Cerpen 4 | Even for a SINGLE reason.

Sometimes we just wonder what the hell is he/she doing in your life? You thought that he/she only befriend with you because he/she wants to take advantage of you. You thought that they would only come for you when they have problems. But have you ever realized that maybe, to that certain someone, you're special simply because you listen well? Or because you have a calm face that could draw a smile on his/her face? Or maybe your presence is all that matters? Maybe talking is not a necessity. Just looking at you, he/she would be pleased? Have you ever thought about it? I dedicate this story specially to a friend of mine who has made me a little more matured, and to other friends who have experienced this. A story of two friends against the world."



She stood still at the balcony, looking up to the sky, watching the bigger bird led the smaller ones dived through the warm wind of the evening. It was a typical day like any other days, except that there was something bothering her. It always a hard task to figure it out, thought Ernie, but standing and looking away in distance had always been her resolution. She thought about other people. What if they had the same problem? What would they do? Would they stand and look away - as if the answer was written somewhere in the midst of nothing?

Ernie was a girl full of life. She smiled almost in every occasion. She had her way to joke about the past and pain, even it might seem odd to most of other people. Looking below at her right side, she could see the traces of past – the moments she had once enjoyed with someone, a company, a boy who never failed her, a friend she called close friend, Zech.

Zech was a tough boy. People always mistook her for a jerk because he seemed to be ignorant to others’ feelings. But that was not the case for Ernie. Ernie had no doubt thought the same at first, but as time went on Ernie had found that Zech wasn’t all that bad. Tough shell Zech was wearing was just a façade.

Ernie rubbed her palms together, she felt her palm and then she stared at her hands. They were much coarser. She couldn’t remember the last time she pampered herself. It seemed forever. Her face was miserable. Life had drained from her, anyone could tell that.

It was getting darker; and it dawned on her. She was afraid. But afraid of what? There was no one else in sight, it wasn’t all typical now. Everything was changing slowly, the clouds and the surrounding’s scent. There was something quick running on her neck, it felt funny. Ernie wanted to giggle, but –

******************

“I came to your house last night at 3 a.m.” Ernie said while making her way towards Zech.
“HAHA. Why? Later people say what when they see us together!”
“No lah, I called for you. Just wanna talk a lil’.”
“Okay what’s the matter?” Zech suddenly noticed the absence of life in Ernie.
“I called for you because I’m falling apart, I just want to talk, I ran, I RAN to your house because I had no one to turn to, the world is against me Zech”, Zech was surprised - and there was something quick running on her neck, it felt funny, “you are the only friend I have, I called for you again and again, I called you but you didn’t pick up, I just need a friend, it was cold and so very long night and I’m hurt -” she wanted to giggle, but, she burst instead.

It was painful.

******************

She covered her face with her palms, so embarrassed thinking that she had been stupid, and her face was drenched, she was growing weaker, and weaker. So did the knees of hers. She slowly knelt on the floor. She knew that was the end of her. She missed him, the one who had stayed and supported him through the hard times. She missed the convincing words – “oh Ern, I’ll be your hero”, or “forget about your problems. I can make you happy”, and things like “don’t worry about it, I’ll be here as long as you want”. But now it was different. She was left alone, no one wanted to help her. Everyone was busy with their life, they had responsibilities.

******************

“Everyone has responsibilities Zech. You can’t say I’m like the nut forgets his skin!”
“Yeah right. HAHA! But seriously, why didn’t we talk like we used to?”
“Well you’re busy with your life, and it is growing odd because we haven’t talk for weeks -”
“Yes, that kind of talking, about life and stuff-”
“Yeah, and it’s funny, I mean, ODD if I, well, a girl like me, suddenly goes to you and says HYE.”
“No? I think you’re the one who is busy Ern. And trust me, there’s nothing wrong one to say hye!”
“Busy is not in my dict Zech, look at it as a way of socializing. I like to mingle with other people at different times. Everyone is unique in their own way. I like to mingle with you for different reasons.”
“Like riding bike with me?”
“Yeah something like that”. Yes, something like that, but more than that, her little heart spoke.
“Okay, I accept that, but I am still disappointed. You only come to me when you have something to say.”
“I know where you’re going Zech. But like I said -”
“Whatev, I get it Ern”, no you don’t, you think I’m selfish Zech, you think you’re just a site for my emotion trashes, her little heart spoke again.

******************

She took a deep breath, but before long, despite of the coldness of the breeze and the hazy sight of hers, she sprang downstairs, she sprang with her weak heart and knees, she ran to him, wishing he would be home, hoping for one thing, the carefully uttered words, the convincing part of all, the only reason; and it would come from his heart, through the mouth, and into her soul - “Ern, everything is going to be alright”.