fifteen

I met Gin when we were fifteen by sheer chance. Her mom sat next to my mom during freshman orientation, and they exchanged our contact informations. We were two girls from different provinces that made a friend even before we started studying in Manila.

I never believed in opposites attract, but even science dictates that it does - and magnets exist for a reason. Gin was the extrovert to my introvert, people's first impression of her is bubbly in comparison to my reserved, she'll remain hopeful while I become jaded, and she'll forgive people while I'll never forget.

In more ways than one, it was a friendship that was doomed to not last. Through the years - we've lost and gained weight, made multiple attempts at rocking bangs, moved up/down the career ladder and impulsively quit toxic jobs, and survived long term romantic relationships that ended up in flames - and yet, one of the things that has stayed unchanged was having each other through all of it.

Gin has first hand experience of how my life is as a sad girl. She was there while I sobbed over drinks at Sherwood because I failed chemistry. I called her from the office toilet while I stifled my tears because I had to work overtime while my mom was in the hospital. She was one of the first friends who arrived at the funeral home when my mom passed. I stayed over at her condo for a week after I stepped out of a long term relationship, and she quietly held my hand in the dark while we both cried. When we finally launched, I was so excited at the first ever order that I got from the old sadgirlscents website - and it was Gin who bought all of my scents. I cried. Last year, she got engaged watching the sunrise - so we were on facetime at 6am, spilling happy tears. All I ever wish for is that life will only give Gin the happiest of tears.

Taylor Swift said "in your life, you'll do things greater than dating the boy on the football team" - and maybe I did do something better, because at fifteen I made friends with Gin.

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