A Broken Valentine
Yoh's Pov
February 14…
Such date is remarkable…
I remembered there was a little boy who told his new neighbor little girl she was cute that exact day.
A powerful slap and glare was her reply.
That was my first meeting with Anna.
At that time I believed my young heart had already fallen in love with her.
Love at first sight… They say…
Becoming her friend was quite hard. It was like we had a master-to-slave relationship. But despite this I love being around her because for some reason I felt contented with her.
As we entered primary our world became big. Meeting new friends is great. Still, Anna and I's bond remained unbreakable.
My feelings for her had gotten strong as we were in middle school. Blushing and stealing glances were hard not to do. Her beauty is irresistible. She is an amazing masterpiece of Kami.
Many asked me why I let Anna treat me like a dog. I answered them with sheepish smile and said, "Because she's a lovable master." They will laugh at me, telling I was crazy. But they just don't know… Behind that deathly glare and stoic face she wore, a sweet girl was hiding.
At prom night when we were in high school, I asked Anna to come with me at the riverbank before going to school. From there I told her how much I love her…
She glared at me first and going to walk away but I held her hands then pulled her in my arms. I embraced her tightly while saying I will never leave her side… forever…
A promise that I know she was waiting for a long time…
The full moon above… The leaves on the trees… The river flowing freely… They were the witnesses of our first kiss…
Graduation sure came fast. Because of financial issue Anna and I hadn't entered college.
I was helping my father in farm, accepting little works from the others, doing my best to have enough money to buy that special gift… A wedding ring…
Yes… I decided to marry Anna at the same date of our anniversary…
The day of hearts…
I know it was too early, but I really want to live the rest of my life with Anna.
So, I did my best to have works, to save money little by little, to work day and night, just to give her a simple yet descent wedding.
A surprise gift for her…
A month before our anniversary, I saw Tao Ren, my best friend who studied abroad. I was happy to see him again. I talked to him like what old friends who haven't seen each other for a long time do. I'm going to tell him that I'm going to ask Anna's hand, but he asked me first what was my plan for the future with Anna.
I was silent for a moment. I only want to live with Anna forever. Nothing else… So, I said I don't know.
It surprised me when he yelled at me. Telling I'm a selfish man. That my future isn't only for me but also for the girl I love.
For the second time I fell silent. Am I selfish? Was I only thinking for my own happiness? Maybe he is right…
I masked a smile while agreeing to what he said. I quickly bid goodbye and turned around, walking while looking at the sky. Suppressing the tears wanted to escape from my eyes.
I tucked my hand on my pocket, caressing the ring in there…
The succeeding weeks I avoided Anna. I'm still thinking what Ren said. My mind was confused and mix emotions were in my heart.
At exactly 12 midnight of the day of heart I found myself in front of Anna's house. I'm going to go away but she saw me. I decided to bring her on the place where I admitted my love for her.
"For you," I said as I handed a red little box on her delicate palms and closed them.
"Let's open this together, tonight," she suggested while looking at me lovingly. I only smiled and pulled her in a tight embrace.
Happy memories I spent with Anna flooded in my mind, they also slowly fading like her retreating form. I looked behind the tree and saw my bag I packed earlier. My decision is final… I'm going to leave the very girl I love.
Such idea made my heart broken... Broken at the Valentine's Day…
But I will endure this feeling. I will do anything... For Anna...
Living in city is like living in hell for someone like me.
I experienced sleeping in streets and sharing dark alleys with rats. Having small piece of bread was a blessing you can have. I thank the pieces of cartons I used as shed from rain or bed in night.
Part time jobs weren't enough, even though I work all day. But a country boy like me who had no enough education can't ask for more.
There were times like my body wanted to give up, all energy was escaping from me, and my mind was shouting to stop. But thinking of Anna strengthened me. I wish to see her soon…
I met a good man in name of Silva who gave me regular work in his restaurant. He thought me how to save money, encouraged me to study, help me to achieve my dreams.
Yes… After years of hard works I finally achieved my dreams… Dreams for Anna…
The only thing left was to ask for her hand and live with her forever.
Riding the new black sports car I bought, fruit from the business I built, I made my way back to where the girl I only love where. I know it was not easy but I'll do my best to get her back.
As I stopped in front of Anna's house I saw my best friend, Tao Ren. I quickly jumped off from the car and gave him a hug. I was so happy to see him and tell him the things happened to me. I also thanked Ren for he was the one who thought me to have dreams.
I saw myself and Ren in front of Anna's door. My heart was full of excitement and pounding hastily that time. As it opened, Anna's surprised face welcomed us.
Inside her house, Ren broke the news that shattered my heart… Anna and Ren were engaged… They were getting married the next month.
I quickly looked at Anna, but she was avoiding my gaze. I wanted to shout, to demand my rights for the girl I love, to demand explanations, to ask her about us.
But instead I just smiled and congratulated them.
I quickly bid goodbye after that, I couldn't suppress the tears wanted to escape from my eyes anymore. I need to run away from them.
Inside my apartment I cried my heart out loud. Everything surrounded me was broken and shattered. What's the point of having those if the reason for having them can no longer be mine?
After nights of drowning myself in alcohol and sadness I finally got courage to face Anna. I found myself again in front of her house, waiting under the rain.
She finally looked from window and saw me…
"Can we talk?" I asked in loud voice for her to hear me.
But she only closed the window.
I begged for her to listen to me, but the window had never open again.
"Have you… Have you opened my gift to you?" But I received no answer. "I… I'll wait for you, tomorrow night at the same place."
The rain accompanied by cold wind was the only one which replied.
The next day, the day of hearts, I waited for Anna at the place which witnessed of our love.
I caressed the words engraved on tree…
Yoh and Anna Forever
How I wish these words would come true…
My heart was so hopeful…
And I'm making myself believe that she will come…
That she never forgets about us…
That Anna still loves me…
...
But she didn't…
Anna did not arrive that night…
My heart shattered in million pieces and my mind get numb.
I felt I was betrayed by the very person I love.
Left behind and forget with those happy memories we shared...
Forgotten...
The rain poured at the same time the tears fell from my eyes…
Bouquet of rose dropped on wet soil as my grip loosened.
My eyes fell on deep river.
It was inviting me…
For eternal rest…
Written: February 3, 2011
Finished: February 4, 2012