As the Time Goes By

Strangers. They said we shouldn't trust them if we don't have a clear reason to trust them. And that's my problem. I tend to trust strangers more than the people I know. I just can't explain the feeling of being comfortable with them more than my own family. And yes, I have no friends so maybe that's one of the reasons why. "According to the "Triangular Love Theory" by a Psychologist Robert Sternberg, love is based on three things: intimacy, passion, and commitment." Our topic for today in Personal Development is really interesting. Me and my classmates are listening attentively to our subject teacher. "When we meet someone, these three ingredients mix-and-match themselves in different ways. The three components of love generate eight possible kinds of love when considered in combination. The first one is the nonlove. This is when all of the three components are missing and obviously, there is no love. This applies to someone you see on the street an acquaintance or someone you know very casually. In short, to a stranger." I sat up straight as I heard the same word I was thinking earlier. I sudden take a glimpse on the window and accidentally have a casual eye contact to a guy passing our classroom. It was just for a few seconds as we both look away at the same time. I heavy sighed as I focus my attention again to our teacher discussing in front. It was just a normal day except for a fact that today is my birthday. Even so, I'm still treating this day as normal. Nothing special. "Okay class, that's all for today. You can already take your recess, " Ms. Ferrera announced. That's my cue to stand up and pack my things. Some of my classmates did the same. They were all noisy and talking about our earlier lesson. "I swear, my boyfriend is giving me a consummate love. I feel special!" Krizen words got different reactions from my classmates. Some of them laugh. "Dream on, girl! There's no way you can find someone that will give you consummate love at this age," said Rhea, our vice president s***h chatty classmate. I just shook my head as I listen to their arguments. This is our normal day though. I'm sure none of them will get offend even if they tend to say things below the belt sometimes. I don't know the exact reason why. I decided to go out and take my recess alone like I usually do. But no, I'm not feeling lonely. In fact, I like it this way. I get used of being comfortable alone and I find peace in silence. This is life for me. This is my life. But then I forgot that I'm a human. That I'm living here on Earth. And no man is an island entire or itself;every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. I can't really be totally alone at this place. "Ms. Alliane M. Alcanzar?" I frowned because a guy suddenly walked beside me. I find it weird and awkward because most of the students are looking at us. And why did this guy even know my name? Take note, my full name! When I don't think that I even know him?! I sped up my pace and ignored him. He laugh and also walk the same pace as mine. "You gotta listen first before you conclude things in your mind. I'm here to give you your ID. I don't have any bad intention, I swear." Ha! Talk to your face! Wait, did he just say ID? My ID?! I stop walking and finally face him with a wide eyes. "What the hell? Why do you have my ID?" I look so freaking clown in there. My picture in school ID is worse than my national ID. Can you imagine that?Oh my God, I just want to vanish right now. "Well, looks like it fell while you were walking at the corridor and you didn't notice it. So I picked it up and here I am returning it." He handed me my ID with a smile on his face. I don't know if he's mocking me or what? "It's your birthday today, right?Happy Birthday Ms. Alcanzar." I swear my mind got blank at the moment I hear those words. I didn't notice that I've been standing for too long in front of the canteen where the guy I was talking to earlier went. For the first time in my life, someone greeted me on my birthday. And what's even more surprising is it's from someone I don't even know.