We were neighbors when I first met you. I always thought that you were a bully and a playboy because everyday that's what I would always see. Sometimes when I walk down those lonely halls, you would always make fun of my messy hair, thick glasses, and baggy clothes. I would feel ashamed of myself and cry in the bathroom from embarrassment.

Until one day, I witnessed your struggles as you tried to defend your mother from your abusive father. 

When your father was finally arrested for his crimes, I saw you sitting alone in an alley, pondering on how life would be if you just disappeared. Yes, I could see it in your face because that was the same look I gave myself every night when I stand in front of the mirror.

It took a lot of courage to approach you, and I did just that. I kneel right in front of you and you gave me a confused, irritated look. You didn't want me to be there witnessing your weakness, but I didn't care. All I wanted to do was hug you and tell you that everything was okay. When I did, you were shocked at first. Eventually, you hugged me back. Your tears fell, staining my thick, gray sweatshirt. I hugged you tighter and pat your back, whispered to your ear that everything will be okay.

Since then, we gradually became friends. You started to defend me from the rest of the students who would bully me. As flattering as it was, I felt guilty because you slowly lost your friends. But then you held my face, slowly caressing my cheek with your thumb, and told me that I'm the only friend you need.

That was when I fell for you.

A year later, I used my courage to confess my true feelings for you. Shockingly, you felt the same way, too. God knows how incredibly happy and thankful I am to have you in my life. You changed me for the better. You helped me embraced my inner demon. You were my forever.
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The sky slowly turned dark and gloomy. Rain fell from the eerie heavens. The wind was cold, making my entire body shiver. Trickles of rain  drops hugged my entire body leaving me soaking wet. I stumbled on the cracked concrete floor. I lost my balance, knocking me down. The puddle splashes on my face and I cough out the mud that enters my mouth. I slowly positioned myself to sit, remembering how I embarrassed myself right in front of him and his new girlfriend.

It's been five years since I left town. Five years since we last saw each other. Five years since we had broken up. I thought that my feelings for him would eventually fade, but sadly, that never happened. Five years later, my heart still beats for him. I was hoping the same goes for him.

When I saw him at the same restaurant that we'd always go to together, I excitedly approached him. He was still handsome as ever. He sat next to the window. The light of the sunset touches his dark brown hair and his skin glows from the illuminating light. His charming smile shows when he stares out the window as if something caused it. I sat right in front of you and smiled. "Surprise! Guess who's back?" I said with a very enthusiastic voice. You definitely looked surprised and looked at me funny.

The bells from the door sounded and we both heard gentle footsteps. You looked right behind me and waved at whoever it was that just stepped in. As the person approached, the smile on your face widens. The look in your eyes showed so much love and affection. Curiously, I looked right next to me when the person finally appeared. Jealousy pierced my heart when as I saw a beautiful woman stand next to me. Her long, wavy strawberry blonde hair fell to her waist. Her skin was white as if she bathe in milk with rose petals every night. Her emerald green eyes captivated me the most with her heart shaped face and rosey red lips. She looked so petite and innocent.

Christopher held out his hands, holding hers. The adorable blush appeared on her face. She looked shy all of a sudden when she saw me sitting right in front of him. "Hi, are you a friend of Christopher?" She smiled at me with her most charming smile. I was speechless and didn't know what to say. The way they held each other's hands and looked at each other's eyes made my stomach churn. It made me miss and want what they have.

I returned her smile. "Hi, my name is Asia. I'm actually an... old friend of Christopher." Confusion was etched on his face. He looked at me strangely as if I was crazy.

"I'm sorry, but that's the thing. I can't seem to remember you at all. Where have we met?" He asked curiously. I felt shocked when he said this. Words couldn't come out of my mouth. What does he mean he can't remember me? Is he insulting me? I understand that our break up was horrible but he doesn't have to act like a jerk and say he doesn't know me!

I became angry and frustrated. I couldn't believe that I was still in love with the guy! "You're seriously going to act that way?" My choice changed from a happy to a pissed off ex.

"Lady look, I am serious. I've never met you before!" He gave me a serious look. I could tell that he was telling the truth. I knew he was. Maybe he had gotten into an accident? I thought that might've been the case.

My eyes blurred from the tears that were about to come out. I tried to stop them, but suddenly they started to fall. I got out of the restaurant, running far away from it as quickly as possible.

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Hafa Adai, everyone! That means hello, btw! Thank you for reading the first chapter of my short story "Thousand Years." This story is dedicated to #ValentinesDayContest2018 and I hope you enjoy it. :)

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Thank you again! Xoxo,

Johara Teregeyo