STUCK IN THE MOMENT WITH YOU

-Freeza Jee M. Fabrigas

High school alone is the hardest part of a teenager’s life. It is where we start to
experience the worst and the most amazing feelings in the world. But when it gets to mixed
with an awkward idea of liking someone, life turns into a whirlwind emotional adventure. Like
sitting beside the window of the classroom, daydreaming of him during English class and losing
yourself and picking it up again when your chemistry teacher turned her attention to you during
your chemistry class. No, I complicated things further because stupid me fell in love. I mean, no
one is exceptional when it comes to falling in love, even the smartest Ms. Nerd in school.

My Story started one fine morning when l came rushing through the steps of our stairs
in the fourth floor of our building, catching my breath not to be late in my class. But I guess this
is not my day! My things fell and scattered all over the lobby when someone suddenly hit me. I
hurriedly picked my things up. “Hmmm…sorry miss, I didn’t really mean to” words spoken from
a cool voice, then helped me fixed my things. When I was about to stand and curse him for
being so clumsy and for being damn stupid of not seeing me, I suddenly froze and no words
came out of my mouth. While I was slowly putting my glasses on to have a better glimpse of
him. Everything stopped for me. All I can see is him. I felt like someone had pulled out my
throat and with strong fingers draw my breath and stomach from my trembling body.

‘I’m sorry miss, ahmm, Miss? Can you hear me? Then he snapped his fingers to wake me
up from my illusions back to reality. Oh yeah, the time! “Are you hurt?” he asked. I answered
no, but I really was. Great! So miss can you help me figure out where this classroom is? I’m
kind of new here so… Can you help me? Please. He begged… “Excuse me mister… whoever you
are… I’m not an ASKING BOOTH. Get lost!” I told him, and then go straight to my class.

I was just right in time when our teacher start on checking our attendance. From that
moment on, during every single second, I can’t stop myself from thinking about him. Grrr! I
can’t help it. I have to stop! I have to concentrate, I thought to myself.

I was in the middle of my recitation when someone suddenly interrupted. Words came
out from a familiar voice. “Good morning ma’am, sorry I’m late, I’m a new student here and I
believe that this is the class where I belong, I’m James by the way”, he addressed to our
teacher. “Sure dear, find a seat where you’re comfortable at”, our teacher replied.

My heart started to pound, all I can hear was my heart beating. It was him! What was
he doing here? I thought to myself. He walked towards my direction and took a glance of me.
Just then I realized that there was a vacant seat right beside me. I’m holding my breath as he
passed next to me. He was so close that I could smell his terrific perfume. “Ms. Fabrigas?
Please continue your answer”, our teacher said. I just nod at her but I’m completely lost that
time. I don’t know what else to say. I was speechless. I can’t remember any word; I can’t even
remember why I’m standing. And there I was, standing dumb-founded.

I’m so ashamed for what had happened. I mean, it’s my first time to get lost in the
middle of my recitation and was distracted. I used to be the smartest student in school. I was
in my senior year and I was running for valedictorian which was what every student pawed to
be. I admit that I found him attractive, but still, he’s getting into my nerves. He screwed
everything.

The next morning, I was terribly not in the mood. How will you feel when you see
almost all of your classmates, girls of course, being out of their selves? They keep on saying
James’ name. Duh?! What got into them? When James entered the classroom, the noise came
into a halt. They then started their primitive flirting rituals as James passed them. That scene
caused a churning in my stomach. But those rituals weren’t effective. It didn’t catch any of
James’ attention. I was the one he was staring at. His beautiful eyes drilled deep into my heart,
then gave me his sweetest smile. “Good morning Freeza” he greeted then sat beside me. I
didn’t have that chance to greet him back because as I turned to him, I was then again stunned;
the nuance of his face became eternally etched into my mind.

As days passed, James and I became good friends. We were always together since then.
It wasn’t hard to be with him except of course for the pressure, pressure from the girls which
were whimpering and pawing for his attention. He got into me. I’d never been that close to a
guy since I was in grade school. But James is different; he brings out the best in me. He lifts me
out from the world of bunch of papers and books which I thought to be my life. I felt that the
old me started to melt, yeah! I changed, but for good.

Wondering about each other made our sleepless nights over flowing with sweet images
of each other. We studied together in our school Library, picked me during weekends to watch
movies and have some walk in the park. We ate, laughed and teased each other like kids. We
like each other, and we knew it. But we opted to understand each other like, I’m yours and
you’re mine. We are contented of what we have. First thing first, and that’s our studies, our
priority.

Everything always comes into an end. My colorful world which I loved turned into a dark
grey pit. His father asked him to go with him abroad after graduation. It’s so painful to think
that you are going to lose someone.

The day came that we will say goodbye’s to one another. “Cheer up! he said, I’m not
leaving you, I’m just a phone call away, just always remember that you’re the greatest and
sweetest girl I’ve met in my entire life. You’re independent, beautiful and smart, and for that I
respect you. I will always be here for you” he told me. Then tears began to fall from my eyes, I
can’t stop it. I just can’t control myself that time. “I will miss you” I told him in a cracked voice.
 He then wiped away tears that kept on falling in my cheeks. “I love you and I will never
forget you.”He said. The he kissed me, I felt the gentleness of his lips, after which, he held me
so tight. “James, it’s time to go now, his father told him.

Then there he went, loomed and totally disappeared as he finally entered the plane. I
hate the feeling I had that time, because I know; he would be gone from me, forever.

One year had passed, but his memories keeps on taunting me. Our connection was cut.
He stopped on calling, texting or checking m accounts on my facebook and twitter. I just missed
the old him. Him, which was used to be my best friend, my brother and even my lover.I, was so
anxious to hear news about him. But I guess I was too late; I never had the chance to tell him
how much he means to mean it was what I regretted most. He was completely gone, gone with
the wind. What was left to me was the necklace he gave me, and myself which was still stuck in
the moment with him.

Finished:

10-Jan-2011