Chapter 4

Monica quietly watched the playground (park) , deep in thought, staring at the children playing. They were scattered around the park, some chatting, others running around, and some enjoying family time.

Her eyes fell on a girl who seemed to be about thirteen years of age , standing alone and staring into the distance. Monica followed the girl’s gaze and suddenly smiled.

She saw a young man wearing a jersey with the number 18, holding a ball under his arm, talking to his two friends. Monica estimated the boys were around sixteen. It was clear that the girl had a crush on the boy in the jersey with the number 18; her cheeks were blushing and her eyes sparkled whenever she looked at him, and she quickly looked down whenever he glanced her way.

Monica recognized that the girl like the boy she had a crush on him. because it reminded her of herself when she was in her teenage years.

Her smile faded as a memory surfaced, making her frown slightly.

Flashback

A thirteen-year-old Monica quietly watched a group of boys laughing and having fun around. She had just come from school and decided to hang out at the park, waiting for the same guy in this usual park(to be specific, her crush) . This guy was popular, handsome, and a basketball player at their university. He was also academically gifted, making him the top student.

Monica admired him in every aspect; he was her first crush in their university. He was in his fourth year of high school, and about to graduate in the following year. She often visited this park because it was his usual hangout spot.

The park was usually filled with children playing, teenagers on dates, happy families, and elderly people enjoying the fresh air. Monica smiled as she saw her crush laughing and chatting with his basketball teammates, who were also popular and came from wealthy families.

She quickly looked down when their eyes met and he smiled at her, recognizing her from their university because of their matching uniforms. He was kind, often smiling at her and to others also. His kindness and humility made Monica fall even harder for him.

Monica’s cheeks heated and her heart raced as she tried to compose herself, standing up and almost losing her balance due to her nervousness.

“This nervousness might embarrass me… why does my heart beat so fast?”

She spoke to herself, touching her chest where her heart was racing. She continued walking slowly, trying to calm down, ignoring the stares of people who might think she was crazy for talking to herself.

“And why do I keep coming here? I’m too young to be in love; I should prioritize my studies.”

She ruffled her hair in frustration, unaware of the people watching her and thinking she had lost her mind.

“If I keep this up, the girls at school will get jealous and bully me. I don’t want to end up like those other girls who's like crazy admiring over their crushes and started bullying others. Good thing I’m calm and don’t get involved in such nonsense.”

She continued walking, talking to herself. 

“Maybe I have a nervous disorder… I hope i haven't ”

Still talking to herself, she didn’t notice where she was going and bumped into someone.

“Ouch! I hit my head… that's hurt.”

She rubbed her forehead, still looking down, when a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.

“You stupid girl, can’t you watch where you’re going?”

She recognized the voice without immediately and knew it was him even without looking at him. Annoyed, she raised her head and glared at him.

“Why are you following me, Akie? I’m tired of seeing your face!”

Monica snapped at him. He was three years older, a batchmate of her crush, and her childhood enemy.

Yukiemo Castrio, or Akie, was her childhood enemy, always bullying her. He was in his fourth year of high school while she was in her first year. They were known at the university not for their talents but for their daily arguments. Akie was infamous for being a bully, while her crush, Blue, was known for his kindness, intelligence, and athleticism.

Monica mistook Akie’s solid chest for a tree, cursing her luck. Unlike Blue, Akie was arrogant and loved to humiliate her. She felt like she had no defense against him.

“ I don’t waste my time on nothing… stupid girl.”

Akie’s words hit her hard.

“Stupid? You’re the childish one!”

She glared at him and turned her back.

“Look who’s talking… the one who’s been stalking Blue.”

Monica froze, shocked that he knew about her crush.

“How did you know?”

“ I know everything about you.” he said while smirking

Monica was scared of what he might do, knowing he always had plans to annoy her.

“Do you have plans against me, Akie?”

Akie stood straight, his bad boy aura radiating as he leaned closer, their faces almost touching.

“Why would I waste my time on a little devil like you?”

Monica was speechless, knowing there was nothing she could do. She turned and walked away, deciding to ignore him.

“Watashi yori mo anata no koto o darenimo shira retakunai…”

She didn’t understand his Japanese words, assuming they were a warning.

“You crazy Japanese boy…”

Monica muttered as she left, frustrated by his interference in her love life.

End of Flashback

Monica pulled at her hair in frustration, remembering Akie’s treatment towards her. Even now, his presence in her life was unexpected and unwelcome.

“That boy… ruining my love life. What’s his plan now?”

Monica muttered to herself, her thoughts interrupted by an old homeless woman.

“Why are you talking to yourself, dear?”

The old woman had white hair, wrinkled skin, and seemed frail. Monica smiled and handed her a burger she had bought earlier.

“Thank you, dear. I was so hungry. Sorry for disturbing you.”

The old woman smiled as she took a bite of the burger, sitting beside Monica. Monica felt pity for her, wishing she had a better life.

“It’s okay, grandma. I was just reminiscing about my youth.”

Monica responded, smiling.

“Was your youth sad, dear? Or do you still have some unresolved issues from the past?, im just curious.”

The woman’s kind tone made Monica feel comfortable sharing.

“Oh, it’s nothing, grandma. Just reminiscing.”

The old woman nodded.

“I had a similar experience in my youth.”

“I had a crush when I was young, grandma. I don’t know if I was just boy-crazy admiring a goy at the young age, I had a crush at thirteen.”

“That’s not boy-crazy, dear. We all have feelings and thoughts. We were made by God to spread love and peace. We are His children, and love is a big part of our lives, regardless of our circumstances. We should share it with others, not just keep it to ourselves. Selfishness is not what God wants for us.”

Monica nodded, listening intently.

“Did you know I ended up dating my first crush?”

Monica said, smiling.

“You’re lucky, dear. That doesn’t happen often. Usually, first loves end in heartbreak. It’s normal to get hurt and disappointed in relationships.”

The old woman continued.

“I was really lucky, grandma. But I got hurt and was left behind.”

Monica’s voice softened, but the old woman heard her.

“I’m sorry, dear. I didn’t know your boyfriend left you.”

“It’s okay, grandma. He’s still here in my heart.”

Monica smiled, feeling the old woman’s sympathy.

“You’re beautiful and at the right age to get married. It seems you have a good life and a great job. Don’t waste your time here on Earth. I had a same fate as you, but I let myself drown in the past. I don’t regret it because it’s what God gave me. But you still have time to change your life unlike me.”

Monica smiled, realizing she still had time to make the most of her life.

“You’re right, grandma. I shouldn’t waste time. Thank you for sharing your story. I feel better now.”

Monica smiled sincerely.

“Thank you, dear. You’re a good child. May God bless you.”

The old woman said, smiling.

“It’s my mother’s teaching. She’s my cheerleader and advisor.”

Monica’s face lit up as she spoke about of her mother.

“You must be a good daughter. Continue spreading love and kindness. It’s a great contribution to the world and to God. Good people are a blessing, and you have a bright future ahead. Always lean on God.”

Monica returned the smile, feeling the old woman’s kindness.

“Thank you, grandma. You’re kind too.”

The old woman stood up slowly, and Monica helped her.

“Remember, dear, spread the love that God has given us. You’re blessed to have such a heart.”

Monica smiled sincerely, feeling a connection with the old woman.

As the old woman walked away, a bracelet fell from her wrist. Monica picked it up, planning to return it, but the old woman was gone.

“Grandma? You dropped your bracelet.”

She tried calling and looking for her but couldn’t find her. With no other choice, Monica decided to keep the bracelet and will return it in the other day. It was getting dark, and she needed to go home.

to be continue....

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