I remembered the first time we met. She came up to me, at the school prom with a drink in her hand. I was feeling super annoyed back then. At least ten girls had all come up to me and introduced themselves. For a normal guy, it would’ve been the happiest day of their life, but not for me. I knew these girls wanted more than to be friends. They only wanted the wealth. I was the only heir to a major leading business company, Symphonia Corporation. Being the only heir meant that I would get everything I wanted. It’s ironic that I could get everything except the one thing I wished for most; love. Mum passed away last spring and since then, my life’s course changed drastically. This girl was probably like all those others, another gold-digger.

“Hey, I got an extra drink. Would you like it? I’m Crystal, by the way,” She smiled so innocently, I almost forgot that she was to be categorized like all those other girls earlier.

“Thanks.” I replied in a rather irritated tone. “But tell me, Crystal, of all the charming guys gathered in the hall today, why did you choose to introduce yourself to me…? And like all your friends Maria, Eileen, Rose, was I the only guy you could see…?” I asked her the same question I had asked the girls I listed. I hated girls of this kind.

She stared at me blankly, as if confused. At first, I thought that I must’ve been right about her being like all those others. But I was wrong.

“I’m sorry,” She apologized. “I just thought you looked lonely. Everyone else here is chatting away, but you looked so lonesome standing there, that’s all. I just transferred here, so I’m afraid I don’t know any of those girls you’ve mentioned, but if you find me a nuisance, I’ll just leave.” She regained her cheerfulness and turned to walk away.

Her words, however, struck me deeply. She was the only one that had answered that way. The rest of them either walked away or gave excuses like they were planning to introduce themselves to the other guys later on and vice versa. She was different, I could sense that now. I felt guilty of suspecting her to be like those other girls. She probably didn’t even know that I was the richest guy in school.

“Wait!” I called after her. “Don’t you know who I am?”

She turned back and shook her head. There was still that same cheerful smile on her face. Her golden eyes glittered in the light. She looked so sweet.

“Other than the fact that you’re the guy I thought was lonely, I really don’t know you. I’m really sorry for disturbing you. I’ll go at once.” She started to walk away but I grabbed her hand. She turned around and we both blushed. I let go at once.

“Wait… I’m sorry.” I blurted out. “You’re not disturbing me at all. I thought you were like those other girls… never mind them. You’re a sweet girl and I’d like to be friends. I’m Kaine.”

Any other girl I knew would’ve gotten angry and walked away, but she just smiled.

“Let’s be friends forever, ‘kay?”

And that was how we met. She was always smiling and in a happy mood. So much that anyone would’ve thought that she had never come across any hardships before. At least, that was what I had thought. Then again, I was horribly mistaken. When I learnt of her past after we were friends after a few months, it hurt so much that I didn’t realize it sooner.

Crystal was from an average family and had lost both her parents in an accident. As an orphan, she was taken in by her uncle and his family. To not be a burden to her uncle, she had taken up part-time jobs to pay her own school fees. When I knew of it, I hated myself for not realizing it sooner? I felt like an idiot calling myself her friend and not knowing this. Yet, how could I have realized it…? She was always smiling.

I remembered the time I lost mum. I was so upset and hurt. My pillows were soaked with tears every night. Even though an 18-year old like me shouldn’t cry, I couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. It had been so painful and the wound was never healed. It confused me why she, who had lost both her parents, could be so strong and happy. I envied her so much. It was as if the simplest and smallest of things could make her happy. Whenever I asked her about it, her answer was simple, as always.

“I can be happy because I’m alive. I’m proud to be alive. Mum used to say that pain and tears is a sign that we’re alive. Every hardship faced is a victory to be proud of later. That’s why, I’ll keep on smiling. Kaine, you should smile too.”

I would offer to give her money, bus she would refuse. She said it was more meaningful to use the money she earned rather than gaining it from someone else. I didn’t understand at first, but when I tried it out, I realized it. The significance of something earned. The money I gained from my part-time jobs would usually be spent on her. I’d make sure she accepted it because I did work hard to get it. My so-called friends in school realized the change in me and would often tease me about it, but I paid no heed to their words. Instead, I ignored them and hung around Crystal instead. It was more fun around her, after all. Sometimes, it felt as if my world revolved around Crystal. I was so glad to have met her.

To help her out, I would get my driver to drive her home and to school with me in my private limousine, invite her over for lunch and frequently ask her to stay over. There was plenty of room in my mansion so it wasn’t really much of a problem. Since we were in the same class, I would usually pair up with her for projects and help her in her homework. The others girls apparently got jealous and tried to bully her, but I made sure I was always there to defend her.

On Christmas Eve, I invited her to stay over in my house. I held a party in my mansion and everyone was invited to it. The more the merrier, they say. The night went well and we even danced in the ballroom together. I had forced Crystal into a beautiful gown that used to be my mother’s. She looked like the moon surrounded by the stars, almost as beautiful as a Goddess. Her silky, long, aqua hair was let loose and it shone in the moonlight. After the party was over, we sat together at the balcony outside our rooms and stared at the wide, starry skies. She was cheerful as always, but I could sense a wave of sadness enveloping her. I knew she was hiding something behind that smile of hers.

“Crystal, what happened? Did those girls do anything mean to you again…?” I asked. She shook her head and tried to deny it, but I was persistent on knowing.

“Look,” I said. “You don’t have to keep everything to yourself. I’m here. Sometimes, you just have to complain. It’s fine for you, who’s always thinking of others before yourself, to complain.”

Her eyes widened at my words.

“It’s not fair that you light up everyone’s lives and shoulder all the pain yourself. Whatever it is, you can tell me. I want to help. I want to be able to share your pain, just like you’ve shared mine countless times.” I continued.

Tears started welling up in her eyes. She stared downwards and spoke in a soft tone, but I could hear here clearly.

“Kaine, today was the day my parents died. They were on their way home when a lorry swerved in and almost hit them. My dad turned the car just right to avoid the lorry, but they skidded off the cliff. Mum told me something on the phone before it happened, but I can’t even remember what she said. I didn’t even say, ‘come home safely’. Even though, I said it every time, I didn’t say it. And the next thing I knew, they were gone.”

She stared up at me and I could see tears rolling down her cheeks.

“It hurts! Kaine, it hurts! Sometimes, I think it’s my fault for not saying come back home safely. I still regret it even though Mum said I should never regret anything. It felt as if they were right there beside me… and disappeared.” She cried.

For the first time since I met her, she cried. How could I be so dense?! We were celebrating on the day her parents died. I hugged her and patted her back softly to console her. I knew how it felt to lose someone you love. In fact, I still feel the pain of losing Mum.

“I’m sorry, Crystal… I didn’t know.” I said. “I know the pain you feel. I feel it too. But you’ve helped me to realize that it’s okay. Accidents happen and we would eventually lose our loved ones someday, but as long as you don’t forget the ones you’ve lost, they’ll live forever in your heart. You can still believe they’re watching over you.” I knew it was true. It had been quite some time since I lost Mum, but I still feel her presence sometimes, like an angel watching over me from the shadows. “I’ll always be here when you need me. Friends forever, right?” I smiled.

She slowly wiped away her tears and reverted to her normal self.

“Thanks Kaine, you’re always there for me. You’re a true friend.”

Her words and her smile warmed up my heart.

“You too.”

“Owh, I almost forgot.” I said, as I took out a present from my pocket. “This is for you. Merry Christmas.”

She opened it carefully and found a musical box inside. The tunes it played was the song we always sang together. I had this one custom-made by a skillful carpenter. It was quite costly, but it was definitely worth it. It was locked and could only be opened using the matching pendants I bought for Crystal and I on Valentine’s.

“Thanks. I got something for you too. It’s not much, but I made it myself,”

She held out a hand-knitted beige scarf. She had even knitted our names on top. I was sure it was of higher value compared to that limited edition leather jacket all my friends were crazed over. So that was why she was so tired nowadays, she had been staying up to knit this for me.

The night passed with tons of laughter and joyfulness. I had my driver send her home the next day. On the 3^rd day of Christmas, her uncle’s family set out to visit her grandparents. And that was when it happened. They had an accident on the highway. All the members of the family suffered minor injuries, but she had a critical one on her head. It turns out that she had not fastened her seatbelt tight enough and had hit the front of the car hard when the brakes were pulled. She was immediately rushed to the hospital. When I heard of it, I made haste to the general hospital. I instructed the doctor to use the best of everything to save her. I would deal with the bill. No matter how much it costs, I had to save Crystal. The doctor told us her condition was critical. She was unconscious for a week. During that time, I never left her side. It was the holidays, so I didn’t have to attend school. Even though she was unconscious, I could hear her calling me. I heard her cry out for her parents. And during those times, I could only hold her hand tight and pray to God to save her. I missed her smiles and cheerfulness.

The day came when God heard my prayers. Crystal finally regained consciousness. But I was in for a huge shock.

“Crystal! Crystal! You’re finally awake!” I almost jumped with joy. However, she only looked at me, confused.

“Who… who are you…?”

My heart almost stopped beating. She forgot? I froze.

“You don’t remember…?” I asked again, pleading her to say that she remembered. I had hoped it was a sick joke, a nightmare that I should be waking up from soon.

My worst nightmare had come true. She shook her head.

“Where am I? Who are you? What am I doing here?” she asked.

It was as if a thousand daggers had just pierced through my chest. My heartbeat slowed down. Tears were welling up in my eyes. The doctor did predict that she might suffer from memory loss. It had been a serious injury on her head. It had been a miracle that she had even survived. I forced a smile on my face, told her not to worry and slowly exited the room. It felt hard to breathe and I barely felt alive. My heart was broken, shattered to millions of pieces. I knew it wasn’t Crystal’s fault, yet I couldn’t stop feeling hurt and a bit angry that she forgot. It hurt that a person that had shared so much of my life with me couldn’t even remember my name. It hurt that a person I cared so much about forgot all about me. When I reached home, another surprise awaited me.

“Kaine, a lot has happened, hasn’t it? You’ve grown a lot. I’m proud of you, my son.”

My dad was there, in the living room, sipping a glass of white coffee on the sofa. It had been three months since I last saw him, but I recognized him instantly. Those eyes that were similar to mine projected a sense of warmth. I couldn’t hold in my feelings any longer. I wanted to cry my heart out. I was in so much pain. She forgot. She forgot all the precious moments we shared together. She forgot the times we shared our pain and sorrows. She forgot all the happy times we had. She forgot me.

That was when Dad suggested moving to London. According to him, he would be frequently dealing with customers there and it would be more efficient. He saw it as a chance to forget about Crystal. I hesitated before answering and finally told him to give me a day to think it over.

I visited Crystal the next day. When I went in, she was still asleep. I placed the flowers and the basket of fruits I had bought for her on the table. She woke up when she felt me sit on her bed.

“Hey,” she asked. “Why do you come here every day? Why do you care for me so much? Am I an important person to you?”

I froze, not knowing what to say. Part of me wanted to tell her everything, how each and every minute she spent with me was golden, how relieved I was when she was near and that she meant the world to me. But what’s the use? She has forgotten. I just shook my head instead and said, “I’m just a friend.”

With that, I left her room. I called my dad with my cell phone.

“Dad, I’ve decided. I’ll go with you. We might never be coming back, but I’ll go with you.”

I went back into her room and found her sleeping peacefully. I stroke her long, aqua hair one last time and placed the music box I gave her last on Christmas on the table next to her. I took one final glance at her and left the hospital. I knew that we would never meet again.

“Thank you for everything, Crystal. I won’t forget.” I whispered silently to myself. I prayed to God that she would have a happy life.

The day for me to leave soon came. I reached the airport, took a seat and waited as my butler arranged everything. In my hand-luggage, I had placed the beige scarf Crystal had knitted for me as well as a photo of me and Crystal. A teardrop rolled down my cheeks as I reminisced the times me and Crystal spent together.

“Young master, it’s time to go.” My thoughts were interrupted by my butler, who had settled everything. I nodded and let out a sigh as I turned to leave. I was still feeling reluctant, but I knew I had decided.

“Kaine, are you leaving?”

No, it couldn’t be.  I thought to myself. That voice belonged to Crystal. She couldn’t be here. When I turned around, sure enough, Crystal was standing in front of me, her bright golden eyes dimmed by the sad look on her face. In her hands was the musical box, the tunes still playing.

“Is it really you, Crystal?” I prayed with all my might that this was not some cruel dream of mine.

She nodded.

“But, how…?” I asked, still unsure that this was happening.

“She listened to the tunes and started singing. At last, she could remember everything. She called me and asked to speak to you and I told her you were leaving. I drove her here as fast as I could. I hope it wasn’t wrong of me, young master.” My driver, who was standing behind her spoke.

“Kaine, are you really leaving? I’m so sorry about everything. I was supposed to be there for you, but I forgot. Please… don’t leave…”

I was stunned and speechless. She finally remembered! My heart screamed. I hugged her tight and cried.

“No, I’ll never leave you. Never again. I was so scared. I was scared that you would forget. I was so… so afraid that I’ll never see you again. You’re so important to me. You’re the only one I have other than Mum and Dad. Crystal, I love you. Now, forever and always. Please, don’t leave me like that ever again,” I cried out in tears as I confessed to her.

“Kaine, I love you too. And I promise that I’ll never leave you, no matter what. I’m so sorry… Oh, Kaine,”

I don’t know how long we hugged each other and cried, but from that day onwards, we were always together, inseparable. I owe it all to the music box. I owe it all to Crystal to who I am today. Luckily, the plane ticket was refundable, so Dad wasn’t angry. Thanks to Crystal I finally got what I wanted. I got what money could have never bought. Love from a true friend.

A true friend can never be bought with money. A true friend is someone you can depend on. A true friend feels what you fell. A true friend is a shoulder to cry on. A true friend is someone whom could never forget you, no matter how many times their memory is erased. A true friend sees you in a way that no one else can. A true friend loves you for what and who you are, accepting every part of you, good or bad. A true friend stands with you when the world stands against you. A true friend can hear the song in your heart and sing it back to you when you’ve forgotten the words. A true friend stays with you till the very end. And a true friend is someone who loves you as much as you love them, maybe more. My true friend is Crystal. I’ll cherish her now, forever and always and I’ll be her true friend until the end of time, just like she is mine.

-The end