JAMES’ POV:

“How could that happen? Ann doesn’t know me? Ann’s the new girlfriend of Ivan?

Come on what’s happening?” I thought to myself as I went out the coffee shop. I

took a look at Ann the second time then headed to my car. I took my phone

and called Ryan. “Hello?” “Ryan! I need you and Bret right now.” I said. “Okay where?” Ryan

asked. “At the bar where we used to stay.” I said as I drive myself to the bar.

“Okay we’ll be there.” he said. I hung up the phone and drove faster. As

I arrived in the bar, I asked the bartender for a drink. I’ve waited for Ryan

and Bret to come. “James?” a voice called. “Bret! I said as I stood up to greet them.

“James, why’d you call us?” Ryan asked. “Dude, James’ just came from abroad,

we should welcome him back!” Bret said. “Ohhh, you didn’t know do you?” I asked.

“What?” he asked back. “It’s nothing dude.” Ryan said to Bret.

“So what is this all about James?” he asked as he went to a seat and signaled

the waiter for a drink. “About Ann.” I said. “What about her dude?” Bret asked.

“How come she doesn’t know me?” I asked. The two boys looked at each other

then faced back to me. “After the accident, Ann was in coma. When she woke up,

she can’t remember anything.” Bret said. “So why didn’t you tell me?” I said as I

faced to Ryan. “That was I was about to say then you ran away already.” Ryan said.

“So she can’t remember anything?” I asked. “But how could she and Ivan be in a

relationship when in fact she just recovered?” I thought to myself.

“How did she meet Ivan?” I asked. “You know him?” Ryan asked.

“He’s a friend of mine back in Australia.” I said. “He’s the one who brought Ann to

the hospital.” Bret said. “Really?” I said. “Yes dude! Since then, they’d go out a lot.”

Ryan added. I was dumbfounded with all I’ve learned from them. “Guys, I have to go.”

I said as I took a bill from my wallet and left it on the table. “James!” they called but I

didn’t bother to look back. I went to the parking lot and got in my car. I drove back

home still thinking of all the things I’ve learned. Flashbacks came in and out my mind.

“So, how did the two of you meet?” “Well it was an accident.” “Accident?” “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.” I took my phone and called up Ivan. “Hello James?” Ivan said. “Let’s meet at the

coffee shop where we met earlier.” Was all I said as drop the phone. Moments later, I

arrived and soon Ivan came as well. “What is it dude?” he asked. “Did you ask Ann to

pretend to be your new girlfriend?” I asked in a mad tone. I saw his face was turning pale.

“Dude I’m sorry for lying. I just don’t like you to think of things..” was all he was able to say

when I interrupted him. “You know what?! Ann’s my best friend!  How could you take

advantage of her situation?” I yelled. “I didn’t take advantage on her. I seek help from her.”

He responded. I wasn’t able to say anything, all I did was walked away and went in my

car and drove as fast as I could. “It was all my fault.” I thought in my mind as tears came

falling from my eyes. Flashbacks came in while I was driving.

(Flashback)

“How could you do this to me Ann?”

“James I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to!”

“Stop it liar!”

“But I wasn’t lying!”

“Stop! Stop it please?”

“But you won’t..”

(end of flash back)

I stepped on the gas to boost the speed. I headed to the playground where me

and Ann used to play when we were younger. As I stood out of my car, I looked

around and saw none. I sat on a swing and started to think about the past.

“I knew it! This gate made my head ache almost every day in my entire 17 years of living!”

“Well isn’t it worth it?”
“Well, it is. We did it James!”

“And we did it together.”
………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

“You told me you’re staying here!”
“I’m sorry Ann, but I have to come with my parents.”

“Please don’t leave.”

“Ann I can’t. But I promise you this, I will come back.”

“Promise?”

“Promise!”
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

“I bet your gift’s cheap!”

“Of course not! I spent my allowance for this month just to buy you that gift!”

“Really? Thank you baby James!”

“Stop calling me that!”

“Baby James baby James! hahaha..”

“Stop!”

“Okay okay baby James.”

 “Can you just open it?”

“Okay..”

“You like it?”
“A diary?”

“Not bad. It’s cute but..”
“But what?”

“Where the hell is the key? How can I open it?”

“It’s with me.”

“What’s the point of giving me a diary if I do not have the key to open it?”

“Because you can just only write if you’re with me.”

“What?”
“I’m just making sure! Maybe you’ll write something bad about me.”

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

“The Diary!” I thought a loud. I stood up from the swing and went to my car. I

drove home and lay to my bed. The next morning came; I woke up and saw my mom

in the kitchen. “Mom?” I called. “Oh James!” she said. “Why you here? Who’s with dad?”

I asked. “Your sister Lauren is there in the hospital with your dad. I’ll be there after

I’d finish cooking. I was planning to bring it there.” she said. “I see.” I said. “Get some

and have your breakfast.” She said. “Mom?” I started. “What is it sweety?” she asked.

“Do you know what happened to Ann?” I continued. “Oh my son! I forgot to tell you.

I came by to their house yesterday and me and Sandy have talked about her. She told

me Ann had just lost her memory.” My mom said. “I already know about it mom. I just

knew it yesterday as well.” I said coldly. “Have you talked to her already?” she asked.

“Yep. But she can’t recognize me.” I said. “It’s okay son. Take your time. You won’ t leave

anymore will you?” she asked. “I won’t.” I said. “Then, use your time to make up to her.”

She said as she winked at me. “After taking my breakfast, I went back to my room and

took a shower. I changed as fast as I could and fixed myself. After doing my thing, I went

out my room and headed to the garage. I took the car with me and drove to Ann’s house.

While I was driving to Ann’s house, I thought of so many things on how to start up a

conversation with her after what I have done to her before and yesterday as well. When

I arrived in front of the gate, it amazingly opened for me. Unlike before, I would be totally

amazed with this gate but soon after we learned its secret, I’m more amazed of myself

and so as Ann. As I drove my car inside, I saw Manang Linda with two other maids. I

went out of my car and greeted them. “Good morning Manang.” I said. “Good morning

sir James. Looking for miss Ann?” she asked. “Oh yeah.” I said when someone called

from inside the house. “Manang, I would leave you…” said the voice which I realized,

it was from tita Sandy, Ann’s mom. “James! Nice to see you!” she said. The maids left

us alone. “Let’s talk inside.” She invited. “Thanks tita.” I said as I followed her in the house.

“Tita..” I started. “What is it James?” she asked. “I..I am so sorry for what I have done to

you, to Ann..” I said. “Don’t worry James, it’s over. I know you have your reasons.”

She said. “Thank you tita.” Was all I was able to say. “James, I know you loved my

daughter although not the way she loved you. This time around, I hope the two of

you could still keep your friendship.” She said. “I hope so. But.. she..she doesn’t

recognize me anymore.” I said. “About that. I hope you could help Ann regain her

memories James. Can I count on you?” she asked. Before I could answer, a familiar

voice called. “Mom?” the voice said. Me and tita Sandy turned around and saw

Ann in the staircase. “Ann!” we said in unison. “Ann. This is James, your best friend.”

Her mom said. “I know him. I met him yesterday.” She said. “Oh you did?” her mom

asked in amazement. “Yes tita. My friend Ivan was with her.” I interrupted. “I see.”

She said. “Oh Ann honey, I have to be out again today. Just call me if you need

anything okay? James will be here as well.” She added. “Okay mommy.” She said.

“You two have a lot of catching up.” Her mom said. I just smile and she left.

I was left with Ann. “About yesterday..uhm.” I started. “I’m sorry.” I said. “No, it’s nothing.”

She said. “My mom told me that you were my best friend.” She said and gave out a smile.

I swear I missed her smile. I used to see it before. “I like that!” I said. “You like what?”

she asked. “Nothing.” I lied as I started walking upstairs. “Where are you going?”

she asked. “Well, your mom usually says, feel at home. So I’m going in to your room. Get it?”

I said trying to irritate her. “What? Wait! You can’t get in my room just like that!”

she yelled as she tried to stop me. When she was already in front of me with her arms wide

open, I chuckled with her childish actions. “Still the same Ann.” I said. “The same what?”

she asked. I went closer and closer until our faces were an inch apart. She tried to move

away but lost her balance. Good thing I caught her just in time but I lost my balance

as well. We almost fell from the stairs but luckily, I was able to take control. The last

time I checked, we were in an awkward situation but now, we are in an awkward position.

I was already on top of Ann. When I realized our situation, I stood up and reached Ann.

I helped her stand after the awkward situation we’ve been through. “I’m sorry.” I said.

She didn’t answer but instead, she took a few more steps and walked in her room. I

followed her in her room and saw her. “I bet she was still shocked of what had happened.”

I thought to myself. “Ann!” I called. “What do you want?” she exclaimed

. I could see her face blushing. “Ann? Are you blushing?” I teased and as to

change the topic. “I’m not!” she said. “Oh she looks so cute. I miss my Ann.”

I thought to myself. “Really?” I said in a teasing tone. “What do you really want?”

she yelled. “Easy, easy… I came here to let you remember things.” I said.

“Okay fine.” She said. I sat down her bed beside her. I looked around looking

for something. “What are you looking for?” she asked. “The diary. Where’s the

diary I gave you?” I asked. “Oh I told you should have placed it on top of your table.”

I said. “Oh the diary?” she asked as she opened the drawer beside her table.

“Is this the one you’re looking for? It was placed inside this drawer since I came.”

She said. “How could that possibly get in that drawer if you didn’t place it there?”

I asked sarcastically. “FYI. I don’t know either!” she yelled. “Well you must have

placed it before you have amnesia.” I said. “Hey. How could you give me a diary

without key? Well I supposed you know where I placed the key if you gave me one?”

she asked. “The key’s not with you.” I said. “What do you mean?” she asked.

“Well, I’ve given you this diary during your 16^th birthday. I kept the key to insure,

you wouldn’t write anything bad about me.” I said as I took my necklace with a

key pendant and raised it up for her to see. “Is that the one?” she asked. “Yep.”

I said and smiled. “So does this mean that I could only write in this diary every

time you would permit me to do so?” she asked. “Yep. And not just that.” I said.

“Then what else?” she asked. “I’ll be with you when you write.” I said and winked.

“What? It’s pointless! Having a diary and letting someone see is so stupid!” she said.

“But it was our deal.” I said and wink again. She kept quiet after she was defeated.

“Okay. Let’s open this.” I said as I stuck in the key to the padlock. I could see her

excitement but I couldn’t help but think, I was being unfair to her. I couldn’t help

but think why I was showing the good things I’ve done to her but the bad memories,

I cut them out. “Dear diary..” she read. “James bought me this diary. I told him

this was cheap but he protested and told me he spent his allowance just to buy me this.

It’s cute though but James doesn’t have good taste. Why the hell did he choose brown?

Anyways, I don’t care if this was the cheapest gift I’ll ever receive. All I wanted is to

have my best friend, James here and will never again leave me. That’s all for now diary,

gonna go back to the party!” she read. I chuckled with her reactions awhile ago while

reading. “Dear diary, James and I went to the mall to figure skate. James was so great

in figure skating though he fell a lot of times. He was so mighty and great.”

She read again. “Wait, did I write it during the opposite day?” she asked. “Of

course not!” I protested. I saw her chuckle a bit. “What’s with that laugh?” I asked.

“Well, I could see I was a liar.” She said. I was stopped after what she said. “Did she

just call herself a liar? Oh damn you James!” I said to myself. “Ann?” I spoke. “Hmm?”

she reacted. “I’m.. I’m sorry.” I said. “Sorry? For what?” she asked. “Uhm, nothing.

Just forget about it.” I lied. She continued reading the diary until the last entry.

“Dear Diary, after the long years we’ve investigated about this gate, me and James

finally knew its secret. It opens by itself when something heavy steps in the middle

of the pathway in front of the gate.” She stopped. “Is that so?” she exclaimed.

“Yes. It works that way.” I said. “But how could we’ve wait for so long just to think of it?”

she asked in confusion. “Continue reading.” I said. “Okay.” She replied and started

reading again. “Not just that, it only opens if and only if, true magic is present.” She read.

“What? I don’t understand?” she complained.  “Well that made it fun!” I said.

“Once the aura of true magic is felt, the gate automatically saves it in its weird control chip.

And so every time, the presence of that person is felt, the gate opens by itself.”

She ended. “What? What magic?” she asked. “What do you think?” I asked.

“I don’t know.” She said. “Well, you’ll figure it out soon.” I said. After our conversation,

the phone rang. She stood up and answered the call. I looked around her room trying

to think what else I could do to make her remember everything. “Ivan?” I heard her say.

“Out? Sure!” she said again.”Okay bye.” She said. “Who was that?” I asked trying to

confirm things. “Ivan…my boyfriend.” She said. I know she was lying. I already knew

everything after my talk with Ivan. She was about to get in her walk in closet when

I stopped her. “I know he’s not your boyfriend Ann.” I said. She was shocked and for

a sudden she froze. “How..how did you know?” she asked with a soft voice. “After I

learned the accident and after I learned you had amnesia, I talked to Ivan and he

told me everything.” I said. “I’m so sorry James. I was just trying to help Ivan.” She said.

“I know Ann.” I said. “Are you still going out with him?” I asked. “Yup. If you wouldn’t mind?”

she said. “Well of course not. I know him. He’s a good guy. I know you’re safe with him.

But if incase he’ll do something to you, just call me and I’ll kick his .” I said and gave out

a smile. “I will. Thanks James.” she said. I went out her room to give her privacy to do her

thing. I received a message from Ryan. [Dude, you okay now? Let’s hang out dude! We

weren’t able to talk that much last night.] I replied to his message [I’m fine now. I’m so sorry

for what I have done. I’ll meet you at the coffee shop.] I sat down in the couch while waiting

for Ann, but I was in a hurry to catch up with Ryan and so I looked for Manang to relay my

message to Ann. “Please tell her I’m meeting Ryan and the others, I have to go ahead.”

I said. “Okay sir. I’ll tell her.” She said. I went to my car and drove out. When I was already

out their subdivision, I realized I left my phone in the couch and so I went back to get it. But

before I could enter the house, I saw Ann coming out while Ivan was outside waiting. I

saw Ann hugged him which let out a fierce pain I my chest. “What the hell is she doing?”

I thought to myself. I then saw Ann heading the other side of Ivan’s car. Ivan opened the

door for her. After he had helped Ann, he ran to the other side and started the car.

They were off to somewhere then I realized that I had to have my phone back. And so

I went in and got my phone. When I was in my tracks to the coffee shop, I thought of

what was the fierce feeling I’ve felt awhile ago while seeing Ann with Ivan.

(Flashback)

“James? Where have you been? Why are you so wet?”

“You want my wet look?”

“Errr… stop that. You’re making me wet as well.”

“What if I wouldn’t?”

“Then I’ll kick you.”

“Really?”
“Yes I will.”
“I love my best friend!!!!!” *while hugging Ann.

“Errr James!!” *struggling

(end of flashback)

………………………………………………………………………………….

When I arrived in the coffee shop, I saw Ryan and Bret with Fretzie and Jenny.

“James!” they called. “Hey guys!” I said as I headed to the table where they are.

“Yow James! It’s been awhile.” Greeted Jenny. “Well, good thing you guys are here.” 

I started. “I have something important to say.” I continued. “What is it James?”

Fretzie asked. “About the last time, I am so sorry. I’m sorry if I lied to you.” I said.

“It’s okay James, we understand you.” Bret said. “Even though I chose her than

you guys?” I asked. “Yes James! We understand you because we’re friends.” Ryan said.

“James, it was fine for us, but we can’t say something for Ann. I know that you know

what Ann’s situation is right now, she can’t remember anything, and as of now,

you’re back as good friend but as soon as she will remember everything, I don’t

think it would be that easy to explain to her.” Jenny said. I was dumbfounded after

what Jenny said. She was indeed right on saying those. “What shall I do?” I asked

them. “I think you should never remind her of anything James.” Fretzie suggested.

“I’m afraid I’m going to agree with her.” Jenny seconded. “I’m sorry girls, but I

think that’s not a good idea.” Ryan said. “Yeah, Ryan’s right. It would be so

unfair for Ann if we wouldn’t tell her the truth.” Bret said. “Then what are you going

to do then? Tell her that her fiancé ran away from her because he doesn’t love her?”

Fretzie said. She was supposed to say something else when she realized that she

was talking about me, in front of me. “I, I’m sorry James. I just don’t want Ann to be

hurt ever again. If you guys were just with her during her pain, you would have

wanted to do everything just to take it away from her.” She said. “It’s okay Fretz,

everything you said was true. I shouldn’t have hurt her. I should have listened to her.”

I said. “What do you mean James?” Bret and Ryan said in unison. “Ann and as well

as you guys were right.” I said as I looked at each one of them. “Is it about Devon?”

Ryan asked. “You were right guys; I shouldn’t have listened to her and followed her.”

I said. “Ann told me what happened James, but she told me you were already brain

washed by Devon.” Jenny said. “I know I should have listened.” I said as I lowered my

head. They all went near me and hugged me.