You’re a Peach
Illustration by Monna Lou Maldo
I never really talked to him about anything else except the weather, projects or homework, or whether he’s going to drink tonight or not. Today, perhaps not. He took me out once, with his friends of course, we had fun, but it was kind of controlled fun, not getting-wasted fun, and definitely not doing-anything-stupid kind of fun, but it was fun nevertheless, memorable even. It was a night I couldn’t tell anybody about. I want to own it, to always keep it in my mind and within reach, accessible, because I think that night won’t happen again, not in this lifetime I’m quite sure of it. These are the best years they say, so I’m trying to live it the way people expects us to, to the fullest.
Ting! The spoon struck the cup of coffee. The things about my everyday morning are the familiar finales, the empty bed that meant that the alarm clock was successful, the last song that plays to end my shower, and the stirred coffee. Then, that’s it. I go and start what has remained of the 24 hours that I have. Today might not be so bad. The wind breathes summer. It’s going to be a good one.
Kring! The bell. The only signal that makes these hallways empty. I spot him just before he enters the room and we just nodded to each other. Classic. People settled in their seats right away and the period started. It was a while before I realized that I’m not even paying attention to whatever the teacher was saying, and who cares, it’s the last day of the semester. All I can think about right now is out the window, the blue skies, the shining sun and the green grass. I knew that school would be over anytime now. Kring! I told you summer break was here. Just as I picked up my things, he whistled a familiar tune, a signal to meet him later. I eyed him and we’re good.
Prrt! Time-out at the basketball court. I went to meet him like what we planned and also to say goodbye. He asked if I’m going to see him over the summer; it’s hilarious because of course we would. We’re neighbors! Then I saw her, he was still talking to me but my attention is no longer with him, he’s tuned out like a white noise and it’s foolish of him to continue speaking when the most beautiful girl just entered the gym. Then he asked what I am doing. Am I just supposed to stand here when she’s waving me over? He didn’t mind how her presence affected me so much. Stupid. It didn’t scare him so it scared me, but then again, why should I be? I tapped him goodbye and all it took was 13 steps, steps that would change what fate could there ever be for us, 13 steps to her.
“You’re a peach,” she greeted. She handed me a picture of her. I might never see her again so I memorized the details that I found to have always loved. Her eyes are brown and it dances like my coffee in the morning. Her hair is straight but there are waves like the ocean in just the right places. Her lips. I replied, “You’re a peach,” and we hugged.
We part ways and I floated right into my room. I can’t remember going back home but here I am, consumed with my thoughts of her. All the memories that night came rushing back. She thought I was with him, that we were together, but we’re not. I wish we were but we are not and I guess we never will be. It’s all about choice, really. I always tend to look who’s around him, who’s he going to go home with and then I noticed her, she is a threat to us, I thought, but then I realized, she is a threat to me. That night, she asked “How do you enjoy yourself?” And I replied just like how I’ve always pictured the answer in my mind. I enjoy it just like how everybody enjoys themselves. “I use a peach,” I answered. It took her a second or two to reply. She said “Yes you do, because you are.” Silence. She continued, “You’re a peach.” I replied, “You’re a peach.”
One moment she was a threat, and then the next she was a friend. We laughed and cried that night, and it amazed me how natural it was to talk about anything, about anyone to her. To think about it, I really can’t own that night alone because there were the two of us but I guess we both carry a piece of it.
Tonight is warm just like the night we both had, and the stars are twinkling bright. How do I enjoy myself? I quench my thirst and feed my hunger, for now I shall not suffer, and to happiness I surrender.
