My thumb rubbed against the picture. All the familiar faces – my classmates. My eyes searched through the lines of students, even when I know where he is. When I saw his face, the past came to me like a spaceship off to space. I felt his warm body heaving over me, hugging me. I closed my eyes.

I see his face, smiling. Laughing. Now we’re at different schools. He was my boyfriend, yes, and left me last year and moved to another school.

“We could still keep in contact, right?” I asked him, not wanting to let him go. It was winter before Christmas break and the weather were cold and my legs were freezing. “I mean, the school’s not THAT far away. You… you love me, right?” My eyes start tearing. It felt warm and defrosted my cheeks.

“Sorry, Alicia,” he said. “I can’t have a distant relationship. I don’t want the responsibility.” He looks very guilty – not wanting to say what he did. But he did. My heart broke. ‘Not wanting the responsibility’? What am I? A pet? He doesn’t love me enough to make sure I’m happy? That our relationship is as strong as when it started?

His arms wrap around me, as if that could solve anything. “I’m sorry.”

I opened my eyes. Tears rolled down my cheeks. I’ve tried, I really have, but I couldn’t. Not just yet. I set down the frame. I grabbed my sweater and went outside. Its fall the year next, but it’s sunny and warm, so I didn’t need the scarf. It’s such a good weather. I shouldn’t be crying. I walked for a while. It’s senior year and I’m single. Who’s going to be my date for the senior dance? I know, this is more serious than that, but I got to be in a good mood.

Suddenly I felt my cell phone vibrate, and then a ringtone followed. I read the text that was sent.

At the Golden Bean. Got someone I want you to meet. Pronto.

Keera

Keera’s my buddy. She’s been trying to match me with guys ever since summer. I don’t think she’s doing a very good job though. But I just go with it anyway. At least now I have some where to go.

When I entered the café I see Keera with a tall guy wearing a sleeveless T-shirt showing off his small worked-out muscles sitting at a table two tables away from the counter. I sigh. The guy obviously wasn’t my taste –again. He had long shaggy blonde hair and a small face. Some people may think he looks cute, but not me.

I remember his face – it was bright with big green eyes and light skin. It would easily turn red when he gets embarrassed. But that’s what makes him look adorable to me.

 I grabbed a chair and my friend smiled. “Hey! This is Greg. He’s new around here and he’s my cousin. Greg, this is Alicia.”

He pulled out his arms to shake my arm, and I do the same. He grinned widely, slightly perverted. I try not to make a face, but I think my disgusted look showed off quite badly. He immediately changed his face and look more seriously. Hmph. If you want to make a good impression at least start from the beginning.

“So,” Keera started. “I need to go to the bathroom. You two get to know each other better, alright?” She stood up and I try to pull her back down but she moved quick to the counter, wanting to ask where the bathroom is, when I know what she’s going to do - hide and see what happens. I smiled cockily at Greg, and he smiled back – still perverted. Then the waiter came along.

“What can I get you, miss?” I looked up and my eyes set on the waiter’s eyes. It’s light blue, and he’s gorgeous. His hair dirty blonde and messy. I stared for a while then I looked away and ordered iced lemon tea. He smiles and I smiled back. When he walked away, I gave him a glanced and saw that he looked back at me too. I blushed and scratched my head.

I think I’m in love again.