"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.