"catch me if i fall"

SIX

after the movies Ivan and i went for a walk in the park. it was one cool night and i was shivering. i was glad that Ivan offered his jacket.

"Thanks." wow! i had no idea he was such a gentleman. we were walking silently for a while, and finally we sat down in the swing.

"You know Ann, i was waiting for this moment ever since i met you." i blushed.

"You mean, ever since you spilled popcorn on me?" i asked teasingly. he laughed at my quip.

"Haha...sorry about that. and i never thought this moment would come." i gazed at his warm, brown eyes.

"Really? me either. but i'm glad it did." Ivan held my hand as he continued,

"Me too. when i saw you that day at the gym, i admit, i was stunned with your beauty. and i know i was such a jinx, pouring popcorn on you, but even though that happened, i told myself i had to know your name. so introduced myself. maybe you thought i was such a jerk for doing so." i smiled when i recalled the first time we met. i met his gaze, and after looking in another direction, replied,

"I admit, i was shocked that you were introducing yourself to me after what happened. but it's okay, honestly." i was aware of his intense stare at me. i felt like an ice cream melting on a hot, sunny day. Ivan snickered.

"Yeah, that was foolish of me. but like i said, i wanted, no, i needed to know your name."

"Really? that sounds impossible. i mean, there are lots of gorgeous girls out there, even in your school. besides, i'm just ordinary." he stopped me by saying,

"That's what makes you special Ann, you're beautiful, and you don't even seem to know it. and i really like you...Ann, is it okay if i court you?" gosh! what did he say? i was really flattered and he made me feel like i was the only girl in the world. his world, that is. for a while we fell silent. finally, i spoke up,

"It's getting kind of late. can you take me home now?" i asked him as i looked at his watch. Ivan stood up then.

"You're right, i didn't even know that time moved on so fast. sure, let's go." he said as he held my hand again. was i dreaming? i couldn't believe this was happening. we arrived at my house at exactly midnight. Ivan brought me to my door and he declared,

"Ann, about what i said before, i know you're not ready yet and i guess you were surprised. but it was the blatant truth. and i want you to know, i'm willing to wait for your answer, no matter how long it will take." he was looking intently, and i replied,

"I'm glad you understand my feelings, Ivan. that means a lot. all i can say right now is that i'm thankful i've met you." he smiled, a smile that is so true, and so pure.

"Good night Ann Li, sweet dreams. see you tomorrow."

"Good night Ivan, and thanks for the lovely evening." i replied softly as i closed the door. i didn't realize that mom was in the living room.

"So, how did it go?" she asked.

"Perfect!" i answered dreamily as i went upstairs to my room. the next day, when classes were over, i didn't go home right away. instead, i stayed in the gym, watching the basketball practice of the varsity. i told Fretzie to meet me there, so we could talk. i was dying to tell her about Ivan. as i waited for her, someone sat beside me.

"Ivan!!! what are you doing...i mean, hi." i said sheepishly.

"Hi Ann. i found Fretzie outside and she told me you were in here, so here i am. anyway, she wants me to tell you that she needed to go do an errand for her mom." he looked around the gymnasium.

"Your gym is nice. actually, the whole school is nice looking." i was really glad to see him. he never ceased to amaze me. but somehow, a part of me was saying that it wasn't the right place to meet him. everyone practically knew each other in school. he was an outsider, he belonged to another school. then, i noticed someone staring at our direction, James. i couldn't seem to read the expression on his face. and also, i saw Bret giving Ivan a nasty look. i felt terrible for Ivan. how dare of Bret to do that to my new friend. i sent Bret a cold stare as i brought Ivan outside. what was happening? could it be that Bret is mad at me too? great! now i have two friends who hate me---James and Bret. with friends like them, who needs enemies?

"Ann, are you okay?" Ivan asked me as we got out.

"Yeah, i guess. look, i'm sorry for the way Bret has been treating you. i don't know why he's acting like such a loser!" Ivan held my hand.

"Hey, calm down. it's fine. i understand that the guy doesn't like me. i don't blame him, i come from a different school. and i'm one of their biggest rivals, i'm captain of the 'Wolves', you know. I know James too, he detests me as well. but it's all right, really." i was surprised. so that's why Bret hates his guts. but James?

"But on the day we met, you weren't playing...and how do you know about James not liking you too?" he gave me an affectionate grin.

"Simple. that time, my arm wasn't completely healed yet. just a sprain though. and James? well i already know him. years ago. coz both our teams are always having a tournament. so we've met already." i still couldn't believe his explanation, but it definitely made sense.

"Oh, so you, Bret and James know each other already?" Ivan nodded. after a while, Ivan took me home and mom invited him for dinner. he stayed and ate supper with us. it seemed that he was winning mom over too. and when Ivan went home, he called and we talked for hours. before i went to sleep that night, i couldn't think of anyone else but Ivan, Ivan, Ivan. i couldn't hide it anymore, i think i was falling in love with him. and just before slumber land took me, James popped into my mind. i wonder why.

"big night"

FIVE

I went home right after class that day. i wasn't in the mood to stay in school any longer. normally the gang and i would still hang out, or Fretzie and i would watch Bret and James in basketball practice, but coz of what happened between James and me, it would be just too weird. so i got home, took a hot bath, and after supper i went to our terrace. i was thinking about James then. what have i done? i just lost my best friend. the next day, after school, i was busy walking around the house, it was a thursday and somehow i didn't have a clue yet what to do with James. my mom was curious now.

"Ann, honey, why are you strolling around? is there something wrong?" i saw her concerned look and as much as i hate lying to her, i didn't want to worry her either.

"No, i'm okay mom. i just don't know what to do with my free time tonight. got no plans."

"Well, why don't you go upstairs and clean your room?" that was always mom's suggestion. to her, cleaning the house is therapeutic.

"All right, but if anyone calls me, let me know, okay?"

"Sure hon...i always do." i went upstairs then, feeling so down and gloomy. just then, the phone rang.

"Mom, i'll get it." i called as i hurriedly answered the phone.

"Hello?" i hope it's James, calling to make up with me.

"Hi Ann Li, it's Ivan." oh my goodness! it's Ivan, it really is Ivan!

"Oh, how did you know it was me?" i asked calmly.

"Well, how could i ever forget your voice? anyway, i want to, i mean, if it's all right with you, would you go out with me tonight? maybe to a movie or stuff. please say yes. i know you don't know me that well, but i was hoping we could get to know each other better...and this is a start." was i dreaming? i was totally speechless. a date with him? great!

"Ann, i understand if you have other plans..." i immediately interrupted him,

"No, tonight is perfect. a movie sounds like fun."

"Cool, i'll pick you up at 8."

"Do you know where i live?" he replied,

"Yup. found your address here in the directory. actually, i don't live that far from you, just about three blocks away." that was a pleasant surprise.

"Really, i didn't know that. okay, see you then." i said as i got off the phone. a night in the movies with Ivan? how exciting! i feel like flying. i wonder what movie he'll take me. hmmm...i'll find out later. for now, i gotta find something nice to wear! it was almost seven thirty, and i was still deciding what to wear. finally, i settled for my peach floral dress that i bought last month. James told me when i first wore this that i looked pretty. my smile disappeared when i remembered James. usually, we were the ones who always go out, sometimes to double with Bret and Fretzie, and other times just the two of us. we seem to enjoy being with each other, no matter where we go, or how simple the things we do. but when will he reconcile with me? is there a chance to bring back our friendship? it's been four days since we last talked. i really miss him. i wonder though, does James miss me? even just a little bit? then came a knock on my door.

"Ann, your date is waiting downstairs. you ready?" i heard mom calling me.

"Yeah, i'll be right down." i replied as i took my last pose in front of the mirror. well, this is it. wish me luck! i said to my own reflection as i went down the stairs. and when i saw Ivan, he looked more handsome than ever! i never knew he was such a good dresser. we finally got out of the house after he promised my mom he'd bring me home by midnight. at the movie house, there were a lot of familiar faces, i even saw Fretzie and Bret.

"Fretzie, Bret! over here!" i called. when Fretzie saw me, she smiled. and when she saw who i was with, she gave me a malicious smile. somehow, i didn't understand Bret's expression. he looked moody. well, maybe it's one of those days again.

"Oh hi Ann! and hello Ivan! nice to see you again, and this time, with my best friend." Fretzie was teasing us as she introduced Bret to Ivan,

"Babe, this is Ivan, Ann and i met him in one of your games." Bret shook Ivan's hand and gave him a cool greeting. Fretzie seemed embarrassed.

"Well, we gotta go guys, Ann, see you in school." Fretzie said as they headed for the exit. Ivan fell silent and commented after a while,

"Bret seems to dislike me Ann..."

"Of course not, he was just having one of his bad moods." i replied back. but deep inside, i thought what Ivan said was right. Bret obviously didn't like him. i wonder why.