As Far As Friendship Goes

It was a fine, sunny & late afternoon when I got off from class and decided to spend the rest of the day clouding up my mind in a crowded bookstore. My head was throbbing and all over the place when I caught sight of my friend who was looking for me. I was scheduled to cry with him today, for familial reasons. So we took off and went to a nearby park.

It was big and wide with much trees running on its sides, monuments on the center, statuettes that still shone despite years of fading and beautiful sceneries of the Manila Bay.

"You want to cry here?"

I shook my head and decided that though it was a park, it was not a suitable place for crying.
My friend grabbed me by my arm and pulled me into the trees. The sunlight which permeated through the tall trees almost gave me a settling feel. He stopped and pointed to a very tall building which he told me was his home. A condominium unit--I guessed. He continued to walk in a fast paced manner, holding my sweaty hand along the way.

My heart was beating ever so wildly, that if he was slightly keen, he'd have known by just looking at my breastpocket.

"Just where are we going?" I asked in a nervous tone.

"Somewhere nice. Somewhere you can cry your whole heart out."

After a short while, we reached the gate which separated the park from the city. The deafening silence of the park was almost immediately replaced by cars, bickering people, and stoplights. I wondered where the hell he was going to bring me.

"Just stay close. We're here already."

After crossing an intersection, we entered a building that resembled a skyscraper from the outside. My friend walked to the front desk, still holding my hand this time, with more force. He signed a couple of papers, and led me to an elevator shortly after.
I wasn't claustrophobic, but my fear of heights suddenly took over after he pressed the 53rd floor. He walked behind me and held my shoulders.
"It's okay." he said.
I was now holding back tears, but for reasons uncertain. Maybe it was mixture of fear, confusion and unfathomable sadness. There was a clicking sound, and the door opened.

"Welcome to the 53rd floor."

I wasn't sure at first why he insisted on going here when all I saw were pure concrete floors, and chest-leveled railings.

His hands were still over my shoulders as he pushed me to the railings. My fear of heights subsided as the view of the whole city came clear. It was beautiful. There was that cool feeling brought by the elevated terrain, warmth brought by his intertwined arms that embraced me from the back, and the setting sun that let out a calming feel. The deep waters of the bay made the whole view unreal, and so picturesque.

"You can cry now." he said lightly.

"How can I with this view so breathtaking?" I said with a teary smile.

He moved his arms and turned me around so he could see me, face to face.

"You know, I've been waiting for this time too long. I wanted someone to see this with me."

I looked at him with appreciation.

"Don't ever cry when you're not with me. Okay?"

He reached my back, now embracing me so tightly, that I have to stand on my tiptoes to reach his shoulders. How wrong could the timing be? I was in the middle of being embraced by a guy whom I whole-heartedly loved when the familial reason for my tears broke in. But then, I knew it. This had to be a confession. I sensed him shift his weight, and he tilted my head just enough to see me.

Then, just then, he kissed me on the forehead.

"I love you."

My eyes were closed, but my mind was preoccupied with finding the right words to say. Then, I found them. I wanted to tell him that I feel the same, that even if the world is going against me, I will still be contented having him. And last but not the least, I wanted to whisper to his ears those three words I could have never imagined myself utter in my lifetime. I wanted to reciprocate his feelings. I so badly wanted to. But as my lips started to open, he inhaled deeply and opened his',

"I've always wanted a sister. And I guess I have been blessed with one. I have to thank you for being so kind, a sister to me."

Then, the crippling tone went out.
"Thank you, for also being a brother to me."