...the boy who always wanted to fly...

Alex re-read Elizabeth Bishop's The One Art, for the nth time. Going over each line repeatedly to make sure that he understood it perfectly. The poetry printed on paper represented his life at this point, Alex thought to himself. The sad realization that he was already a master at losing things and people in his life, whether it was his decision or fate's.

He was already late for a visit, and was half-afraid and half-excited to arrive at his destination. Wondering on how this meeting would turn out, and if everything would be as He and Ysa planned. He'd visit her during rehearsals for a play, where Kevin would also be an actor in, bump into each other and hopefully strike a conversation. And maybe, just maybe, he'd be on his way to achieving the long overdue closure on their relationship. It's been more than a year since they accidentally saw each other on the MRT, after Kevin disappeared from Alex's life completely. The jeep breezed right past Makati Cinema Square, and was working it's way towards MC Home Depot. In a while, he'll be getting down and taking a tricycle that'll take him directly to Repertory Philippines. Alex was beginning to feel cold just thinking about what'll happen after that, but he wasn't about to let his fear get in the way.

This is it, he thought to himself, and finally pushed the door leading to the Rep Lounge. A cold flush of air from the aircon greeted him, along with stares from unfamiliar faces. Alex was making his way near the rehearsal hall, when Ysa walked out of the door and immediately gave him a hug. Thank God you're here!, she blurted out. It certainly took you so much time to get here, and then gave Alex a tighter tug. Wrapped in Ysa's embrace, He could see Kevin's face amidst the hustle and bustle of people moving up and about inside the hall. He hasn't changed much, after all these months, his hair just a little bit longer and face a little bit more defined, he mumbled to himself. Ysa sensed Alex was focused on something else other than the embrace, she then moved to his back and whispered, "It really feels weird seeing the boy you loved who left you, dancing and singing in front of you noh?".

Alex pulled away and walked towards the couch, contemplating on what dramatic attack he'd utilize.

Attack one: We don't really know each other, and Ysa will have to introduce us.

Attack two: I know him a little bit, as we were just acquaintances, or

Attack three: Just act like as you really are, long lost lovers...

Ysa slumped on the couch and flashed him an i-know-what-you're-thinking kind of smile as she unwrapped candy and popped it into her mouth. Alex's phone suddenly vibrated, and Jaja's name was flashing on his screen. He walked to door to answer his call, and at that moment Kev walked out the rehearsal hall and got water from the dispenser. Ysa was following Kev from the corner of her eye, and she distinctly saw Kev take a second glance at Alex by the door as he was re-entering the rehearsal hall. He ended the call and faced her once again with a sigh. Ysa gave him another naughty look and muttered, "He looked at you while you were taking the call". Alex felt a jarful of butterflies empty into his stomach, and was a bit nauseous for a moment. He sat quietly on the couch, beside her, and let out a long sigh. Ysa!, the stage manager called. She kissed Alex on the cheek and ran into the hall. 5 minutes went by and still, the butterflies were there. He felt his feet gravitate towards the table opposite the glass walls of the rehearsal hall, and he succumbed to this unexplainable desire to see this strange boy whom he has loved after all these months.

Kev walked towards the glass and tapped it with his arnis stick, and waved at the boy on the other side. Alex waved back with uncertainty and gave back a smile, his heatbeat racing faster and faster. Kev turned his back and resumed his role, leaving the other boy waving into nothingness. At that point, Alex opened his mouth to say something but instead of words came butterflies in every color, irridescent and ethereal, fluttering around him. Kev looked back just in time to catch a glimpse of Alex rising into the air, smiling at him while waving goodbye then fading into a thousand yellow butterflies, vanishing completely.

And at that moment, Alex learned that he could fly.

"The art of losing isn't hard to master;

so many things seem filled with the intent

to be lost that their loss is no disaster."

-Elizabeth Bishop, One Art.