I'm Edmund, 25 years old, a college student, and a varsity basketball player. Like most of us on campus, I also want to experience the kind of love that's like in the movies—the sudden, happy, and full of thrills.
One night, my friends invited me to a party. That's where I saw her—Kaye. Tall, fair, with a beautiful body, and looking like a real beauty queen. I was starstruck. Everything felt like slow motion when she smiled at me. I don't know if it was the music or the party lights, but I felt like she was the one.
We talked all night. I felt good about her. And within a few days of exchanging messages and calls, I didn't hesitate—I asked her out.
I succeeded.
We have been.
But one day, my best friend whispered to me. "Dude, that's a minor. As in, only 14. My cousin's classmate in junior high."...
I was silent. I didn't immediately believe it. How? He's so big. He dresses, talks, and acts like an adult. But because I was worried, I talked to Kaye in depth.
That's where I found out the truth.
“Sorry, Edmund... I didn't mean to hide it from you. I'm just shy. But the truth is, I'm only 14. It's my first time having a boyfriend.”
It was as if cold water had been poured over my back. I was shaken with fear—not just for myself, but for him as well. No matter how much I wanted him, I knew there was a law. And more than that, there was a right and a wrong time for everything.
The next day, I walked her home. One last time, I held her hand.
“Thank you so much, Kaye. You have no idea how happy you made me. But... we need to stop this. Not because I don't love you, but because I love you and I don't want to put you in any danger.”
He cried. I cried too. But not all crying is because of pain. Sometimes, it's because of the right decision that was difficult to make.
Now, Kaye and I are no longer together. But I remain hopeful. The day will come when there will be enough time for us. But if not, that's okay. Because what's more important is that I did the right thing—even if it hurts.
