The Good Upclass

Chapter 4: A Little Flashback

“I wonder if you could ever make any friends when you’re there. I’m  worried.” JH said, throwing pebbles one by one to the calm and placid ocean. 

The sun was setting down, and so everything that could be seen by the eyes were only orange and pink. The villagers were beginning to gather off the coast, for any moment by now, their fishing vessels would arrive with a huge amount of catch. Everyone was busy; some were preparing the nets, some were readying the basins, and some were working on their fishing boats to sail when the vessels arrive. But despite all the back-and-forths of the Coast Ville people, in the very corner of the sea wall, not so far away from the Smith’s Coffee Shop on the port, the two best friends JH and Well found themselves sitting on the fine and cold sands of the shore. It wasn’t their typical bond. It wasn’t their usual moment. But given the fact that Well will be leaving the next day, the two friends had no choice but to spend the remaining hours in whatever way possible to make memories that Well could keep as he venture towards the very first step of his youth. 

“I’ll be there to study, not to make friends. And besides, I already have you. What’s the point of having more?” Well said, wishing he was looking into his best friend’s eyes so he would understand how truthful he was to his words. But moments like this was not the best time for eye contacts. Especially that Well's eyes were fragile; they easily burst into tears. 

JH, ever since they were young, was the only friend Well had ever known in his life. He didn’t like meeting people. To him, starting a conversation with a complete stranger was the hardest thing to do in the world. If not because of JH who stood for him when he failed his recitation on second grade, their friendship would’ve not blossomed and reached this far. 

The rolling of baby waves fondled on the soft surface of Well’s feet. He felt the serenity of the ocean creeping through his skin. 

“You’re going there to study for four  years. FOUR LONG YEARS. It’s not four days, or four weeks, or four months.  IT’S YEARS. And we both know how long this period of time is going to be. It’s like waiting for forever to end.” JH was centimeters shorter than Well, so he really had to tilt his head a little and look up just to establish an eye-to-eye contact with him. But unfortunate for him, Well didn't want to. He kept on staring away and dodging his gaze. 

“Yes, I’m leaving for four years and yes, four years is long. But I’m  not scared. You’ll be waiting here for me, won’t you?”  Well flashed a smile on his face. On his eyes, a vivid image of the fine ocean  was reflecting. 

“Right.” JH nodded. It was the only thing he could do. He couldn't say anything in return because his eyes were starting to get wet. 

As the cool breeze of the Coast Ville wind brushed off the bangs of Well and off the beanie hat of his best bud, JH, the two remained sitting tight; their eyes looking up to the clean sheet of canvass, witnessing an act of overtaking of darkness over the fading twilight. 

On a spur of a moment, Well dissolved into laughter. “Quick question. Where am I moving again?” His thin eyebrows converged at the center of his forehead as his stare narrowed down without him knowing it. 

“West Burg in New Bill, you said.” 

“Indeed. It’s only cities away from here but you’re making it sound like I’m going abroad. Besides, I have your number on my phone. I can call you anytime I want.” 

“Promise me you’ll call.” 

“Of course! That, I swear.” 

“6:30?” 

“6:30.” 

Those were the last words from their mouths—the last words they had to let go before they finally bid goodbyes to each other. No one may have seen them, but the moon was out and its sure enough that it heard all the promises their mouths had said. If only the moon had feelings, surely it will burst into tears when it saw how emotional the final moment of the two was. 

They were meant to be the best of friends—like of the waves and the sands. But unlike the waves which would return after leaving, its doubtful if Well would ever do the same.