JAMES POV:

I have decided to meet up with my friend from high school back in Australia.

When me and my family stayed there for two years for my family’s business,

I’ve studied in the most popular university. There, I met this friend, Ivan. A month ago after I

moved out our house, Ivan called me and told me he was in the Philippines. But during that time,

everybody thought I was in U.S but the truth is, I was just in the Philippines hiding, and so I wasn’t

able to meet him. After I came back to our house, I called him up for a coffee. I was also wanted to

know how he was after his girlfriend Tricia broke with him. I know he loves Tricia so much.

He even stayed here in the Philippines with his mother even though they don’t get along well. Now when

I called him, he told me he has already moved on and even told me he has a new girl. Honestly, I don’t really

believe him. I know Ivan is really serious in relationships and so he doesn’t brag about it every time he has a

new girl because he just seldom falls in love even though a lot of girls want him. Now he’s getting weird. He

was talking about falling in love with a girl after Tricia broke up with him. I know Ivan was hurt of what

happened and he can’t use any girl just to forget about Tricia. He’s really good to girls. And so the time

for our meet up was set after I called him this morning. I’ve waited in the coffee shop for about 3 minutes

now and still Ivan and his so – called new girl wasn’t there yet. I took my phone from my pocket and was

about to dial his number when someone called me from behind. “James!” the voice said. I turned my

back and saw Ivan. “Dude!” I called as he went closer to the table where I was. “Wait, I though you’ll gonna

bring your new girlfriend here? Where is she?” I asked. “Oh she’s in the ladies room. She’s just so vain

and so she has to face the mirror once in a while.” He said. “You’re crazy! Why the hell are you talking

about your girl about that?” I said as I gestured my hand for him to take a seat. “But I love her the way she is.”

He said. “Huh. She must be so beautiful?” I said. “Yeah..Oh there she is!” Ivan said as he pointed towards my

back. Suddenly, the girl spoke, “Hi there!” I faced at the back to her. To my shock, it was Ann.

“James, meet Ann, my girlfriend. Ann, this is James, my friend back in Australia.” said Ivan. Before I

could speak, Ann handed her hand for a handshake as if we don’t know each other. “Hi James! I’m Ann Li.”

She said. I was caught off guard of what she said. I don’t know how to react in the situation. I was frozen.

I didn’t realize that I was already staring at her. “I know my girlfriend’s beautiful James. Don’t you dare.

She’s taken.” Ivan interrupted. I was regained back to consciousness and realized that Ann was still offering

her hand. I reached it and gave her a hand shake. “I... I am James. James Reid.” was all I was able to say.

“Okay Ann, seat here.” Ivan said to Ann as she followed his lead. “So let’s order?” Ivan suggested as he

opened the menu. I would glance at Ann every time I’d get a chance to. “Babe, what do you want?” Ivan asked

to Ann. “Strawberry Ice cream.” We said in unison. They were both shock when I’ve guessed what Ann wanted.

“How’d you know I want strawberry ice cream?” Ann asked. “Well because you.. Oh I mean a lot of girls wants

strawberry flavored ice cream, that’s why.” I lied. “See, he’s really good about the wants of girls. Certified playboy.”

Ivan said as Ann chuckled. I was still so confused of what was happening. I was confused of Ann’s actions.

“I know I’ve hurt her so much but why does she have to pretend not to know me?” I thought to myself. “Waiter!”

Ivan called the waiter. The whole time Ivan was giving his and Ann’s orders, I focused myself to Ann.

“James what do you want? James? James!” Ivan called. “Oh! Uhm Café Latte.” I said. “Okay sir.” The

waiter said and left. “It seems like you’ve been thinking something dude. What is it?” he asked. “Oh no nothing.

It’s just my best friend.” I said hoping to find a reaction from Ann’s angelic face which I’ve never seen in the past month.

“Oh! Your best friend? Is she the one you keep on talking about before?” Ivan asked. “Uhm yeah.” I replied as I

examined Ann’s face. As I examined her beautiful face, I never saw anything but happiness. It seems like she has

moved on after what I have done to her. “So what about her?” Ivan asked again. “Oh, uhm, she just had accident a month ago.”

I said. “Really? So how is she?” he asked. “I think she’s fine. I haven’t seen her yet.” I said. I was still looking at Ann.

I thought her facial expression would change after hearing this, but seems like she really do not know me.

“So, how did the two of you meet?” I asked to change the topic to find out more about the two. “Well..” Ivan

said as he holds Ann’s hand. “It was an accident.” He continued. “Accident?” I asked. “Yep! I was hit by a car.

The driver who hit me ran away. The people around me were waiting for an ambulance to come. Luckily, Ivan

came and brought me to the hospital. He saved my life.” Ann said. “What? They met during Ann’s accident? The

day after I left her?” I asked myself. “So you met because of the accident?” I asked again. “Uh huh. Then the next was history.”

Ivan stated as he looked at Ann. Ann did the same way as well. I don’t know what I was feeling.

Maybe I was just happy for Ann and Ivan, but I don’t understand why I could feel pain in my chest after seeing them together.

“What a love story.” I commented. “So how ‘bout you and Devon?” he asked. “I broke up with her.” I said. “Why?” he asked.

“It was the biggest mistake to fall for her and to leave my best friend who was supposed to be my fiancé.” I said as I

glance back at Ann and looked at her reaction. I failed. I wasn’t able to find the look I wanted her to give.

“So your marrying your best friend huh?” Ivan added. “I hope so. I wished I just opened my eyes ahead of time before

I’ve hurt her and made her cry.” I said and looked at Ann. I stare at her waiting for her to react to all the words that I

just have said. “I think she’ll forgive you James.” Ann answered. I felt happy because of her answered it seems

like she doesn’t want Ivan to know about us. “But why? I don’t want her to be with Ivan. I know he’s a good guy.

But I want her to.. I want her to be with me.” I thought to myself. “I hope so.” I said with a croaky voice. The

waiter returned with our orders. “So are still gonna come back to Australia or you’ll stay here for good?” Ivan asked.

“I’m not sure.” I said as I took a sip in my coffee. As we continued our talk, Ivan’s phone rang and so he excused himself.

I was left with Ann in the table. “Ann.” I said. “Yes?” she asked. “I’m sorry.” I said. A look of confusion was seen in

her beautiful face. “Sorry for what?”she asked. “For what I have done?” I said. “What do you mean?” she asked confusingly.

“About running away. About not giving you a chance to speak. About calling you a liar. About choosing

Devon over you. About everything Ann.” I blurted. “What? What are you talking about James! We just met.” She

said as she gave a smile.”Ann! Stop this.” I commanded. Ann used to be a drama queen to get what she wants.

“What are you talking about James? We just met. And if incase I’ve known you, I’m sorry I can’t remember you!”

she said in an angry tone. I was speechless of what she said. I was about to say something when Ivan came.

“Are you guys fighting?” he asked. “No. we’re not. I was just excusing myself. I’m gonna leave now.” I lied.

I stood up from my chair and patted Ivan and left.