"Jesse"

By: Stefhanelle Amigo Laurel 9A CL Minor Term 3 Project

My Projected Ideal Married Life

This is a story of second chances. This is a story of endless make-ups and break-ups. This is a story of unrequited love and the curiosity and desperation to know what the other is feeling. This is a story of hopes and chances and taking risks that we are hesitant to take. This is about change and differences. But most importantly, this is my story.  

Jesse was my childhood friend. He was almost like an older brother to me. We were together all the time and were inseparable. We’d fight sometimes, but we knew that we’d make up at the end of the day because we loved each other that much. Love, in the purest sense of course. Some would say we were soul mates, some would say we were a match made in heaven. But I’d say that I just found my partner in life, my buddy, my best friend.

Then all of a sudden this stopped.

Years passed by and we all got a little bigger and older. I would only see Jess a few times in a month, and sometimes in even a year. Every time I’d see him, it was different. The interaction was different. I then realized, we weren’t the same kids that used to play together and be with each other all the time. In fact, not only did I realize it but other people as well. They all said that we would both be in for a little puppy love. I thought it was stupid. But honestly, I’d have to admit, it was inevitable.

People teased, people warned. I never listened to them because I never thought that I would fall for a friend that was almost like family. I never thought that I would like someone that I already got used to because I’ve known him my whole life. I never thought that he would even like me, considering his types and considering his personality, we were different. I was different. I never thought ---- Enough with using the term “never”, it already happened.

It all started in the summer of 2013 when we were spending a lot of time together, which was rare. Of course I missed him and of course I wanted to spend time with him, so I did. Back then, I was gullible, vulnerable and naïve. I was driven by my thoughts and controlled by my feelings. Then all of a sudden, he comes into my life again and I fall for him, hard. But somehow I never felt the reciprocation of what I was feeling for him. So I guessed maybe he was just playing me? Maybe he was just using me for his ego? Maybe this wasn’t real? I then knew I had to forget about him. So I packed my bags and left for the States determined to move on, renew and redefine myself and most importantly to forget. But as I came back home, I was in for a big surprise.

I come back home happy and satisfied because finally I have gotten over someone that I’ve had unrequited feelings for, for a year. It was relieving. Then all of a sudden I get a text from him telling me that he wants me and he’s sure of it. Nothing compares to the first time you hear this. Nothing compares to your first love. Of course I was happy and excited. But then I thought, did I just waste my time in the States trying to forget about him when all I come home to is him and this? He then asked me to be his girlfriend and that was priceless.

We were together for a short time because he was unsure of his sense of commitment. His bad habits were stepping into the picture. He was scared to hurt me. He did love me though. But if you love something or someone, you must set them free. He then let me go. I was scarred, hurt and wrecked. Nothing hurt as bad as this, I thought. Maybe I thought this because I haven’t experienced worse?

5 months passed and I was back to being a regular teenager and was excelling at my extra curriculars. I was already happy and satisfied. I already had everything figured out when all of a sudden he makes it into my life again like a storm. I was then shaken away and lured back into his arms again. He was like my poison and my drug. This didn’t just happen twice, but four times already, until I put a stop to it.

I was then determined to focus on my studies and get a college degree before putting myself into another relationship. I finished high school in De La Salle Zobel and then moved to the United States to study architecture in California and fashion in New York. I finished with high grades and a 4.5 GPA. I then went back to the Philippines to work for my family business.

As I was making my way through the baggage claim areas and getting my bags, I accidentally dropped my wallet on the floor. I then heard a familiar voice telling me that I had left my wallet. I then realized it was Jesse. He looked so different. He was now an established man. He was no longer the bad influence and immature Jesse I used to know. He was a better Jesse. Indeed change does take time. We asked each other how the other has been and then had some coffee afterwards.

A year later, Jesse and I went official. We were inseparable just like the children we used to be. We traveled the world together and two years later, he popped the question. We were at a mall on casual Saturday night. I then noticed my favorite songs playing. It’s as if my playlist was playing in the mall. Then afterwards I saw dancers dancing to my songs. He didn’t say anything and looked just as surprised as me. I then realized it was a mob dance. He then  gave me my favorite box of chocolates and in one of the chocolates, there it was, a ring. Jesse and I got married after a year and had 4 kids afterwards. We resided in the state of California and have houses all over the world because travelling is what we do best.

In this story we learn that in life, time can change a person and second chances are possible if you love the person that much. Love is inevitable and is unexpected.