Seven Years Earlier
The rain that had been holding off for the commencement ceremony finally gave way to a torrential storm, soaking the graduating class, their scrolls in hand, together with their family and friends, the guests and visitors, as they scurried across the stadium field.
Kirstin Kalinich shouted to her friend Cohen Gilovich. He appeared by her side in an instant, and his handsome face alight with a smile yet sadness can be seen from his eyes.
"Congratulations." He greeted and ruffled the girl's hair.
"See you later. I'll message you." He added and left without giving Kirstin a chance to answer.
"Wait, what for?!" Kirstin yelled back to Cohen's departing figure.
When Kirstin got home, she was still thinking about why Cohen wanted to see him. She felt nervous because it might be because of what happened the other night.
...
The night before, a farewell party is being held for the graduating class. Gentlemen were in their tuxedos looking as handsome while ladies wore their best outfits in dresses or skirts with light make ups on.
Everyone's having fun when a sound of strumming guitar is played that would be a perfect song for a dance.
It seems like everyone has a partner. But there's someone standing at the edge of the mini bar while looking around as if waiting for someone.
"May I have this dance?" A voice from behind said. Kirstin smiled and turned around.
"Yes, of course." She was disappointed the moment she turned around. But she still accepted the man's invitation to dance.
In the middle of the dance, another man said, "Can I borrow her?" Kirstin knew that it was Cohen so she felt happy.
"Where have you been?"
"Dad called so I was a bit late." Cohen answered.
While dancing, the others suddenly cheered so everyone turned to look at it. A couple just kissed in the middle of the dancefloor.
Kirstin just shrugged and didn't notice Cohen staring at her.
The moment their eyes met, she can feel her heart pounding fast. Cohen's face gradually approached. Kirstin was confused but she just closed her eye. Yet after three seconds and still nothing happened. She opened her eyes and met Cohen's face that is just an inch from her.
"I'm sorry. And I love you." Cohen said and kissed Kirstin suddenly on the lips.
"I have to go. Have fun!" Cohen said softly but clearly, then he left. Kirstin was left stunned. Fortunately, they were in the dark part of the dance floor. And since everyone's attention is focused on the couple who just kissed.
A little later, Kirstin came to her senses and returned to her spot at the mini bar a while ago. She was lost in thought. Her friends were trying to talk to her but to no avail.
She remembered their first meeting. They even said it themselves when they just became friends that they would never like each other in that way. They both know that things would be awkward and different among them so no one would dare.
But just now was different. She can still feel her heart beating fast. She went home after the party ended.
She received a message, and it was from Cohen.
"I'll meet you at the coffee shop later tonight."
She was about to reply but she received another message again.
"I have something to say."
She felt nervous again. She was thinking what to do and what to say if ever Cohen would confess.
Late night came. Kirstin was in front of the mirror just looking at it. Suddenly her mother entered, a strange man followed.
"Are you going somewhere?" Her mother asked.
"Who are you?" She asked the man not minding her mom.
"Kirstin, I... ahm, I---."
"Mom, don't tell me you---."
"No, it's not what you think."
"Then who is he? Its just strange that you let him enter here when in fact you don't do it---."
"Kirstin, sweetheart. Listen to me." Her mother said as she approached her.
"He is a friend. We can trust him. He's here to pick you up." Kirstin remained silent still confused.
"You're going with him to your fathers in Scottsdale City. You can study there and becom---"
"Mom, we talked about this, right? I told you, I will study here and be with you."
"Sweetheart, I know you want to become an architect and you know that I can't afford to send you to college. When you go---."
"Mom, no. I don't want to. If I can't be an architect then I can take a different course. No big deal."
Her mother kept silent for a while before answering her.
"Honestly, I don't want you to go. But we had a deal with your grandparents that you'll go there for college. And if you go there, you can be what you want. You won't have a problem with money anymore. You won't have to look for part time jobs. If you go there, you can focus on your studies... Don't worry, okay? You can still visit here. Hmmm?" Her mother explained.
Kirstin wanted to speak but she's on the verge of crying so she just look up on the ceiling to prevent her tears from falling.
She understands their situation, and her mom was right. If she go, then her mom will stop working from some of her jobs that she used to just to earn money for her daughters tuition. She can then focus on her self more.
After a while, she asked her mom. "Why can't you just come with me?"
"Even if I want to, your grandparents doesn't like me. And your father is not here anymore to defend me. I told you that already."
Kirstin turned to the man and asked him. "Are we going right now?"
"No young lady. Probably the next day. We still have to process your documents tomorrow. I am just here to inform you." The man answered politely while bowing his head.
"I'll just chill outside. I'll come back later." She then wore her jacket and went out leaving the room.
Arriving at the cafe, she ordered a coffee while waiting for Cohen. She has a lot in her mind. She already expected her situation.
She remained still not noticing her tears falling down her cheeks. And then she burst in tears.
Cohen on the other side came already but when he looked at the coffee shop, he stopped his track seeing Kirstin who is now crying. Even if he want to go and comfort her, he didn't had the courage. So he just stayed and watched her from a distance. He doesn't want to add up to her problems.
The weather seemed to feel her as tiny droplets of water started to fall. Kirstin stopped sobbing and noticed that the rain is pouring heavily.
No Cohen appeared after an hour that even made her cry more.