• You asked me if I regretted being with you. I'm sorry for my indifference to answer, but I couldn't formulate an appropriate response to say to you. You know that I loved someone just before you asked me: "I want to take you out." I apologize for keeping you waiting. This is what I have to say...

    It was on the night of my coming-out party when I met him. Tall, dark and handsome; dressed in a black tuxedo with a red rose attached to his heart. His fiery red hair danced in long, curly locks - which I found adorable - hanging over his clever eyes. I could never forget his smile for it smiled at me. My response was a beat of my heart and the playful tweak of my lips. His name was Damien.
    "How do you do, Birthday Girl?" He asked me politely.
    "I feel one year older," I replied just as politely. "Do I look any older?"
    He chuckled a light laugh. "Just like an apple peaks to its prime."
    Hours passed by rapidly as we enjoyed the spectacular entertainment of my special night. We danced under the illuminated chandelier, shining the beads of sweat from our careless dancing. From that day, I can barely remember the music of laughter, the contours of his smooth smile and the intricate details of his hazel eyes. It was later that I realized everything was a mistake.
    He secretly took me out to the garden that night, near the sparkling fountain of drinking mermaids. Beyond the stone patio and the fountain were the tall green hedges that filled the remaining land of my estate's immense backyard. One could get lost within the green hedges. I would say it is a perfect place if you didn't want to be found. Damien loomed over me since I was rather short compared to him. He cupped my cheek gently in his hand and leaned his forehead against him.
    "Up to this point, there would be no turning back." Damien stated seriously. His hand slowly grazed along the bare skin of my neck and shoulder. It made me tremble.
    "I'm sorry," I apologized. "I'm rather not used to this."
    "Don't worry, " Damien reassured, returning his hand to my cheek. "I understand."
    Before I replied back, I asked, "Do you?"
    I realized the significance of my question before I called you to say my answer. I never realized how naive I was. Perhaps, I didn't deserve becoming a woman then. Maybe I needed more time. But I was glad of my decision. I hope you would bear to listen to it.
    "I love you, Damien." I declared with more resolution than I could ever give. "But no."
    At that moment, Damien was free to go into the hedge maze without me. I didn't know why that night, but it could have been another girl; an alternative. I was glad to get it off my chest. I saved myself from wasted months of grief over a silly infatuation. I smiled to myself and turned around. I didn't want to keep you waiting.

    Remember it was the same night when I met you. My parents seated you beside me as a way of saying, "Give him a chance". For some reason, I always thought there was some familiarity to you. We could have been childhood friends without knowing it. I remember you always complimenting everything: my dress, my party, my parents, the food I chose... I'm sorry when I left you all alone later that night. At least I made up for it now.
    Upon my first gaze on Damien, you knew. Because of him, you asked me if I regretted being with you, right? You told me he had several girls tailing him from age six. You also mentioned he sacrificed so much for that one girl named Clarissa. Don't you remember that? I thought you were only spreading rumors about him because you were jealous. I guess you have the right to be.
    Damien asked me to dance and you stayed put. You shouldn't have lied to me, saying you didn't want to dance with me. If you did, I wouldn't have spent all those hours with the wrong boy. Ninety-five percent of the time, I was dedicated to Damien's charms and sweet talk but I dedicated that five percent to you. Only to you, my love.
    When I turned down Damien at the stroke of midnight, were you surprised? Didn't you have a question or two for me? Why is it that you didn't ask me till now? Is it because eighteen years have finally passed since then? Whatever your reply to me, just know I love you with all my heart.
    "You came back..." You uttered softly to me.
    "Are you surprised?" I leaned up and kissed your cheek softly.
    "You don't have to do this," he replied, "just because your parents said so."
    "Don't worry," Remember that smile. "They made the right choice."
    "How about you?"
    "Ask me that later." Smiling, I took your arm and lead you to the door as everyone already left from the party.
    I love you. That is all you need to know. The story was right in front of you.