Reminiscence: From Me To You

Extra: Him

Did you ever feel so envious of someone?

Did you ever wish you were like them?

Did you somehow feel... so happy yet so sad at the same time?

I did.

When I saw her... smile.

For the very first time.

Hey, you look so genuine and sincere, how do you smile like that?

The first time I laid my eyes on you, I envied you. Nakakainggit na ang payapa mong tingnan. Nakakainggit na parang buong buo na ang pagkatao mo. Nakakainggit na parang sobrang laya mo. Kung gusto mong lumipad, magagawa mo.

I secretly took a picture of you while you were looking peaceful at the Space Shuttle. You didn't notice. I was relieved. I left after that but I still bumped into you like hundred of times, but I was invisible in your eyes.

"Uy, gwapo ni Kuya. Kanina pa 'yan mag-isa, lapit tayo?" Napatingin ako sa dako 'nung mga babaeng biglang tumili. Napansin kong sa akin sila nakatitig. Kaagad akong naglakad ng mabilis para hindi nila guluhin.

Funny isn't it? People notice me so much. I stood out so much. But you never did. People don't look at you. You were invisible in the crowd. But I saw you.

I kept your picture. Edited the scenery, applied touch of your aura so it'll look vivid, honest and raw. Just like how you made me feel. Nanghinayang ako nung makita ang resulta. Pwedeng pwede sanang ibigay sa 'yo, kaso baka akalain mong stalker ako. Bakit ko ba 'yun naisip? Alam ko namang hindi na kita makikita matapos ang nangyari kanina.

I TRANSFERRED to a different school. Bagong buhay, sabi nga nila. Okay. E 'di bagong ako. Tama na 'yung malungkot at walang kwentang ako. Siguro, kailangan ko nang simulan 'yung ako na gusto ko.

"Pare, transferee?" Napatingin ako ro'n sa nagsalita. Sino 'to? "DJ nga pala, pare. David John Domingo. Pero pabanguhin na tin 'yung pangalan. DJ. Ano? Ganda 'di ba?" Natawa na lang ako sa inasabi nitong DJ na 'to.

"Ryshawn." Pakilala ko. We shook hands and he introduced me to some of his friends. Good thing. It went smooth. Not even an hour yet, but I made new friends, it felt cool. Nagkwento sila ng mga kung ano ano, kahit papaano hindi ko naramdaman na bago ako.

Hanggang sa napalingon ako sa unahan. Natigilan ako. Parang pamilyar? Parang kilala ko na dati pa? Nakaramdam ako ng kakaibang inggit. Bakit inggit? Tinitigan ko siya. Napalingon yata siya dahil sa talim ng tingin ko.

Her eyes pierced through the back. Felt like she didn't see me at all.

"Tinitingnan mo, pare? Seryoso ah? Si Yana?" DJ suddenly called out. Tinuturo nya 'yung babaeng naka-dilaw. No. She's not the one I'm looking at. The other girl near her. The one wearing white. The one with earphones. The one who look... reserved.

"Bakit sino 'yun?" Tanong ko na lang.

"Aba! Unang araw pa lang, tinitingnan mo na kaagad ang prinsesa ng school ah!" They teased me. "Wooo!" Kantyaw pa nila. Natawa na lang ako habang umiiling. I actually didn't notice the girl wearing the yellow top, up until they made me do.

She looks cheerful, bright and outgoing. Lalo na ang dami nyang kausap kaagad. Pinupuntahan pa siya nung ibang mga kaklase namin. Ilang sandali pa dumating na yung teacher. She introduced herself, then she instructed us to do the same.

Boos and woes echoed in the whole room. I mean, I hate introductions too. But I want to know 'em. Especially that girl. That girl who looks somewhat familiar. I just can't remember how or when I met her, or did I even meet her?