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Jimmy,
Please say youll wait for me, Ill grow up someday youll see. Saving all my kisses just for you. Signed
with love, forever true.
Joni


It was that day when I received that note from Joni confessing her love for me. Ive known her for
more than ten years or more. We lived in the same town, same neighborhood. We were childhood
friends along with my best friend John but this love she wants is not for us. Ive read her note twice
and took a deep breath and folded the note hiding it inside my jacket pocket.

Im seven years older than Joni and she just lives on the other side of the street in our small town. Joni
was a lovely teenage girl and our families known each other for so long. Ive noticed it for so long that
she felt something for me but I know its not for us. When she gave me the note, I knew what it
contained thats why I was hesitating to read it. I tried talking her out but I always get my tongue
tied.

It was that cloudy noon when Ive decided to tell it to her. I gathered all my guts and walked across
the street and to her house. I know I have to do this now before its too late. The cold atmosphere
makes me more nervous and was keeping my tongue twisted. I was in front of her door and my hands
were about to push the door bell when it swung open slowly and I saw Joni in her white dress. Her
eyes full of surprise when she saw me standing in front of her. I tried opening my mouth but no words
were coming out from it. I saw the look of impatience on her pretty face. I tried to smile a little so that
I could hide all the worry.

Joni I said. I cant continue what I have to say, the fear was swallowing me when I have
thought that Ill be saying to her that I cant wait for her. I glanced at her pretty face and saw the
impatient look on it. She was waiting for something that I would say or she was expecting my answer
Yes Joni, I love you and Im willing to wait for you even if it takes forever. That I cannot do. Sure I
like her, shes a sweet, innocent girl but I just cant wait for her.

Joni, I-I Im sorry, I just cant wait for you. I told her feeling the emptiness on my voice. I saw her
eyes starting to fill with tears. I tried calming her down but she just wont stop crying, I know what
she feels right now being rejected. She turned back at me but I still saw the tears running down her
cheeks.

Joni, please dont cry. Youll forget me after a year or so, youll meet another guy that I know you
will learn to love as much as you love me. Youre just fifteen and Im twenty-two. I cant wait for you,
Im sorry. And I walked away back to our house not looking back at Joni who I could still hear
crying her eyes out.

I went inside our house and hurriedly walked up to the stairs and in to my room and packed my things.
I was leaving or should I say, I was escaping. There was a job waiting for me. The next day, I took the
early flight and left our little home town.

5 years later
Its been five years when I left our town, I have a stable job, living in a simple apartment and got me
a girlfriend but our relationship is on the rocks.

I was on my apartment doing some office works when something fell on the floor. I picked it up and
unfolded the brownish paper aged in years. I havent even finished the first sentence when I dropped
it on the floor again. This was Jonis note for me. My heart starting to beat fast as memories came
back. I just realized something, I love Joni more than anyone in the world. I packed my bag and went
hurriedly to the airport and checked in holding the note in my hand.

I thought it took years before I reached my destination. The town I grew up in changed a bit but it
was still the same town. I went in to my old house and my parents were happy to see me but there
something on their faces that makes me feel so uncomfortable. I didnt mind the looks on their faces
instead I dropped my bag and ran to the other side of the street where I know Joni is staying, holding
the note on my hand and the ring resting inside my pocket. Im going to ask her to marry me. I was so
excited but I slowed down and the smile on my face started to fade when I saw Joni, she was still as
beautiful as before and her smile is always the sweetest. I smiled again but something crushed my
heart when I saw her kissing a very familiar guy. I was surprised but what can I do? Its there. I
followed the man with my eyes as he enters his car and drove away until he was nowhere insight.

She caught sight of me and was surprised to see my presence. I walked towards her and smiled even
though it hurts inside like tons of bricks hit my chest. She gave me the sweetest smile but her eyes say
otherwise. Hi. I said. When did you arrive? She asked me. Just today. I replied timidly. She
invited me inside their house. I was clenching my fist crumpling the note while hiding all of my
disappointment. I reached inside my pocket and felt he cold ring. Should I give it to her? I love you
Joni. I said with all my might. She looked at me with confusion. Jimmy, its been five years since you
went away and things are not the same anymore. I married your best friend John. And tears fell
down on my cheeks.