Love+-+Free+as+a+Bird

=Free as a Bird=

Bobby was one of the most honest and sincere people in our school. He got straight A+s on almost all the subjects you can ever list. On the other hand, I was never a good student. But who cares? I am one of the most popular girls in school. I hang out with guys and other cool people too. But one part of Bobby makes me think I can change. I’m not sure if it’s how he looks, or how smart he is. I just can feel it inside me. Isn't this how all stories go? Everyone changes at the end. Maybe that’s right. I //did// change.

It was beginning of high school when I first talked to Bobby. He walked past me, still wearing the same old necklace he wears every day. But this conversation wasn’t the type normal people have when they talk to each other. “Nice necklace,” I said. But it’s not like I meant it. That’s what people like us do. Be sarcastic. My friends and I went clubbing, drinking and even smoking together everywhere. It didn’t matter to us where we were or who we were with. But something felt as if inside my heart, I wanted to let something out. But I couldn’t.

As soon as I got home, I laid down on my bed, facing the roof of my bedroom. I have no clue why, but I thought about Bobby. I thought about the careless mistake I’ve made saying my first two letters to him. I kept thinking and thinking of what I should do next. What if my friends make fun of me? What if they think I’m one of them? Of course, them were referring to the ‘nerds’ of our school. I never wanted to ruin my reputation. Wait. But what reputation do I have? Smoking? Drinking? Clubbing late at night? All night long, all I thought was about Bobby.

The next morning, I woke up with a heavy start. My head was dizzy from all those beers I drank yesterday. I went to school on my motorbike. Suddenly I had a feeling. But I didn’t know what that feeling was. Slowly, I began to have heavy eyes. The next thing I knew was that I was in the hospital. But I wasn’t in a hospital alone; there, sitting next to me, was Bobby. “Does anybody know about this?” I asked.

“Know about what?” Bobby replied.

“That you are here…with me.” Bobby didn’t reply, as if he knew that I think it’s bad for my friends to know that I was with Bobby. I couldn’t help myself; I didn’t want my friends to laugh at me.

Finally, he said. “Julie, why are you trying so hard to free yourself?” I looked at him as if that was even a question. But he did mean what he said. He walked away as my friends sneaked inside, laughing.

“Julie?! Were you just with..Bobby?!”

“Yes, but it’s not like I wanted him to be with me! He just was there when I woke up. I guess he just wanted to say not to drink.” Of course, half of that wasn’t true, but I didn’t want to tell them the truth. But what he said before. “Why are you trying so hard to free yourself?” What does he mean by that?

It was a Saturday morning, and I felt all better. But once again, the view from outside my window brought me the thought of Bobby. The nice singing bird on that tree, what would it do if it was to choose from being the most popular girl in school or doing what’s best for others? The next thing I knew the doorbell rang. It was Bobby. He was still wearing the same old necklace but this time, with flowers on his right hand. He handed it to me, as a gift. I checked the surroundings to see if anyone was there. I brought Bobby inside and led him into my room.

“Why are you here?” I questioned. Bobby said nothing. We were quiet for minutes. What was he doing here? Did he want to tell me something? What did he want from me? Why is he showing up every time? There were more than these questions I wanted to ask him. As soon as I could even act, he hugged me tightly with his long muscular arms around me. I soon laid my hand on his shoulders and gave him a hug too.

On Monday, everyone seemed to be staring at me as if I’ve done something embarrassing. Few minutes later, I saw a picture of me and Bobby. HUGGING. Everyone was laughing and I became the most popular girl in the ‘nerd’ section. I was so pissed off by what my friends did to me. But still, there was one person that still cared. Somehow, Bobby made me not care about the photo that was taken. I felt confident that I could still be me. I hung out with Bobby every day, and realized the life of others. I didn’t mind if I was the laughing stock of the school, I still had Bobby.

The next day was the most important day I could ever remember. Bobby asked me out. Of course, I didn’t scream, or overreact. But I did say yes and hugged him tightly with my arms. I even wrote down the date. June 29th 2001.

We’ve been dating for about 2 years now. We went to dinners at the New York Diner, danced together, and did everything possible that is enjoyable. We sat next to the shores of the beach, our feet, drenched with salt water. We talked and talked, until Bobby seemed sure about himself of what he was going to say. “Julie. I have something important to tell you.”

“What is it?” I asked, not sure of what was going to happen.

“I have leukemia.” I did not speak as if my heart stopped pumping. My eyes began to water, and soon, one drop of teardrop dropped down following with the rest. “Julie, I wanted to tell you, but I wanted to enjoy my time with you.” I left the beach, crying, for god to help me. I ran and ran till I reached my house.

My heart was burning and everything I felt inside began to disappear. Bobby called me on my cell phone; however, I did not pick up. He left me a text, ‘Julie, I love you. I will forever. Meet me at the small cottage next to the beach.’ I didn’t want to go, but somehow, I felt that this was necessary. I went, hopelessly to the cottage.

The cottage seemed so dark since I heard that Bobby would leave my arms forever. And there was Bobby, standing outside of the cottage waiting for me. Soon, it started raining. “Julie, the doctor said I have a big problem in my body. It won’t be able to be cured. But before anything happens, I want you to have my necklace. You must promise me that you would keep this, forever.”

“I will,” I said miserably. He put his face next to mine, and soon, my lips met his. He gave me a slight kiss, and soon left. I wore his necklace as soon as I got out of the cottage. It was raining, and I was so depressed that I won’t be able to see Bobby anymore.

Unexpectedly, I had a feeling. I felt as if I was flying, as if I was free. Soon I saw a picture, the picture of a bird in front of my window. It was Bobby. If I can be free as a bird, I would fly an extra mile to see Bobby.