The Ride That was Never Mine... Oliver Tiu / Princess Belle

Author's note:  This is a union of 2 writers: it was published in Educ Journal last 2005 -2006.
Oliver got the idea of the story, he asked me to write it.  :D There is a portion of the story that has a personal touch that's why im posting it here :D

THE RIDE THAT WAS NEVER MINE
It was five o’clock in the afternoon. Cold breeze suddenly hugs me as I looked at my cellphone for a text message from someone… someone I always yearn to be with. Days gone by but a single beep never came. Everything was perfect, right, quite a miracle. But the truth of a rushed relationship always arrived in a bitter end… well almost.
I slowly walk outside of my school, waiting for a jeepney to ride. Suddenly I saw a couple sitting at the same spot where we used to sit. Both of them are chatting happily perhaps, reminiscing memories as they were together. I stopped for a few minutes to observe; the guy reached for his bag searching for something. He brought out a small stuff toy dog then gave it to the girl. She is so surprised about what she received that she accidentally pressed the toy dog’s tummy and out came the words “I love you”. I was on his feet few months passed… the same scenario where I used to be, But then, I see myself as that person but it slowly fades away.
  
  
A jeepney stopped right in front of me. Maybe the mechanical creature understands my heartache that it helped me to overcome the picture that made me dejected. However, chance can sometimes dismay you. As I sit at the end of the old dusty jeepney, I find myself front of two lovebirds staring at each other. Each gaze was like starlight, capturing the darkness of the night. The girl was wearing a uniform, seems to be from a school nearby; and the guy, having his casual clothes which captivates the taste of a simple lady. (as I think, maybe he fetched her from school.) I was looking at both of them when the jeepney suddenly made a full stop, causing everyone to jerk at their seats. I saw one of the guy’s hands hold the hand of his partner and the other side is on her shoulder, making sure that his loved one is secured and unharmed. I was on his feet few months passed… the same scenario where I used to be. But then, I see myself as that person but it slowly fades away.
  
  
  
I got down from the jeepney, for the traffic made me decide to walk. I know that my home is quite far from where I stopped; but then, taking my second ride is not worth anymore. I walked through the main road, different signs I saw on the way. I passed by my favorite fast food chain hoping to satisfy my hunger but I realized that I am not hungry for food when I noticed another couple eating the same food that we once had. Two different burgers cut into half then they joined together each half. They laughed with the idea because it is weird but romantic. Another thing that caught my attention is when they share the same large drink with both straws in it and when the guy wiped the lips of the girl with tissue. They smiled as if no one is watching them. I also smiled as I thought of the same thing. I said to myself: I was on his feet few months passed… the same scenario where I used to be, but then, I see myself as that person but it slowly fades away.
  
  
I almost reached my house but I stopped at the flower shop to talk to my friend. One man held my interest when he shouted. “A dozen of white and a dozen of pink roses please!” One of the personnel talked to him on how he will arrange it and the man told him to surround the white flowers with pink. I was overwhelmed as to what kind of bouquet he wanted. I stayed for a couple of minutes to observe. My friend was not in the store but still I decided to stay. I order not to be noticed, I looked at some of the flowers pretending I’m going to buy one. I listened as the man asked to put a note on the bouquet.
Linger in my mind
Memories of ours,
Reminiscing is what I do to unwind
Through these timeless hours…
… I love you baby teddy bear
  

I remembered the same thing when I ordered the same set of roses. I recalled the day I left the flowers at the guidance office (the place where she usually goes when meeting some of her friends) hoping that she will receive them. I texted the following words so that she can drop by: pls drp by d guidance office, I got a surprise for you hope ul like it!
I was stunned on what I have heard from the man. I was staring at nowhere when I found myself uttering the following words. “Treasure what you have now, appreciate everything she does and who she is…. Just love her”
I slowly walk away. My tears roll down my cheeks as I enter my room. I put my bag aside and my laptop. I opened the file in where I saw my journal. I slowly encode a few lines as to what happened recently; Reminiscing those things that I encounter and the thoughts that haunt me.
Dear Journal,
There are many incidents that occurred on my way home. I saw a couple talking sweet nothings and the guy giving his love a stuff toy dog that says “I Love You”. Another is when I rode the jeepney and found a damsel in distress and a knight in shining armor on the rescue scenario. I was happy for them because they are so sweet and love is all over them.
When I passed by my favorite fast food chain, I saw a couple having the same order when I was there with her few months ago. Remember the “hamburger thing” that I told you? They did the same thing. Just before I got home, I remembered seeing a guy ordering pink and white roses.
Maybe its just mere coincidence to see those. But every turn that I made, I saw both of us in the shoes of other people. Maybe our love story is only applicable for someone elseor maybe… just maybe its really a mere chance that I saw all of these.
It has been months since we talked. I really miss her so much; but more than missing is what I feel for her. I know that God will always be there to guide our paths. Much, He may be able to write me a love story with her as my leading lady someday. I’m hoping not for the worst but for her love to come back. I’ll always be here waiting, waiting for her to grasp the right moment for both of us.
For now, the journey must go on. Still waiting for the vehicle that will drive me home…
But for now, the ride is not yet mine.

M Martinez B/Oliver Tiu