The Last Cuddle

It was about 4:45 in the afternoon and I was driving my old car in the middle of an intense traffic in Colon. I turned my radio on and decided to put the CD inside the player to listen to my all time favorite song, “Spoliarium” by the Eraserheads. There were some street mendicants who were hastily knocking on my car window. I generously gave them P50.00.

My mind was flooded with different thoughts while driving. I was thinking about my school requirements, the latest software produced by Windows, which is better, N-Series or Blackberry, Philippine politics , and my terror teacher in Psychology. But in between those things, she spontaneously steps into my disarrayed mind. My girlfriend, Maxene.

Suddenly, my phone beeped.

I read the message, “I’m already here, where are you at?” she said.
“Coming! I’ll see you in 5.” I replied.

From afar, I could now see her.

Maxene was standing alone in her favorite yellow blouse and tight jeans. Her wavy hair is still stunning. She’s still wearing the shoulder bag that I gave her during our first anniversary. Geez, the bag‘s already three years old.

I gradually parked my old green car near the seashore, and took Planters Cheese Balls and 2 cans of Coke Light at the compartment beside me.

I got off my car with a jumpy feeling.

While I was walking to draw near her, I knew that she already saw me, she just didn’t want to come across my face.

“Hey Max! What’s up? Am I late? I’m sorry to keep you waiting, there was traffic near downtown, and I had to get some grub for...”

She interrupted.

“C’mon Ryan! You’re always like that. This relationship has survived for 3 years and nothing has changed. You’re still the Ryan I used to know! ” she irately said .

“Wait Maxene, take it easy. Don’t blow your fuse just yet. Let’s talk.”



I handed her the cold Coke Light and we sat down in a bench while gazing the beautiful sunset in Cebu. It was her favorite drink. I noticed her mood swiftly changed.

When we were still in high school, Maxene and I considered it as a hideout. A place of escape. We loved to barter different topics. We talked about our distraught teacher, the latest movies, we always discussed our favorite bands down to our personal dreams. After some time, we inadvertently fell in love with each other and later on, we ended up being high school sweethearts.

When we entered college, we decided to separate ways. I took Psychology while she endeavored herself to be an Architect. I met new friends, and so did she. We scarcely had our usual dates during college. Only text messages and some phone calls helped the relationship breathing. We always had this ‘how-have-you-been’ conversations.

“So, it’s just like the old times, isn’t it?” I said while munching some cheese balls.

“Hmm.. not really. It’s not the Ryan whom I used to know during high school. You were the sweetest guy in the world. Oh dear, I could exchange my life just for you during that time. You were my world Ryan.” she sighed.

I didn’t say anything.

“And now, look at you. You’re near to success. You’ll be a great psychologist someday. I’ve always believed in you. You’re a talented smart guy. “ she said with a grin.

“Thanks.” I whispered.

“But there is one thing missing, you know?”

“Really? What?” I said perplexedly.

She paused for a minute.

“You forgot me. You are so into your career that you didn’t become aware of your loved-ones. During our first year in college, I thought everything would be perfect for me. I have the course that I like and the man that I love. We’re the perfect couple, remember?”

And I saw a drop of tear on her right cheek.

“Max, it’s different when you’re in college. You have to focus on your studies. I don’t want to fail my parents and you know that.” I explained.

“I know, I know. But, everything will be in vain if nobody’s there to support you. Like me.” She said.

“Well, you’re always there for me Max. You won’t leave me, will you?”

I held her soft hand. And she took it away. And I saw tears falling incessantly.

“That’s what you have thought of. I have already decided. I’m putting this relationship to an end. We’re not happy anymore.” She said.

“But, Max, how about—“

“No Ryan, it’s really over. I just called you here for the last time to say goodbye. Thank you for everything. I hope you enjoy your life without me.” She kissed me on the cheek and gave me a hug. Then, she hurriedly ran away. Crying.

I wretchedly went home and had tons of realizations. I tried calling her again but she didn’t answer any of my calls. I tried looking for her in the internet, but she deleted her accounts. I went to her house, and her neighbor said that she had already moved to another place. That was the time I realized that she’s really gone. My Maxene is gone.

Until one day, I received a text message from a friend.

“Dude, you know what happened to Maxene?”

“No. What happened?” I excitedly replied.

“She’s dead. Her parents saw her lying on the floor while cuddling an old shoulder bag. The doctors said that it is because of stern depression. Nobody knows the reason of it. Do you? ”