Travis
We were just in our first year of college when I first noticed Tiffany. She was so simple that she immediately caught my attention. But for some unknown reason, she seemed to avoid me. Somehow, it made me feel sad and confused at the same time.
I tried several times to approach her and introduce myself. But every time the opportunity arose, I was always overcome by nervousness. So, I settled for just observing her from a distance, unnoticed by her.
Because of that, I couldn’t help but notice the different look that Mike, the stepbrother of my close friend Jela, gave her. Since Jela wasn’t close to Mike, I didn’t bother asking her about her stepbrother. I just made sure that Tiffany was always in a good state. Even though I started to look like a stalker because I was constantly following her.
But that one rainy night changed everything. I saw Tiffany running and crying under the heavy rain. At that moment, I couldn’t stop myself from following her. Especially when I noticed Mike not far away, observing her and seemingly planning to follow her too.
Little did I know that it would be the night when I would finally reach her.
***
We became close friends after that night. I introduced her to my best friend Jela, and I also got to know her best friend Jairus. But for some unknown reason, it seemed that the two of them didn’t like each other from the very first time we introduced them to each other.
“I wonder what’s with those two; they’re like cats and dogs.”
I paused mid-bite and looked up at Tiffany. She was slumped over the table, furrowing her brow and staring off into the distance.
I followed her gaze and sighed as I saw Jela and Jairus seemingly arguing again as they entered the cafeteria.
“I don’t really have an idea. I asked Jela about that matter, but she didn’t say anything. So, I didn’t bother pressing her further.”
She frowned again. “Same. I also asked Jairus about it, but he couldn’t provide any answers either. I just hope they resolve whatever misunderstandings they have so we can all hang out happily.”
I nodded in agreement. Although our close friends couldn’t get along, it didn’t hinder us from becoming even closer to each other.
***
I arrived early today because we had a quiz in one of our subjects. I was sitting quietly on the grass, reading one of our handouts, when suddenly a familiar bag fell beside me.
I turned to her in surprise. “Hey, are you alright? Why are you so early?” I asked Tiffany with concern, noticing the beads of sweat on her forehead. As far as I remembered, her class was scheduled for the afternoon.
She sighed. “I’m not! I forgot that we’re supposed to submit our portfolio today.” She ran her fingers through her hair. “I’m running out of time. Aside from not being able to find a good location anymore, I also don’t have a model.”
I set aside the handout I was holding and looked at her intently. She really looked worried. She truly loved photography.
That’s why I have finally decided. I hid the handout inside my bag before standing up. Skipping a day and getting a zero on the quiz probably wouldn’t be a big deal.
“Let’s go. I know a place and a person that you can use for your portfolio.” I reached out my hand to her, which she immediately accepted.
“Where? And who?” she asked, puzzled.
I smiled at her. “Just trust me.”
***
Since that day, I have often been her model for her portfolio. I wasn’t a real celebrity by that time, but somehow, my participation in role-playing activities and the music festival qualified me to become a model. The first location we went to was the place where we first talked.
And then I finally gathered the courage to tell her how I felt.
“I love you,” I said out of the blue while we were studying under the same tree at the park.
“You w-what?” She stuttered, her eyes widening. She also dropped her pen.
I swallowed before slowly reaching out and holding both of her hands. “I love you. And I will court you whether you like it or not.” I looked straight into her eyes, sincere and unwavering.
Several moments of awkward silence passed between us. I couldn’t even blink, holding my breath as I waited for her response.
“Who said that I didn’t like it?” she finally smiled.
I couldn’t believe what she said, and I ended up staring at her until I couldn’t contain my excitement and let out a scream. It was one of the happiest moments of my life. She hadn’t given me an answer yet, but the overwhelming joy I felt from her granting me permission to court her was indescribable.
***
“Here. I cooked this.” I placed my lunch box on the table as we arrived in the garden area.
She took it, and her eyes sparkled as she opened the Tupperware. “Wow. My favorite. Did you really cook this?” she asked, disbelief evident in her voice.
“Yeah. Let’s share it. The food in the cafeteria gets boring, right?” I chuckled.
It was just the two of us here. Not many students ventured to this part of the university. Fortunately, there were round tables and chairs available.
“Yeah, I agree. It would be too expensive to eat at fast-food restaurants,” she replied, and her smile slowly faded, causing me to feel concerned.
“Why? Is something wrong?”
She sighed. “It’s nothing. It’s just that I don’t know how to cook,” she said, biting her lower lip.
I reached for her hand and gently squeezed it. “No worries. I can teach you,” I reassured her, giving her a playful wink.
I couldn’t help but notice the blush on her cheeks. She looked so cute when she blushed, and in that moment, I felt myself falling even more in love with her.
***
For several months of courtship, I never missed a chance to pick her up and drop her off, and I found myself cooking for the both of us more often. Because of that, Jela seemed to be holding a grudge against me, claiming that I had never done those things for her. But I knew she was just acting.
However, with every passing day, my worry for Tiffany’s safety never faded. Especially since I often caught Mike looking at her with desire evident in his eyes.
Then one day, Tiffany finally uttered the words I had longed to hear from her.
“You have to stop courting me now.”
I was taken aback by her words. We were currently at the mall, looking for a place to eat, when she suddenly said those words.
“What? D-Did I do something wrong?” I asked, worriedly.
She slowly turned to face me. Her face was devoid of emotion. We had just finished watching a movie, and we were happy as we walked out of the theater. And now, this sudden change.
“Nothing, really.” She shrugged.
I immediately approached her, my hands trembling, and reached for both of her cold hands. “Then why?”
At that moment, a smile slowly appeared on her lips.
“Because I want us to become official. So, you may stop courting me now.”
I was momentarily stunned by her words. I tried to process in my mind if I had heard her correctly. Mixed emotions overwhelm me now.
But amidst it all, happiness prevailed. I couldn’t contain my excitement and shouted and punched the air.
“Yes! We’re together! Me and the girl I love!” I yelled loudly for everyone around us to hear before pulling her closer and hugging her tightly. I didn’t care about the curious gazes we received from people.
I never thought that Christmas could still be merrier than ever.
***
Our relationship is going smoothly and is strong. Even most of the students at the university envy the relationship we have. Somehow, the arguments between Jela and Jairus have also lessened since Tiffany and I became a couple. We’re really happy about that, because now we can all hang out peacefully. Sometimes, we also get to hang out with our respective groups of friends.
“Thank you for this night and inviting me here once again. This song is meant for the one and only girl that I ever loved. I love you, Tiff!”
Loud cheers and applause filled the entire open grounds of the university. The music festival had arrived once again this year, and I was one of the chosen performers for the night.
As I sang, I couldn’t take my eyes off Tiffany, who was standing in the front row. She clapped her hands and swayed her hips. And by the way her mouth moved, I knew she was jamming along with my song.
“I love you, Travis!” she shouted.
Despite the noise of the music and the audience, Tiffany’s shout didn’t escape my hearing. It didn’t take long before she held the camera pointed directly at me until I finished singing.