I Miss Suzanne!

by Jake written last 2009-05-11
Jake felt Bad when this was written

My family was originally from Vermont. They moved to Chicago when I was 6 years old. It has been 10 years since we saw our relatives there so my mom decided we spend our summer vacation there. At first, I was hesitant. My friends and I were planning to go to California for some beach fun. I begged her to allow me to be with my friends but she wouldn’t let me. She even lectured me on family traditions…blah…blah…blah.

Broken hearted, I went with my whole family to Vermont prepared to be bored for the whole summer. As soon as we got to our Uncle’s place, I knew my life was doomed. It’s as if the whole clan is there and it was chaotic! I’d usually find my self locked in my room, reading geography books. Don’t get me wrong. I hate geography but I’d rather be left alone with books than mingle with old folks.

One day, I thought I needed some fresh air so went biking in the neighborhood. When I reached this big, white house two blocks from where we live, I saw this lovely girl on a swing. She had long curly hair, skinny legs, and olive skin. I fell in love right away. I approached and introduced myself. She smiled and told me her name was Suzanne. What a beautiful name, I thought. Suzy became my friend. We’d hung out almost everyday. She would tell me stories about their old house, her friends in school and her ex-boyfriends. I enjoyed her company so much. She’s bubbly and intelligent.

Two weeks of seeing her made me like her even more. So one night, I kissed her. She didn’t seem surprised but she was quiet. I asked her if she could me my girl. She lightly shook her head and said, “I can’t.” For a moment, I thought my breathing stopped. I asked her why and she told me her family is leaving for Canada where she’s set to marry the son of a family friend. I was flabbergasted! Suzy was only 18 and she didn’t mention anything about her engagement. She held my hand and told me she likes me too but she couldn’t defy her parents. I told her she can come with me in Chicago but she refused. She said, “Jake, thanks for this opportunity to be happy even for a short period of time. I like you too but there are things not really meant to happen.”

It’s been 5 months since I last saw her. I’m already in Chicago and I really miss our conversations. I regret that I didn’t ask for her address in Canada or even just her email so I could still talk to her. I won’t mind being her friend. I still see her face when I close my eyes at night. At 16, I feel deeply in love.