Maria Lourdes

I didn't know anything about puppy love until I got to grade 2. Before that, all I knew was school, play and sleep. When I was transferred from a private school to a public school, everything changed.

I remember her the instant I walked into the classroom. I was the new kid on the block, came from an elite elementary school, can barely speak Ilocano and looked sheepish. I was crying because I didn't like to be transferred. But I had to. I was sitting there at the last chair of the last row, wiping my tears, then I caught her smiling at me. It was the first smile of the day. I looked at her : cute smile, hypnotic eyes, long and curly semi-blond hair, fair complexion - no, I wasn't interested. She stood up and came to where I was sitting. She gave me a marshmallow. A marshmallow! Now we're talkin'!

For the next couple of weeks, it was all love letters, smiles, glances, timid conversations and, of course, more marshmallows. This went on from grade 2 until grade 6 when we finally parted ways. After the graduation ceremony, she gave me a kiss. For me, it was a sign of gratitude, for those wonderful youthful years we had. The last time that I saw her was before I came back from my last vacation. It was in a hospital and I bet she went for a check-up. She has to go for a check-up because she was eight or nine months pregnant. I saw her smile again - the same smile she gave me on that fateful day. Deep inside, I am truly grateful that she's been part of my life. I was fortunate to be able to know and experience what puppy love is all about. She will forever be a part of my childhood memories.