It was raining as I was going home. But then I remembered i forgot my jacket in a classroom, so I returned to take it. As I was about to leave the gate, my teacher saw and called me. When I approached, my teacher introduced me to a boy named Matthew. I was so shy at that moment and decided to make an excuse to go home. After a few days, I started seeing Matthew daily; we often ran into each other in the hallway.
Days passed, and exam day arrived. After the exam, one of my subject teachers tasked me with marking papers from another section, and that's when I saw Matthew's full name. I tried finding him on Facebook and added him using my dummy account. I made this dummy account to know him without revealing my real identity, but due to a certain situation, he recognized me.
Matt: I know you.
Elay: Really?
Matt: You're Elayne, right?
Elay: How do you know my name?
Matt:I already know you since the day sir D introduced you -
Our conversation continued. We shared the same humour; he always matched my jokes and serious conversations. I felt happy whenever we talked, always feeling like our minds were connected. Our discussions grew deeper over time.
On the first day of our 12th grade (year )at school:
Matt: I have something( to give) for you, where are you?
Elay: I've already gone home. What is it?
Matt: It's a letter with a flower.
Elay: I'm sorry, I didn’t know.
Matt: It's okay, I just made it because I was bored. Next time, I'll give you a bracelet.
Months passed, and it was our foundation day. At that time, we had a meeting with my team, and when the meeting ended, we arranged the chairs. Unexpectedly, someone approached and handed me a bracelet. I was confused about who gave a bracelet until I saw Matthew running towards his friends. (I hadn’t thanked him yet, so I just said it in a chat.)
Our relationship deepened, reaching a stage of mutual understanding. We often went home together, and what I liked most about him was that he always put in effort. He was always very thoughtful, frequently buying me iced chocolate and food even when I didn't ask for it.
Matt: Elay, let's eat?
Elay: I'm still full.
Matt: OK, wait a minute, just sit there for a moment, I’ll get something.
After a few minutes:
Matt: Here, for you.
Elay: I told you I’m still full.
Matt: Just take it.
Elay: OK, fine, thank you.
We had a lot in common, like reading manga, listening to music, and watching sunsets and the moon. He always sent me photos of the sunset and moon.
Months passed, and I didn’t realize how long we had been chatting.Then, one day, Matthew asked me a question.
Matt: I have something to ask.
Elay: What is it?
Matt: Can I court you?
Elay: Umm, give me some time to think.
It has been half a month since he asked me. It's been a while. Maybe I should give him an(the) answer he's been waiting for. I thought hard and couldn’t sleep some nights thinking about what to say.
Coming home from school, while Matthew and I were on our way back, unexpectedly, my uncle saw us. He confronted me at home with my aunt.
They asked some questions after that I became cautious. I was so scared because I feared they might tell my grandparents. My grandparents are against having boyfriends and warned me about my studies. That night, I felt that this might be the time to give him an answer, so I texted him.
Elay: Hi, I already have an answer. First, I am thankful to know you. I like the connection between us. I've made a decision that considered many things since it's really hard to decide. Unfortunately, I can't give you the chance for now. I really hope you understand my decision. From the beginning, I don’t regret anything. I just want you to know that I was very happy during the times we spent together.
Matt: Hi, I don't know what to say, but I respect your decision, and I don't regret showing you how much I liked you. Maybe this time is not for me, but if it's OK with you, I'll wait until you're ready. I knew from the start you weren't ready, and I'm sorry if I rushed things.
I'm not afraid of commitment. I don't want to hurt him, but I'm afraid of losing my future. I can't lose my dream. After that, we became strangers. We often ran into each other, but we acted as if we didn't know each other. It has been a long time since we last spoke, and I almost forgot his existence in my life until our graduation day arrived.
After celebrating my graduation ceremony with my classmates, I went home immediately. Then, I opened my phone and posted some photos on my timeline. It was already late at night when I posted the photos, so I went to sleep afterwards. When I woke up, I checked my phone and looked at my Facebook. I was surprised by what I saw—it was a message from Matthew.
Matt: Congrats, Elay. I know your mother is so proud of you, and I'm also proud of you. But remember, I'm your rival; I don't fall behind. By the way, I just wanted to thank you for the advice you gave me. It was such a great help, and I really tried to give my best to catch up with you.
Elay: Congratulations, Matt. I hope your mother will have a future engineer, and may you enjoy your upcoming college life and pursue the things you want.
I didn't expect Matthew to get honors. I was happy and proud because he achieved what he had long wanted to achieve.
Then, after that, we caught up and continued chatting, Matthew and I decided to be friends. In the end, we got closure. I explained why I didn't give him a chance, and he also explained his side. I know it's too late to say it to him, but I always thought I should have explained. I want to move forward, forget about him, and focus on my goals. After the closure, we completely cut off our connection. I went abroad and studied for college there.
We may meet the right person, but sometimes the right time isn't for us; it leaves us a lesson that if the time is wrong, it will always be wrong. - part 2 ongoing
