It was June. It's been a month since I met Michael. He's been on my mind since that first day I met him. Somehow, I could not get rid of him in my thoughts. I tried. We did pass by each other every now and then at work. We say hi and how are you, and maybe moments of conversation here and there. It wasn't that big-of-a-deal type of thing. It was just normal moments you have in your daily work life.
A co-worker of mine, who is four years younger than me, noticed that Michael might have a crush on me. She tells me his gestures when I'm around him. Hmmm... Really? He seemed shy to me, but we'll see.
My 20th birthday was around the corner and my Lola has been giving me hints to invite him to my party. At first, I had doubts to tell him, but hey, why not? I finally had the guts to invite him a week before the party. Of course, he didn't say no. He actually had a big smile on him, which made it seemed like he knew about the party. I bet my Lola already invited him. And I was right! She did! He was just waiting for my invitation. He already knew I was going to invite him. I gave him my number just in case he gets lost on the way. It was written on a small piece of paper.
I was pretty excited of the thought that he will actually come. I was not excited about the party, surprisingly, but I was more excited to see him. I didn't thought of it much until the day came. I was pretty nervous and I didn't know what to do. I just needed to calm down.
Everyone was getting ready. The food was being cooked in the kitchen. All the napkins, utensils and paper plates were set. The chairs were lined up by the wall for people to sit in and visitors started to arrive. Happy birthday and thank you have been said. Gifts were settled on the side.
Where is he?
I was walking back and forth entertaining my visitors when he finally called.
"Nasan ka na?" I asked. Wow, I actually said it as if I've known him for so long.
"Nandito na ako sa harap," he replied.
I ran up the stairs toward the front door. My Lola shouted that he's in front. I was standing by the glass door waiting for him to come. He was walking with a friend behind him. That friend looks familiar. Oh, that's right! It's Miguel! That's his and Lola's co-worker. I guess he didn't want to go alone. That's okay. I wouldn't go alone either.
He was wearing jeans shorts and a t-shirt that says 96 North on the front. I opened the glass door and said hello. They both said their happy birthday with a bag of gift and I replied with a thank you and a hug. That hug I gave Michael was it! It was our very first hug. Oh my goodness! I love him and I've known this from the very beginning! Why did I even ignore it? I loved his hug, I loved his cologne, and I loved that grip he gave me around my waist. I loved everything about him. Everything? I think it's too soon to say "everything."
I invited them in and showed them where the food was. They ate. They sat on the chairs that were lined up by the wall. He sat by my Lola and I sat right across them facing the other way. I was kind of shy to talk to him, but I had to. It was pretty nerve wracking, but I was grateful he was there. I smiled at him at all times and he did the same. We talked for a little while and took pictures. He did seemed shy and I understood. The party went great.
Night came and sadly, he had to go home. We said our goodbyes and I again said thank you. I stood outside until they drove away. I miss him already, but I had to move on. Gifts were opened. He gave me a stuffed toy Eeyore and Clinique's Happy perfume. How sweet! I loved them.
We started texting each other non-stop after my birthday. That's when I knew he liked me. Or maybe loved me? I don't know yet.
By: Jane Pauline
