Our Final Prayer

The Final Prayer

          “December 21st, 10:00 PM; everything ended for me. My happiness was taken. My life was ruined. I don’t blame YOU, nor that person, or anyone else. In fact, I took all the guilt to myself. I had never asked for anything grand in my whole life. But this time, just this once, can I be a little selfish? I know that what I’m about to say may sound dumb but I beg of YOU, please God, just this one time … hear my prayer.”

~ First ~

The moment I opened my eyes, I found myself in an empty room. I don’t know how large or how spacious it was since I can’t see a thing. The area was covered in darkness. I ran, screamed – NOTHING. Not even the echo of my voice can be heard. The silence was deafening. Where am I? I thought. It was a question running in my mind and yet, no one can seem to give me the answer …

                “Good Morning darling!” a voice awakened me. It was very sweet. I rubbed my eyes then, slowly, I opened it. When my vision was not blurry anymore, I quickly looked at the direction from which the voice was coming from. Then I blurted out, “MOM??”

                “Of course it’s me. Who are you expecting?” She sighed. “Get up now! You don’t want to be late right? It’s the first day of school after all.”  SCHOOL! That’s right! I quickly jumped out from bed. How can I forget about school? Seriously, I miss school! Especially my friends! It feels like forever since I last saw them. After 30 minutes of preparing, since I was in a hurry, I kissed my mom then made my way out of the house.

                I ran while admiring the view. There’s something in my heart that tells me I haven’t seen them in such a long time! It’s spring. Obviously, I can see the cherry blossoms again! Upon reaching the second street, where the bus stops, I took a turn, saw the tree, then, I saw … a boy.

                He had the same uniform as me. Hoping to make friends with him, I started to approach him. I stopped when our distance is no less than 1 meter. “Hello there!” I spoke. And when he looked at me, his figure became much clearer. He was tall. He had black hair with brown highlights and round, brownish eyes. He had this cool and yet, very gentle image. His nose was perfect! And with those kissable lips, who could possibly resist them? But that was not the only thing I noticed. There’s something about this guy that made my heart ache. He was very familiar. I know this person and yet, I can’t seem to remember him. I don’t know why my memory is very fuzzy. Trying hard to think for the answer, he suddenly whispered, “Stef? Is that you?”

                I froze. He knows me! And I’m sure, I know him too. He called me once again, “Stef? That’s YOU right?” He had this look. The kind of look which you can easily tell what he’s thinking. Or rather, I could easily tell. “Seriously, you didn’t need to be THAT surprised when you saw me.” I told him in a sarcastic manner. I don’t know but it kind of irritated me like it was as if, it had been DECADES since he last saw me. We just met yesterday. YESTERDAY! That’s right! I know this guy! This guy is, “Ivan?”

                He smiled. Hearing me say his name must have been very precious to him since he hugged me immediately without even thinking how strange it was. “Yup, it’s me.” He said. “Um, I know. I’ve known you ever since I was a kid and then you’re telling me that? Seriously Ivan, you’re weird.” I laughed. He gave me an innocent look then said, “You’re right.” I was about to answer when, out of the blue, he uttered, “WE’RE LATE FOR SCHOOL!”  We exchanged looks then started running like two kids.

                Despite running nonstop, we were still late for our first period. We fell on our knees upon reaching the hallway. We’re panting and sweating like crazy! I laughed. I found the whole thing hilarious. He smiled at me. He’s really handsome! I started to fix myself when I noticed something that made me blush. I realized he was holding my hand the entire time. I was embarrassed but at the same time, I can’t hide the fact that it made my heart race. His grip was tight. I tried to break loose but he doesn’t want to let my hand go. I blushed even harder now. I was the type of girl who easily gets embarrassed after all. Ivan knows that. “Ivan? My hand …” I said in a low volume but I think he heard me since he said, “What? Am I not allowed to hold your hand?” He smiled. His dimples made him more attractive. But still, I can’t deny the fact that he’s teasing me. “Stop holding my hand. People might think we’re going out.” Well, it’s not like I mind. “You don’t want them to think that way? I think I kind of like that idea.” LIAR! There’s no way that he would REALLY like that idea. I’m no match to him. Seeing that he doesn’t had the intention of letting my hand go, I slapped his hand so hard that he finally released it. I stuck my tongue out and said, “Serves you right.” Then, I hurriedly went inside the classroom.