It was the summer of 2005 when I first laid my eyes on the prettiest girl. I am young but I am certain that she's my first crush. I enrolled in a beginner's taekwondo class, and I met her wearing her leotards. She enrolled in the teen's class despite being younger than me. She's that good of a dancer.
I didn't know which class she enrolled in since the Taekwondo class is in a separate building. I kept looking for her once our class has ended but to no avail, I never saw her again for more than a month.
When we got relocated to practice for the recital, I saw her again. Everyone knew her and she's one of the star pupils. I was in awe when I saw her dance. As I watch her do the ballet, I was mesmerized by the way they carry their weight at the tip of their toes. I admire the discipline they have to achieve the form and poses. I can't fathom how high they can jump and how fast they move. They are like fairies floating and leaping in the air.
One morning, I went to the cafeteria that our neighbor manages (I also carpool with them) and help them out. I didn't notice that the fair lady that ordered the pancakes was her. To my surprise, I rushed and flipped the pancake prematurely and made a "splat". I was so embarrassed that I started pouring another batch of pancake on the other side of the pan. I messed up again since the the batter is sliding to the other pancake. Luckily I saved it and made 2 ridiculous pancakes. I told her that the shape isn't as round and as smooth as the normal ones, but the flavor is still the same. I told her that the second one is free.
She laughed. She sat by the bleachers and asked me to bring her some syrup for the pancakes. I went to her seat. She tried to pour the syrup but something was stuck. I helped her out and BOOM! the syrup squirted to my shirt, making a mess. We both laughed and she told me to eat the other pancake since she can't finish it. It was fun until some other kids started to tease us (TOTAL A-HOLES!). She left.
Days passed but we never had an interaction again. I still watch her dance until the end of the recital. We never saw each other again after the recital. I always knew her name, but I didn't know if she knew mine since I haven't introduced myself. we didn't see each other again for the next 4 years. And that story is for another post.
Disclaimer: I guess I was around 11 or 12 back then. It was just a crush and we're just being playful.
In-frame is Gianne, a friend of my niece.
Photos by me (
The camera used is Nikon d90 + 35mm f-1.8