C5 Every teardrop is a waterfall

004

Every teardrop is a waterfall

I remembered blowing the candles on my castle-like birthday cake during my seventh birthday. I told my parents I wanted a new fairytale book, yet she gave me more than that. I was given everything a seven-year-old girl could ask for.

Isn't it ironic?

We received things we never asked for, but we couldn't get what we truly desire. Is it because we don't deserve the things we want?

Okay. So, I don't deserve what I was praying for?

I sighed as I stared at the altar. I've been staying inside the chapel of our university for almost an hour.

I was praying...asking if I really made the right path.

Do I deserve to become a lawyer?

Will I become a lawyer?

The truth is I felt like....no I wanted to go back home. I wanted to be with my family. Despite all the people around me, I felt so alone. I felt like dying.

"I no longer know what to ask for," I whispered. "I mean, are you listening? If you do, give me something to hold on to. Something to keep me moving." I bowed down as I wiped my tears.

"Happy Birthday, Gabriella!" I nodded and said thanks as people greeted me on my way to the library. Either they knew me because I was a member of the Pop band and the Green Giant FM or because they asked me to write papers.

"Gab," Missy waved. "What's up? Are we going to celebrate your birthday?" She asked, excited.

"You know I don't celebrate birthdays," I lied. I loved birthdays, but now I don't have time and money to celebrate. "I also have work today."

She pouted. "C'mon, don't you know how to enjoy? It's your special day." She clung to my arms. "It's my treat," she urged.

"I wanted to, but I can't," I sadly replied.

Oh, well, I don't want to. I just wanted to be alone and think...think if everything is worth it.

She sighed. "Let's enjoy your day Gab. C'mon." She tried to convince me.

"I can't," I smiled a little. "And, you shouldn't miss your squad training," I reminded her. "The season will be in a few months, so just go to your training. Okay?" I pushed her towards the sports center.

She frowned. "Fine, fine." She opened her bag while still expressing her disappointment towards me. "Just accept this gift." She handed me a box wrapped in a flowery paper. "Happy Birthday, Gabriella." She hugged me and whispered, "If you change your mind, I'm one call away."

"Thank you." I nodded. "See yah on Monday."

"Yes, and if you need money." She pointed at the box. "You can sell that watch." She winked.

"Yeah, why not?" I joked. I waved my hand and watched her run to the sports center while I went inside the library.

I have to finish all the papers due next week. I also have to review for our examinations, and I don't have time during the weekends. I was always grateful we don't have classes on Fridays because it's club days. I missed being in clubs and playing volleyball, but if I wanted to pursue my dreams, I have to give up other things.

I was already in the middle of digesting my books when my phone rang.

"Gabby," he said softly.

I rolled my eyes. "What? I'm busy." I lowered my voice.

"I'm outside the library. I can't go inside, so would you mind going out." He ordered. "You know I can wait here forever." He chuckled before ending the call.

Ugh! I faced palm. I immediately packed my things to meet him outside because I had already proven that he would do it if he said it. Just like last week, he wanted to have dinner with me but I refused because I still have work. He told me he would stay there and wait for me. I thought he was joking, and I already lost track of the time when the manager of the restaurant called me saying they couldn't close the store because he was still there waiting.

He was so annoying, yet that's a point for me. Not that I was counting points. I mean, it was just nice to have someone who would wait for you.

"Until when?" I whispered to myself. That's the saddest part because we could always have someone who would wait for us, but not all of that someone will stay until the end. It's a matter of having your constant.

"What are you doing here?" I act irritated. There's no way I'd let him know it was good seeing him and his fringe hairstyle. "How did you even find me?" I was always curious about that.

"I used my charm and asked." He shrugged.

I used my fingers to brush my hair out of frustration. Why am I even asking? Should I hire a private investigator to follow him? Good thing I was broke because I might really do it.

"Tell me, how do you know me?" I crossed my arms. "Also, why are you always here? Don't you have something to do, like go to class?" I raised an eyebrow.

He smiled. "I have the right to remain silent."

I hissed. "Okay. I have the right to shove you away. Go away! I'm busy!" I wagged my hand and turned my back. Though, I've proven he could make me look back again, which is one of the things I hated about him.

"I have a job today," he stated with a laugh like he won a lottery because he knew that's the only thing to get my attention. Yes, he was damn right!

"Do you wanna spend the remaining hours of the day with me?" He removed his eyeglass and winked at me. I wanted to cut his eyes so he would stop doing that.

"Is there a need to wink?" I scowled.

He laughed a little. "I like to be cute in front of you," he replied and started to walk. I followed him. Of course, I need money.

"You're not cute," I lied. He's damn cute, no, not really cute. He was freaking handsome, especially when he tied up his fringe. I'd admit it now because I was tired of lying, so I figured out at least he might be the only truth in my life.

Ugh, disgusting. Where did it come from? My mind was playing tricks on me. No way! Let's forget it.

"I know because I'm handsome." He tied his fringe before glancing at me.

I avoided his looks and started walking ahead of him. "C'mon, let's go. Don't waste my time!" I yelled.

"By the way, where's your guitar?" he asked.

"I left it at home because I still don't have a guitar case," I replied.

Home...the thought of it just made me sad.

"Are you okay?" He quickly asked.

Is it obvious that I look terrible?

I nodded. He stared at me for a while before walking. I tried to widen my face as much as I can, yet my eyes couldn't lie. How sad! I think I need a degree in acting.

I almost jumped when he yelled, "Stop!" He placed his palm towards me. "Are you really okay?"

I immediately looked away when he met my gaze. "Yes. Of course, why would I lie to you?"

I didn't wait for him to answer and quickly walk towards the gate. He followed and grab my wrist to stop me. I had to lift my head to prevent my tears from flowing. Damn it, Gab! Don't you dare cry!

"C'mon," I stammered. I pulled my wrist away. "Let's go."

He looked at me for a second until he nodded. I was glad he didn't push the topic because I might really cry, and I don't want to cry.

I followed him in silence as we walked down the avenue. I felt a rush in my heartbeat when I bumped into his back since he stopped. I smelled over-roasted coffee beans in his uniform, and when I tried to sniff it away I tasted coffee in my lungs.

"I like your smell," I blurted. It was too late for me to take it away when he looked back with a playful smile on his face. Ugh. Stupid, Gab!

"Really?" He chuckled and opened his arms. "Come, hug me and sniff me all you want," he teased with a giggle.

I rolled my eyes. "Duh! Yuck!"

He laughed. "I'm glad I wear this perfume today."

"Don't wear it when you're with me." I crossed my arms and turned to the traffic lights as we waited for green lights.

"I like coffee," he stated.

"I don't care." I pursed my lips.

I straightened my gaze at the lane while he pushed himself closer to me. I almost screamed my lungs out when he blew tiny air in my ears.

"Damn!" I punched his shoulder. "What the hell are you doing?" I covered both of my ears, but I could still hear his laughter. "I hate you!" I put all my effort to pinch his arms real hard until I heard him yell.

"Ouch!" He caressed his arms. My nails left a mark on his skin. "That hurts!" He looked at it and widened his eyes.

"Hah! Serves you right!" I flipped my hair. "I hate you!" I walked to the lane when the cars stop.

I thought he was following me, but when I looked back he was still standing at the other end of the lane.

"What?" I shouted. "Are you gonna stand there?" I pointed at the seconds. Wait, is he really hurt? Oh my god! Is it bleeding? Is he going to sue me? Oh my god! I facepalm. I should know better not to leave evidence when I hurt someone.

"C'mon! Why are you still standing?" I rolled my eyes. "You are making me hate you!" I scowled. "Fine! Just stand there!"

I brushed my hair in frustration as I turned my back. I looked at my watch when he shouted.

"Gabriella!" I stopped mid-way. I didn't look back and waited for him to say something. The vehicles started moving, and despite the noise surrounding us I certainly heard what he confess, "I like you, Gabriella Tan!"

Am I the only one who finds his confession a bit unusual yet romantic?

Ugh. I still hate him. He's damn trouble.

--

The sun was already set when we left the birthday party. It wasn't a grand party at all. The girl just celebrated her birthday with her family and a few friends in a small restaurant across the town.

There were no decorations, no fancy meals, no huge cakes, formal attires, just the family singing with us, and laughing the whole time. It was just like an ordinary gathering, and the pay wasn't even that big.

Yet, I still get jealous because even it was the most simple birthday party I've been to, it was fun. It was happy. It made me realize that if we know how to appreciate little things, the world would be a happy place to live on.

They're not rich, but they're home. I wanted to find a home. How amazing would that be?

"Did you enjoy it?"

I usually enjoyed his company, but I would never tell him that. I chose to say, "Thank you."

"You are always welcome, Gabby," he softly said. "But do me a favor. Will you?"

I shrugged. "Depends."

"Say my name."

I blinked. "What?" I shook my head in disbelief. I thought he was going to ask something huge in exchange for all the jobs he'd given. I didn't expect that. "What is that for?"

"I never heard you say my name since the first time we met," he stated. "So, I want to hear you call my name."

"Does it matter?"

He nodded.

"Why does it matter?" I asked, curious.

"I wanted to hear how my name sounds in your voice." He smiled. "So, say it."

"Are you kidding me?" I glared at him. "I will not say it. At least, not today..." I whispered.

"Why?"

"I don't feel like saying it." I crossed my arms and hissed. "Why are we talking about names? I need to go. I still have to work at the bistro. Okay?" I looked at my silver watch before searching for grab or taxi.

"Okay," he sighed. "Let me hear you say it when..." He left it hanging, so I glanced at him waiting. "When you feel like you don't want to lose me," he winked.

I choked. "I can't believe you."

"I know right," he giggled.

"Whatever, Loud," I emphasized the last word.

"What? Why Loud?" He pouted.

"You are always loud, noisy, chatty. Well, let's just stick to it, okay? I didn't even permit you to call me Gabby," I clicked my tongue. "It doesn't matter." I turned to the streets and quickly waved my hand when I saw a grab heading towards us. "I need to go. Bye, Loud," I teased and laughed until I lose him in my sight.

"Happy Birthday, Gabriella!" Suzie, the manager of the bistro, along with my co-workers, greeted me with a birthday cake to blow.

"Aww!" I reacted. "Thank you. Thank you for being my family for the past years," I closed my eyes and blew the candle.

"What's your wish?" they asked.

I smiled as I said the wish inside my mind. Let me become a lawyer so I can pay all the people who helped me make it through the day.

"I think I want a day off with pay," I joked, hoping they would agree.

"I can't do that." Suzie shook her head. "But, I can pretend you're here today even though you're not," she grinned. "Right, guys?" She turned to my co-workers, and they all nod.

"We can just play your recordings," Nicole added.

"With pay?" I raised an eyebrow. "You know my recordings aren't free." I laughed a little.

"Sure," Suzie nodded. "Oops, I forgot. Sing this first before you go." She handed me a note. "Someone paid a lot for that request."

"Really?" I smelled a familiar scent of coffee when I opened the note.

"Who gave this to you?" I quickly asked upon reading the note.

"Why? What did he say?" Suzie asked.

I immediately folded the paper and stuck my tongue out. "It's a secret. Who gave it to you?"

"It's a secret." She hissed. "Not gonna tell you unless you tell me what's written on it."

"Well, nevermind." I shrugged. "I know him, so I'm off."

"No, wait!" she protested. You should sing the requested song first."

I smiled. "There's no requested song."

"What?" She raised her brows. "What's written on it? How do you even know-"

"I'll see you tomorrow, Suzie. It's my birthday. Give me this day," I chuckled. "Thank you!" I turned my back and waved. I heard her complained, and I just laughed.

I wasn't surprised when I saw him standing outside the bistro. The smell of over-roasted coffee beans suddenly became a latte when I stood beside him. It made me crave for him. Oops, I mean for coffee. Damn! Gab, what am I thinking? Did I just blush? Tsk.

He was circling the pen between his fingers as he stared at the sky.

"Hey!" I greeted him.

He stopped and welcomed me with a smile. "Hey!"

I showed him the note. There was no name written on it, but I was sure it's from him. Don't ask how because I just felt it.

It wasn't even a note in the first place. It was a drawing of a sunflower under the starry sky on a 1/4 sheet of yellow paper. I could imagine him doing this during class or maybe he just randomly thought about it while spacing out. Nevertheless, it made me smile.

"What's this for?" I asked. "What are you doing here, Loud?"

"I wanted to be the last person you see before you fell asleep, so I'm here." He bit his lower lip and teased me.

I rolled my eyes. "Aww, so romantic." I mocked, but the truth is I was trying to hide the butterflies in my stomach. How to do that? Ugh. I screamed in my head.

"Let me drive you home." He suggested.

"Didn't know you have a car," I replied.

"I don't need a car until I felt the need to bring you home safe." He pointed at the matte-black Ford ranger in front of us. "C'mon!"

I looked at him open the passenger seat. I surveyed him from head to toe and wondered about his family...about him, because honestly, I don't know him. I suddenly felt scared of the thought of knowing the truth about him. I don't want to know, but I know that my heart would betray me.

"Who are you?" I asked, serious.

He turned to me with a smile on his face. "I'm your everglow."

I watched him look at me. The smile written on his eyes was effortless, and I wished I also had those look in mine. It was a minute of battling with our eyelashes until he chuckled and turned his back to pick something inside his car.

He cleared his throat and sang one of the most meaningful Coldplay song, "Every teardrop is a waterfall."

Before I could react, he handed me a guitar case. I was stunned upon seeing a painted sunflower under the starry sky on it just like the drawing on the sheet of paper.

And, I was sure my heart skipped a beat when he said, "Happy Birthday, Gabby!"