Almost an Ever After

Lily’s POV

They say that when a man and a woman are friends, it’s impossible for one of them not to fall in love.
I don’t believe in that saying because I believe that the friendship will be ruined if one of them confessed
their feelings.

I am Lily Allira Elsher, 18 and I have a very best friend, Ethan Luke Lennon.
I took my phone out as soon as our last teacher for today left the room and I immediately messaged my
best friend. Ethan and I are friends since childhood. I feel comfortable talking about problems only with
him. He’s knows me better than anyone and he never judged me for the way I look, the way I react and no
matter what I do.

“Where are you?” He messaged back.

“Goin’ home now, I have a lot of take home activities,” I replied.

My friends and I took photos before saying goodbye to each other.

“Bye girls, see you tomorrow!” I shouted and blow them a kiss.

You’re probably wondering why Ethan asked me that.Well, It’s because we’re not on the same school. I
walked home ‘coz I live near school. After changing clothes, It’s time to use phone again. I talked to him
while doing my homework until it’s already 12 midnight. I never got bored talking to him even though
our topic is just nonsense sometimes.

I was scrolling on my gallery when I saw my photo with Ethan during our kindergarten days. We’re
standing in a gigantic statue, I was sitting in front of him and he was behind me. I turned off my phone
and closed my eyes.

The next day, Ethan invited me to watch basketball with him so I told my parents that I’ll hangout with
him.

“Come see me at the entrance.” I messaged him. I looked around in the crowded gymnasium to look for
him. I saw this guy wearing a familiar pink hoodie jacket. That’s him, that’s his favorite jacket. He
instantly noticed me in the midst of the crowd even though I’m small.

“Let’s go up there,” he pointed at the bench located a little higher than the ground. I noded and followed
him.

We watched the game and I was laughing the whole time because he was making fun of the bald player.

“My friends told me they’re coming to watch the game with me. I told them I’m with you.” He said while
looking at his phone.

Since we’re sitting on the highest bench. I can see everyone who enters the gymnasium. I was stunned
when a cool, handsome, tall guy entered the gym with another man beside him. His eyes met mine so I
looked away. That was embarrassing. I focused watching again but I saw the handsome guy again
heading towards us.

“Hey man.” The handsome guy greeted Ethan.

“Yo, Cyrus,” Ethan greeted him back.

Oh, so he’s Cyrus huh. Wait...he is the friend that Ethan was referring to???

I never knew he had a friend that handsome. I pretended that I wasn’t paying attention to them.

After we got home I immediately messaged Ethan to ask him about that Cyrus guy.

“That’s Cyrus Endymion Ortiz. You interested in him?” He asked.

Do I find him attractive? Yes. Am I interested in him?...I don’t know.

“Want me to help you get close to him?” Do I want to get close to him? Hmm…I’ll give it a shot.
“Yes please hehe,” I replied.

Since that day, every time they hangout Ethan will always let me tag along but I never really got close to
Cyrus. He’s so hard to approach and it makes me feel like I should give up already. This sucks.

Ethan encouraged me countless of times to not give up, He said that I won’t be rewarded if I don’t work
hard.

It’s now our moving up ceremony. I’ll be transferring into Ethan’s school to get close to Cyrus. Today
was full of joy. It’s like one step forward to the future.

We took photos and ate street foods after the ceremony.

“Congratulations my very best friend Lily, I am so proud of you.” That’s what written in his message.

“Thank you so much Ethan.” I replied back.

I spent my vacation playing mobile games and such.

“We’re goin’ to the city, do you want something?”

“Chips?” I replied.

“Got it.” He replied back.

We’re close but we barely meet up. We spent most of our times together chatting each other.

“Meet me at the plaza.” He said. I immediately took a quick bath and went to the plaza to meet him.

I saw him sitting on the bech looking at the opposite direction. I covered his eyes from behind.

“Lily.” He uttered my name and I giggled.

I sat on the bench in front of him. He handed over a large paper bag full of junk foods. I clapped my
hands out of joy.

“Thank you Ethan!”

“You’re welcome, drink lots of water after eating okay?” He said, I nodded my head.

After we meet up, I went home and took a picture of the junk foods he gave in my room.

I will be enrolling in their school tomorrow. I asked him to tour me around the school with Cyrus. He
immediately agreed to it.

I was planning to collect pictures of Cyrus and I together during my first year in that school with Ethan’s
help. H’s really supportive, I love him.

Moving forward, It’s now the first day of school. I may not look like it but I’m too shy to approach
people. Good thing there’s someone I know in the class, her name is Aubrey. She took care of me all the
time.

“Hello, I don’t want to eat, it’s embarrassing.” I texted him during our lunch time. We’re on the same
building but different floors. He’s below us. Besides, we took different strand. I took HUMSS and he took
STEM.

“I can’t go up, we’re doing our activity but you should eat. You got nothing to be embarrassed about. Eat
or else I’ll get angry.” He replied. I pouted.

I took out my lunch and eat with Aubrey. I took a photo of my empty lunch box and sent it to him as a
proof.

“Very good.” He replied.

Almost every weekdays we hangout in the plaza. Of course we’re with Cyrus. Ethan become close with
my friends now. Yes, I made friends now, I have 6 on the same room as mine. Aubrey, Mari, Ann, Daine
and Angela.
We saw Angel in the plaza so I waved my hand on her. She went close to the bench that we’re sitting.

“Hi, Daine.” I greeted her.

“Ethan, buy me siomai pleaseeee.” He pleaded Ethan. I know what these two are planning. If they leave
to buy, Cyrus and I will be left alone.

“Sure, how many siomai do you want?” Ethan winked at me before leaving with Daine. What do I do
now? The awkward silence filled the air. Should I start the conversation? What should I say?

Before I could even talk, he started talking to his friends behind us until Ethan and Daine went back.

“How did it went?” Ethan whispered.

“What does it look like?” We didn’t talk or anything.

It’s upsetting but what can I do? I don’t want to force myself to him.

“I’m going home.” I said before grabbing my bag.

“Cy, I’ll take her home. Wait for me here.” Ethan said before following me.

“Bye buddy.” I looked back to see who he is talking to and my heart skipped a beat when I saw him
looking at me.

Is this a sign not to give up? Fine, I’ll show you how Lily Allira Elsher love.

Everyday, I gave him all the hints about how much I like him. I did everything I could just so he could
notice me. Every time I saw him whenever he’s not looking, I will always make a finger heart.

There’s this time when we will have to walk in front of their room before we can go to the stairs that
leads to our room in the 2nd floor. They’re outside their room and wiping their chairs and tables.

“Cyrus, I have a magic to show you!” I called out to him with Ethan beside him. I look out the flower that
I picked on my way to their room. I placed it on my nose and sniffed it hard so it won’t fall. I was so
embarrassed so I immediately run upstairs while laughing hard.

We’re becoming closer little by little by each passing day.

I’ve thought about it for a long time and I finally made up my mind.

“I’m gonna confess. I’ll update you later.” I messaged Ethan as my hands begin to tremble out of
nervousness.

Okay, what do I need to do? How should I confess? How about a song since we both like music?

I opened my tiktok app and searched for a confession song.

I listened to “Kisame” by Rhodessa.

“Pero bakit ba lumalayo

Lagi na lang bang ganito
Pero bakit baa yaw mo
Pwedeng sa’yo na lang ako

Nakatitig sa kisame
Kakaisip kung pa’no sasabihin sa’yo
Na gusto, gustong-gusto kita”

Okay, this is very accurate. I’ll go with this one. I saved the video with the lyrics of kisame on it.

This is it! I took a deep breath before sending the video. After sending it I turned off my phone. What
would be his reply like? Will he reject me? Will he accept my confession?

I opened my tiktok again to distract myself from thinking about his reply. I literally stopped breathing for
a second when a notification from my messenger popped up.

I opened our conversation and I saw his reply.

“We don’t have a ceiling buddy, just kidding.” I laughed in his response.

“We have a ceiling, that’s where I am looking.” I replied. So what does his response means? Did he reject
me? Accepted my confession or ignored my confession? Well, it’s understandable because if I were him I
will be shocked too. Someone who I’m not close with confessed to me.

Along with our conversation, Ethan continued to support me on my journey of winning Cyrus’ heart. As
the time goes by, I became close to him. I met his family and we got comfortable to each other’s
presence.

He opens up his problem to me and the way he’s sulking, I find it cutee.

I told myself that even though I like him, I won’t flirt with him, I’ll be here as his friend…for now.

It’s now our town’s fiesta and I’ve decided to hangout with my friends but Ethan and I have plans too.

I’m with Yhasmin, Claire, Rei, Vana and Thea. The same old bonding. We eat, took pics, tiktok and
teasing each other. 5: pm came and it’s time to meet Ethan now so I bid goodbye to them. Tonight, Ethan
and I will drink on the beach side. I was shocked when I saw Ethan with Cyrus and their friends Mark,
Kian and Ivan.

“They’re coming with us?” I asked Ethan to confirm. He nodded his head. I guess it’s fine since I’m close
to them now.

“The more, the merrier!” I shouted.

While walking, Mark matched my phase and we talked.

“Let me carry that.” Ethan offered to carry the things we’ll use later.

“No, I can carry this much. Thank you.”

“C’mon.” He insisted.

“ I said I can carry it, I don’t need your help.” I said. Opps, did I said that too harshly?

“You know, I notice that Ethan became very more caring when it comes to you. It’s like a different kind
of love. Is he jealous of me ‘cause I am beside you?” Mark whisphered.

“I thought so too, but let’s just hope that we’re thinking the wrong thing. He knows I like his friend, I
don’t want to hurt him and I don’t want to ruin of friendship.” I said out of worry.

We reached the beach side and Cyrus mixed the juice to the liquor. Ethan was the one who drunk the
most of the liquor. He’s drunk.

There’s a famous band coming in town tonight and we want to watch it so we decided to leave that place.

“Oh, I’ll be gone for a moment, I’ll go home. I’ll change my clothes.” I said to break the silence.

“In that state? No, I’ll walk you home since it’s already dark.” Ethan protested.

“If Ethan is coming, then we should come too.” Cyrus said.

“You guys sure about that?” They just nodded.

While walking home, I was grabbing leaves from the side of the road.

“Stop it, there might be thorns that could get you hurt.” Ethan said and Cyrus also agreed so I stopped.

We reached our home and I’m glad that my sister is the only one in the house. I invited them inside.

“I’ll be back in a minute.” I said before running towards my room to change. I picked a black fitted dress
that has short sleeves and came out with a guitar on my hand.

“Ethan, since you’re here why don’t you change the strings of my guitar?” I told Ethan. I bought that new
strings last week and he said he’ll change it.
“Hand me the pliers.” I grabbed the pliers from my father’s tool in his room and Cyrus helped Ethan
change the strings of my guitar.

After they changed it, Cyrus grabbed my phone and started filming as he strum the guitar and sing the
song “Ang Huling El Bimbo” by Eraserheads. He’s a dream come true.

I remembered that I was supposed to ride the ferris wheel with Yhasmin, Claire, Rei and Vana but when I
reached the plaza, I could no longer find them. We waited for the band to play in the small mountain in
the plaza where we can see everything. Cyrus uses my phone again to film. After hours of waiting the
band finally showed up. The band it called Bandang Lapis. They sang their popular hits like Kung Alam
Mo Lang, Kabilang Buhay, Nang Dumating Ka and many more.

After the event, they walked me home again.

“Thank you guys for today, get home safe!” They waved their hand.

After taking a half bath, I messaged Cyrus.

“Can I upload your vids on my facebook story?”

“Sure.” He replied. My heart is so happy.

He’s finally breaking down his walls down, little by little.

We have 2 events coming up, that’s the MUNHI Got Talent and the Career Guidance.

In the MUNHI Got Talent, they will only choose few students to represent your section and my friends
Aubrey, Mari and Angela are chosen. They decided to just dance songs from different years The
preparation they have is only one week so they are excused from of our classes. Days flew fast and it’s
now the MUNHI Got Talent day.

My heart felt weird when Ethan complimented my friend, Mari.

“What’s the name of that lady? She’s so cool. I think I have a crush on her,” Although my heart is weird,
I tried my best to act like it was nothing.

“That’s Mari, she’s a dancer, she sings too.”

I opened this up to my friend Daine.

“You felt jealous? I knew it, you like Ethan.” Daine said.

“I like Cyrus but I don’t know why I felt that way.” I responded.

“Hmm, if that’s the case then maybe you’re just jealous because you think you’ll be set aside if they
become close?” I don’t know for sure.

The next day we’re talking on the balcony. Mari mentioned that Ethan messaged her. I felt that weird
thing again. Daine exchange looks with me. I couldn’t say anything. I don’t know how to react. Let’s get
if off my mind.

It’s our Career Guidance tomorrow and I asked Ethan to help me find someone who can lend me a
teacher’s uniform and he said his cousin is a teacher so maybe I can borrow it. He said he’ll come with
me.

After class, I messaged him.

“Where are you?”

“Goin’ home.” He replied. He might’ve forgotten that he said he’ll come with me. I just didn’t say it but
I’m upset with him. He forgot about our plan.

“Okay, take care. I go get the clothes myself.” I replied.

“Oh, right, damn I forgot about it. Wait for me there in the plaza.”

“No need, you’ll only waste your time and strength walking back here.” He didn’t replied so I waited for
him.
“Hey, sorry. I really forgot.” He said while catching his breath.

“It’s fine. Let’s go.” After getting the clothes I decided to part ways with him.

“I’m going home now. How ‘bout you?” I asked him.

“Are you angry? I’ll walk you home.” I just nodded.

After arriving at our house I immediately tried the clothes. It fits perfectly.

“How was it?” I asked him.

“Hmm, it look good on you. Why don’t you just take the course Educ?”

“Hell nah, I don’t want to study forever.” After few minutes he left elready.

It’s now our Career Guidance. My friends and I are having a small talk when Ethan with Mark arrived.
Where’s Cyrus?

“I’m gonna ask Mari for a photo latet.” Ethan whispered. There goes my heart acting weird again. Afrer
he let out those words, I didn’t talk to him until the event starts and until the event ended. I restricted his
account on my messenger. I feel like I don’t want to talk to him. I saw Cyrus on my way home and he
said, “You and Ethan good? He cried earlier.”

“For real?”

“Ask our classmates.” He said then left with his classmates. Okay fine, I’ll explain everything to him.

As soon as I finished taking a half bath, I messaged him.

“Yo, I restricted you earlier that’s why I don’t reply. You’re probably wondering why. I also don’t know
why I am feeling things that I shouldn’t. The day you said that you like Alona and today, it made me feel
jealous. Does this mean I like you now? Or I just want all of your attention on me?” I hit the send button.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know why you feel like that either. I don’t know if you notice but… I like you, before
you even met Cyrus. As your friend, you happiness matters to me more than anything else so I supported
you and did everything I could to make your relationship with Cyrus work.”

I’m speechless. What should I do? I’ve known him for a long time, I know he can treat me better but…
will this work? Let’s not worry about that. What matters is the present.

“I know this is so sudden, I don’t want to lose my chance. Lily, can I court you?” I feel like all my
worries fade away.

“Yes.” I replied. That is where I ate what I said in the first part of this story and that is also where our
story as more than friends started. I talked to Cyrus and said that I’m giving it a shot. I mean Ethan and
I’s relationship. I also informed my friends about what’s goin’ on between Ethan and I.

Everyday was just like a dream. He spoiled me with foods I like, he always walk me home and spend
time with me. I want to date him without hiding so I’ve decided to tell my parents. They allowed me since
they knew Ethan, we’re friends since childhood remember?

Sometimes we meet at plaza to eat and talk, sometimes in a convenience store and sometimes in our
house where we watch movies, sometimes when he cannot go out or when we miss each other but cannot
go out I call him.

The day of the Ben and Ben concert came and we decided to watch. We thought that It’ll be romantic so
we made plans and earned money for that concert.

“Once we arrived at the Calapan we’ll eat lunch, stroll around the mall, buy some snacks and we just wait
at the venue is that okay?” I messaged him.

“Got it Mabi.” I smiled when I saw the nickname he gave me. He said Mabi means “Ma bi ef ef (My bff)”
In return I gave him a nickname Babu. It doesn’t have particular meaning, it’s just that he was saying
googbye to me that day but rather than “Babye” he sent “Babu” I think it’s just a typographical error.
Before I texted him to meet me at the plaza, I went to the salon to cut my hair short. I wanted to surprise
him hihi.

After the hair cut, I told him that I am waiting for him at the Plaza. He arrived but it seems like he didn’t
noticed my new hair style, that made me kind of sad. We ride natsco that’ll dive us in the Calapan City.

While we’re on their way there he texted me.

“Mabi, you look good on your new hairstyle.” I smiled in his text.

“I thought you didn’t notice.” I replied.

“How could I not? I was just too shy to mention it in front of you.” He replied back. We sticked to our
plan. We ate lunch and bought plenty of snacks in the mall and then head straight to to the school where
Ben and Ben will be performing. The event will start at 6 but we’re already there by 3. We spent our time
eating and watching movie on his mobile phone.

The event will now start and some local artist performed. It was crowded. The crowd was loud and lively.

While I was watching, I felt both of his arms beside me. It was like he’s keeping me away from the
people next to me. We were standing for 8 straight hours so I feel like I couldn’t eat anything else at that
moment, my legs are sore and I am so tired. I thought that was the reason why I’m not that happy, but I
soon realized that… I’m losing interest.

I don’t know what to respond to his I love yous, it’s like I’m doubting my feelings for him and it made
me nervous. We’re really afraid to take our relationship to the next level because if one of us made a
mistake, our relationship along with our friendship will be ruined. Our friendship is in the line so we
better be careful but here I am. I let out a loud sigh.

After the event in Calapan, I sarted to feel awkward towards Ethan. We barely see each other ‘cause I go
home as soon as I step out of the school. I often get pissed off by small things he do. What if I’m falling
out of love?

I keep thinking of our friendship and all of the days we spend together. Will I be the one to ruin this
relationship?

I remembered during our field trip in Calapan, we promised to eat on the night market. The whole time
that we’re on the field trip, I didn’t talk to him. There’s this time when I walk passed them and he gave
me burger and fries from Mc Donalds. I just said thank you.

While strolling and looking at the lights, I saw him alone, sitting on the bench and looking at the pendant
that has picture of us in it that I gave him on his birthday.

My eyes suddenly watered but I don’t want to comfort him. I averted my gaze and walk towards the night
market and messaged Ethan.

“Night market, come.” I press the send button. When he arrived, my friends left us alona. Now that we’re
alone, I’m feeling awkward again. There’s a lot of foods I want to try but I just bought shawarma wrap
and I asked him if he also want shawarma wrap or he he want anything else.

“I want shawarma wrap too.” There he goes again. I feel like he’s not free when he’s with me. I feel like
I’m affecting his every decisions. From movies, to foods.

He knows I like horror so whenever I ask him about what to watch he’ll always say horror or sometimes
“Whatever you like.”

I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing since I don’t know much about love. I feel like…He loves me
so so so much. Who wouldn’t want to be loved so much? I would want want too but what I’m feeling is
the opposite. It’s too much.

After eating I told him that we should head back or else they’ll leave us behind. The thing is we don’t
remember the path we took to get in the night market. That made me pissed and blame my friends for
leaving us. After walking for a few minutes, we finally found the bus.

“Here’s my bus, thanks for walking me here. Bye.” I said before entering the bus. As soon as my butt
touched the seat, my phone buzzed.

“Thanks for letting me tag along Mabi, even though I feel like you hate me so much.” I stared at his
message for a long time. Is it true that I hate him? If it’s not, why can’t I bring myself to type the words
that says I don’t hate him? I’m so cruel. He doesn’t deserve someone like me. Maybe we’re better off as
friends, maybe we made a wrong decision.
After I got home, I messaged him. We talked about our situation, I explained everything that I feel
towards him, the awkwardness, the way I got annoyed by him easily, how I felt about him giving me too
much affection and all.

“Why are you feeling that way towards me? :((“ How am I going to answer him? I don’t even know the
answer. Infatuated? Fall out of love? Lost interest?

“I don’t know.” I replied.

The misunderstanding of the people around us about our relationship fed the flame and it triggered a
nerve in me.

“You know what, why don’t we take a break? Let’s stop talking for a while.”

“If that’s your decision, I understand.” He replied.

Since that day we only communicate through reposts on tiktok. My repost on tiktok is for him and his
repost on tiktok is for me.

3 weeks since we stopped talking, my cousin suddenly invited me to drink in their house, I immediately
agreed to it. Maybe it’ll be a nice way to let out the heavy feeling.

“Yo cousin! What’s with the long face? Got a problem?”

“Yeah, a big one.”

As we drink, we started talking ‘bout things. While talking, I’m scrolling on my tiktok fyp and I saw his
repost. A Ben and Ben song called “ Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay”

“At kahit nabago ng oras

Ang puso ma’y nabutas
Ikaw pa rin sa susunod na habang buhay”

I know the song, it hits me so hard. He’s still willing to choose me after I hurt him and it hurts to think
that I hurt the most precious person that I have.

I started to burst into tears. I told my cousin everything that has happened to us. She embraced me and
made everything less heavy. I let it out, all of the things that bothered me.

The next day, I woke up with a puffy eyes. I guess I cried a lot last night.

My life continued without him, I miss him but how dare me approach him again after I hurt him and cut
him off. At every drinking session I went, I always end up crying over him. I’m tough when I’m sober, I
cry when I’m drunk.

2 months had passed and I’m slowly returning to the old times, lowly becoming jolly again.

This February 14 we have an events like jail booth, wedding both, photot booth and a booth where you
can buy colorful yarns that has meanings. My adviser told me to prepare a long song that I will sing one
the stage for the opening of our event.

I sang the popular song “I Like You so Much You’ll Know it” an English version of the Chinese Drama
OST A Love so Beautiful.

I didn’t expect much on that day since I don’t like anyone and no one likes me during that time but my
friends and I exchanged white yarns that mean “I’m proud of you”.

While I’m buying yarns for my other friends I cross path with Ethan and Cyrus.

“Lily, for you.” He said as he grabbed my hand and tied the yarns on my hand. He bought all the colors of
the yarns and he tied the bunch of red yarns in my hand. The red yarns means “I Love You”

“You’re gonna put all that yarns on me?” I asked with a giggle.

“Yes.” He answered.
“There,” he said while looking at the yarns on my hand.”

“Thank you.” I said as I gave him a red yarn in return. I thought that will be the end of it but during lunch
time. I was in the stage because someone asked me to sing another song and I decided to sing Dandelions
by Ruth B.

After singing it, I went on the back stage to go back to our room but I saw Ethan walking towards me
with a bouquet of flowers in his hands. Shit, is that for me?

“For you, Lily.” He said and gave me the bouquet with a kuromi toy that when you press the top of its
head it will say “I love you” and forms a heart with its hand. His classmates on the back are filming the
moment.

“Thank you so much.” Oh my Gawdddd. All of this for me. The bouquet of flowers he gave me are not
real flowers, it is made up of light blue and pink ribbons formed into a rose. The wrap of the bouquet are
light pink too and it has fairy lights around the flowers. It was stunning. The design was inspired by
Taylor Swift’s album named, “Lover.” He knew I’m a fan of Taylor Swift. I was touched by his efforts.

After that, his friends told us to take photo on the photo booth.

“Wait, it’ll cost Php50 if we we’re to take pics here.” I said.

“I’ll pay for it,” his classmate said.

We took few photos and after that I thanked him again before goin’ back to my room.

“Wow! Who gave you that? So pretty!” Daine exclaimed.

“Ethan.” I responded to her question.

Before the lunch time ended, we prepared our surprise gift to our adviser. A coffee tumbler and lots of
dutchmilk and Pepero and we wrapped it like a bouquet of flowers.

After wrapping it, we walked towards the faculty room and our president told our adviser that we have an
emergency so he will go out.

“Happy Valentines po Sir DJ!” We all shouted when he went out of the faculty room.

“Thank you my Mandela, c’mon let’s take picturesss.”

“Who wants to get married on the marriage booth? I’ll pay!” Sir said.

“Lily and Ethan po sir.” They all said.

“Hey!” I shouted too.

“Okay, excuse Ethan to his class and call him here.” I let out a sigh as a sign of giving up.

“Lily, come here and wait for you groom.” Sir said while laughing.

I saw Ethan walking towards our direction.

“You sing your own wedding song Lily!” One of our teachers said and handed me the mic.

“Hearts beats fast

Colors and promises,” I sing while slowly walking forward.

“How to be brave
How can I love when I’m afraid,” I look at my friends on the side and they were smiling at me.

“To fall but watching you stand alone

All of my doubt
Suddenly goes away somehow,” I look at my other friends on the other side, they were giving me finger
heart signs. I giggled.

“One step closer,” I slowly gaze at Ethan who’s looking at me.

“I have died everyday waiting for you,
Darling don’t be afraid I have loved you for a thousand years
I love your for a thousand more…” I stopped singing when I beside him already.

We said our wedding vows, following what the fake priest said.
“Do you take Lily as your wife?” Father asked Ethan.

“Yes, father.”

“How about you Lily, do you take Ethan as your husband?”

“Yes, father”

Father gave us a fake ring.

“Lily, take this ring as a sign of my love,” he said while putting the ring on my finger.

“Ethan, take this ring as a sign of my love,” I said as I put the ring on his finger.

“You may now hug the bride.”

The teachers hugged us and we hugged each other too.

So much happened that day, I couldn’t believe it.

I’m walking home and the bouquet I’m holding attracts lots of attention. It’s pretty right? It’s from my
best friend y’all.

When I got home, I washed the dirty dishes.

“Hello, someone in there?” Someone from the outside said.

“Yes, what is it?” I dried my hands and opened the door. I saw Ethan outside.

“Yo, what’s up?” I greeted him as I invited him inside.

“I’m just here to give you these.” He handed me a box of donuts.

“You never really fail to amaze me Ethan, thank you so much for today!” I said.

“So, I’ll be going now, Mark is waiting for me outside.” He said. I peeked at the window and there I saw
Mark, he waved his hand and I waved back.

“Bye, careful on the road!” I shouted and continued to wash the dishes. After all the chores, I opened the
school page to see the pics we took on the photo booth earlier and I saved it.

I upload it on my story with the caption “Thank you for all of this, even though I feel like I don’t deserve
it.”

A few minutes had passed and he replied to my story.

“You’re welcome. You deserve all of it. Happy valentines Mabi.” That was his first message and the next
one is “Can I court you again?” I don’t see a reason why I shouldn’t, and I thought that we could fix our
relationship once again.

“Yes.”

We’re slowly getting comfortable to each other again and slowly bringing back what we once lost. We
watched movies again like we used to, dates after class and sleepcalls.

One day, my friend Angela approached me.

“Lily, I have something to tell you later.” I don’t know why but I feel like it’s about Ethan. Girl’s instinct,
maybe.

We have a vacant that’s when Angela spilled the tea.

“I’ll keep the identity of the source anonymous okay? According to the source, Ethan and your friend
Yhasmin had a close contact.” She said.

“They’re friends.” I replied.

“Friends that sleeps on each other’s lap? Friends that holds waist?”

I was stunned by what she said. They have that kind of relationship? I mean I’m aware because we fought
about this matter a thousand times already. What I am curious about is why did he kept it from me.

“I know him, he’s not that kind of person. He will never do such thing thatcould hurt me.” My eyes
watered once again.

“It’s okay Lily, talk to him later okay?” Angela comforted me.

As soon as I got home I messaged him.

“Ethan, let’s talk. You know what, I heard something interesting but I wonder if it’s true so I’m gonna ask
you. I heard that you’re still clingy with my friend inside your classroom? Why didn’t you tell me? You
know we fought about this so many times.”

I close my eyes trying to calm myself because I know I’m toxic when I’m mad. My mind won’t be open
for his explanation once anger fill my whole system.

“I just need your answer, either yes or no.” I messaged him again.

“Lily, let me explain okay? It’s true but for us it doesn’t have a meaning. I hid it from you because I’m
still in the process of distancing myself to her.” He replied.

“Process? Why does it need a process? You could just not touch her, you don’t need a goddamn process.
Why? Have you developed feelings for her? Is that why you cannot stay away from her?”

“Everytime we fought, you don’t listen to my side. I was traumatized, she’s the only person I can open up
my problems other than you.” He replied. So it’s my fault now huh.

“So you’re admitting that you have feelings for her now? If that’s the case why didn’t you court her? Why
me? You just wasted your money and effort trying to fool me.” My tears are falling down my face as I
typed those hurtful messages.

“I’m sorry, I was wrong. Give a third chance please.”

“Don’t ever beg me over something. Give me a few days, I’ll think about it.” After my last message, I
didn’t reply to any of his dms.

The next day I didn’t wear make up on purpose. Because I know, I’ll cry a lot today. It’s Friday and we
don’t have much classes, since it’s our catch up Friday. The story we have for today is Romeo and Juliet.
After reading, our teacher played “Love Story” by Taylor Swift.

Although the song is about love, I can’t help myself but to cry.

“Aww, Lily is crying again. It’s okay my baby, you’ll get through it.” Aubrey comforted me that made
me tear up even more. I was crying the whole day because they’re listening to sad songs and I am relating
that sad songs to what’s happening in my life right now.

Is this way of getting back at me for hurting him before? Maybe this is my fault. If I didn’t lost interest
then maybe we’re still happy and in love.

I can’t change what has already happened. Maybe this is really our fate.

After one week of thinking, I finally made up my mind.

“Hello Ethan, I know you’ve already seen this coming ahead of us. I believe, the chances I gave you are
enough to prove yourself to me. I’m sorry, I cannot give you another chance. Maybe we’re better off as
friends.”

“I’m sorry. I love you for the last time Mabi.” His reply made me cry again.

In the end, I’m right. I should’ve just stood by what I believed in. If I only did that from the start, we will
still be probably in good terms by now.
Despite everything that has happened between us, I am still grateful that I had a him. He taught me so
much, he helped me grow as a person, he’s a part of my firsts, he’s the one who made me feel loved
among all of my flings and he’s also the one who made me the saddest among all.
It’s just... so sad to think that we’re from friends, to almost lovers, to strangers.

THE END