Dear Niño,

I actually don’t know how to start. I guess I’ve already told you all the things I wanted you to know.  But anyway, hi! J

So first thing’s first. I’ve never thought of being in love in high school. The only relationship that I wanted was friendship and nothing more. However, you showed up and life became complicated.

In our first year, I didn’t personally know you. I was just hearing your name from fellow freshmen and that’s it. I guess it works the same way with you. You didn’t know me, either.

But by the time we stepped on the second year level, we finally met. Even just at first, Eyo always teased us. I don’t know. He would always say that you like me and we’re fit for each other. But I just ignored him. Like, who would believe that kind of thing? First week of school and somebody likes me? Pfft. Impossible. I always thought that he was just kidding.

Time passed by. I fit in with the class and got comfortable with everyone, or at least that’s what I thought. Among all of my new classmates, you were the only one that I was awkward with. Seriously. I couldn’t even look at you straight in the eye nor talk to you without any struggle. Every time you came close to me, I felt butterflies in my stomach. And I think that’s weird. That’s the time I was starting to realize that I like you, but I wasn’t totally sure of it.

Then one day, you confessed to me. You told me you like me. I was in total awe. I felt blood gushing inside my body. My heartbeat suddenly rushed. I knew that time that I was happy. And it gave me the courage to say what I also feel about you. I was able to tell you that I like you, too.

For quite some time, we had felt awkwardness, but later on, it was wiped away. My feelings grew each time we’re together. It’s not the feeling of “like” anymore. I felt something greater than that.

Each time we talk, we talk about the future – how our life would be if we become together. Sweet talks, pick-up lines and such are what fill our everyday conversation.

But recently, a gap was formed between us. Bitterness filled the air. I wasn’t expecting something like that. I was hurt so badly. I thought that there won’t ever be a chance to save what we’ve started. I thought that you would just leave me behind broken like it was hit and run. But you proved me wrong. Though I’ve said it’s enough, you put in your greatest effort and took the things I’ve said as a motivation to never give up. And in the end, it was overcome. We passed a very difficult test and it was all because you stayed.

I can feel that our bond grew even stronger after what had happened. I guess it was, after all, a blessing in disguise.

I’m fragile, as what you’ve said, so you promised that you’ll take care of me and you will always stay. And here, I’m giving you all of my trust, one last time, to hold my heart, expecting you’ll never let it be broken again.

Seasons change, flowers do fade and hearts may break. But one thing’s certain, my feelings will never wane.

I love you so much, Niño. I will always do.

Yours forever,

Gabrielle