didn't see anyone. In my mind, the spirit of the dead baby boy got mad at me because I stared at his photo; so, I immediately returned the photo album to the old closet, then I went out.
While I was in my room, I thought of the mysteries that happened and the things I discovered in Joseph's room. I was not sure, but in my heart I believed that there was something in his room which I had to find out. So, I made up my mind. I planned to confront Joseph about the things I discovered in his room.
On the same day, I got the notebook and I wrote him telling that we had to meet the next day. Thus, he picked me up at school and we went to the mini forest. When we arrived at the mini forest, I didn't waste time. I told him right away the things that puzzled me.
Joseph remained silent for two minutes. I thought he got mad at me because I went inside his room without his permission, so I asked sorry. I told him that I was just curious about his room. Moreover, I found his room mysterious because of the strange noise I heard.
Teary-eyed, Joseph held my hand and began to tell me the story.
The following month, Joseph asked me if he had the chance to own my heart. He told me that he badly needed my answer because it had been three months already since he started courting. On the other hand, I had seen also how devoted and supportive he was to me, so I said, " YES", to him. When I accepted him as a boyfriend, I forgot that he was quite older than me. Probably because of the constant written communication we had done each day that inspired me and made my heart melt.
During the first three months of our relationship, we hid it from his family, from my family, from our friends and from everybody; because, we believed that it would just create friction between us and the people around us. We intentionally hid our relationship to prevent the bad possibilities or problems to come our way.
The written communication was our primary means of communicating each other. In fact, we had a notebook for us to write everything we wanted to tell to each other. Putting the notebook into our rooms secretly was not that easy because we had to observe our steps and we had to see to it that nobody was watching.
As well as, we had to find a perfect time and a safe place during our dates. We were really trying our very best not to be caught by the people around us that we were dating or we were in a relationship.
On the other hand, I did not stop in getting information about the mystery of Joseph's room in the second floor. I was really very eager to know the reason why he didn't stay and get inside in his room upstairs anymore.
One Sunday morning while everyone was in the church, I got a chance to get inside Joseph's room. I really found the room mysterious. Upon entering the room, I saw a closet. When I opened it, something strange caught my eyes.
I used to eat breakfast with the director's family. I used to love the hot chocolate that was served every morning. I didn't know if it was a coincidence, but Joseph and I sat next to each other most of the time. And, he would always tease me by touching my feet using his foot.
On the other hand, he would always join me when I studied in the evening. Well, he was an English professor, so he made his lesson plan, checked his test papers etc. in the study table with me. While we were studying together, we used to conversed through writing. He would write everything he wanted to tell me on a paper and he would pass it to me secretly. And, he would always wait for my reply. Minutes later, we would laugh quietly for us not to disturb his mom who prayed every night for long hours.
Written conversation was often our means of communication. I started to like it. It thrilled me in that it was unusual for me; because, I've been very talkative since I was a child. A couple of weeks later, we became very close without the notice of everybody.
Speaking of written communication, I was able to show the other side of Lota. I was invited by my professor who was a staff of the city's newspaper, Bohol Inquirer, to contribute write-ups to their gazette. It was a great honor for me because only a few were chosen and invited to write for them; and, I was one of the chosen few.
Although I've been having a passion in writing since I was young, I still needed inspirations. So, Joseph was first on the list. It was not only because he courted me but it's also because he encouraged me to do the things I've wanted to do and he taught me things that I didn't know about English.
One week later, the fruit of my passion and hard work came.
I was very much welcomed on my first day at the director's residence. All the members of the family were there, including Kenneth. They told me to feel at home.
Kenneth was very happy because she had someone to talk to at last. She's quite younger than me. At that time, I was 17 on the other hand, she was 13. Her cousins were much younger than her and were all boys, so she couldn't share with them girl stuffs & talks.
Possibly, Kenneth's first impression towards me was good, thus she requested me to live with them. Well, we really didn't live in the same house because she and her parents had their own house; but, we bonded often and became best friends later.
Anyway, I had my own room in the director's residence. My room was in the 2nd floor, between Joel/Evit's room and their children's room. Joseph had also a room in the second floor, around the corner from Joel/Evit's room; but, he didn't sleep there anymore. Instead, he slept in the first floor, next to the living room.
According to Kenneth, Joseph had not slept and stayed his room in the second floor for many years already. I was very eager to know the reason why but I didn't dare to ask Joseph about it vis-a-vis because I've observed that it was somewhat private. No one in the family talked about it.
Abandoning the room was a very big issue for me. It was in my mind that there was really a big reason of doing so. Due to curiosity, I didn't wait for Joseph to tell me the reason; instead, I tried to solve the mystery behind it secretly.
The room wasn't locked. So, I could get inside the room anytime. Whenever everyone wasn't around, I tried to get in and gather some info. I was really hoping to find the secret behind.
On the other hand, I've sensed that Joseph was very happy when I moved there. I've caught him winking and smiling at me whenever I glanced at him. Then again, I also felt happy inside. It seemed that my heart jumped and rejoiced every time I caught him winking or staring at me.
"Why do I feel this way? Am I in love?" I asked myself.
I've decided to comb my hair after I stayed idle for a couple of minutes in the corner of my bed. Abruptly, I saw a post-it note on the mirror. Due to curiosity, I got the note and read it.
Here's the content of the note;
Lota,
You left your door open and I saw you sleeping. Instead of disturbing you, I chose to leave a note for you.
Anyway, I've heard that my parents offered you to stay with us for Kenneth. I will be the happiest man in the world if you accept the offer.
with love, Joseph
P.S. I bought something for your dinner. Please eat after you read this.
The food was ready on the table, so I ate right away. I kept on thinking of the offer while I was eating. I've thought of the advantages and disadvantages. Eventually, I've made up my mind. I've decided to accept the offer.
Monday ( 26th of April, 1999)
Before I went to my classroom, I've gone to the the director's office first. I told the director and his wife that I accepted the offer. They were very happy and they expected me to start living with them the following day.
Tuesday ( 27th of April, 1999) - My first day at the director's residence.
When the class ended, Mrs. Honor told me to remain inside the classroom. I was afraid because I suspected that she already knew about me and her son, Joseph.
After she arranged her things on the table, she told me to go with her in the director's office. As I've mentioned earlier, her husband was the director of the school. My heart pounded even faster. I couldn't measure the fear and the guilt feeling I had inside. It was in my mind that they would avoid me from going out with Joseph.
" Good morning, Sir!", I told the director as I smiled and bowed my head." Have a sit, Lota.", he replied. I felt like I was in a hot seat at that time. I thought they would get mad at me because I went out with their son.
" Lota, Honor and I have observed that you're not only doing good in your classes but in getting along with other students as well. So, we've decided to offer you to live in our house. Our granddaughter, Kenneth, feels bored because her mom is very busy with work. We want you to live with us because Kenneth wants you to be her bestfriend.( I've met Kenneth when I visited the director's house.). Don't worry, aside from a free board and lodging, we'll pay you for living with us. Is it okay with you?, the director asked.
[Huh!], I took a deep breath after I listened to what he said. [ Thanks, God for saving me today! I thought my world would end. ". I told myself silently. Ma'am Honor, Sir Eugene, I'm sorry I can't decide about it now because I still have to tell my parents about this. But, I'm willing to accept your offer because I need money. I don't want to bother my parents when it comes to financial needs at school. Yet, I'll have to inform them first as a sign of respect.". Is it alright with you, Ma'am..Sir?, I replied.
" It's all right with us. Of course, you have to inform your parents about this first. Anyway, just tell us the updates, okay? they said." Yes, Ma'am. Thank you very much, Sir...Ma'am for the offer. I really appreciate it. I'll inform my parents about this tomorrow... I'll go ahead, Ma'am...Sir.", I replied.
Afterwards, I went home in that my last subject was in the afternoon. My boardinghouse was a throw stone away from the school, so I could go home after the class. When I was in my room, I thought deeply if I had to accept the offer or not. The offer was good. I could earn money from it. Although, my tuition fee was free, but I needed money for my allowance, board & lodging, miscellaneous fee, projects, etc..The offer was the solution to my money problem.
On the other hand, my mind was in chaos. I could hardly decide because of Joseph. For me, it wasn't a good idea to live with them. I was afraid of the many possible things that might happen, e.g, What if I fell in love with Joseph because we would live in the same house? What if his family would know about us? What if our closeness would go beyond the limits?, etc.
Since the following day was Saturday, I went home and informed my parents about it. At first, my father didn't allow me. He wanted me to focus on my studies. He said I couldn't concentrate much on my studies if I lived with other people's house. But, my elder sister insisted that it would be a help for us since we were financially poor. In the end, they agreed that I had to accept the offer.
The next day, I went back in my boardinghouse. Despite the blessing that I got from my family, I was still confused about the offer, whether to accept it or not. Likewise, if I had to be happy because I could earn money or if I had to be afraid for the bad possibilities that might happen along the way.
Thinking of the hard decision to make, I felt asleep. It was already evening when I woke up. The room was dark so I stood up to switch the light on. Subsequently, I sat in the corner of my bed.
Seconds later, something caught my eyes. Guess what?....
" Lota, are you ready? Joseph is waiting outside. Hurry up!", my flatmate said as she knocked the door. " Yes, I'm almost done. Tell him to wait for awhile.", I replied. While fixing my hair, I tried controlling my breath because my heart pounded very fast. It was like I would burst.
5 minutes later, I went to the living room where Joseph was waiting. My heart beat even faster when I saw him smiling. I was speechless for a moment. I didn't know what to do and what to say; so, I just smiled at him. Then, he held my hand as he said, " Let's go.". It seemed like I was floating in the air.
I was very silent upon going to the restaurant. I kept on thinking why I was chosen by him considering that I was only 17 and I was still studying? Moments later, he broke the silence and he said, " Lot, do you believe in soul mates? I have never felt this way before. I've only known you for a few days but it seems like you're connected to me. It seems like I've known you for a long time. So, I'm thinking that you're probably my soul mate." Before I could answer him, we arrived at the restaurant.
We continued talking while we were eating. He told me that he was very sincere for his feelings towards me. On the other hand, I was not sure if I felt the same way. All I knew at that time was I admired him for being a cyclist and a successful man. I have never thought of falling in love with him because he was quite older than me.
You know, teens don't like mature guys. I was only 17, so I was looking for smart, handsome and young men at that time. While on the contrary, Joseph wasn't young anymore. Nonetheless, I was tickled every time I thought of the surprises and the time when we met coincidentally. Moreover, I felt proud and pretty thinking of catching a big fish.
After we ate, he brought me back to my flat. Since both of us like cycling, we had agreed to go cycling together the following weekend. Before he left, he held my hand and said, " Lot, I hope to hear the word " YES" from you soon. Good night!"
The following day, I went to school. My professor in my first class was his mother. As expected, I tried my very best to perform well in the discussion. My classmates were seniors and I was a transferee from a good school so I had to show what I've got.
After the class, our professor told me to remain inside the room because she had something to tell me.
As I opened the door the next morning, a hard thing from above the door dropped on my head - a book. I said, " Ouch! It hurts.", as I touched my head. I was a bit annoyed and I tried to find the one responsible for putting that thing in the wrong place.
Instead of opening the book, I immediately went to the dining room and called the attention of everyone. " Excuse me guys, who among you here put this book above my door? Don't you know that it hit my head hard?". " Not me.", everyone replied.
" If none of us here put that book above your door, so who put it there?, one of my flatmates said. We all replied, " Oh, yes.". " Why not open the book for you to know? It may have the name of the owner.", she added. Thus, I opened the book.
Unexpectedly, leaves fell from the pages of the book as I opened it. We were all surprised when we picked them up because each of the leaves had a word written on it. Because the words were scrambled, we tried to put them in order.
After we arranged the leaves/ words, we were able to read the whole message. The message goes like this;
" Hi, Lota! This is Joseph. Can I invite you for a dinner tonight, please?"
I felt like crying because my flatmates teased me. They were all very excited for the dinner date. They wanted me to go with Joseph for a dinner. They prepared everything for me, e.g , the clothes that I had to hear, the shoes, etc.. On the other hand, I was nervous because I haven't experienced yet having a dinner/dating with someone quite older than me.
Prior to the dinner, I kept on staring at the clock. I didn't want the time to move because I was really really nervous. Yet, time is unstoppable...until the time of the dinner, has come..
As I opened the door of my room, I saw a letter on the floor. It was a love letter written on a scented paper. I felt like I was in a paradise that's full of flowers because the scent of the letter filled the room.
Before I opened the letter, I tried to guess first the name of the sender in that the sender's name was not written on the envelop. I had few names in my mind - Rudy, Sunday, Leo and Zoe.
Rudy was a classmate of mine who courted me as well. Sunday was my friend's cousin who patiently visited me when I went home. Leo was a classmate of mine who didn't express his feelings for me in words but rather in actions. Zoe was my flatmate who according to my other flatmates, had a crush on me.
" Hmmnn, either of the four", I told myself. Yet, neither of them was the sender. Instead, it came from -- no other than - Joseph. I was surprised and eager to know the reason why he wrote a letter for me?
" Dear Lota, I think I finally found the girl that I've been looking for a long time. I don't think meeting you twice ( first, in your place; second, in my house) is a coincidence, instead it's a sign that you're the destined person for me.
I'm not forcing you to believe me but I'm hoping that you'll give me a chance to knock your heart.
with love, Joseph "
After reading the letter, I didn't know what to do and how to react? I couldn't believe that I've received a letter from him. Never in my mind the thought of having Joseph as one of my suitors. Based on the fact that I am too younger for him and I am just too little for him when it comes to success, accomplishment, etc.. He was already a successful man while I was still a student.
Minutes later, someone knocked my door. It was our landlady. She told me that Joseph had come to see me when I was in the mini forest. So, she told him where I was.
Thus, meeting Joseph in the mini forest was not a coincidence. He intentionally followed me there. Wow!
The next morning, a hard thing from above dropped on my head as I opened the door.
One Sunday afternoon, I went to a mini forest near the school. I went there because I wanted to feel fresh air in that it was very hot that day.
While I was looking at the butterflies flying, someone tapped me on my shoulder. I was scared because I thought I was alone in there. When I looked back, I saw Joseph. He smiled at me and said, " Did I scare you?". " Of course, you did", I replied angrily. To my surprise, he hugged and apologized to me.
Minutes later, we sat down and talked many things, specifically about our life. Afterward, I came to know him better. I've found out that he was a lawyer, an English professor in one of the colleges there and a cyclist. Moreover, he has entered priesthood; but, he didn't go back to the seminary after his one year exposure to public. So, I was proud to have him as a friend yet I didn't think of falling in love with him because he was 22 years older than me. He was 39 years old at that time while I was only 17.
When the sun was about to set, we went home. Beforehand, he told me that he wanted me to focus on learning English; because he knew from his mom that I excelled on it. He added that he would visit me in my boardinghouse and would give me English books, materials, etc. Thus, I've decided to specialize English. Not merely because of him but also because of my favorite adviser and English teacher in high school - Mrs. Trining.
As I opened the door of my room, I saw a letter on the floor.
Monday, April 5, 1999 - The Summer Class started...
I was very excited because it was my first day of school at BIT; on the other hand, I was a bit nervous because I didn't have friends yet and my classmates were all seniors.
On the first day of the class, our professor, Mrs. Honor, gave us an exam. Luckily, I got the highest score. The professor was amazed because I excelled against the seniors. So, I felt happy and proud, especially that it helped me to get many friends. Anyway, the professor gave another exam the next day - an English exam. Fortunately, I got perfect; so, the professor started to use my name as an example for a student who's determined to study. Not only that, she told her husband, who was our school director, and her family about it.
One day, I was called by the director, Mr. Eugene, to go to his office. He congratulated me for performing good at school. And, he told me to maintain it even if I didn't have the chance to be one of the academic honors on graduation since I was a transferee. Well, I was still a scholar of the school. The following day, I was invited to go to his house to meet his family.
When I was in his house, I met the members of his family. The director's wife, Mrs. Honor, who was our professor and guidance counselor. His daughter, Mrs. Josephine, who was one of the school's professors and the Dean of Commerce Department. His son, Mr. Joel, who was an engineer and a professor in our school as well. His grandchildren, especially, Ms. Kenneth, who became my best friend.
I thought I have met already all the members of the family. Yet, someone arrived when I was about to go out from their house - a man who rode on a mountain bike. Since I admired people riding a bike, I was very eager to know the man.
I finally met him when I went out from the house. As our eyes met, the two of us asked each other this question, " Have we met before? You seem familiar. "; then, we laughed. As we both tried to recall, we've remembered that we came across the previous week.
Guess what? He was the cyclist that I once met in my place. The cyclist who asked for the road direction. Anyway, we introduced each other; and I found out that his name was Joseph.
After introducing each other, I went back in my boardinghouse.
After a year in college at St. Louise de Marillac College of Bogo, I transferred to Bohol Institute of Technology. April 1999, I started studying at BIT with Bachelor of Secondary Education as my course.
Before the opening of the class, I visited my closest cousin. While I was walking home, I came across a cyclist. His name was Joseph. At that time, he was in his late thirties; whereas, I was in my teens.
As far as I can remember, Joseph asked me about the detour in our place in that the road was under construction. Then, he left right after he got my answer. He thanked me and waved his hand as he left. Unfortunately, we forgot to ask our names.
Possibly, knowing each other wasn't important because we were not interested with each other due to our age gap. I was only 17 years old while he was 39. Nonetheless, I have never forgotten the colors of his cyclist outfit, cap and hankie; as well as, his face.
"The First Cut is the Deepest" is the song of the famous singer, Sheryl Crow. I first heard this song last 2004 when I was on vacation in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, Philippines. My cousin has had a Restaurant & Karaoke Bar at that time. While I was there, my cousin asked me to take charge of her Resto Bar.
Well, I had enjoyed a lot as an in charge of that Resto Bar because I met many people. One of them, had become my boyfriend; he was one of our valued customers. As far as I can remember, he was broken-hearted the first time he went to the bar. He went there not just to eat but to sing & get drunk as well.
As an in charge, I roamed around the area from time to time, for me to see to it that the waiters and waitresses served our customers well. While I was roaming around, I saw him( my ex-boyfriend) sitting in the dim corner of the bar. He looked very sad and he was very silent while staring at the bottle of beer on his table. I was curious so I went to his table and I asked him if he was alright? I didn't know what was on his mind but he told me everything that made him sad.
While he was telling his sad love story, a sad love song was played. I listened to the song while listening to him. Suddenly, his tears started to fall from his eyes. So, I asked him, " Are you alright?". He replied, " Yes, I am. It's just that I'm struck with the song. It tells my love story. What's the title of that song, anyway?". We asked the DJ right away and we found out that the title of the song was " The First Cut is the Deepest".
From that night on, our friendship has started. We used to share our problems to each other and give advices as well. To release the bad feeling we had inside, we rode in my motorbike and went to distant places. Well, I have liked riding a motorbike since I was younger. Riding the motorbike, eating together and going to distant places had become our relief whenever we're exhausted.
After few months of knowing, laughing and helping each other, we'd become lovers. Our relationship had gone on smoothly even if my cousin and my aunt disliked him. They disliked him because he was the nephew of my aunt's husband. They wanted me to find a guy from other clan. Although my ex-boyfriend had a work and was very handsome, still my aunt & cousin didn't like him. They wanted me to find someone better than him financially...ggrrrhhh! Nonetheless, they didn't hinder us from loving each other. Thus, we were very happy with our relationship. We had even planned to settle down in the future.
Yet the smoothness of our relationship had stopped when his ex-girlfriend came home from Japan. His ex-girlfriend begged him to accept her back and offered him marriage. Gradually, our relationship had turned into a nightmare. He was confused on what to do. He didn't want to give up our relationship but he was very curious to see his ex-girlfriend. Because of his selfishness and greediness, I decided to leave from the relationship.
Of course, I had cried for many nights after I quit from our relationship. I usually found myself riding the motorbike very fast without direction. It wasn't that easy to forget him.
A month later, my aunt has introduced a guy to me. Although the guy wasn't that good looking, he had most of the things and attitudes that my relatives and I were looking. He's almost perfect in all aspects.
Guess what? That guy has become my man and my EVERYTHING for many years now. And, I have no regrets for loving and accepting him in my life.
Last year, my ex-boyfriend called me. I felt pretty because he has still remembered my mobile number. For many months, he has been asking for my hand. He wanted to marry me. He told me that he didn't marry his ex-gf because he loved me more. He added that he chose not to disturb me for a few years because he wanted to go back to me once he's financially prepared. I was flattered because he has built a house and a small business for us. He was very confident in telling me how ready he was for the wedding and for our future family. Unfortunately, he was unsuccessful in winning me back.
At present, I'm very happy, together with the destined man for me. On the other hand, my ex-boyfriend is still single. He has no girlfriend at all. Well, life is just like that. There's always an equivalent prize in everything we do. If before he could relate his love story with the song, " The First Cut is the Deepest", now, he can relate it with the song of Alicia Keys, " Karma".
Nevertheless, our break up wasn't that bad at all. With it, I've found my better half. With it, my ex-boyfriend has made a house and a business; likewise, he has bought a motorbike. I was his motivation in getting everything that he's got now. I was even touched when he said, " Lot, you're the reason why I bought this motorbike? This motorbike symbolizes our good old days. It's sad to say that we can no longer ride together whenever we have problems.".
It's the song, The First Cut is the Deepest, that gives me the idea for this entry; in that, I heard this song three hours ago.
