Back to December

Tiffany

It was in the second semester of our first year in college when I first noticed Travis Jason Vernon. He’s the kind of man that every girl in all year levels dreams to be with, and I admit that I’m one of his fangirls too.

Who wouldn’t be, anyway?

He has a good voice that you will never tire of hearing, is a good actor when it comes to role-playing and theater activities, and is one of the top students in the College of Mass Communication. He also has a smile that can make you fall for him instantly and a boy-next-door look.

But I’m the type of person who quietly admires him from afar. I’m not like other girls who are bold in seeking attention and expressing their feelings for him.

Maybe it’s because I grew up with strict parents. So, I have very little freedom when it comes to many things, including expressing my true feelings.

If there’s one thing that I’m happy about in our family, it’s the genuine love between my parents. It’s just too perfect, and I wish that I could find that kind of love as well.

There have been a few suitors who have shown interest in me. So, I tried diverting my attention to them. I know that it’s not easy to reach a man like Travis.

But in the end, he’s still the one my eyes continue to search for; his handsome face fills my mind; his sweet voice I continue to hear; and his wide smile and sparkling eyes often appear in my dreams.

At first, I thought he would just remain a dream and a figment of my imagination. Not until that unexpected night happened.

We were in our second year of college, and it was a rainy evening in July when I discovered that my parents were planning to get a divorce out of the blue. I had just come home from school when I overheard them talking about that serious matter.

I was devastated back then. Yes, I had heard and seen them argue many times before. But it never occurred to me that they would actually make that decision, since I believed that fighting is also part of a relationship and is just a normal thing.

I ran away from home that night. I didn’t know where to go or who to talk to. I just kept running in the heavy rain. It seemed like even the weather sympathized with how I was feeling.

I didn’t mind the weird stares I received from the people I passed by. Luckily, it was raining, so at least I wouldn’t look too pitiful.

Eventually, my feet led me to a park next to a hill where there was a river. From where I stood, I could see the flickering lights of houses and towering buildings in the city.

I decided to sit on a bench under a lush tree and continue crying. I hugged myself as I felt the strong, cold breeze. Thankfully, I was wearing a jacket.

How could they make such a decision without even considering my feelings? I know I’m not a kid anymore, but they should still think about how I would feel. After all, I’m their only child.

Apart from that, I used to admire their love story so much. So, I never expected that they would let go of their bond so easily.

I could sense that I was starting to tremble because of the cold that enveloped my entire system, even though I hadn’t been exposed to much moisture due to my sheltered position.

If only the cold could also envelop the pain I’m feeling right now.

I am currently hunched over, gazing at the grass, when my vision was suddenly obstructed by a white handkerchief.

I couldn’t help but feel anxious. It’s only now that I realize there was no one else here besides me when I arrived.

But despite that, I mustered the courage to slowly lift my gaze towards the newcomer, accompanied by the rapid beating of my heart.

All the fear and anxiety I felt suddenly faded when I saw who it was.

He genuinely smiled at me. Suddenly, I forgot the reason why I’m in pain right now.

This is actually the first time that he has noticed me. And to make it worse, he saw me crying in our first official encounter.

I held my breath the moment our eyes met. For a second, it seemed like we were both lost in our own worlds.

I couldn’t believe that he was actually standing right in front of me while the rain kept pouring and as he held an umbrella.

“Are you okay? I’m sorry. I noticed you earlier heading towards the park. But it seems you didn’t see me because you were lost in thought, so I followed you. There aren’t many people here, especially at this time, so I got worried that something would happen to you.”

He handed me a white handkerchief. “But I know that despite the heavy downpour, tears are also falling from your eyes.”

I gasped at what he said. How could he...

“To be honest, I’ve wanted to talk to you for a long time. But I felt hesitant to approach you at the university because it seemed like you were avoiding me. That’s why I couldn’t help but wonder if I did something wrong to make you avoid me.” He smiled awkwardly.

I held my breath at his words. He was worried, so he followed me? And he has wanted to talk to me for a long time?

But why?

I was about to ask when lightning flashed, followed by the roar of thunder.

I flinched. I couldn’t help but scream and cover both of my ears. I could feel my whole body trembling, and fear was engulfing me.

But I gradually calmed down as he tightly held both of my hands.

It felt as if he’d given me assurance that everything would be alright. That there’s nothing to be afraid of, and he’s just there for me.

And then I suddenly heard him singing.

Slowly, I lifted my gaze to him. His smiling face greeted me as he sang in earnest. He was now facing my direction and sitting on the bench.

Indeed, he has a soothing voice that can make me feel at ease. And I still can’t believe that he’s actually singing in front of me right now.