MEMORIES BRING BACK YOU
“2 years ago when I first met you, I wasn’t even interested in you at all, but little did I know that you’ll be one of the most important boy in my life.”
Inspired by a TRUUUEEEE STOOORRRYYYYYY
“Bes, look! There’s kuya Vonn!”
My bestfriend, Yena, pointed out towards where the canteen as we sat on the bench that was only yards away from the canteen. And there he is, Colten Vonn Villegas with his friends.
I don’t even have any idea why my two bestfriends are teasing me about him, it all started when we just simply bumped into each other in the hallway then Yena started broadcasting it to Maureen, our other bestfriend.
There’s nothing wrong with bumping into each other, right? It was just a simple mistake.
“Oh my God, Yena. Can you please stop? I don’t even like kuya Vonn. He’s just a friend.” I told her and took my focus back on the kids that were playing in front of us.
“Yeah sure.” She teasingly slapped my arm.
I glanced at her, “Yes Yena, and I barely even know him.”
Their teasing went from yesterday to everyday. Telling me that kuya Vonn’s always staring at me even though I know he’s not, and other things like this and that to make me “fall” for him.
I tried hard just to stay put and hold on, but his presence gave me something different, gave me butterflies that I couldn’t explain. Especially when I first saw him dance on a school’s event, and when Yena and kuya Jake told me who Vonn really is. I was attracted and it somehow made me fall for him. Trust me, I tried not to, but Colten Vonn Villegas really had something.
Days passed and kuya Vonn and I had closure, thanks to kuya Jake and Yena. It was just a simple friendship, teasing and other stuff. We even had nicknames for each other, Vonn as Vonnie and Me as Lorie. Vonn didn’t show or made me feel anything that’s over the friendship line though, but not that I’m hoping. It’s just, nevermind, nothing’s true about Yena and Maureen’s “make Taylor fall for Vonn as soon as possible” plan anyway.
One day, Yena and kuya Jake had a plan to eat in a fastfood restaurant. That includes Maureen, Vonn and me. We also decided to take Vonn’s little brother along, Novie. Since the fastfood is only a few walks away from school, it’s not that tiring.
While walking, me and Vonn was left behind. They didn’t notice us since rhe four of them were talking to each other. Then I felt my hair being played.
I glared at Vonn, “Stop ruining my hair.”
Vonn grinned then laughed, “It was already ruined in the first place.”
I got pissed for a sec and slightly pushed him against the wall that was just beside him while walking, then I caught up with Yena and the others.
Vonn was a positive boy, I can see it by how he acts in front of people, he would always tease other people with a big smile on his face.
How cute.
Finally, 7th grade was coming to an end. I was happy because we survived first year of high school, and I was also happy for Vonn, they’re moving up to 9th grade.
Students who had awards were called on the stage, and we were next. I waited until my name was called. As I stood in front, I can see Vonn and kuya Jake. I smiled at them slightly and moved my gaze elsewhere, I might get distracted by Vonn if I keep on looking at them or may I say him.
I walked down the stage with my mother as other students and parents followed behind us. My mother hugged me before separating from me since the parents are seated behind all the moving up students.
The whole ceremony ended well, me and my friends said our goodbyes to each other.
“Hey, bye. See you next school year.”
Vonn approached me with his big smile. I smiled back and replied with a bye too. After that, we exchanged high fives then he walked passed me. I followed him with my gaze and held my hand.
Omg, did he just--
My inner me almost melted, thankfully I saved myself. My cheeks grew hot when he turned back to me and showed me his last smile before climbing in their family car. I turned away as soon as he closed the door and gripped my hand hard.
Stop it, Taylor.
A smile slowly crept through my lips.
2 months vacation went by so fast, I didn’t even have the chance to talk to Vonn everyday since I don’t have the guts to message him first. It would go like chat now and no chats tomorrow, the next chat would be weeks or days later. So vacation went so normal as usual.
8th grade came and I can finally see my friends and especially Vonn again. Sadly, Yena wasn’t our classmate anymore, she’s in a different class.
Then normal classes went by, events, programs and etc.
School events remind me of Vonn, because he’s one of the most cooperative SSG officer in the whole school. He’s also one of our school’s talented students. He once hosted an event in our school too.
I remember when we had almost the same motto. “Just rest and don’t quit.”
I used that motto to motivate me to wait for you. Funny huh? A girl waiting for a boy, but it’s worth anyway it if it’s you that I’m waiting for. That’s how much I love you.
I still chose him though, even if he caused me a lot of pain. Even if he doesn’t like me back, I stayed because he begged.
But please stay, you’re my friend.
His words made me stay even though he only considers me as a friend. That’s how much I love Vonn even though he doesn’t love me back.
Time flies so fast and 9th grade came.
Kuya Jake already transferred into a different school. I told him to stay for Vonn, but he told me that it was because of financial problems, that’s why he really needs to transfer.
Yena, me and Maureen are still going strong but Yena is still in a different class.
Vonn was still at school on the first month but he was required to take rest at home for a while, we didn’t know the reason, maybe he was sick and needed a quick rest.
But that quick rest wasn’t what we expected. We thought that it was only a simple ill but it wasn’t.
Vonn wasn’t taking classes anymore, he needed to take a long rest, he was only visiting when there’s an event at school.
He seemed fine.
Since Maureen once visited Vonn in their house, she told me that he was fine and taking a rest, but his physical appearance wasn’t the same anymore.
Then she told me that Vonn has something wrong with his bones.
Cancer suddenly went through my mind. I suddenly felt more worried for Vonn, so worried that I couldn’t get him off my mind.
I decided to ask how he was doing and messaged him.
He replied, “Hi Taylor! I’m fine, just resting. Don’t worry about me too much, I’ll be fine. Thank you for asking :))”
He still looks positive, he looks so happy. I smiled and talked to him until our conversation ended with a goodnight.
A month came, that became two months then three.
Vonn still wasn’t attending school and he stopped visiting.
The school and his family asked for prayers. Mostly of the students prayed for Vonn’s health.
In the middle of October, It was a normal Wednesday. Our adviser was casually discussing our daily lesson. And then he was excused by the office.
“Class, I’ll be right back.”
Our adviser didn’t even come back until break time came. My classmate asked me if I want to go to the canteen to buy foods, I just nodded and went with her.
But I wondered when I saw ate JB, Vonn’s friend and classmate. She was crying, maybe it’s because of Vonn, maybe she’s just worried. Ate JB’s one of Vonn’s closest friends anyway.
After the canteen, we went back to the classroom.
Then Maureen approached me with teary eyes, I looked behind her and also saw our other friend, she looks like she’s thinking deep and her eyes are teary too.
Why is everyone crying?
I was so confused.
“Taylor..” She started, “Taylor, promise me, that you’ll be calm after what I’m going to tell you..”
My eyebrows furrowed as she held my shoulders, her eyes were full of pity.
“Tell me what?”
She looked down and a tear escaped her eye, she looked very broken. It hurts me to see my best friend crying.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” I asked her, while holding her arms.
She looked up, her eyes were already turning red because of tears.
“I-It’s about Vonn, Taylor..”
“He’s gone..”
Her words made me sat down on the closest chair, I felt like my heart shattered into peices. My breath hitched and my breathing got so hard for me to control. Tears came down from my eyes, continuously.
Vonn..
All our memories together came through my mind like a rewind.
I suddenly remembered his wide and handsome smile.
“Vonn’s gone..” I whispered to myself, I looked up and looked at Maureen straight in the eye. “Please tell me it’s a prank, please tell me he’s fine, please tell me he’s just resting. Please Maureen, I don’t like this kind of joke.”
I begged and begged for her to tell the truth. I grabbed her hand and held it tight, but she frowned and only pulled me for a hug.
“Truth really does hurt, Taylor..”
Feeling my heart being so heavy, I cried my heart out. Our friends came and comforted the both of us.
Vonn’s gone and faught a good fight.
And now, only memories can bring Vonn back.
“But please stay, you’re my friend.”
I stayed for you, but you were the one who left. It’s a good thing though, you will have no more pains, you’re beside Him now.
Missing someone who passed away is really a different type of heartache, but we’ll be strong for you.
I love you, thank you for the memories.
THE END
Dedicated to my friend who passed away last October. He is with God now, may he freely dance in heaven.

