PROLOGUE: FADING DESTINY
Ten years ago...
FEBRUARY 4th, 1999
Twilight was breaking. The light of the sky at the end of the day gave us a lasting image of another beautiful sunset. Katelene, the girl I'm sitting next to, was gradually overwhelmed by the breath-taking scenery. As our eyes wanders off the horizon, smiles were written in our faces. With the wind in our backs, I knew that this day wasn't like any other. It was extraordinary, time slows down and it exhilarates me. Deep down inside, I've always waited for this day to come. I glanced at her and she looked right back at me and gave me a smile.
My heart races each time our eyes met...
I can never ask for a friend like her. As far as my memory goes, We've only lived in this town called Riverside for not less than a year. It was a fresh start for my whole family, but the struggle knowing that I would have to fit in with the other kids scares me. I didn't have a lot of friends back in the city because I spent most of the time in my parent's workplace. I knew that it wasn't easy, they say kids in the country side played rough most of the time. Nevertheless, I had to prepare myself to these drastic changes. Its make it or break it!
Why do we need to stay away from the big city?
Who knew leaving was so much worse?
I couldn't do anything about it because everyone thinks this is the right decision. What just happened to my life...?
I felt like I was isolated in the world while staying here, but then there she was...
From the day that I've met her, she always gives me that refreshing smile. She was the most beautiful girl in town, and how I wish that I could keep her forever. Katelene showed me how she loves the whole town. She knew every street and alleyway, and every spot where we can visit every day. My favorite place is the one up on the hill filled with sakura trees. I learn to have peace within my troubled self when we watched the sundown there in a solemn afternoon. The warmth of the light that lasts for a moment bears more than one feeling. Those were the best days of my life. My admiration and respect for her will never fade. I love spending time with her, and I can't get enough from her.
Something grows inside me every single day...
...I've got these feelings for her and I wanted her to know...
But is it really love or just another lonesome feeling?
Because I didn't expect that this day will ever come...
---
The moment kept us both quiet. The usual sunset is almost over, but I know that this day isn't like yesterday. I want her to know what I felt right now... It has to be now! I sighed. I cannot hide the fact that I am depressed. I don't want to make her cry.
"Hey you know, my folks and I are leaving this town today... and uhm I just want to let you know that-" I looked at her and I was surprised. Kate looked pale as she stood stiff in front of me. Tears were suddenly falling from her cheeks. For the first time, I felt happy and sad at the same time for she cared for me as much as I care for her, but I have to leave her. 'I was hoping you wouldn't say that. I kinda know that something was strange about you.' She replied to me. It seems she saw through me. It wasn't getting any better right now... I don't want her to hate me. 'Well, I guess it's not only you whose leaving town...I am too!'' The words she just said shatter my heart to pieces. I'm left confused, for all I've known, she really love this town. I don't understand. Am I the reason why she would leave? Is it because I'm going away?
'For so long, I never felt so much joy like I did when I'm with you. You are my best friend. Since we aren't graduating middle school together, I am at the crossroads. Papa talks about transferring to another school and it was the perfect opportunity. Looks like our lives our destined to be like this...separated...'
Kate fell to the ground and wept. It seems that I can't do anything to comfort her. All these memories we've shared together, all the fun times and laughter, all will be lost and forgotten.
I don't want that!
I raised my head, shrug of the tears, and picked her up! It doesn't have to be like this! I took her in my arms, sharing the warmth for a moment in time...
"Have you ever wondered about what's gonna happen to us a few years from now? Where did time go, huh? It's hard for me to believe that we are both leaving this place. I'll miss all this. It will always be in my heart. I'm so sorry, Kate."
This is all that I can do for her. All I can give Kate are empty promises. She put her hand in her chest and cherished every moment of our parting. 'Promise me that we'll play again someday, alright?' It was cruel for me to take those words of goodbye. I cried all I could to show her my response. That I couldn't do what she wants because I never want any of this! The opportunity is falling short as the skies darken. This is the last chance I have...
The moment I've been waiting for...
Once again, we looked at the horizon as the sun was almost down. Kate sighed, 'Who knew that this would be the last time will ever see the sunset together, huh?' Kate tried to laugh, but still her face tells a different story. She doesn't need to do this! She doesn't need to endure this! It's not happening...!
"It's possible! Someday I will come back in this town and wait for you. Even if we don't promise, I'll be here, knowing that you'll come back too..."
'What if we forget...? What if everything we've been through is just a dream?'
"I can never forget you! I'll always miss you, Kate. Because... I'm madly in love with you! All this time, I fell for you. This is not a childish feeling. I really love you, Kate."
Kate embraced me back as the day was over, and everything is in darkness. The pain of leaving a place so dear to us turns from a wound to a scar as she responded with the smile I will never forget.