Chapter Three

We were at the cafeteria. Sofia was eating her lunch, while I was still dazed. I couldn't believe what just happened. After all those years that we spent together, he just forgot me. Like I didn't matter at all.

Was that why he never sent me a letter again?

"Hey, CJ." She tried to catch my attention. "Are you okay?"

I couldn't say yes.

"Maybe it wasn't him. Maybe they just have the same name."

I grimaced.

"He looks exactly the same, Sofia. I can't be wrong."

He just became even more handsome like I imagined. He is taller than me now. His facial features are more well-defined.

And I like how deep his voice has become.

I sighed heavily. "I don't know why he's trying to avoid me."

I toyed with my food. Is it because he has new friends?

"Can't you see? Angelo is out of our league. You said you're aware of that. That we're just average students. Besides, how many years has it been since you talked to him?"

"Four years. The last letter I received from him was from four years ago."

"See? People change, CJ."

I know that Sofia's right, but I can't give up without a fight. I'll try to connect with him again. He's one of the most important people to me.

"No, Sofia... I can't accept it."

"I doubt that he'll acknowledge you, CJ. He's a different person now. He has the looks, the skills, and he's rich. He's the son of some shipping company executive. It's hard not to get blinded by all that."

And Sofia took her final bite.

I was silenced.

"But if you really want to try, then go ahead. Just don't say that I didn't warn you."

ANGELO'S POV:

Dammit. I couldn't get her out of my head. Why is she here? How did she come to Manila?!

I've already forgotten her. It took me so much to let go of her. I suppressed my emotions and feelings... And now she'll just appear right in front of me?

It was getting harder to breath. After I saw her... Everything... Everything came back.

Every memory I tried to erase... Was gradually coming back to me.

"Hey, babe. What's wrong?" Myka asked me. She didn't take the break up text seriously, unfortunately.

I don't have the energy to deal with her. Not now.

"N-Nothing. Ignore me."

Jessa asked Myka to buy drinks, so they left. Seth scooted closer to me, curious.

"Is she someone from your past?" Seth asked.

I clicked my tongue.

"Of course not. I don't know her," I replied, forcing a grin. "Do I look like I'd be entangled with someone like her?"

I want to punch myself in the face.

"Really," Seth uttered, doubtful. "Then why do you look so bothered?"

I hissed, "I told you that I'm hungover. It has nothing to do with that girl, alright?"

Damn me.

"Well, you're right. She's not your type. She's four-eyed, and her uniform looks weird."

I gulped.

"I bumped into her this morning. I thought she looked funny."

"Stop it, Seth," I snapped.

Seth leered at me, laughing. "I was kidding."

He knew my weakness.

"You're not a good liar, Angelo," Seth teased.

I sighed.

Seth became my best friend after I transferred to Manila. He knows almost all of my secrets, except for this one. But I guess I have to spill it out.

"CJ was my best friend back in the province. I grew up with her," I confessed shyly. "And I know I was young, but I could say that she... She was my first love."

"Whoa. Really?" Seth asked, almost laughing. I punched his shoulder lightly.

"Yes," I answered without hesitation because it was true.

"That's... Surprising," he replied. "Then why are you denying her?"

I was about to answer when Myka and Jessa returned with our drinks. Myka handed me mine, then she started to flirt with me again. I just stayed quiet.

I want to apologize to her, but I've made up my decision.

I can't let her in my life.

CJ'S POV:

We were back in class. I was just staring at Angelo's back. He still won't look at me, and I can't understand why.

"Okay, class. I finished the seat plan. Everyone gather up here in front," Miss Arayon said. We all got up from our temporary seats.

I was assigned to sit in the front. Sofia was two seats away from me. That wasn't so bad.

A girl sat on my right, then on my left, it was Seth Balisacan. I noticed him checking me out. My heart was thumping the entire time. I was shy because he was really cute... And of course, I embarrassed myself in front of him since Angelo blew me off.

"Nice outfit," he uttered, smiling.

"Huh?" I asked, glancing at him.

"Your uniform looks so loose on you. Did you do that on purpose?" he asked.

I rolled my eyes and looked away.

"Anyway, I just want to say sorry again for earlier."

"It's okay. Not a big deal," I said, placing my hands on my desk.

I turned my head. There was another guy behind me, then behind him, was Angelo. I caught him staring at me. I smiled, but he suddenly turned his head away.

I chewed my lips.

ANGELO'S POV:

I really want to talk to CJ. I want to apologize. To explain myself. But what is there to say? I panicked and embarrassed her in public.

He caught me staring at her. I panicked again. I didn't know what to do. What could I do?!

I looked away from her.

I turned my head sideways. I saw Myka looking at me. I think she saw me staring at CJ. I averted my gaze.

I don't really care about what she thinks. I broke up with her, but she was still following me around.

Seth was beside CJ. I was envious. They were speaking to each other. I hope Seth wouldn't say anything about me.

I can't be close to her anymore.

I'm different now.

CJ'S POV:

I was washing my hands at the ladies' room when I heard Seth and Angelo walk by. My heart started beating faster as I listened to Angelo's voice.

I dried my hands instantly and went out. He was with Seth and three other guys.

"Angelo!" I called.

They stopped walking and then they looked at me, except for Angelo.

"Hey, Angelo," the guy with long hair uttered. "She's calling you. Do you know her?"

The rest of the guys whispered to each other. Meanwhile, Seth pressed his lips together.

"Angelo..." I uttered.

He wasn't looking back.

They were about to leave when I called his name again.

"Angelo, please wait."

"What?" Angelo snapped. He turned around and was glaring at me, but I could see in his eyes that he was conflicted.

"I don't know you, okay?" he said, then he continued walking. I felt a lump form on my throat.

He did it again.

His friends murmured, then they laughed. They threw me one last look before leaving.

I was hurt. Without thinking, I ran and grabbed his arm.

"What are you--"

"Angelo! Did you really forget about me? It's me... CJ," I mumbled, my voice shaking and desperate.

"What's wrong? You suddenly stopped writing. What happened?"

He suddenly pulled his arm away then flashed me another glare. I flinched.

Angelo never looked at me this way.

"I said I don't know you. Please. Just go."

My tears started to fall.

"Angelo... Why?"

His facial expression changed. His eyes turned rueful and sad. He was about to open his mouth when Myka and Jessa came between us.

"Can you please stop?" Myka yelled at me then pushed me down.

I fell to the floor. My back hurts!

"CJ!" I heard Sofia's voice. She ran toward me, helping me up. My eyes were still on Angelo.

My knees were shaking.

I'm such an idiot. I should have believed Sofia. She knows better. Angelo never wrote me back, so I should have gotten the hint.

That's it. That's enough.

"I'm... I'm sorry," I whispered faintly. I wiped my tears and ran away. Sofia followed me to the empty classroom.

I cried myself out.

"Alright, let it all out," she told me while caressing my hair. "Angelo has changed, CJ."

"It hurts, Sofia. Because I stayed the same. Even though he stopped communicating with me, I still wished that we could go back to how we were before. Like an idiot, I hoped that he would never forget me."

"Even if he never forgot you, things can't be the same."

I sobbed.

"What am I going to do, Sofia?"

"You have to move on. It doesn't seem like it, but I am also from the province. I also got teased and judged by the people around me during my first few days here. But things would be better."

"Do I have to change?"

I sighed. "I want to say no, but I can't lie to you. For now, let's make sure you get the right uniform size, okay?"

"Is it really because of my uniform size?"

She chuckled. "No, but it's really funny..."

I couldn't stop myself from giggling.

"I'm sorry you first day sucked, CJ. But I promise it will get better."

I forced a smile.

"I hope so. I truly hope so."