ASIDE from my family, I doubt if there was anyone else who would be willing to accept and embrace all of me the way Jeremiah did. I can still remember the times when I became addicted to Korean dramas. There was a moment in my life when I wanted to experience the things I watched. But because I did not have a boyfriend, I’d turn to Jeremiah. There were times when I would suddenly ask him to meet me at the park early in the morning. I would bribe him with his favorite food and desserts to make him come. He would show up even if he was still sleepy and then I would ask him to carry me on his back all the way to our mansion which was just a walking distance.
Jeremiah would complain, but he would still carry me on his back anyway. And until now, whenever I get naughty, I would still ask him to do the same thing. Because with him, I could be a fool and he would not give a damn, he would not hold any judgment.
When we were in college and I went to my first date, it was Jeremiah who personally sent me to the restaurant. And every time we wouldn’t like our dates, we make it a habit to text each other to rescue each other. We’d make up different excuses just to leave the restaurant.
And now that we’re adults, whenever he had free time, he would still pick me up from the office to take me to my favorite restaurant. We’d also watch a movie which I’d choose. From the beginning, it was always about me. That was how selfless he was when it comes to our friendship. Even if he had flings here and there, he still makes time for me that’s why I make it up to him in my own way.
If Rem and I would end up together, I’m a hundred percent sure that he wouldn’t make me cry. I wouldn’t even feel sad. Because I’m confident that he would never leave me no matter what. We would probably live the rest of our lives smiling and laughing around. That’s why to become his girlfriend would be like hitting a jackpot. Because aside from being good-looking, Jeremiah was smart. He was kind, he had a sense of humor, and he was a brilliant businessman, too.
“Alison? Jeremiah is asking you something.” My mother reminded me after a while. The excitement in her eyes cannot be denied. “Come on. What’s your answer?”
But in the end, Jeremiah was the one who answered for me.
“Ali and I are compatible in so many ways, Auntie. We won’t deny that. The problem is… we don’t make each other’s heart beat fast enough to risk what we have right now.”
He was the best ‘best friend’ and as always, he knew exactly what was going on in my head. Those words were exactly what I wanted to say.
“Since you brought out the yearbook thing, then let me tell you what happened to some of our classmates in elementary. The kid who wanted to be an astronaut was now a kite maker. The one who wanted to be the president of the country became a president, indeed, but a fan club president of a famous Filipino basketball player.” Jeremiah smiled, amused this time. “The point is, not all dreams come true, ‘Ma. Some dreams can also change. And some people can be contented being close enough to their dreams. Let’s just accept things as they are… the way I accepted it.”
My brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”
“I’m just saying that I’m contented being this close to you, being this close enough to my childish dream.” He playfully pinched my nose. He then turned to our parents. “Now, please excuse me and Uncle Sam for a while. He promised to introduce me to some of the most beautiful girls he knew here.”
WHILE WATCHING Jeremiah walked away, a scene from years ago suddenly flashed in my mind.
“Hey, Ali. Come here for a moment. I want to show you something,” Nine year-old Jeremiah told me as he held my hand. He took me to his room. I just followed while munching my favorite gingerbread cookie. Uncle Luis, Rem’s father was the cook in their family and he makes the best cookies that’s why I love hanging around their house. Every weekend, our families gather together like this to have a picnic and I always look forward to it because I know that Uncle Luis would prepare a feast.
I love my parents. And I love our Chef, too. But they could not really beat Uncle Luis’ food that’s why I adore him. Whenever he would pack Rem’s snacks for school, he also never forgets to pack mine. In return, I promised to be the best friend for his only son.
Whenever I’m in their mansion, their kitchen, garden, and Rem’s room were my favorite spots. Kitchen for the yummy food, the garden for Aunt Ingrid’s lovely flowers, and Rem’s room for the toys and animes. I immediately sat on Rem’s fluffy bed after heading inside his room. I like this place. Unlike me and my brother’s constantly messy rooms, my best friend’s room was neat and tidy. I’m the one who usually messes his room, but he did not mind.
When I looked around, I giggled when I saw our several pictures that he put on frames. They were all hanging on the wall. While other boys had posters of robots or superheroes in their room, Rem had our pictures.
“What is it? What are you going to show me?” I asked after chewing my last cookie. After this, I’m going to run back to the kitchen to get some more.
“This.” Rem’s eyes glowed as he showed me a piece of paper. He drew a beautiful house with a big garden and a wide swimming pool. The house was painted like the color of the sky. Even my friend’s drawings were better than mine. No doubt, he wanted to brag about it. Outside the house, there were two dogs, one little girl, and an older man and woman who looked like a married couple.