Arthur, Please Don't Cry
I've known Arthur for more than 10 years already. We've been the best of friends, always supporting each other; if not, beating each other's asses. We share secrets. And like any other girls hanging out with their best friends, we're always caught up with this world we both formed
But as I went over to their house, he was nowhere to be found. To my relief, her mother told me Arthur was out for an
errand. I was then directed to their living room -the place never failed to fascinate me with its simple yet beautiful designs; paintings, a collection of teacups-. As I sat down on the sofa, I noticed the coffee table. There sat Arthur’s favourite Royal Albert Tourmaline cup, filled with steaming tea. Beside it was a black notebook he’d always bring but barely show it to me, unless it has something to do with our poetry competition. There would be times
that we’ll compose our own poem, and I’d always be the loser.
I took this opportunity and grabbed the notebook and skimmed through the pages, chuckling like a fool as I encountered our works. I reached the middle part with nothing written but blanks, until I found something.
Alfred, please say you’ll wait for me
we’ll both grow up someday, you’ll see.
Saving all the kisses just for you
Signed with love, forever true.
But the notebook was pilfered away by no other than its owner with a scowl visible on his face. “How many times do I have to tell you about not meddling with my stuff…particularly this notebook?”
I flailed my hands in the air with a fake laugh accompanying it, pretending not to see what he wrote and thought it might be the best.
And that had been the worst decision I’ve ever done.
~||O||~
The day came for me and Steph to move to New York. With a pained heart and conflicting emotions churning, I mustered all my courage to face Arthur. He approached me with a sad look, complained why I
never told it to him.
“I saw what you wrote in your notebook.” I uttered, noticing the immediate change of aura. It became…tenser. He looked down, seeming to avoid my gaze.
“I know.” Arthur muttered. “I’m not a stupid chap to not know.” And as he gazed back up, I saw something that glimmered through his eyes. Hope. But would I give it to him? Conjoining our hands
together, I gave him my response.
Arthur, Arthur, please don’t cry
You’ll forget me by and by.
We’re only young and only 19
I guess this is the way it should have been.
I hope he’d understand me. I can’t be with him. I can never be with him, knowing I have a commitment with Steph. He nodded as he pulled his hands away. It miffed me more to see him agree with what I said. Won’t he do anything to stop me from going?
And with a tearful goodbye, we parted ways.
~||O||~
We graduated college a year ago with me teaching Algebra in first year high school and Steph as an amateur nurse. Arthur told me he was currently in a law firm. I was glad about it, knowing he achieved what he wanted. I was beyond happy, if not. But it seems that there were invisible chains that kept on to place. His look would always find a way to haunt me in my dreams every night, though I never told this to anyone. Why must I mess up with
a beautiful relationship once created and was held preciously as if an expensive stone?
As a fixed decision was made, I broke up with Steph and booked a flight back to California once summer reached. Again, I failed to keep a stone, but Stephanie seemed to be fine with it. She told me that if it’s meant for me to be happy, she won’t meddle much and finally let go.
This has to be done. I’d want to mend what was once obliterated. I’m like an owner of the stone who wants his jewel back. And that is what I’m going to do, find my stone.
But as I got back, things weren’t the same like they were before. Sure there are still the same old houses. The same old hill we used to go. I caught a short glimpse of Arthur when I climbed up. He had this joyful mien as he held the notebook closer to his chest. I called for his name, but he seemed to never heed my call. I grabbed him with a smile, but all he could respond was this. That alone made the brimming tears to roll down my cheeks.
Alfred, Alfred, please don’t cry
You’ll forget me by and by
It’s been 5 years and I can’t go on with this
And Alfred, I’m dating your friend, Francis