Us in 2006.
Allan was my classmate in a Manila university. We were both active in class discussions and became fast friends in our public speaking organization. We were drawn to each other's sarcasm, and we both found refuge in each other's wit. I discovered more about his personal life, such as the fact that he was a scholar and he was helping support his family. I admired his kindness and determination even if the world could be cruel and relentless.
We started hanging out over coffee and I loved talking to him because he did not judge. He had an opinion on almost anything under the sun. We enjoyed cheap barbecue and beer after class. Unfortunately, I was in the wrong relationships then so he became a sounding board more than a love interest. He has signified his intention to be with me in 2005, but I turned him down for someone else. He did the same thing in 2006 and this time, I was already single. We did date around Christmas time but our time together ended after the New Year. We had a petty fight with him shouting at me to "grow up." I just could not handle that so I walked out of his life.
Us today!
We lost touch during the remaining years of college. We eventually talked again in 2010. We were already working by then and he was drunk-calling me every now and then. I found out that he got my number from a mass message I sent to everyone after I got a new phone. As much as I was bothered that he only talked to me whenever he partied and got wasted, I appreciated the fact that I was still his top of mind person to call. I felt sad that he could not hold down any relationship, and I really wished that he would find the right person.
Little did I know that we will cross paths again in 2016. We had coffee after an art fair and we were both single. As adults, we both find our past amusing. Our coffee date was followed-up by more dates, until we became a couple. We are still together until now. I am thankful that we never thought ill of each other. And yes, I did grow up, and I finally chose him.