Love and Distance

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME?

HEY Sofia! Someone called me as we go down the stage. I feel nervous when I saw that Andres is the one calling my name. “Hey, Sofia right? Uhm, Andres by the way” He offered his hand for a shake. I stare to his hand for a moment and can’t help but notice his clean nails. Ugh! My weakness. “ Ahh, yes, Andres, the new student and the new president.” I shake his hand and smile. “I just want to say thank you for helping me find my way here” he said warmly. “Oh no worries, its nothing and you’re welcome”. We both get shocked when someone put his arms around Andres neck. Its Kiro. “Hey man! What’s up? I’m so glad I have my best friend right here!” I look to Kiro “You know him?” I asked and he laughed. “He’s my childhood best friend Sofia, surprised?” I smiled. “I see, well I think this year will be amazing”. I said in my sarcastic voice. Joyce is now using her elbow poking my side reminding me that she is with me. “Ohh, this is my best friend, Joyce”. Andres nod “Hello Joyce, its nice to meet you”. Joyce smiled and shakes his hand. “Hey Joyce to the world! Did you miss me?” Kiro loves to annoy Joyce since freshman year. Sometimes, I think that he likes her. “What? Of course not! I feel so disappointed seeing you here” Joyce frowned. “Ohh that hurt little missy, but I’m sorry to disappoint you more, but I think you will see me and we will be together more often either you like it or not my assistant secretary” Kiro smiled and wink. Joyce laughed in her most sarcastic tone. She whispered “I’m doom”. I look at Andres “Ahh, is there anything you still need?” He stare deeply in my eyes, I think I’m getting nervous. What is he doing to me? “Well, I’m not really used of anything here, especially for being the new president of the council, I want you to know that I didn’t volunteer for this, I think I’m not ready for any of this, but since I have no choice, I want to ask for help. Maybe you can give me a hand to start?” So this man is really trying to give me a sudden heart attack. How can someone be look so good when asking for help? “ahh, no problem Andres, we will all help you and we will do our best to be a great team. Anyway, we can all talk about this later, we should go.” Joyce and I held each other hand and started to walk away. “Bye Joyce to the world! See you later!” Kiro shouted. We go back to our seat and a few moments later, the orientation ended and the dean asked the student council to be in the meeting room after lunch. Since it’s the first day of class, it’s actually all about checking the schedules and meetings. Formal classes will begin on the second day. Joyce and I are now having lunch at our favorite fast food, the Mcdonalds. We have this love for French fries that we can eat it almost everyday. We ordered chicken, spaghetti, two large fries and a large drink to celebrate our first day of school. “Hey, Alonzo, I’m really sorry” I said sadly. “For what?” she said. “For being the Vice President, I know how much you love to be in that position.” She bow her head “yeah, I actually really expecting to be the Vice President until we graduate” She is now dipping her fries in the ketchup. “I can’t believe you stole that from me” she covered her face with her hands and made a sound of crying. “Hey! I didn’t steal it! Do you want me to talk to dean so we can change positions? I’m sorry Alonzo! Please don’t cry. Are you serious? Come on! Don’t do this to me!” Joyce laughed. “You’re crazy! Do you really think I will get mad at you because of that?” she sip in her drink “ I admit I’m a bit sad about it but knowing you’re the one that replaced me makes me feel better. As long as we both in the student council, position doesn’t matter right?” I teary a little and smiled. “I love you Alonzo! Can’t live without you” Joyce put a fries in my mouth “ugh! Stop being cheesy maxim, you know it makes me cringe”. Joyce is not the most romantic type of a person, but she loves to imagine having the right man that will make her fall in love. “What do you think of the new student Maxim? I think he is nice” I paused as I remember the way Andres looks at me. “ Well, maybe? He’s the nephew of our Dean. I think Mrs. Anderson really adores his nephew. “ Joyce nod and stares at me. So I stare back at her “What’s with the look Alonzo? Spill it now!” she eat her French fries again before she talks. “Maybe? If I remember clearly you said that the man you bumped in looks nice so why are you talking as if you are not sure? Why do I get the feeling that Andres made a impression on you?” I almost spit my drink when I heard it. “What? What are you talking about? Of course not! Fine, I really think he’s nice and polite but He’s not my type. I mean that face will surely break anyone’s heart.” I sip again on my drink and think that what I just said is a complete lie. I feel guilty for lying to Joyce, but I am not ready to share it. I just have this thought that I need to own this feeling for a while. So it won’t get ruined. I honestly want to see him again in the meeting. “Fine fine! Don’t be so defensive, I’m just kidding. But for the record, He really is a handsome man and I think He will be a good leader. Not like that annoying Kiro who really thinks that he is handsome.” I laughed when Joyce talks about Kiro, she hates him but can’t stop talking about him. “Why do you hate him that much? I think he likes you” Joyce stand and squeeze my face “What? Do you really think that jerk will like someone like me? You’re crazy” I look at her “why? What’s wrong with you? You’re perfect. Someone who doesn’t like you is the crazy one, not me.” Joyce has this trait of having a low self-esteem sometimes. “Stop being mean to yourself Joyce, you are beautiful in many ways you just don’t want to see it yourself. You’re the best.” We have this best friend thing that always lifting up each other and when we do, we feel like crying. “Stop it! Don’t make me cry, I want to finish my fries” and we both laughed. It’s almost 1:30 when we arrived at school. “Hey Alonzo, I need to use the bathroom, what about you?” She looked back “I don’t, I’ll go first or else dean will make us buy coffee again”. Mrs. Anderson always put the latecomers to buy coffee when having a meeting. I walk to the bathroom and wash my hands while looking myself in the mirror. I have a long black hair, pointed nose, almond eyes and a fair skin. Ever since I became a woman, lot of men always shows interest in me. I’m glad I have Joyce beside me to let them know that I am not interested. All my life I have never been interested so much in dating, not until I met my first boyfriend. It didn’t last so I became less interested to know men and relationships. Some men are curious why I am being so elusive. Its not that I want to, it’s just that I never felt excited to be in love again. But why Andres makes me nervous? I’m afraid to look into that eyes again, coz I think I’ll be lost. “Stop it Sofia, you can’t okay?” I said to myself while fixing my hair and giving myself one last look before going out. I get my cellphone to check messages when someone from men’s bathroom calls my name.

“Sofia!” I almost drop my phone when I saw that it was Andres. “Hey, Sofia, Are you going to the meeting room?” He smiled. “Oh.. ah.. yea—oh yeah, Andres, I just took a few minutes to freshen up, how bout you? “ I stuttered because I feel that my heart is pounding so hard. “Me too, shall we go together?” he offered. “Sure, no problem, let’s go” I smiled and walk passed by him and he walk beside me. His scent smells good. “Did you eat lunch?” he asked. “Yes, we have this little celebration of first day, its like a ritual every year for me and Joyce, you met her earlier” I answered without looking at him. “Ah yes, Kiro told me that Joyce always scowl whenever she see him. Are they always like that? I’ve known Kiro since childhood and we really are the best of friends, even when I went to the US we never lost communication. He is really the most annoying and naughty person you’ll meet but He is a good person. I think he is comfortable around Joyce that’s why he loves teasing her.” He laughed a little and I’m starting to hate the sound of it because I think I need to hear it one more time. “Yeah, they love to fight every time. I actually kind of used seeing them almost killed each other.” He laughed, but this time it’s louder and when I look at him I saw the dimples that’s hiding for a while now. “Really? I think this year will be really amazing as you said earlier. I’m looking forward to work with you.” I know that he is staring at me so I didn’t look at him. Don’t look at me that way Andres. “I mean, to all of you.” He corrected. “Ohh, yeah, same here. Let’s work hard this year” I smiled.

Can I work hard this year without being distracted?

ANDRES POV

“HEY Sofia!” I called her. She stopped and turned back. I feel like my heart is getting out of my chest. This will be my first real conversation with her. “Hey, Sofia right? Uhm, Andres by the way.” I offered my hand for a shake. She stares at it for a while. Does she not want to shake? Damn, I didn’t check my hand if it sweating. “ Ahh, yes, Andres, the new student and the new president.” I sighed a relief when she shakes my hand and she smiled. Her hand is tiny and soft. I didn’t want to let it go for a moment. “I just want to say thank you for helping me find my way here” I said.

For helping me find my way to you. “Oh no worries, its nothing and you’re welcome.” She answered politely. I am about to ask her about something when Kiro suddenly put his arms around my neck. Good job Kiro, just the best timing always.

“Hey man! What’s up? I’m so glad I have my best friend right here!” I look at Kiro and then to Sofia. “You know him?” She asked Kiro with curiosity. “He’s my childhood best friend Sofia, surprised?” she smiled. “I see, well I think this year will be amazing.” She said. I can hear sarcasm in her tone. Is she not happy? Is she disappointed again about something? This is giving me headache. I want to know what’s on her mind. Sofia introduced Joyce so I offered my hand for a shake too. Joyce shakes my hand too.

So this is the girl Kiro can’t stop talking about. Last year, I remember Kiro talking about Joyce for an hour. He is definitely in love with her. So my curiosity about this girl strikes and asked Kiro to send me a picture of her. Unfortunately, Kiro doesn’t have any picture of her except for the group picture of the student council. Kiro told me that Joyce doesn’t want to accept him as a friend on any social media because Joyce thought that he will jus going to tease her. Kiro sent me the group picture and zoom it in. I find myself staring at the girl standing beside Joyce. I don’t why my heart suddenly became fidgety. Who is she? I asked myself. I didn’t know if this some crush or what they called love at first sight, but I became curious about her.

I asked Kiro who is the girl beside Joyce and told me that it was Sofia Maxim, the best friend of Joyce and perfect girl of their campus. I also asked Kiro if he is close to her, but he told me that, Sofia only talks when she wants to, when she needs to.

She doesn’t entertain and never had a boyfriend on campus. She is not very friendly to men. Days passed and I wanted to know more about her. I asked Kiro to tell me stories about her. But Kiro only talks about meetings, school, Joyce and not much about Sofia. I don’t know what is in her that makes me this confused and restless.

I had three ex girlfriend in the past but none of them made me feel this way.

When the 3rd year was over, I decided to finish my degree in the Philippines. I asked my mom and dad but they didn’t agree at first. We had fights back there. But later on, they decided to just let me go. All thanks to my great Auntie Grace. I really don’t have any Idea what I am doing, or why I am doing this for someone I never met. I am not sure about what I am feeling but what I’m sure of is that, I wanted to see her in person. I wanted to meet her, be friends with her, laugh with her, and maybe fall in love with her.

The Orientation is finally over and Dean announced that first meeting of the student council would be hold after lunch. I’ll get to see her again later.

Kiro and I decided to eat our lunch in the cafeteria since it’s my first day. I ordered “Adobo” ( A meat stew in vinegar, soy sauce and spices ) the best Filipino food for me. Kiro ordered “Pork Sinigang” ( A pork stew in tamarind soup ) and one cup of rice for each of us. We also ordered soft drinks for refreshment. We seated in the corner of the cafeteria so it is less noisy. “Hey man, is Sofia always that formal?” I asked. “Why? Are you scared now?” Kiro teased. “I’m not man, it just that I’m beginning to think pursuing her will not be easy.” I sip in my drink. “I told you countless times she’s not easy man. I had news about her that she had a first boyfriend but it never lasted.” Kiro raised his eyebrows while putting the spoonful rice in his mouth. “I know man, but what I’m trying to say is, I find her more attractive. Isn’t it weird?” I asked. “You’re so dead man. You really do like her do you?”

“Man this may sound crazy, but I think I like her more than I expected.” I sigh.

“You really need to help me Kiro.” I stared at him.

Kiro leaned on the table. “I don’t know why I need to solve your heart problem when I can’t solve my own. I don’t know what to do with Joyce anymore.” He sighed.

“Maybe you should start to stop annoying her man and treat her the way you really wanted. You’ve been in love with her for 2 years now. Come on, be a man and maybe Joyce will notice you.” I answered seriously. Kiro think for a moment and gazed to me. “But the problem is, if I don’t tease her, she won’t talk to me man.”

“Kiro, just try okay?”

“You’re right, I think its time to let her know.” Kiro nod.

We finished our lunch and stay for a bit in the cafeteria when we saw Sofia and Joyce walking towards us. They didn’t notice us because we seated at the corner. I heard Sofia is going to the bathroom and Joyce is going to the meeting room. Kiro and I decided to follow them. I distance myself a little to Sofia while going to the bathroom. I enter the men’s room and count for two minutes before going out. I saw Sofia just got out of bathroom also and checking her phone. Perfect timing, I almost lost her. I took a deep breath and call her name. “Sofia!” she almost drop her phone. I pretended not to notice so she won’t be embarrassed. “hey, Sofia, Are you going to the meeting room?” I asked and smiled. “Oh.. ah.. yea—oh yeah, Andres, I just took a few minutes to freshen up, how about you?” she stuttered. I can see that, you look beautiful. I wanted to say it out loud but I refrain myself from doing so. She might take it as “Bola” (A Filipino term for a fake compliments.) “Me too, shall we go together?” I offered.

“Sure, no problem, let’s go” she give me an stingy smile and walked pass by me. I walk beside her and thinking hard to open up a conversation. She is not talking and just looking straight. I looked at her and notice her pointed nose. I want to touch it. I stop myself from thinking and decided to ask her. “Did you eat lunch?” WHAT? What did you just ask? You’re not close to her yet. You stupid.

“Ah yes, we have this little celebration of first day, its like a ritual every year for me and Joyce, you’ve met her earlier” she answered without looking at me. Am I making her uncomfortable? Jeez, I need to think of something. I told her about Kiro and why he loves teasing Joyce. “Yeah, they love to fight every time. I actually kind of used seeing them almost killed each other.” I laughed a little louder because I think this is the way she makes jokes. I saw her glimpse at me. I am afraid to catch you looking at me Sofia. I’m afraid I can’t take it. “Really? I think this year will be really amazing as you said earlier. I’m looking forward to work with you.” I said it while looking at her. She did not answer. I feel her stiffen. That’s why I said “I mean, to all of you.

” I corrected. I felt her loosen up. “Ohh, yeah, same here. Let’s work hard this year” she finally smiled. I’ll do everything to see you smile, Sofia.