My aunty woke me up at the crack of dawn and then told me I needed to help her work. I didn't mind. George ran in circles as I walked out the back and into the field. That was when I saw you. Your back already wet with sweat. I focussed on how the white t-shirt stuck to your back and then you turned. I quickly turned my head away and caught up with my aunty who was ahead of me. I moved freely in the dress she sewed especially for me. She said she sewed more clothes for me. I helped my aunty pick up the flowers until the afternoon. Then we picked up some vegetables and fruit for our lunch and dinner. After that, we went back into the house and then began to cook. I stood over the stool as I peeled the potatoes.

"Why?" Aunt Lia's eyes widened along with mine. My own voice shocked me. Then it occurred to me that it was the first time I ever spoke to her since we came here. I cleared my throat as tried again. "Why did you show me Peter?"

"He was your friend. I remember meeting him when I came over and saw how much you guys loved each other. When I moved here two months back, I realised who he was. Your uncle did say he saw him several times here while he was preparing the house but I couldn't dare believe you allowing his parents to take him away from you."

I smiled at her and then continued with the potatoes. When I was done, she gave me some carrots. After putting the food down, Uncle Jerry came through the door with you behind him. I looked up and was right. It was you. Followed by your older sister. She smiled at me before giving me a hug. You looked my way but I hurried out to get the gravy. Dinner was noisy. Everyone was talking over each other but I stayed silent. You sat opposite me and would occasionally look up at me but I didn't look up at you.

"Peter is to be married to Jasmine Metrine. She has agreed as they shall get married when she is ready to become a woman." That's when I looked up at you. Your eyes searched mine but I didn't dare show anything. I was only ten. I shouldn't be feeling this crushed. You were only fourteen and you were to be married to a Jasmine Metrine. After l finished eating, I helped Aunt Lia with the dishes, ignoring the burning glare you were giving me. 

//

Should one feel so devastated? Only now have I learnt that I truly loved you all those years. But you never feel the same. Surely. 

//

The next year, I ignore your presence. You ignored mine. I remember one time when I went to go and apologize for being so rude but I found you asleep, cuddling beside a beautiful woman who I believed was Jasmine. I ran into the woods that day. I know that was the one place where you wouldn't look for me. I stayed there until it started to get dark.

I woke up earlier than dawn and began to milk the cows. I then cleaned the stables and stroked Hunter. It was recently when Aunt gave me Hunter back as a present. She said it was a birthday present. After that night of speaking to Aunt Lia, she always made me read the bible to her, then she made me sing a few songs for her. She said I had a nice voice. Beautiful in fact. But I don't talk to anyone else. Especially you.

I looked outside the barn doors and saw the sun about to rise. I quickly left Hunter and ran down the field but stopped when I saw you and Jasmine giggling while staring at the sky, waiting for the sun to come up. I came here every morning to watch the beautiful sunrise. Before I could make a move, you turned round and saw me. Your smile dropped and soon turned into a frown.

I curtsied at your bride-to-be and then you. I felt my eyes water so I stared at the ground.

"Sorry for intruding. This is the spot I usually come to watch sunrise."

"This is Jasmine," your pained voice said. I know you didn't want me there. I curtsied again.

"It was nice to meet you, Jasmine. I bid you farewell for I must attend to my chores."

And that's what I did. But not before I let my tears fall. You would make a perfect couple.