by Jarrett Yap
Two years after graduation, and into my job, I decided to further my studies and get my masters. So, I applied for university. Two months later, I got my reply and I got into UCLA, as in University of California, Los Angeles and Los Angeles, as in Los Angeles where Kristy is. I was ecstatic. Maybe we might have a chance after all. I did not tell Kristy, hoping to surprise her. 5 months later, I moved in to UCLA and that was the holiday seasons. I knew Kristy’s house address as we send stuff to each other. I thought of celebrating Thanksgiving with the Wangs as they are the closest thing to family I have there. And the story went on like this:
Ding Dong, the doorbell went. Kina ran towards the door and opened it, surprised to find me at the door.
“Wesley! What are you doing here?” Kina exclaimed as she gave a big smile.
I laughed and told her that I just landed in LA 2 weeks ago and moved into my apartment near UCLA.
“Is Kristy home yet?” I asked.
“No, she’s at work. But she’ll probably be back around this time.” Kina replied.
“Great. I’ll wait for her. Say hello to your parents for me.” I replied.
“Sure.” Kina said as she went back in.
About 10 minutes later, a familiar figure walked towards the house. She was not alone. My heart sank a little. They seemed to be hand in hand, laughing away when the female turned and saw me. She let go of the male’s hand and ran towards me.
“WES!” she shouted as she ran towards me and threw in a hug around me.
I hugged her back.
“It’s been a while, Kris.” I said.
“What brings you here?” Kristy asked, a bug smile on her face.
“I’ll tell you later.” I said.
By then, the man has reached to where we were.
“Oh, Wes, this is Leon. He’s my co-worker and recently became my boyfriend.” Kristy introduced the man.
“Nice to meet you. Kristy has told me a lot about you.” Leon said as he held out his hand.
I held out my hand and shook his.
“Nice to meet you too. Sad that I can’t say the same about you.” I joked as I looked at Kristy.
“I can’t reach you these days.” Kristy said.
I laughed.
“That’s probably because I’ve been moving here.” I replied.
“You’re moving here?!” Kristy was shocked, in a good way.
“It’s getting cold, let’s go in.” Leon said.
“Yea, we should. I’ll tell you guys more over dinner.” I said.
Over dinner, Kristy introduced Leon to her family and we talked about a lot of stuff over dinner.
Aunt Katie prepared an awesome meal and I was stuffed.
To me, Leon was much better than Parry will ever be. He’s a gentleman, successful and nice. Now, how can I beat that? Though it’s hard for me to admit it, but if I’m to lose Kristy to another man, it would be him. I know that he could treat her well. I guess I’ll just have to raise the white flag to Leon. Two years later, the following event happened:
“Wes, I have to tell you something. Meet me in the Starbucks near my office.” Kristy said through the cell phone, she sounded excited.
“Oh, ok.” I replied.
So, I went down to Starbucks during lunch hour to meet up with Kristy.
I waited for about 15 minutes when I saw Kristy walked in.
I handed a cup of her favourite frap to her as we sat down and talk.
“What was it that you want to talk to me about?” I asked Kristy, eager to find out what made my friend so happy.
She pulled out her left hand and show me a giant bling on the ring finger.
“Is that a…” I asked.
“Yes! Leon proposed to me last night. I said yes.” Kristy exclaimed with joy.
My heart knew that I should be happy for her but I can’t help but feel a little sad that I no longer have a chance in this.
The topic of the afternoon revolved around the ring and preparations for the wedding.
The wedding would be in 2 months’ time and Kristy wanted Kina and I to help her out.
We went shopping together for her dress among other stuff.
I was truly happy for her. After all, she deserved the best.
So, the day finally arrived when Kristy would get married to Leon.
It was beautiful and I’ve never seen Kristy this happy.
I soon shook off my feelings for her and was truly happy as long as she is happy with Leon.
Nothing has really changed even after Kristy got married. I soon graduated from UCLA and got a job in LA, so, I decided to move there for real. Kristy and I continued our weekly Friday lunches and life went on well. I now see Kristy as my best friend, a friend I had since I was young, a friend I once had a crush on. I’m still looking for the right person, and maybe Kristy was not the one for me. I do not know when but I know that love will eventually find me one day. I hope you will have better luck than me on this. But now, I have to go out and meet Kristy for our weekly Friday lunches.